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 ★ 4.2 The anchorage is known for its strong holding in mud and good protection from wind. Visitors appreciate the nearby snorkeling opportunities and the presence of restaurants in the area. However, multiple reports indicate serious safety concerns related to armed robberies.
	Playa Blanca ★ 4.0 Anchoring conditions in this location include good holding with depths around 3 meters near the beach. Visitors report some noise from local speedboats and occasional rolly conditions when wind is absent. The area can become busy, particularly on weekends.
	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.
	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.
	Linton Bay Anchorage ★ 3.3 Anchoring can be uncomfortable due to a constant swell and nearby derelict boats. The area has good access to services and facilities, including a marina with a fuel dock and amenities. For a more secure experience, staying close to Isla Linton is advisable.

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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 ★ 3.1 The marina has a shallow entrance and many visitors reported issues with surge and poor water quality. Staff communication was inconsistent, leading to dissatisfaction. Positive experiences noted friendly staff and wildlife, but maintenance and protection concerns were frequently mentioned.

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 The boat yard offers haul-out services but is limited to boats up to 44ft. Experiences with staff vary; some visitors reported delays and uncomfortable interactions. Multiple reviews indicate a small chandlery and a restaurant on site.

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 ★ 3.5 Customer service experiences vary. Prices for supplies received positive commentary, with some items reported as difficult to find elsewhere in Panama. A representative noted beneficial support in sourcing specific products and providing timely assistance with orders.

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: