Good morning TFer’s
We got a very good nights sleep last night here in Shelter Bay on the Atlantic side of the Panama Canal. Still haven’t found a free wifi yet, but I will continue to search for one.
The day before we did the transit, we played like tourists and visited Panama City historical sites, the Old town, the New town, a couple of big churches and a few museums. By far the most interesting was the History museum of the Panama Canal. Lots of information and really helped us to understand the lock operation.
Shelter Bay is located on an old military base and is somewhat isolated. Across the bay is Colon, which we hope to visit tomorrow. Were told its not the safest place to be after dark, but travel in the city during the day is somewhat safe as long as you keep your head on a swivel. As far as we know, this is the only marina on the Atlantic side of the canal for many miles. Its a nice facility, with storage facility, a yard and about 250 slips. A small chandelier, restaurant and bar. A small hotel with pool we can use. Best of all, no surge!
It is the place that many cruisers leave there boat for extended periods.
On the Pacific side we decided to stay on at La Playita Marina. Nice facility and one of 2 Marina’s at the entrance, the other being Flaminko. The slip rate for us during our stay was $1.50 a ft per night plus power. Flaminko was slightly higher at $2.25, but it did have a yard and haul out services. The other option would have been Vista Mar about 20 some miles away. All the marina’s are subject to surge and it can be miserable at times. So lots of chaff material and extra lines and fenders required.
We retained an agent who handeled all the logistics and paperwork involved for the transit. You are required to be inspected and measured by a Canal inspector, pretty much a formality to answer a few questions, and measure the total length of the boat. He also provided the required lines and fenders, the 2 line handlers as well ad the “Advisor”.
The advisor isn’t really a Pilot, most of them only work part time and they co-ordinate everything with regards to lock movements. You can save a couple hundred if you want to do it yourself, but we chose to use an agent. Our total cost for everything was $2,410.00
Because we had done the locks of the Columbia and Snake river a few years ago, we had a real good idea of what to expect. The Pacific side consisted of 3 locks and the Atlantic was 3 also. Maximum rise on any lock was only 30 feet.
So I hope that answered your questions regarding the logistics of transiting the canal.
A soon as I can find a decent wifi, pics will be downloaded.
Cheers!
