Provisioning in Panama?

[Ben998]

Hi All,
Does anyone have any info on provisioning in Panama? Are there supermarkets to buy provisions for the trip across the Pacific or should I try and stock up whilst Im in the caribbean?

Thanks,
Ben

 

[KellysEye]

Panama is a major city, with all the associated facilities. We know a couple of boats who are down there at the moment and they say that Panama (the country) is a fantastic cruising area. On that basis you might consider going to the San Blas islands early and then pottering around Panama before going through.

 

[Gerry]

Mostly excellent facilities for provisioning here. Not much decent canned meat though, suggest you stock up in Margarita, Venezuela if you come that way for that.
Booze in Margarita very cheap too but if you join with other boats and go to the Free Zone in Colon prices are amazing. Its by the case only though with a minimum spend of $250 plus $100 delivery. We joined with 5 other boats and got Flor de cana rum at $3 a bottle!!
Fresh produce and meat is excellent. El Rey at Quatro Altos, Colon does Vac pac whole Filet Mignon at $16-20. If you go to Panama city there is a good chain of upmarket stores called Riba-Smith where you can get many named brands that you won't find anywhere else in panama. I found Tiptree Mincemeat for Xmas mince pies! Horseradish sauce and mint jelly. These things become very important after a few years out!!
There is also a Pricesmart hypermarket in Panama City which is like Costco, again worth joining with other boats for bulk shopping.
The fresh market in Colon is good but very dangerous for gringos, you need to employ a local to go with you.
Good source of Sunbrella in panama City- El Tapiz, $9 a metre and they carry the whole colour range...
Hope this helps!

 

[Sea Devil]

no need to stock up in the Caribbean. When you get to Colon and are waiting for your transit there is an excellent supermarket with every thing you need. There is also the 'duty free zone' full of tax free stuff. Its all withing walking distance of the yacht club or get a very cheap taxi... Once through the canal to Balboa you can anchor in the anchorage or moor up in the Balboa yacht club. It is then a taxi/bus ride into Panama to buy the last items before you head out to the Galapagos.. There is nothing in the Caribbean you cannot get fresher, Cheaper and better in Panama.

 

[Ben998]

Thats great, thanks very much for the info. Panama here I come! (well, the boat is back in the water on monday so it will probably be tuesday when i set off )