Location and Charts
The marina located is within the Panama Canal breakwater at the NorthWestern corner of Limon Bay, 200 yards South of Toro Point Light.
- Harbor Charts (MAP)
- Approaching the marina by sea: When first arriving to Panama please fly a Panama courtesy flag (plus the yellow quarantine flag). Approaching the breakwater call CRISTOBAL CONTROL (Cristobal Signal Station) on VHF CH 12 or 16. Notify them of your presence and intention to go to Shelter Bay Marina. Passing the main breakwater entrance turn right after continuing Southwards for 300 meters and follow parallel to the breakwater. You will soon see the Green channel SBM channel marker buoys which should be passed just to your Port side.
- Approaching after a canal transit from the Pacific side: Drop off your advisor/pilot (usually at the Flats anchorage area). Proceed North heading for the main breakwater opening. As you approach within 300 mtrs of the breakwater entrance you will need to cross the canal fairway and head towards the Western end of the breakwater keeping about 300 mtrs South of the break water. Soon you will observe green channel markers which should be passed to your Port side approaching the marina. You should see a minimum depth of 20 ft. (6 metres).
- Entering Shelter Bay marina: Call us on VHF Channel 74 advising us of your arrival. You will be directed to a suitable slip. Fenders should usually be placed just above the water. Continue to the harbour entrance and you will see ahead white concrete markers SB12 Red (to STB) and SB13 Green (to Port) showing the limits of the harbor entrance. Stay well within these markers and be alert for out-going traffic.
- After dark arrivals: Contact us during business hours calling John 67479118. Dave 66797993 Frank 67804614 or (the office) 4333581. You will be advised to anchor in the flats overnight unless familiar with the marina. Strong flash/ spot lights are required for night arrivals.
- General: When you have tied up, the dock master should give you a check-in form to be completed before going to the marina office (together with your vessel paperwork and passports). The forms are also available in the office so please don’t hesitate to directly to the office (between 08:30 and 15:30) to complete the check-in process.
- Note: Over the last 2 years we have had a couple of near misses where engine control cables/pins have failed. Please check that everything works before entering (seems obvious but!).