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Port of Cristóbal

PACTB🇵🇦PA

Port Location

About Port of Cristóbal

The Port of Cristóbal (PACTB) is a maritime port facility located in PA.. Local time zone: UTC-5.

Position: 9.3451°N, 79.9071°W. UN/LOCODE: PACTB.

Geographic context: The Port of Cristóbal is situated on the Caribbean Sea, within the Panama Canal approach — the vital waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through Central America. The location falls within the tropical climate zone with warm waters and seasonal monsoons.

Vessel Limits

Max Draft
—

General Information

Port Name
Cristóbal
Country
🇵🇦PA
UNLOCODE
PACTB
Time Zone
UTC-5
Latitude
9.3451°
Longitude
-79.9071°

Navigation Aids Near Cristóbal

Gatún Approach Northbound Range Rear Lighthouse

0.9 NMSSW

Limón Bay West Breakwater Lighthouse

2.7 NMNNW

Limón Bay East Breakwater Lighthouse

2.9 NMN

Isla Pastores Lighthouse

3 NMWNW

Atlantic Entrance Range Middle Lighthouse

3.9 NMS

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I navigate the approach to the Port of Cristóbal?+
The approach to Cristóbal is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Gatún Approach Northbound Range Rear Lighthouse at 0.9 NM to the SSW. Other aids include Limón Bay West Breakwater (2.7 NM NNW), Limón Bay East Breakwater (2.9 NM N), Isla Pastores (3 NM WNW), Atlantic Entrance Range Middle (3.9 NM S). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What major shipping routes pass near the Port of Cristóbal?+
The Port of Cristóbal is located within the Panama Canal approach — the vital waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through Central America. This strategic position influences vessel traffic density, anchorage availability, and port scheduling.
How do I track vessels arriving at or departing from the Port of Cristóbal?+
You can track vessels near Cristóbal (PACTB) in real time using MarineRadar. The platform displays live AIS positions of nearby ships, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page or search for PACTB on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Cristóbal?+
The Port of Cristóbal operates in the UTC-5 time zone. Operating hours, VTS schedules, and pilot availability vary — vessel agents should confirm with the port authority in advance, especially for night arrivals or weekend operations.