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Panama Canal Tolls
Revised January 2005.
Panama Canal tolls (fees) for transiting are in U.S. dollars.
| Transit | Inspection | Buffer | Total | |
Up to 50' |
$550.00 | $50.00 | $850.00 | $1,450.00 |
From 50' - 80' |
$850.00 | $50.00 | $850.00 |
$1,750.00 |
From 80' - 100' |
$1,050.00 | $50.00 | $850.00 | $1,950.00 |
100' + |
$1,500.00 | $50.00 | $850.00 | $2,450.00 |
125' + |
$2,450.00 | locomotives | $2,220.00 | (obligatory) |
Mega yachts beyond 125’ fall into a different category, please check with me regarding this. Funds can be wired prior to arrival and transit. Please let me know, so I can send you the bank wire nformation.
Payment of tolls will be done physically at the local Citibank or you can wire the funds directly to the TINA MCBRIDE YACHT SERVICES, S.A. account to help expedite your transit. I provide the account details upon request. If you have an accident or have mechanical problems while transiting, The Panama Canal Authority will retain the buffer fee to pay for the costs of towing your vessel or charge you for a transit delay fee. If the cost of towing your vessel exceeds the buffer, then arrangements are made to pay for the costs of towing, inspection, mooring, etc. Before you continue your transit. These are all extra fees if you have mechanical problems or have an accident. If you pay in cash for your transit and do not have mechanical problems while transiting and do not incur any extra costs while transiting, then your buffer fee will be refunded in approximately 20 working days.
The Panama Canal Authority will cut a check in the name of the person you put down in the form it uses to pay for the transit at the bank. If you do not have enough lines, they can be rented locally for $100.00. You must have 4 able bodied persons aboard for transiting that are experienced with lines and transiting through locks or have many years of sailing and are familiar with the process. If you don’t have enough persons, you can hire local line handlers. Cost: $65.00 per day, if you spend the night the cost doubles.
If you hire another cruiser for transiting, make sure this person has transited before…I recommend you use persons who are experienced in transiting to minimize accidents. Be aware that most documents to be filled for the Panama Canal transit are in Spanish. The Panama Canal Authority admeasurer and scheduler speak English…but the Panama Canal’s language is now Spanish. This includes Immigration, Merchant Marine office, Maritime Authority office. Luckily, I handle all the paperwork so you will not have to go through the frustration of the language barrier. The clubs have personnel that speak Spanish and English but the English is minimal. Beware of unscrupulous persons that are loitering near the Clubs…they are not qualified agents and cannot offer that backup you need while in Panama in case of an accident or a problem. You will be accosted by many offering their services…please beware….Panama is in an economic crisis. These people prey on cruisers…also consult with your agent regarding persons hired to do work on your yacht. I’ve had unpleasant experiences with these types of individuals and do not want you to experience the same. I want your transit to be smooth and without added difficulties. Do not flash cash or wear gold jewelry while shopping in Panama. Women, please wear proper attire, bathing suits, etc., are not proper attire when conducting business in Panama. Men, please wear long pants when conducting business in the Republic of Panama. This is a Latin country, I say this so that you don’t stand out like a tourist and become a target. A low profile is recommended.
