Bocas del Toro Port of Entry (AMP Port Captain, Bocas Town)

9° 20.2′ N · 82° 14.4′ W · approximate

Bocas Town on Isla Colón is Panama's Caribbean port of entry closest to Costa Rica: officials come out to your boat, so clearing in here is about as painless as Panama gets.

Belize Barrier Reef

Practical

Position is Noonsite's 'off the town' anchorage point (09°20.22'N, 082°14.36'W); the AMP (Autoridad Marítima de Panamá) office is on the ferry dock at the southern point of Isla Colón. International arrivals: anchor by the AMP office and call on VHF 16 to request a declaration; all officials come to the vessel and crew should stay aboard until boarded (Noonsite, updated Sept 2025; Wikivoyage). Port Captain closes at 4:30 pm Mon–Fri; immigration is reported to work Mon–Fri 7am–3pm and weekend arrivals wait until Monday (noforeignland reviews). Fees (Noonsite, Sept 2025): immigration free, customs US$40, plus the Panama cruising permit; overtime charges apply at weekends and after 4 pm on weekdays. Send AMP your pre-arrival details at least 48 hours ahead (Noonsite Panama). If you already hold a cruising permit from another Panamanian port, a visit to the Port Captain is not required. Marina Carenero, Bocas Marina and Red Frog Marina can assist with clearance (Carenero can clear you at its dock with permission, VHF 68). Older cruiser fee breakdowns (2014–2019: boarding US$170, cruising permit ~US$185–193/yr, 12-month visa US$105) are out of date — verify locally. Port Captain contact (Noonsite 2025): Capt. Alex Hansel, WhatsApp +507 6932-0510.

Best for

Clearing into Panama from Costa Rica, Providencia or the Western Caribbean loop

Practical

Best for

Nearby