Norton Lilly International (Panama)’s CEO Joe Walden is optimistic about Panama’s, and the Central America region as a whole’s, future as a yachting destination. With new charter laws in 2021, vast improvements to its maritime infrastructure that specifically cater to superyachts and the launch of Panama Yachting Agent by Norton Lilly, Panama’s ascension to major player on the yachting scene is all but assured. Here, Joe talks about Norton Lilly’s new venture, his hopes for Panama and why he believes it’s a fantastic destination for yachts.

Tell us about Panama Yachting Agent…

Norton Lilly has a long and prestigious history in Panama, we’ve been here since 1925, and are best known for our traditional business in commercial shipping and cruise ships, however superyachts are a niche market that we’ve always participated in as they often use the canal as a means to reposition from the Pacific and Atlantic and vice versa. We recognise that the wants and needs of yachts are unique, so we dedicated time and energy to building a specialised team of people who have expertise in this area and, by creating Panama Yachting Agent, are allowing them to focus strictly on the yachting industry. Panama Yachting Agent is a subsidiary of Norton Lilly, so our clients can expect the same excellence, passion and integrity, but now with a much more focussed knowledge of yachting.

Why have you launched Panama Yachting Agent now?
Pre-2021 charter laws in Central America as a whole were restrictive and the infrastructure just didn’t exist – that has now changed. In January 2021, the Panamanian government modified the laws that dictate the operation of yacht charters in Panama – basically, this has allowed foreign flag yachts to conduct chartering activities in Panama’s waters. There has also been huge progress in terms of infrastructure in both Panama and Costa Rica, with new marinas that have berths that can accommodate superyachts. So, we expect super- and mega- yacht activity to increase, not just in Panama but across the region, which is why we’ve also partnered with like-minded and equally experienced people in Costa Rica and the Galapagos to form Experience Yacht Services (EYS) Latin America. As a founding member of EYS, we strongly believe that this region is a very attractive destination for the yachting industry.

What are the advantages of using Panama Yachting Agent?
There are two major advantages to choosing us as a yacht agent. Firstly, as one of the oldest shipping agents in Panama, we recognise how important the canal is for Panama and we have a huge amount of knowledge around it, so we are extremely well-prepared to coordinate transits, and have long been working with superyachts repositioning between the Caribbean and the Pacific. Our dedicated team, who themselves are highly experienced in coordinating canal transits, are able to make sure the captain, crew and the yacht itself are fully prepared and understand what is required in conducting a transit, particularly if they are new to the region and this is the maiden transit, as there are some extra requirements to prepare for. We can make sure that everything is compliant with the regulations and that everyone is well informed in advance so as to avoid any surprises on arrival in Panama. This way the yacht can commence transit without any undue delays or unexpected problems.

The second big advantage is that we’ve created Panama Yachting Agent a niche division of Norton Lilly dedicated to superyachts with contacts throughout the country who have an incredible knowledge of Panama as a destination and all the things that you can see and do here. There’s cruising and world class diving and fishing from a number of incredible anchorages as well as paradise islands, mountains, coffee plantations, rainforest, and highlands – there is so much more than just the canal. Through our partners we can offer both destination recommendations on what yacht guests might like to see and do, as well as design customized itineraries across the country.

What have the new charter laws done to open up Panama to superyachts?
The new laws were written in in January 2021, but there hasn’t been much progress since then as there are still some unanswered questions. It’s still a new development so there are small issues that are in the process of being ironed out, for example we, at Norton Lilly, have been working closely with the Panama Association of Nautical Tourism and the Panama Maritime authority to clarify some of these regulatory and fiscal guidelines. The most important thing currently is that you can bring any yacht here and remain in Panamanian waters while conducting chartering activities with no problems whatsoever.

Why do you think Panama is such a great destination for yachts?
People are looking for a new destination to explore and Panama is an untapped market. It’s been largely overlooked by the yachting world for years and seen as only the canal when, in fact, it’s a gateway between oceans and an incredible one at that. Here at Norton Lilly, we have long been welcoming all transiting yachts to stay in Panamanian waters to enjoy everything else that is on offer, and they are starting to listen.
We are similar to Costa Rica in the fact that there is immense natural beauty and a huge array of wildlife, plus there are some incredible experiences that will really get you deep into our diverse and pristine landscapes. On both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts there are hundreds of beautiful, and mostly deserted, tropical islands to explore and world-class diving, fishing and surfing. On land, there’s amazing hiking and rafting in the highlands, indigenous culture to discover and plenty of extraordinary ways to see the rain- and cloud- forest and the animals that call them home. In fact, with the amount of adventure and activities available across the Panama, Costa Rica, Galapagos ‘triangle’ there is no better place for experiential yachting to enrich your time on the yacht and enhance your experiences of these destinations.

As well as being a means to reposition, the canal is a unique and interesting attraction in its own right. We have long recommended to transiting yachts that if there are guests that have the opportunity to stay onboard during transit that they should, as it’s a one-of-a-kind experience and the best way to get an up close look at what is considered one of the world’s engineering marvels. Plus Gatun Lake is an unmissable feature of any trip to Panama – the rainforest surrounding the water is magical.

