Clearing in Panama - Flying Home.

[jackdale]

Is it advisable/ required to have airline tickets if departing the vessel in Cristobal? The boat is being loaded on a freighter for Canada. One crew member will be waiting for the boat to be safely loaded before and heading home and does not yet have a ticket.

[lorenzo b]

Not if you want to walk home.

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by lorenzo b

Not if you want to walk home.

I was going to book right after the boat is loaded. But I may have to get a ticket that can be changed easily.

[donradcliffe]

I'n not sure what you think your problem is. I recently sailed into Panama, flew round-trip to Costa Rica, and then sailed out--immigration and the airlines never blinked. I could see a potential problem with the airline if the one-way ticket out of Panama is not to your country of origin, but I don't think that is the case here.

BTW, having a seaman's ticket like the USCG 100 ton license can smooth the way in situations like this--and so can the proper dress and attitude with the officials.

[jackdale]

Thanks Don

Just trying to cover all bases.

I am flying into BVI and need a letter from the boat owner indicating that I am part of the crew.

I checked Noonsite and could find nothing.

I will be flying back home to Canada after the boat is loaded on a freighter. Open tickets can be more expensive.

[donradcliffe]

There are a number of Panama-based cruisers on

Cruisers_Network_Online@yahoogroups.com

you might ask them your question also.

[belizesailor]

Been in Panama for two seasons now. Have cleared in by boat and flown out much later. Did not have proof of onward travel when we cleared in and were not asked.

Technically proof of onward travel is required, but I've never heard of it being checked when clearing in on a boat. No reason to explain to the immigration official your plans and very unlikely he will ask.

This is sometimes an issue with land travel. Especially for people entering at the Paso Canoas border crossing from CR.

[bvimatelot]

No problem last Friday when I flew home, leaving a boat in Colon (Shelter Bay)

Tony

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by bvimatelot

No problem last Friday when I flew home, leaving a boat in Colon (Shelter Bay)

Tony

Great info.

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by bvimatelot

No problem last Friday when I flew home, leaving a boat in Colon (Shelter Bay)

Tony

Tony

We may have to spend some time waiting for the boat to be loaded. Was there lots of space at Shelter Bay? I am thinking we we will require a reservation. especially for a 48 foot catarmaran.

Is there an alternative?

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by jackdale

Tony

We may have to spend some time waiting for the boat to be loaded. Was there lots of space at Shelter Bay? I am thinking we we will require a reservation. especially for a 48 foot catarmaran.

Is there an alternative?

Plenty of space at SB. Plenty of ~50' cats (one 75'). And a number of mega yachts. Doubt you will need a reservation.

No nearby alternatives.

[bvimatelot]

Originally Posted by jackdale

Tony

We may have to spend some time waiting for the boat to be loaded. Was there lots of space at Shelter Bay? I am thinking we we will require a reservation. especially for a 48 foot catarmaran.

Is there an alternative?

Lots of space - you shouldn't need a reservation as its low season.

No Marina alternative as such. You could of course anchor out and dinghy in but Shelter Bay (or Shelter Pay, as I've heard it called!) would probably charge a dinghy landing fee!

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by bvimatelot

Lots of space - you shouldn't need a reservation as its low season.

No Marina alternative as such. You could of course anchor out and dinghy in but Shelter Bay (or Shelter Pay, as I've heard it called!) would probably charge a dinghy landing fee!

Its my understanding that anchoring is no longer permitted in The Flats unless you are awaiting pilot.

I have not seen any boats anchored out.

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by belizesailor

Its my understanding that anchoring is no longer permitted in The Flats unless you are awaiting pilot.

I have not seen any boats anchored out.

The Marina would be our first choice.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by jackdale

The Marina would be our first choice.

It is a nice place, but spendy by W Carib standards.

Good hiking around the old Fort Sherman grounds with lots of wildlife (an unintentional benefit of the exclusion zone).