Panama

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World ▶ Caribbean ▶ East Pacific ▶ Middle America ▶ Central America ▶ Panama

Contents

An online cruising guide for yachts sailing around Panama.

Panama
8°58′N, 79°32′W Chart icon.png
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Map
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Flag
Capital Panama City
Language Spanish
Currency Balboa
Time zone EST (UTC−5)
Calling code +507

Panama, officially the Republic of Panama (Spanish: República de Panamá), is the southernmost country of Central America. Situated on an isthmus, some categorize it as a transcontinental nation connecting the north and south part of America. It is bordered by Costa Rica to the north-west, Colombia to the south-east, the Caribbean Sea to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south. It is an international business center and is also a transit country. Although Panama is also the third largest economy in Central America, after Guatemala and Costa Rica, it has the largest expenditure on resource consumption, making the country the largest consumer in Central America

Charts

Source
Chart Number - Chart Name
Chart Number - Chart Name
Source
Chart Number - Chart Name


Weather

Tropical maritime; hot, humid, cloudy; prolonged rainy season, called winter or invierno (May to January); short dry season, called summer or verano (January to May).

Sources of weather forecasting:

Passages

Islands

Communication

Add here VHF channel for coastguard, harbor masters. etc.

Also see World Cruiser's Nets

Navigation

Any navigation notes here. If this section does not apply remove it.

Entrance

Arrival

NOTE - Pre-arrival notification is NOT required (jan'17).

The port authority will issue a cruising permit (valid for 12 months) when you arrive. If you are planning to proceed to the San Blas Islands after transiting the Canal you must ensure that you obtain a cruising permit for the islands and make sure that this is noted on the clearance document when checking out from Panama.

Customs and Immigration

Customs

Firearms and ammunition MUST be declared on arrival and will be held in custody until your departure.

Immigration

All arrivals require a just a valid passport

Visas are required (at no charge) if issued to nationals of Colombia, Denmark, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway and the USA. These visas are valid 30 days from the date of entry and must be used within 3 months of issue. Extensions are possible for another 60 days. Pre-authorisation to acquire a visa is required from Immigration in Panama for nationals of most East European, African and Asian countries. Arriving without a visa will raise a charge of US$11. In the US, visas can be obtained from the Panamanian Consulate in Tampa, Florida - Ph: 813-229-6860.

no vaccinations needed (2017)

Fees and Charges

tiotal coast for 1 year cruising permit and other local taxes is about 190 USD

Restrictions

PETS: Dogs require health and anti-rabies certificates and must not be allowed ashore. Cats and other animals must have health certificates.

Health and Security

Health

  • A yellow fever vaccination certificate is NOT required.
  • Anti-malarial prophylaxis is not necessary as malaria occurs only in the deep forest of darien. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control state that risk of malaria exists in rural areas of Bocas del Toro, Darién, and mountains of San Blas provinces; no risk in Panama City or in the former Canal Zone. NB: Chloroquine is no longer effective for San Blas Province.
  • Dengue fever is endemic, everywhere in Panama.
  • Zika is also encountered in the area of Panama City. Chikungunia is almost unknown
  • Chitras (yen yen , sand flies) are very common in winter time when no breeze: do not scratch just apply 70 degrees alcohols to avoid infection. use coco nut oil to be protected. In san blas, mosquitoes are rare but sand flies are very common.
  • Tap water is safe in virtually all cities and towns, with the exception of san blas & Bocas del Toro, where bottled water is recommended.
  • Female visitors should be aware that the moisture and heat of the tropics can encourage yeast infections. 3-day and 5-day treatment courses are available in pharmacies, but must be purchased from the pharmacist.

Security

Most of Panama is very safe. People in rural areas are generally extremely friendly and very helpful. Guna Indians are quite mercantile and always negotiate catch of the day, service, etc.. One must also pay Guna woman 1$ to take a picture.

However, as with most countries, there are a few spots that warrant some caution. Most of the city of Colon is considered dangerous, and some neighborhoods in Panama City are a bit sketchy, in particular El Chorrillo, Curundu and El Marañón, poor and crime-ridden areas. The old colonial quarter, Casco Viejo (also called San Felipe) is a safe touristic zone day and night.

The use of UBER taxis is preferable to yellow cab because cheaper, greater and safer!

Berthing

Also see Panama Canal.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

  • Caribbean coast Marina: linton bay marina by isla grande (35 NM from san blas), Green turtle key Marina (30 nm from san blas) but access is difficult in trade wind season, shelter bay marina in Colon (expensive)

Transportation

  • one can drive to san blas or fly private charter plane: contact Nativa Tours at [1] for quote.

Friends

Submit details/contacts of cruiser's "friends" that can be contacted in advance or on arrival - who can offer information and assistance to our cruising "family".

Forums

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)


Links

References & Publications

Panama Guides

Regional Guides that include Panama

Comments

We welcome users' contributions to the Wiki. Please click on Comments to view other users' comments, add your own personal experiences or recommend any changes to this page following your visit.

  • The Yacht charter company in San Blas is San Blas Sailing:[HTTP://www.SanBlasSailing.com] since 1997
  • excursions in the country, transportation, receptive, services, etc.. contact Nativa Tours at [2]
  • yacht supply in san blas: contact Veronica at [email protected] or 6672-0590


This page has an outline in place but needs completing. Please contribute if you can to help it grow further. Click on Comments to suggest further content or alternatively, if you feel confident to edit this page, click on the edit tab at the top and enter your changes directly.


SailorSmiley.gifContributors to this page

Names: Lighthouse, Haiqu, Rr7


, user: sanblassailing
Retrieved from "http://www.cruiserswiki.org/wiki/Panama"
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