Snorkeling from a Private Yacht in Panama

Yachts for a snorkeling day

The boats above are the Panama yachts and catamarans with the range for the islands. What matters for snorkeling is a low swim platform and a ladder, so guests get in and out easily, and shade for the time in between. The catamarans have the widest swim steps and stay level at anchor.

Where to snorkel

The Pearl Islands are the snorkeling day: the reef off Saboga, a short hop from Contadora; the rocks and sand around Pacheca and Chapera; and the quieter anchorages such as Mogo Mogo. The fish are Pacific reef fish, parrotfish, angelfish, puffers and schools of snapper, with rays over the sand. Taboga, closer to the city, has rocky coves on its north and east sides for a shorter swim. The islands are on Pearl Islands yacht charters and Taboga Island yacht charters.

When the water is best

The dry season, December to April, has the calmest Pacific. In those months cooler water can rise in the Gulf of Panama, so the sea can be colder than you expect and visibility changes from day to day. The green season, May to November, has warmer water and short afternoon storms, so the swim is planned for the morning. The captain picks the anchorage by that day's sea, not by the name on the plan.

Getting to the reefs

The Pearl Islands are 38 nautical miles from Amador: quickest on a fast yacht, slower on a catamaran, which is steadier at anchor. Taboga is 12 nautical miles across, the closer snorkeling day.

Gear and getting in

Ask the team which boat carries snorkel gear when you book, or bring your own mask and fins, which fit better. Life jackets are aboard and can be worn in the water by anyone less confident. The crew sets the ladder, points out where to swim and keeps watch from the boat. Get in from the swim platform, not by jumping from the rail.

Protecting the reef

Use reef-safe sunscreen or a rash vest. Do not stand on, touch or kick the coral, and keep fins up off the bottom in shallow water. Do not feed or chase the fish, and take nothing from the reef. The captain anchors on sand, away from the coral, so the anchor does no damage at all. Fishing lines and snorkelers do not mix: on a day that combines both, the captain separates the fishing spot from the swim.

Snorkelers and non-swimmers together

A Pearl Islands day suits mixed groups: the snorkelers go in at the reef, the others stay on deck, on a beach at Contadora or in the shallows in a life jacket. Children snorkel with an adult beside them and a life jacket on. Lunch at anchor, from your cooler or from catering added to your charter when you book, splits the day between two swims.

Price and booking

The day is priced by the route, with the captain and the crew on the card; the same boat costs more for the Pearl Islands than for Taboga because the crossing is longer. A 50% deposit online holds the date, and the balance is paid in person on the day. In whale season, July to October, the same day can meet humpbacks; that version is on whale watching in Panama.