Nearby Activities
Things to do and see nearby:
The marina is close to San Lorenzo National Park with ------ acres of truly unspoilt rainforest. It is a short walk to the park entrance. The road is ideal for walking, jogging or mountain biking and much of it is shaded. There are several tracks 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.The 6 mile long road ends at Fort San Lorenzo.
Fort San Lorenzo - This historic site is located on a bluff just above the entrance to the Rio Chagres. There are signs posted 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.
Rio Chagres - You can visit this river in your boat. It is 10 miles from Shelter Bay to the entrance of the river. Navegable up to the Gatun Dam, about six miles upriver. An excellent place for bird watching and hiking in the jungle. At 09° 17.844’N, 79° 58.656’W there are 2 particularly interesting trails. Look for crocodiles at night by shining a light along the water edge. Watch for their eyes reflecting back at you.
Gatun locks - There is a visitor center and observation deck, where you can watch the huge ships enter the locks.
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 Shopping Mall - 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.
Further afield - 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 bird/animal watch and in the town itself there is an observation deck to view the spectacular countryside.
Panama Canal Railway - Take the afternoon train to Panama City and come back on the morning train.Spectacular views of the Panama Canal, Gatun Lake and the surrounding jungle. $22 per person.
Colon Free Zone - The second largest duty free zone in the world after Hong Kong, it has acres of wholesale stores. Get a directory and a map of the free zone at the entrance to help you locate the stores and get your facts on what you can carry out. You need your passport to enter.
FEDEX is located in the Free Zone – 17 Street Sta. Isabel next to ILCO, Between Exportadora Mundial and La Paz 432-3038
