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Cruising DestinationsShelter Bay Marina is not only located at the Caribbean mouth of the Panama Canal, but Shelter Bay Marina is situated in the heart of several breathtaking and historic cruising destinations including Portobello, Rio Chagres, and the world famous San Blas Islands. Like all of Panama, this coastline is well below the hurricane belt., making Panama a safe cruising destination year round. This part of the Panama's Caribbean coast between Colon and Punta San Blas is called Costa Arriba, meaning "upper Coast". The population along this coast is of Antillean descent and culture, and feels more like Jamaican than Latin American. English is widely spoken here as opposed to the Pacific coast of Panama. RIO CHAGRES The Rio Chagres is located just 6 miles southwest from Shelter Bay Marina, just outside the breakwater of Colon. This river is surrounded by tropical rainforest, and it's quiet and secluded anchorages makes it a favorite anchorage for cruisers who want a respite from the noise and activity of Colon. Many animal and bird species live along the river. The river was dammed in 1910 to create the Gatun Lake and supplies the water for the locks of the Panama Canal. A visit to beautiful Fort San Lorenzo built in the 1600's is a must. This Spanish fort was successfully attacked by the pirate Henry Morgan on his way to sack Panama City. PORTOBELLO The bay of Portobello was discovered by Christopher Columbus on his fourth trip to Panama. This historic town was a transfer point for gold and silver coming from South America. Fort San Fernando on the northern shore of Porto Belo Bay guards the entrance. Anchoring in this historic bay surrounded by Spanish forts of the 1600s is a magical experience. The "Counting House" which is now a museum and the Church of San Felipe de Portobello which houses the Black Christ statue is worth visiting. PLAYA BLANCA There is a beautiful white sandy beach and the anchorage has good protection, except from the northerlies or north-westerlies. Anchor off the beach in about 3 metres, with sandy bottom. Coming from Porto Bello, pass outside Isla Drake, as there are two rocks between Isla Drake and the mainland. ISLA GRANDE You can enter the anchorage through a wide channel leading in between Isla Linton and Isla Grande or from the east, between Isla Grande and the mainland. The most popular anchorage is south of the south western point of the island in about 4 metres. There are many small hotels and restaurants and right off the dock you will find Nelson’s Minimarket. Walk up to the lighthouse for spectacular views. SAN BLAS ISLANDS Only 70 from Shelter Bay Marina lies the San Blas Islands. There are over 340 islands in this archipelago stretching from Panama to the border with Colombia. The San Blas Islands are called Kuna Yala and the indigenous Kuna Indians inhabit the islands and mainland. The San Blas Islands are set against the backdrop of the Darian; a region of virgin rainforest. The Kuna women sew the world famous colorful "molas" to sell or trade. Snorkeling is considered some of the best in the world on the outer islands. |
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