Nearby Activities

THINGS TO DO AND SEE NEARBY


The marina is located next door to San Lorenzo National Park. It is a short walk into the park entrance. The road is ideal for walking, jogging or mountain biking and much of it is shaded. There are several offshoots of the road that are worth exploring, especially Playa Diablo. You may encounter two and three toed sloth’s, troops of Howler and white-faced monkeys and abundant bird life. It is approximately 6 miles until the road ends at Fort San Lorenzo.
Please be aware that Colon City is a dangerous place, should you need to go there, get a taxi to take you to the place you want to go and have him wait for you. Do not walk around the town.

Fort San Lorenzo - This well maintained historic site is located on a bluff just above the entrance to the Rio Chagres. There are signs in English/Spanish explaining the history of the fort and the surrounding area. The San Lorenzo Fort was declared a National Historic Monument in 1941 and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1980. You can see up to 40 cannons in the interior of the Fort. The Fort is 10Km from the Shelter Bay Marina, an enjoyable walk but don’t forget to take a bottle of water with you.

Rio Chagres - You can visit this river in your own boat. It is 10 miles from Shelter Bay to the entrance of the river. It is navigable up to the Gatun Dam, which is about six miles upriver. This is an excellent place for bird watching or hiking in the jungle. At the 09 17.844’N, 79 58.656’W anchoring position there are 2 nice trails. Look for crocodiles at night by shining a light along the water edge, watching for their glowing red eyes.

Gatun locks - There is a visitor center and observation deck, where you can watch the huge ships enter the locks. Information about the construction of the locks is available. Entry fee is $5.

Gatun Dam - Before you cross the locks, visit the dam. From there you can walk down to the headwaters of the Chagres River.

Alhambra Movie Theatre at Cuatro Altos - Located at the top of the escalators across from Toro's Grill. Go to www.cinespanama.com to see what is playing.
Treat yourself to a haircut, manicure or massage at the new Vita Bela Spa at the Millennium Plaza, a new shopping center on the outskirts of Colon. They offer discounts for Shelter Bay Marina clients. Also at the plaza, a home center and a new food court serving American, Chinese and Middle Eastern food.

Melia Hotel - If you are looking for a night away from the boat or have guests arriving, the Melia Hotel and resort is located on Lake Gatun. This 5 star hotel is 20 miles from Shelter Bay and has a restaurant/bar/pool and casino. Other hotels in the Colon area are The Sheraton Hotel, The Radisson Hotel at Colon 2000 and the Washington Hotel.

If you are looking for a quiet night away, the Davis Suites located in the former Fort Davis is perfect. This hotel is more economical than the Melia Hotel and closer to the marina. They have 10 rooms.
Farther a field - Take a drive to Achiote, a rural farming community recently discovered for its world class bird watching. There are two trails just off the road to park and bird/animal watch and in the town there is an observation deck up a hill to take in the spectacular countryside.

Panama Canal Railway- Take the afternoon train to Panama City and come back on the morning train. This is a great way to cross the country along the banks of the Canal. $22 per person. 

Free Zone - Requires your passport to enter – A large city within a city – acres of wholesale market place stores. They will give you a directory and a map of the free zone to help you locate the stores. Get your facts straight on what you can carry out. There are no restaurants or food concessions once inside the zone. 

FEDEX is located in the Free Zone – 17 Street Sta. Isabel next to ILCO, Between Exportadora Mundial and La Paz 432-3038

MARINA SOCIAL ACTIVITIES


If you enjoy walking there are many trails to choose from. Ask in the marina office and a map will be provided. 

Shelter Bay Restaurant & Bar hosts happy hour every Monday through Friday with discount drinks and bar snacks from 5pm to 7pm, a great way to meet your neighbours. We feature frequent dinner specials.

Volleyball starts at 4 pm most days. Come and join in the fun no matter what your skill level is.

We enjoy a friendly relaxed atmosphere here at the marina, so if you want to shoot a game of pool, throw some darts, play dominos, board games, put a puzzle together or play cards feel free to take a seat in our multi-purpose room or on our bay-view veranda, conveniently located adjacent to the bar. A great place for catching a cool-drink, lounging, reading and meeting friends ....