At the same time as the introduction of the charter laws, there has also been a new cruise terminal developed on the Pacific coast and there are now several marinas on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts that can accommodate superyachts. In this respect, we also hope that the yachting industry will recognise Panama as a destination not only for touristic activities but also as a very good location for technical requirements with a developed maritime infrastructure. We can offer bunkering, provisioning, surveys, maintenance, and so on in and around Panama City which also has an international airport with direct flights to Europe, USA and the Caribbean, so ideal for crew changes and guest arrivals and for receiving parts and shipments. It’s a strategic location, a hub, where all of a yachts technical needs can be met.

 

Contact Information

Panama Yachting Agent

Panama Pacific and Atlantic Coasts

Canal Transits |Shore Support |Port Agency |Provisioning & Concierge

panama@experienceyachtservices.com

mailto:panamayachting@nortonlilly.com.pa

+507 6614-0295

A shortcut, saving about 8,000 nautical miles, between the prime yachting destinations of the Pacific Ocean and those of the Caribbean Sea, the Panama Canal is one of the world’s most important waterways. Cutting across the narrowest point of the Central American isthmus, today it sees over 12,500 ships pass along its 80 km length annually. At shipping agent Norton Lilly International, we deal with 19% of all these canal transits, from the largest cargo ships all the way down to superyachts and small leisure vessels. Norton Lilly International has operated on the Panama Canal since 1925; this long and prestigious history, as well as being a member of Experience Yacht Services alliance, means no one is better placed or more experienced in the field.

For a yacht captain, transiting the Panama Canal takes considerable planning, preparation, and paperwork, so if your itinerary calls for you to cross between the Caribbean and Pacific, Norton Lilly are the agent to help make this complex process much more straightforward.

With bilingual staff available 24/7 and offices at both ends of the canal, we will always be on hand with assistance and support throughout the process of transiting. From uploading documentation and reserving a transit slot to suppling additional crew and coordinating any required services before and after you cross, as captain you can feel secure in the knowledge that you are in safe and efficient hands.

“…the Panama Canal can represent a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience first-hand one of the engineering wonders of the world surrounded by Panama’s lush tropical beauty.” Joe Walden, CEO, Norton Lilly International (Panama)

Transiting the Canal

Smooth transits, particularly maiden ones, benefit from forwarding planning so contacting us several months before your desired transit date will allow you to keep up to date on any delays or seasonal congestion that might affect your plans. If you have a specific date in mind for your crossing, booking and reserving the slot can be done for you at an additional cost which is calculated according to the size of the yacht. The process begins with your Norton Lilly agent gathering the necessary paperwork from you – this needs to be presented at least 96 hours before your arrival in the canal zone – and updating the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) system with the relevant details. This includes the identifications and certifications of you, your crew, and passengers, among other things.

You’ll receive instructions on what to do on your arrival in the canal zone – the Balboa anchorage in the Pacific or Cristóbal breakwater on the Atlantic side. From there, we will coordinate the necessary inspection and payment to the ACP, communicating to you the time and place that your inspection by an official admeasurer will take place. The measurements taken here will dictate the cost and the type of crossing that you will have. Once these details have been entered into the system, you will be assigned a transit date if you did not reserve one.

Between now and your transit date, you can spend the time as you wish. We can coordinate any necessary servicing your vessel needs, including fuel and lube oil replenishment, fresh water, waste disposal, repairs and so on. We will be on hand throughout this period as a reassuring presence, able to answer any questions or queries that may arise.

On transit day, we will have coordinated everything to ensure the process is as smooth and efficient as possible, keeping you informed of your start time and when your pilot will arrive on board, a requirement for all vessels over 20 metres in length. If your vessel has been measured as less than 38.1 metres in length, you will have a handline transit and will not be using your engines to clear the locks; vessels over 38.1 metres can use their engines. You will also welcome a crew of professional line handlers on board, who we will source for you, who will assist with clearing the three sets of locks – two on the Pacific side of the canal, Miraflores and Pedro Miguel, and one on the Atlantic end, Gatun.

Each lock is a vast 300 metres long so, depending on the size of your yacht, you may enter with other, potentially much larger, vessels raising and falling the 26-metre difference between sea and canal level. Once through the locks you are free to motor along at a minimum speed of eight knots, crossing the huge Gatun Lake where there is plenty of wildlife to keep an eye out for – crocodiles in the water and birds and monkeys around it, and through the impressive Culebra Cut, the canal’s narrowest point.

Smaller vessels are usually scheduled to transit in the evening if they are travelling from Atlantic to Pacific; this transit takes about two days, with the second section taking place during daylight. From the Pacific to Atlantic, you are likely to transit during daylight hours and complete it in a single day depending on your speed and lock availability.

