Short distance Cruising
Shelter Bay Marina is close to several breathtaking and historic cruising destinations including Portobello, Rio Chagres, and the archipelago of San Blas. Like all of Panama, this coastline is well below the hurricane belt, making Panama a safe cruising destination all year round.
RIO CHAGRES
The Rio Chagres is located just 11 miles southwest from Shelter Bay Marina. This river is surrounded by tropical rainforest. It´s quiet and secluded anchorages make it a cruiser’s favorite. Many animal and bird species live on the river banks. Upriver it was dammed in 1910 creating Gatun Lake, essential for the Panama Canal operations. A visit to the imposing 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 sacking the city of Panama.
PORTOBELLO
The bay of Portobello was discovered by Christopher Columbus on his fourth trip to the Americas. . This historic bay and town was a transfer point for gold and silver from South America. Fort San Fernando on the northern shore of Portobello guards the entrance. Surrounded by Spanish forts of the 1600’s anchoring in the bay has something magical. While there you should visit the “Counting House” museum is well as the Church of San Felipe de Portobello, housing the Black Christ statue. At just 20 miles.
PLAYA BLANCA
This is a beautiful white sandy beach, a protected anchorage, except with or north-westerlies blowing. Coming from Portobello, pass outside Isla Drake, as there are two rocks between Isla Drake and the mainland. Anchor off the beach in about 3 meters, with sandy bottom. At 22 miles from Shelter Bay Mrina
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 meters.
There are many small hotels and restaurants. On the new the public dock you will find Nelson’s Minimarket. Walk up to the lighthouse for a spectacular views.
SAN BLAS ISLANDS
Only 70 nautical miles from Shelter Bay Marina lies the San Blas Islands. There are over 340 islands in this archipelago stretching to the border with Colombia; justifiably compared to the islands of the South Pacific. The San Blas Islands are called Kuna-Yala by the semi autonomous community of Kuna indians that inhabit the islands and the coastal mainland. The Kuna women sew and sell the world famous “molas”. Some of the best snorkeling in the world surrounds the outer islands.
VOLCAN BANK
For fishing enthusiasts: 30 miles offshore the Volcan Reef seamount offers excellent Sport fishing opportunities.
ESCUDO DE VERAGUAS ISLAND
A little further along Westwards along the Coast (about 100 miles) is this spectacular island with ample fishing and diving opportunities. Look for Tarpon, Spanish Mackerel, Snapper, Grouper, Jack Crevalle, Tuna, Marlin, Wahoo and Shark, Great Barracuda, Kingfish, Amberjack, African Pompano, Snapper.