Permit· Shelter Bay / Colón· Other Caribbean

Colón Yacht Anchorage & Cristóbal Clearance

9° 22.6′ N · 79° 56.0′ W · approximate

The designated yacht anchorage just outside Shelter Bay Marina, and the clearance offices for boats arriving at the Caribbean entrance of the Panama Canal.

Belize Barrier Reef

Practical

Coordinate approximate: the designated anchorage lies within three yellow markers close to the Shelter Bay Marina entrance (Noonsite), just inside the approach channel point 09°22'47"N 079°55'52"W; position by eye. The old 'Flats' anchorage is out of service; the unofficial anchorage off Club Náutico in Manzanillo Bay is not recommended (poor holding, wakes, no dinghy landing). Clearance: contact Cristóbal Signal Station VHF 12/16. Shelter Bay Marina has Immigration and the Port Captain on site Monday–Friday; no fee to clear in there, but $75 at weekends or after 4 pm on weekdays (Noonsite, Feb 2025). Cruising permit not needed if only transiting the canal; if staying more than 14 days apply for one (the marina will process it). In Colón itself: Immigration, then the Autoridad Marítima de Panamá at Cristóbal for clearance and the cruising permit. Colón is a high-crime city: use taxis, don't walk with valuables.

Best for

Clearing in at the canal and waiting for a transit date

Nearby