In 1601 Fuerte San Félipe and Fuerte San Diego were built near the mouth of the bay, but were subsequently destroyed by Admiral Vernon in 1739. Fuerte San Fernando was later built over the ruins. American engineers dismantled much of the fort later, using its walls to create the breakwater protecting the northern end of the Panama Canal.
Boats can be hired from the water’s edge (US$4 per person round-trip) to bring you across the bay to the fort.
