For pleasure boats bound for a westward crossing of the Panama Canal, the first stop is typically Shelter Bay Marina. Located just inside one of the two long breakwaters that protect Limon Bay and the entrance to the canal, the marina sits next to Fort Sherman, a former US military base from the early 1900s that was returned to Panama in 1999.

Hanging out in the slip at Shelter Bay Marina waiting to transit the Panama Canal
In preparation for our upcoming sail to French Polynesia Mike went up the mast to check all the rigging. While at the top he snapped this photo of Oso with Angie on the side deck

While the marina is in a perfect spot for boats arriving from the Caribbean, access by land is more of an issue. The marina lies on the western side of the canal entrance, with the city of Colón on the eastern side. A half hour cab or bus ride connect the two across the Atlantic Bridge, with only unpopulated jungle between the two.

Playa Sherman with a view of Colón city across the bay
Riding the marina shuttle to Colón takes you over the bridge and provides a great view of the entrance of the Panama Canal and the Gatun Locks

But life at Shelter Bay is easy. An onsite pool makes for a good cooling of spot between boat projects, and a small convenience store and restaurant are at the end of the docks. Most boats in the marina have either just transited the canal from the Pacific side or are about to head through from the Caribbean side, so spirits are high and most folks are excited for future destinations. And as a major crossroads for cruising boats, it’s an international scene with snippets of French, German, Dutch, and English joining the native Spanish.

Hanging out with our new friends Kaz and Corey who sail on Atlas, their super clean and tidy Hallberg-Rassy 44