Panama

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(Panama Climate and Weather)
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Sources of weather forecasting:
Sources of weather forecasting:
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* [http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~philclarke/Weather.htm  '''WEATHER LINK''' ]
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* [http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~philclarke/Warningcyclones.htm  ''' WEATHER Cyclones LINK''' ]
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* [http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~philclarke/Searchandrescuenz.htm  ''' NZ SEARCH and RESCUE LINK''' ]
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* [http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~philclarke/crew.htm  '''The Worldwide Marine Directory Data Resource Links Site''' ]
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===Panama Navigation Charts===
===Panama Navigation Charts===

Revision as of 08:00, 3 September 2013

Panama Cruising Guide

An online cruising guide for yachts sailing around Panama.

Panama
Panamaflag.gif
Flag
Capital: Panama City
Language: Spanish
Currency: Balboa
More notes about the country
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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

Regional cruising/sailing notes?

Panama

Panama Climate and 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:

Panama Navigation Charts

Submit details of the charts required for safe navigation of the area.

Special Navigation Notes

Any navigation notes here.

Local Radio Nets

Also see World Cruiser's Nets

Arrival/Departure procedures in Panama

NOTE - Pre-arrival notification is required (Feb'09). See details HERE.

The port authority will issue a cruising permit (valid for 3 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.

Panama Immigration, Visas & Customs

Immigration
All arrivals require a Tourist card, except for nationals from The United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Austria, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Finland, Honduras, Switzerland and Uruguay. The Tourist card is free if obtained in advance and cost US$5 if obtained on arrival in Panama.

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.

Note: As from October 1, 2008, everyone (boaters included) entering Panama from Venezuela, Colombia or Costa Rica, etc., (or any country on the W.H.O. list of countries at risk of Yellow Fever transmission), or leaving Panama for Colombia, etc., will be required to have had a Yellow Fever vaccination at least 10 days prior to entering/leaving the country.

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

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

Health

  • A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required.
  • Anti-malarial prophylaxis is recommended. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control state that risk of malaria exists in rural areas of Bocas del Toro, Darién, and 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, particularly in the province of Darien.
  • Tap water is safe in virtually all cities and towns, with the exception of 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.

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) has a lingering bad reputation among travellers and some Panamanians, but is gentrifying rapidly. During the daytime, San Felipe is perfectly safe for foreigners. At night, the main streets and plazas, as well as the district of bars and restaurants toward the point, are also safe, but visitors should exercise caution as they move north along Avenida Central towards Chorillo.

Panama Ports & Popular Stops

Also see PANAMA CANAL

Offshore Islands

Cruiser's 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".

References & Publications

Books, Guides, etc.

Links to Forum Discussions

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

External Links

Submit useful website links for the region

Personal Notes

Personal experiences?


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