Fees in Panama - NOT going through the Canal

[Croc Bones]

Hey Everyone.

I have read quite a lot of different items on what the fees are to sail around Panama and there seems to be a lot of varing info, and wanted to know if anyone could clarify??

We will not be going through the canal. Want to visit the beautiful San Blas islands and see the mainland as well.

Noonsite talks about the following...
"Article 72 defines a new temporary registration fee for private yachts: $45 for boats up to 6 meters (19.7 feet) in length, $90 for boats up to 10 meters (32.8 feet) and $180 for larger boats. The new registration is annual, but it is renewable for the same period."

$180?? Ouch! Is this applicable for everywhere in Panama. Or only mainland?

Other articles mention potentially getting a tourist cruising permit if it will be less than 90 days. Or if just going to San Blas, getting a crusing pertmit at Porvenir for $77

Can anyone shed some light on this???

Thanks a lot for any help!

Croc Bones