Panama was once part of Colombia. Today, this small independent country is unique in that it joins two continents and two oceans. It joins South America with North America. Through its famous canal, it joins the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Many cruising yachts are attracted by this uniqueness and go sailing from Panama to Colombia each year.
One of the most popular routes for this journey is from the north coast of Panama through the Caribbean to Cartagena, Barranquilla or Santa Marta, three large port cities in northern Colombia. The passage represents a total distance of some 400 to 500 nautical miles, depending on the precise departure and destination points. Because this journey takes three to five days of continuous sailing to complete, many skippers break the journey with a stopover.
Colon is a common departure point. This commercial port city sits at the mouth of Bahia de Manzanillo (or Limon Bay). Colon does not have docking for pleasure craft. Recreational yachts arriving from Europe or the US tie up west of the city at the modern Shelter Bay marina.
The Shelter Bay marina is a modern facility with top class marine equipment and excellent recreational amenities including a restaurant, bar, TV lounge, gym, pool, rest rooms and showers. Its provides excellent Wi-fi Internet connection throughout the compound, including the yacht berths.
Vessels that remain at the marina for more than a month receive the benefit of a discounted rate. The berths are designed mainly for monohulls; only a few berths are wide enough to accommodate catamarans. Bicycles are available for hire. There is tight security preventing access to the marina compound, including the docking area, by unauthorized individuals.
The marina is on land adjacent to the historic military site of US Fort Sherman, now named Fort San Lorenzo. Large sections of the fort are open as a tourist attraction. Some parts remain in active military service and used by Panamanian special forces.
Upon leaving Shelter Bay, many yachts head south for the gorgeous Archipelago de San Blas, a long stretch of more than 300 small coral isles. Only forty of these islands are inhabited. There are no resorts, restaurants or high-rise developments. Not surprisingly therefore, there are no marina facilities, but this is compensated by many excellent anchorages.
The San Blas is home for the Kuna (or Guna) Indians, a distinctive cultural group with its own language. Their history dates back over 500 years to the days before the arrival of Christopher Columbus, the Italian explorer after whom Colombia was named. The Kuna have proudly defended their heritage. They are fiercely independent and refused to allow outsiders to study their culture until the 1940s. The opportunity to spend time with these fascinating people is a major reason why many cruisers choose to go sailing from Panama to Colombia.
One of the most popular routes for this journey is from the north coast of Panama through the Caribbean to Cartagena, Barranquilla or Santa Marta, three large port cities in northern Colombia. The passage represents a total distance of some 400 to 500 nautical miles, depending on the precise departure and destination points. Because this journey takes three to five days of continuous sailing to complete, many skippers break the journey with a stopover.
Colon is a common departure point. This commercial port city sits at the mouth of Bahia de Manzanillo (or Limon Bay). Colon does not have docking for pleasure craft. Recreational yachts arriving from Europe or the US tie up west of the city at the modern Shelter Bay marina.
The Shelter Bay marina is a modern facility with top class marine equipment and excellent recreational amenities including a restaurant, bar, TV lounge, gym, pool, rest rooms and showers. Its provides excellent Wi-fi Internet connection throughout the compound, including the yacht berths.
Vessels that remain at the marina for more than a month receive the benefit of a discounted rate. The berths are designed mainly for monohulls; only a few berths are wide enough to accommodate catamarans. Bicycles are available for hire. There is tight security preventing access to the marina compound, including the docking area, by unauthorized individuals.
The marina is on land adjacent to the historic military site of US Fort Sherman, now named Fort San Lorenzo. Large sections of the fort are open as a tourist attraction. Some parts remain in active military service and used by Panamanian special forces.
Upon leaving Shelter Bay, many yachts head south for the gorgeous Archipelago de San Blas, a long stretch of more than 300 small coral isles. Only forty of these islands are inhabited. There are no resorts, restaurants or high-rise developments. Not surprisingly therefore, there are no marina facilities, but this is compensated by many excellent anchorages.
The San Blas is home for the Kuna (or Guna) Indians, a distinctive cultural group with its own language. Their history dates back over 500 years to the days before the arrival of Christopher Columbus, the Italian explorer after whom Colombia was named. The Kuna have proudly defended their heritage. They are fiercely independent and refused to allow outsiders to study their culture until the 1940s. The opportunity to spend time with these fascinating people is a major reason why many cruisers choose to go sailing from Panama to Colombia.
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