Panama, San Blas - clearance

[scr0che]

Just wanted the latest advice on clearing in to Panama coming from east and wanting to visit San Blas, is it still:

1. Linton Bay 50nm west of San Blas, see the port captain in the marina
2. Bus to Portobello from there for immigration and passport stamp
3. Back to Linton and take the boat 50nm east to Porvinir in San Blas for cruising permit

Is this still the case?

 

[richardh10]

We checked in at Obaldia. Anchored in the bay

 

[scr0che]

We checked in at Obaldia. Anchored in the bay

I'm reading on noonsite you can go to police, immigration and port captain, but not get the official cruising permit for Panama? That can be done online for a fee via agent?

Do you still need to go to Porvenir for the San Blas permit?

Also reading the Anchorage is not the best, holding and landing the dinghy etc

 

[richardh10]

We got everything we needed in Obaldia. I can't specifically remember the cruising permit but we didn't stop in Porvenir. The western islands are some of the best and it would be a shame to miss them. The anchorage was OK. We stopped for one night in calm conditions and had no cause for concern. Likewise the dinghy landing - can't recall any problems.

As an aside, navionics charts can be a bit iffy, and the Bauhaus guide to cruising in Panama is well worth getting

 

[Deleted member 478]

Also try get the Bauhaus electronic charts which you can view using OpenCPN