Linton Bay

Linton Bay is a small harbour between Colón and the San Blas Islands, used mainly as a service stop for yachts. The bay is home to marinas and boatyards, both of which offer haul‑out, storage, and repair options.

The mangrove channel to Panamarina is a narrow mangrove channel used as a scenic dinghy route and shortcut between Linton Bay and Panamarina, with reported sightings of monkeys, raccoons, birds, and other wildlife; depths can be shallow at the entrance.

On the north side of the main anchorage in Linton Bay, Isla Linton is known for its semi‑wild monkeys and occasional sloth sightings.

In the historic harbour of Portobelo, Fuerte de San Fernando is an old Spanish fort reachable by dinghy, offering views over the bay. Nearby, The Customs House museum provides insights into the region’s role in the slave trade and local Afro-Caribbean culture. The paths through the fort’s ruins can be steep, overgrown, and slippery after rain, so take suitable footwear.

When approaching from the north at night, keep a good lookout for the permanent unlit platforms outside the bay. The shoal area in front of the marina is well charted but busy with moored boats, so manoeuvre with care here. There are reports of obstructions on the seabed in the main anchorage that can foul anchors (see the map for location).

Places to stay

Below are the most popular and highly rated places to stay, based on reviews from the noforeignland community:

Anchorages

No image	Isla Linton ★ 4.3 Sheltered anchorage with good holding features depths of 10-12 meters. Proximity to marina resources is beneficial. Beware of speed boats navigating closely among anchored vessels, especially during N or E winds that create uncomfortable swell.
	Portobelo North anchorage ★ 4.1 A significant safety risk is reported at Portobelo North anchorage, with multiple instances of armed boardings and assaults. In contrast, some visitors appreciate the calm, beautiful setting and good holding conditions. Caution is advised regarding security based on these reviews.
	Playa Blanca ★ 3.8 The anchorage can accommodate 1-3 boats with good holding and a clear water view. Be prepared for possible rolly conditions and noise from nearby speedboats. Food and drink options are limited and may not always be available.
	Isla Grande ★ 3.7 Protection from trade winds and swells is offered, making it accessible for visitors not regularly needing to reach the marina. However, it can be rolly with active boat traffic, and derelict boats near the shore raise concerns.
	Linton Bay Anchorage ★ 3.4 The anchorage can be rolly, particularly due to swell coming from Isla Linton. Reviews highlight variable conditions depending on anchoring location, with reports of derelict boats affecting choice. Some services are available nearby, including access to a marina and local produce deliveries.
	Portobelo Anchorage ★ 3.3 Safety concerns dominate narratives about Portobelo Anchorage. Multiple accounts detail armed robberies, emphasizing severe risks to boating safety. Visitors are advised to approach with caution, particularly at night due to reported incidents.

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Marinas

	Linton Marina ★ 3.3 Multiple Reviews mention that the marina has a good chandlery and offers fresh produce deliveries. Some guests appreciated the restaurant and air conditioning during their stay. Concerns were raised about service reliability, especially regarding haul-out appointment handling and a specific repair person.
	Turtle Cay Marina ★ 3.0 The marina has issues with shallow depth and pollution, affecting overall satisfaction. Multiple reports indicate inadequate swell protection and poor communication from staff. While some guests appreciated the natural beauty, many expressed significant concerns regarding damage to their boats and lack of maintenance.

Boat services

Below are the most popular and highly rated boat services, based on reviews from the noforeignland community:

Boatyards

	Linton Bay Marina Boat Yard ★ 4.7 The boat yard provides haul-out services. Experiences indicate that slings and lift operations are handled calmly and efficiently. However, the presence of inadequate facilities like toilets and unpleasant conditions when dry or wet may detract from visitors' experiences.
	Panamarina ★ 3.4 Panamarina offers services for haul-outs, but several visitors reported significant operational issues. Delays, failed haul-outs, and lack of communication from staff have caused frustration. The marina has a small chandlery and restaurant, which receive positive mentions.

Chandlers

	SUMINAPA (Suministros Nauticos Panama) ★ 5.0 The chandlery has a wide stock of nautical supplies and helpful staff willing to assist. They can order items not in stock, and past customers commend their friendly service and expertise. Overall, it is a recommended stop for cruising needs.
	Total Chandler at Panamarina ★ 4.3 Service capabilities include sourcing outboard engines and diverse supplies. Staff speak multiple languages and show helpfulness in finding specific items. Availability of unique products has been noted, enhancing the shopping experience.

Useful yacht clearance links:

Yacht clearance reviews

The following lists summarize noforeignland user reviews for clearing in at ports of entry and when using clearance agents in Panama: