Thread: Crime

This is my first post here. I live in Alaska but want to get out of here during the harsh winters. S. Senorita is the name of my boat. I am a male. I am particularly interested in the Pacific side and want to possibly retire there.
Any knowledgable N. Americans living there on this subject. I read 90% low crime except for petty and drug buisiness at the border. This I can deal with but it seems Australlia and Canada feel there is a high risk of crime.

I am a world traveller and have been to many places. Any info would be appreciated.

hi , welcome , keep reading this and all the other forums you can find and then come for a visit , some of us love panama and other hate it after the honeymoon period , in the interior of the country away from panama city I see it as 1950 USA for the good and bad , safe , low crime , the bad litter everywhere , drunk driving etc oh ya , the fishin on the pacfic is grrrreat .

Hi!

I agree with nakedguydb! The thing about the Pacific side there are no marinas except Panama City. There is also a 17 ft. tide change along the Pacific. There are a lot of boats down in the Pedasi area year round. Great fishing in that area especially!

Look at older posts and keep doing your research.

Mary
www.whypanama.com

Originally Posted by Siamese Senorita

This is my first post here. I live in Alaska but want to get out of here during the harsh winters. S. Senorita is the name of my boat. I am a male. I am particularly interested in the Pacific side and want to possibly retire there.
Any knowledgable N. Americans living there on this subject. I read 90% low crime except for petty and drug buisiness at the border. This I can deal with but it seems Australlia and Canada feel there is a high risk of crime.

I am a world traveller and have been to many places. Any info would be appreciated.

Alaska to Panama, changes in latitudes, changes in attitudes (as Jimmy would say). Petty theft is going to be the "big concern". Drug smuggling can happen anywhere and along any beach in Panama. For the most part, as long as you are not involved you should be good.

Welcome!!

I agree, find a calm spot, keep an eye on valuables and avoid anything related to drugs and you should be fine.

Thanks,

My catamaran is in Guatemala now and it gives me a very uncomfortable feel. I have been many places and I wanted other peoples opinions. I can always raise a sail if I don't like Panama. It was important I did not go someplace where I needed body armor to go get a beer in the afternoon.

It sounds like a good place to give a try.

Now I will say that if you have a nice live-aboard boat you may want to consider the Carib side of Panama. Reasons being Bocas del Toro (island chain) and San Blas area (some of the best beaches in the Carib). If you were heading to Costa Rica I would suggest the Pacific side anywhere from Puerto Jiminez up to Jaco. Do know there is regular drug traffic heading north by boat along both coasts starting in Colombia and the occasional crazy expat serial murder so do be careful who you make friends with. In regards to Panama, there is a pretty heavy "police" presence on the water which is good and adds some security. Obviously none of the people moving "cargo" want to make waves or raise an eyebrow so randomly killing people is not on their to-do list.

Originally Posted by MRWOOHOO

Now I will say that if you have a nice live-aboard boat you may want to consider the Carib side of Panama. Reasons being Bocas del Toro (island chain) and San Blas area (some of the best beaches in the Carib). If you were heading to Costa Rica I would suggest the Pacific side anywhere from Puerto Jiminez up to Jaco. Do know there is regular drug traffic heading north by boat along both coasts starting in Colombia and the occasional crazy expat serial murder so do be careful who you make friends with. In regards to Panama, there is a pretty heavy "police" presence on the water which is good and adds some security. Obviously none of the people moving "cargo" want to make waves or raise an eyebrow so randomly killing people is not on their to-do list.

But at the same time. Panama lacks any real MILITARY and the gangs are growing and becoming more organized. The Tumbedores are not slowing down either. If you do not know what a Tumbedore is.. It is a group or gang of individuals that muscle drugs away from large scale drug trafficking organizations aka Mexican and Colombian Cartels. They also take the money and guns of these large Cartels. So therefore, Panamanian criminals are just as CRAZY if not more CRAZY than the criminals in Mexico. But once again, you do not have to worry about any of this unless you are directly involved.

I have NO interest in drugs or that crowd. I have been to Costa Rica, but not long enough to get a feel for the country. My initial impression is it is a bit too touristy.
Any good or bad on Shelter Bay Marina? Their website looks good but...
Thanks to all for this info.

Originally Posted by Siamese Senorita

I have NO interest in drugs or that crowd. I have been to Costa Rica, but not long enough to get a feel for the country. My initial impression is it is a bit too touristy.
Any good or bad on Shelter Bay Marina? Their website looks good but...
Thanks to all for this info.

Banana Bay Marina in Golfito? http://www.bananabaymarina.com/home/index.php

I would anchor in Puerto Jiminez over Golfito.

Originally Posted by jonr

I would anchor in Puerto Jiminez over Golfito.

I agree although it is a tough call. If you are in Golfito it is nothing to hop a bus or taxi to the border, buy what you need cheap, and cruise on back. I probably would sleep better in Jiminez.

I would anchor in Puerto Jiminez over Golfito.