Panama

The Republic of Panama is located in the center of the Western Hemisphere under the following coordinates: 7º12’07" and 9º38’46" North, 77º09’24" and 83º03’07" West. Its Borders are: to the North, the Caribbean Sea; to the East, the Republic of Colombia; to the South with the Pacific Ocean and to the West with the Republic of Costa Rica. Panama is the link between Central America and South America, constituting an isthmus of 80 km. wide in its narrower section.

Panama Spearfishing is freediving only with spearguns, slings, and pole spears.

Map of Panama's Destinations
Travelling Around Panama

Getting Around By Air:
Smaller airports for internal flights are: Aeropuerto Marcos A Gelabert in Albrook and Enrique Malek in David, Chiriquí. Internal air services operated by Aeroperlas, Aerotaxi, Ansa, Aviatur and AeroMapiex include flights from Panama City to all centers in the interior of the country.

Getting Around by Road:
There is a reasonably good road system throughout Panama. The Trans-Isthman Highway links Panama City and Colón. The Corredor Norte toll road has reduced the travel time to Colón by 30 minutes. Bus: Traffic drives on the right. There are services between most large towns, but they can be very slow. Taxi: Not metered, and fares, though varying considerably, are generally very low. Fares should be agreed in advance. Drivers do not expect tips. Car hire: Available in city centers and airport; you must be at least 23 years old to hire a car. Four-wheel drive vehicles are available, but plan ahead as they are popular. Regulations: Seatbelts must be worn by drivers and front seat passengers at all times. Children under five years must travel in the back in a fitted child seat. Motor insurance, even third party, is not a legal requirement in Panama; therefore, many Panamanians drive without it. If you are involved in an accident, the law stipulates that you should wait with your vehicle until the traffic police (transito)arrive. Documentation: A national driving license is sufficient


Location Travel Tips

Getting There
: The best way to get to Panama is through air travel. Copa Airlines, Continental Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Iberia have daily flights to Panama. If you are driving, you can get here through the Inter-American Highway that runs through Central America. If you are coming by sea, you can disembark in one of the many ports.

Climate: Panamanian weather is tropical, and uniform throughout the year. The average temperature is 83 degrees F or 27 degrees C.

Languages: The official language is Spanish. English is also widely used.

Driving License: Visitors can drive up to 90 days with foreign license.

Electricity: 110 volts; 60 cycles.

Currency: U. S. dollars or Panamanian currencies, since they are equivalent in size and value to those of the USA.

Passports: Passports must be valid for a minimum of six months and required by all foreign nationals.

Visas: Are not required by all nationals of the following countries for stays of up to 90 days (at the discretion of the immigration authorities):
1. nationals of the EU and the UK (except for UK passports issued in Hong Kong (SAR) to those who were born in Hong Kong).
2. nationals of Australia, Canada and USA.

Additional Resouces: VisitPanama.Com, IExplore.Com


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IMPORTANT:
The following travel destinations are either recommended by spearos, or advertise spearfishing as a recreational activity. One must always look up local spearfishing regulations before spearfishing in a new travel destination.