What are the restrictions for recreational use of Lago (Lake) Gatun in Panama?

Question

We are buying a place on the lake, can I sail on the lake or is it not permitted?

Answer 1

Not on canal waters or near them.  You can sail away from the buoys.

Answer 2

You can sail,  fish , visit  the Smithsonian Institute at Barro Colorado Island

Answer 3

Congratulations...The lake is not as it once was..The old Zone Police were pretty good at keeping the crocodile herd thinned..there was a time when you could ski the lake and people did all the time..no longer..16 foot crocs are spotted by Canal pilots almost daily now..and attacks on humans occur several times per year..(check out the Panama Guide for those events..)sailing is permitted but not near the canal lane buoys..be prepared to be stopped by the ACP guards or the Panamanian police if you get close...but, it sure is a pretty lake.