We are in Colon and have some info. that will be of interest to fellow cruisers.

I hauled out at Shelter Bay Marina and did bottom Paint. Port Authority and Immigration are now at Shelter Bay so you can clear in there at no cost. We do not know what the exit visa cost will be yet??? You will still need to go into the Colon and get the cruising permit. While getting the cruising permit, I also went to the canal authority office in the port. I requested our boat be measured at Shelter Bay Marina the following day, just prior to hauling out. My clearing in cost was $60 for the taxi and $196 for the cruising permit.

I pre-ordered bottom paint from the local Paint Rep. to be delivered to the marina when I arrived. The marine supplier at Shelter Bay has no paint, you can order it from the office. Your best bet is to get what you need prior to hauling out.

We are now anchored at “F” Anchorage (small boat anchorage) next to pier 16 (Cristobal Muelle H-16). At the head of the pier is a small beach where you can land a dingy and walk 300 ft. to the port gate. There is a big dumpster where you land. Show passports and ships crew list to the guard at the gate and you can take a taxi to the shopping mall or clear in. I think this is a better and safer alternative than anchoring by Club Nautico. Pier 16 is a busy commercial pier, there is no clubhouse or fuel. Drinking water can be taken at the dock.

Randal

SY Westwind