Panama was once part of Colombia. Today, this small independent country is unique in that it joins two continents and two oceans. It joins South America with North America. Through its famous canal, it joins the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Many cruising yachts are attracted by this uniqueness and go sailing from Panama to Colombia each year.
One favorite cruising route starts from the area around the Caribbean end of the canal and then moves south to Cartagena or Barranquilla (or both), and finally on to Santa Marta, three rival port cities in north Colombia. The journey covers 500 nautical miles or so. Because it is long trek that might take four or five days of round-the-clock sailing most yachts stagger the trip with some stops along the way.
A popular departure point is the waters near Colon, the main town at the Caribbean Sea entrance to the Panama Canal. The town sits at the tip of the eastern arm of Limon Bay (also known as the Bahia de Manzanillo), with the canal entrance at the head of that bay, south of the town. Colon operates as a significant commercial port, but it does not have berthing facilities for recreational vessels. As a result, many pleasure yachts arriving from the USA or Europe choose to dock at the Shelter Bay marina, situated three nautical miles west of Colon.
The marina at Shelter Bay has modern marine equipment and fine recreational facilities including a bar, restaurant, pool, TV room, gym and showers and rest rooms. Wifi Internet connectivity is excellent and extends throughout the marina, including docked yachts. There is tight security preventing access to the marina compound, including the docking area, by unauthorized individuals.
Vessels that remain at the marina for more than a month receive the benefit of a discounted rate. The berths are designed mainly for monohulls; only a few berths are wide enough to accommodate catamarans. Bicycles are available for hire. There is tight security preventing access to the marina compound, including the docking area, by unauthorized individuals.
There is a daily bus that leaves Shelter Bay marina for Colon, allowing cruisers easy access to large El Rey supermarkets, smaller specialty grocery stores, and other retail establishments in the city.
Upon leaving Shelter Bay, many yachts head south for the gorgeous Archipelago de San Blas, a long stretch of more than 300 small coral isles. Only forty of these islands are inhabited. There are no resorts, restaurants or high-rise developments. Not surprisingly therefore, there are no marina facilities, but this is compensated by many excellent anchorages.
The largely autonomous Kuna indigenous people govern the San Blas islands. This unique ethnic group has its ancestral roots in Colombia. The Kuna have a distinctive language, dress and mythology. They have resisted change and shunned outside influences. Somewhat paradoxically perhaps, they are commercially shrewd and considered the most successful indigenous group in Latin America. A yacht is the best way to travel around within the archipelago since modern transport infrastructure is not available. The chance to cruise within the San Blas archipelago and learn about Kuna culture and traditions is a strong reason attracting yacht owners to go sailing from Panama to Colombia.
One favorite cruising route starts from the area around the Caribbean end of the canal and then moves south to Cartagena or Barranquilla (or both), and finally on to Santa Marta, three rival port cities in north Colombia. The journey covers 500 nautical miles or so. Because it is long trek that might take four or five days of round-the-clock sailing most yachts stagger the trip with some stops along the way.
A popular departure point is the waters near Colon, the main town at the Caribbean Sea entrance to the Panama Canal. The town sits at the tip of the eastern arm of Limon Bay (also known as the Bahia de Manzanillo), with the canal entrance at the head of that bay, south of the town. Colon operates as a significant commercial port, but it does not have berthing facilities for recreational vessels. As a result, many pleasure yachts arriving from the USA or Europe choose to dock at the Shelter Bay marina, situated three nautical miles west of Colon.
The marina at Shelter Bay has modern marine equipment and fine recreational facilities including a bar, restaurant, pool, TV room, gym and showers and rest rooms. Wifi Internet connectivity is excellent and extends throughout the marina, including docked yachts. There is tight security preventing access to the marina compound, including the docking area, by unauthorized individuals.
Vessels that remain at the marina for more than a month receive the benefit of a discounted rate. The berths are designed mainly for monohulls; only a few berths are wide enough to accommodate catamarans. Bicycles are available for hire. There is tight security preventing access to the marina compound, including the docking area, by unauthorized individuals.
There is a daily bus that leaves Shelter Bay marina for Colon, allowing cruisers easy access to large El Rey supermarkets, smaller specialty grocery stores, and other retail establishments in the city.
Upon leaving Shelter Bay, many yachts head south for the gorgeous Archipelago de San Blas, a long stretch of more than 300 small coral isles. Only forty of these islands are inhabited. There are no resorts, restaurants or high-rise developments. Not surprisingly therefore, there are no marina facilities, but this is compensated by many excellent anchorages.
The largely autonomous Kuna indigenous people govern the San Blas islands. This unique ethnic group has its ancestral roots in Colombia. The Kuna have a distinctive language, dress and mythology. They have resisted change and shunned outside influences. Somewhat paradoxically perhaps, they are commercially shrewd and considered the most successful indigenous group in Latin America. A yacht is the best way to travel around within the archipelago since modern transport infrastructure is not available. The chance to cruise within the San Blas archipelago and learn about Kuna culture and traditions is a strong reason attracting yacht owners to go sailing from Panama to Colombia.
About the Author:
Read more about Sailing From Panama To Colombia Provides An Opportunity To Visit The Kuna visiting our website.