Skipping the Panama Canal and shipping boat overland

[carstenb]

we made the transit 2 years ago - cost around $1800 for a forty footer.

[Zzmeyer]

Remember, canal fees just recently doubled. Still a bargain. I looked into shipping to Ensenada from Fort Lauderdale and Gofilito, Costa Rico on the Pacific side. I assumed the price would be pretty close to the same, but it was almost 50% cheaper from Gofilito. I understand the distance is about half, but lots of their cost aren't distance related (loading, blocking, port fees). They said the price difference was the canal fees for a freighter.

[wildernessdave]

Originally Posted by Ryban

We transited! But it was cheaper when we did it than it is now. In total, it was 1,890 something dollars, but we got $800-something back as our deposit.

However, it was a a little stressful, and there was a moment where we almost got in serious trouble due to the outflow from a tug pushing a container ship around. But we survived, and it was definitely an experience of a lifetime .

Glad you made it through safe and sound. Thanks for the info.

[mikedefieslife]

As I understand it now, the fees have doubled. Not only that but since COVID you have to use an agent and can't do your own paperwork anymore. I don't know how true it is, but someone also told me you can't use tyres now too. That seems a strange one.

Anyone know if the fees can still be paid online? That was only recently setup before COVID but they might have gone back to the old, carry a few thousand dollars around town to the bank.