Anchorage· Shelter Bay / Colón· Other Caribbean
Río Chagres Anchorage & Fort San Lorenzo
9° 19.3′ N · 80° 0.2′ W · approximate
A jungle river anchorage about 5 nm south of Shelter Bay in fresh-to-brackish water, overlooked at its mouth by the clifftop Spanish fort of San Lorenzo, part of the same UNESCO site as Portobelo's forts.
Practical
Coordinate is Fort San Lorenzo at the river mouth (Wikipedia, verified for the fort); anchor upriver by eye and chart. Fresh/brackish water and reportedly fewer bugs than the mangrove-lined Shelter Bay complex. For provisioning, taxis meet crews at the dam (the old Tarpon Club) at the head of the river, about $15 for four people with bags (Noonsite). Security: thieves have targeted yachts left unattended in the river; lock hatches and companionway, hide valuables and lift and lock the dinghy. Spain abandoned San Lorenzo Castle in 1821.
Best for
A freshwater jungle anchorage and fort visit near the canal
Nearby
- San Lorenzo National Park Walks & WildlifeRight here
- Colón Yacht Anchorage & Cristóbal Clearance5.3 NM away
- Shelter Bay Boatyard, Sail Loft & Chandlery5.5 NM away
- Shelter Bay Marina (Colón)5.5 NM away
- Shelter Bay Marina Dock Restaurant & Bar5.5 NM away
- Shelter Bay Marina Fuel Dock5.5 NM away
- Colón Provisioning (Supermarkets via Shelter Bay)6.5 NM away
- Colón 2000 & Cuatro Altos Supermarkets (Super 99, Rey)7.1 NM away
Place data includes © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).