Nearby Cruising Destinations



Shelter 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 hurrican 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 Costs Arriba, meaning "upper Coast".  The population along this coast is of Antillean descent and culture, and feels more like Jamaican than Latinamerican.  English is widely spoken here as opposed to the Pacific coast of Panama.

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 Portobellow 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. 

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 seculded anchorages makes it a favorite anchorage for cruisers who want a resprite 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 te 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.

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 concidered some of the best in the world on the outer islands.  






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