Panama, hidden gem for Superyachts

“The Panama Canal is geographically well positioned, enabling yachts to reposition between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans in about 12 hours, but it is much more than merely a logistical pathway.” Joe Walden, CEO, Norton Lilly International (Panama)

Much more than just a transit point between two great oceans, Panama is a land of irresistible wonders. A 3,000-mile coastline is split between the white sand beaches, rainbow coral reefs and paradise islands of the Caribbean and the wild, empty shores, epic marine life, and big surfing waves of the Pacific. In between is untamed jungle filled with a vast array of flora and fauna, an age-old indigenous culture, a colorful heritage, and a cosmopolitan world city in capital Panama City. All this is relatively undiscovered and easily accessed from the many picturesque anchorages dotted along both coasts. This is not a destination to simply pass through, but one that needs to be explored, something that can be easily done with Experience Yacht Services. Providing a yacht agency to give captains’ peace of mind, you’ll also benefit from itinerary design services for a unique and adventurous way to discover Panama’s hidden gems.

Latin America is now, more than ever, a natural yachting paradise. Accessible year round, a short hop via the Panama Canal from the Caribbean or a straight shot across from French Polynesia, and with safe, predictable weather patterns, this area of the Pacific is yours to navigate. The Galapagos Islands, Panama and Costa Rica stand out from the crowd as unmissable for any megayacht itinerary, and Experience Yacht Services (EYS) are here to make your visit to them exceed even the highest of expectations.

The Superyacht Experts

“EYS works so well because we are all companies with high standards of quality and knowledge in our fields, and of the countries in which we operate.” (Allan Lucas, Maritima Interoceanica CR)

We are a dynamic alliance of five specialist businesses who, by joining forces, encompass the vast portfolio of technical, logistical and experiential resources needed to manage the unique demands of a modern megayacht. As suppliers of both yacht agency and itinerary design services for Panama, Costa Rica and the Galapagos Islands, we provide captains and owners with creative and efficient solutions to meet any and every requirement. Our combined years of experience give us an expertise above and beyond our competitors, allowing us to offer bespoke and wide-ranging support and assistance of the highest standard.

At the very heart of EYS are five business leaders who have a deep passion for and broad knowledge of yachting. They, Ofer Ketter and Felipe Artinano of Origen Escapes, Allan Lucas of Maritima Interoceanica CR, Jonathan Zelcer of Truly Panama, Joe Walden of Norton Lilly International (Panama) and Johnny Romero of Galapagos Yacht Services, have not only bought together their expertise as industry-leading yacht agents and itinerary designers but a shared set of values; excellence, creativity, integrity, a client-first mentality, and to be leaders in sustainability and protectors of the environments in which EYS works.

What We Do

“EYS brings a unique perspective to the yachting world in which we are able to harness the collective experience and vision of our alliance partners in order to showcase and promote our region.” (Joe Walden, Norton Lilly International (Panama))

In short, we provide the highest level of yachting logistics and create adventure-filled, bespoke itineraries for superyachts visiting Costa Rica, Panama and the Galapagos.

In Panama, Norton Lilly International covers Panama Canal transits and yachting logistics while Truly Panama curates meaningful and high-quality itineraries. In Costa Rica, Maritima Interoceanica CR handles port agency services and logistical support while Origen Escapes designs epic itineraries and unique experiences. In the Galapagos Islands, Galapagos Yacht Services provides both yacht services and tour operations.

From permits and provisioning to incredible experiences on land and sea, with us, every service is covered. We have a broad knowledge of the requirements, wants and needs of yacht captains and owners and pride ourselves on our flexible approach to providing for them. Working with all five partners, you’ll receive fully integrated services throughout your time in Costa Rica, Panama and the Galapagos Islands, but each partner remains an independent entity, so you are able to choose the most appropriate partner/s to fit your needs. There are no obligations to work with all or any other partners, no commissions, and all your dealings will be with each business directly.

Our Destinations

“We felt it was time to put this incredible region, with three amazing yachting destinations, officially on the superyacht industry map.” (Ofer Ketter, Origen Escapes)

Costa Rica, with its 800 mile coastline dotted with safe, scenic anchorage sites, offers endless exhilaration, from swimming with mega pods of dolphins to adventuring through rainforest, volcanoes, rivers and valleys in an incredible assortment of ways.

Panama is a continental crossroads where, connected by the Panama Canal, two vast coastlines offer a multitude of marinas and anchorages from which to explore a land of paradise beaches, life-filled rainforest and the age-old traditions of indigenous communities.

The Galapagos’ isolated archipelago of islands, islets and rocks hide unique and fragile ecosystems. Anchoring in the wildlife rich waters gives access to otherworldly volcanic landscapes and the curious creatures who call them home, many of which are found nowhere else in the world.

Together, our three amazing destinations form a triangle of yachting hotspots, each distinct and sublime in its nature, culture and the experiences it provides, each crying out to be explored.

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“…Costa Rica, Panama and the Galapagos are prime untouched superyacht cruising areas, and we want the entire industry to know it!” (Ofer Ketter, Origen Escapes)

Under the EYS banner, each of our five partners is working to open up the waters of Latin America to superyachts and megayachts, to highlight both the extensive infrastructure already in place and unparalleled beauty of the region.

We look forward to welcoming you aboard!