Flamenco Island, Panama City, Panama – Entry Procedure

We arrived in Panama City on December 31, 2022 from Golfito, Costa Rica. Here we anchored at Las Brisas de Amador with a beautiful view of the Panama City skyline. We proceeded to check in at Flamenco Island by visiting the port captain and immigrations in the same building. Everything went without issues and people were helpful and accommodating throughout the process.

Anchorage at Las Brisas de Amador and Flamenco Island, Panama City – Google Maps

Preparation:

  • Have both originals and multiple copies of boat registration, passports, and your International Zarpe from your last port.
  • There is a free, secure public dock (yellow dot) near the anchorage (green dot) where you can tie up your dinghy. There is typically at least one officer present overseeing the usage of the public dock.
  • Both Port Captain and Immigrations are in the same building (red dot).

1. Port Captain

Location:

Flamenco Island, at the end of the causeway. The building houses offices for the tour boats leaving for the islands here (Google Maps: Muelle Amador). The Port Captain office is on the upper floor of the building. The Port Captain is on the hallway leading to the left and the immigration office is in the hallway on the right.

Time needed:

About 10 minutes

Cost:

$20 if you check in on a holiday

Documents needed:

  • Passports
  • Boat Registration
  • Original International Zarpe from previous port

One form will be completed.

You will receive:

  • One copy of the “Declaracion” for immigration.
  • Multiple copies of the “Declaracion” for your files and possibly other entities if they happen to visit your boat.
Port Captain Opening Hours, Flamenco Island, Panama City

Cruising Permit (Patente de Navegacion)

How to request it

The Port Captain will request the Cruising Permit for you. Typically you will be able to pick it up at the Port Captain’s office a few days after your initial check-in. You may also call the office to check if it is ready: (+507) 314-1640.

Documents needed:

  • Copies of captain’s passports that show the signature
  • Copies of boat registration
  • Original International Zarpe from previous port

One form will be completed.

If you are departing Panama within 72 hours of arrival you do not need a cruising permit.

Cost:

$185

You will receive:

  • Cruising Permit. It is valid for one year or until your boat registration expires, whichever comes first.
  • Receipt for your payment

2. Immigration

Location:

Flamenco Island, at the end of the causeway. The building houses offices for the tour boats leaving for the islands here (Google Maps: Muelle Amador). The immigration office is upstairs in the hallway on the right.

Cost:

No payments required.

Time needed:

About 10 minutes

Documents needed:

  • “Declaracion” from Port Captain
  • Passports

A photo of each crew member and passenger will be taken.

You will receive:

A stamp in your passport.

Anchorage “Las Brisas de Amador” in Panama City looking east with cruising ship dock in the background.

More information: