Panama Yacht Tips, Routes and Charter Planning

Where a Panama charter starts

A Panama day is planned from the Calzada de Amador, almost always Marina Flamenco, with some boats leaving La Playita, the Balboa Yacht Club or Ocean Reef in Punta Pacífica. Arrive 20 to 30 minutes early. The confirmation names the slip. The fleet, with each boat’s price, is on Panama yacht rentals. The figures by route are on Panama yacht charter prices.

The route is the decision

Choose the route before interpreting a price. A shorter Panama Bay cruise, a longer Taboga trip, and a Pearl Islands itinerary differ in travel time, fuel and vessel suitability. The current Panama fleet has a lowest listed starting package of $800 for 3 hours; this is not the cost of an island route. For current vessel size groups, compare the Panama yacht prices by size and confirm the exact route, hours, marina, crew and fuel with the operator.

What the price includes

The captain and crew are on every boat, so no licence is required. Ice, water, safety gear and Bluetooth sound are on board. Fuel is included, with no extra fees; a 50% deposit reserves the boat. Crew gratuity is optional, and the price includes everything with no extra fees; the only exception is San Blas, where the generator/AC can cost extra on some boats. Catering, a private chef, a DJ and transport are add-ons. Glass stays off the deck.

How the booking is paid

50% of the full charter price is charged today. That deposit is credited to the boat, is non-refundable, pays the crew for holding the date and covers the reservation. The rest is paid at the dock in cash. Panama uses the US dollar, so the figure on the price page is the figure paid. Questions about the captain, the weather call and what fits on board are on the Panama yacht rental FAQ.

Which page answers which question

The bay cruise is Panama City. The island run is Taboga. The long beach day is Contadora and the Pearl Islands. The overnight is San Blas. Parties are on Panama yacht parties, fishing on fishing charters, and the stable boats on catamarans. The slip is on departure marinas. The same questions in Spanish are on consejos para yates en Panamá.

Which guide answers which question

Each planning question has one guide. Start with the route, then the price, then the details of the day.

Prices and what is included

Charters start $800 for 3 hours with the captain aboard. The bands by boat size are on Panama yacht charter prices, the full quote on Panama yacht charter cost, the split per guest on cost per person, and the inclusions on what is included.

Short cruises on Panama Bay

The skyline and the Canal entrance in a few hours: the 3-hour Panama Bay cruise, the 4-hour Panama City itinerary and the sunset charter.

When to go

The Pacific dry season runs roughly mid-December to April and the wet season May to November; San Blas has its own pattern. Month by month on the best time to charter and the best months for San Blas.

Taboga and the Pearl Islands

Taboga is the island day: Taboga day trip and 8-hour Taboga itinerary. The Pearl Islands are a full day or an overnight: start with the Pearl Islands charter guide, then getting there, Contadora, Saboga, the beaches and swimming and snorkeling.

San Blas catamarans

San Blas is a separate Caribbean trip in Guna Yala. The San Blas charter guide covers planning; life aboard covers cabins, meals, bathrooms, air conditioning and WiFi.

Parties and occasions

Every boat takes groups of any size. See party yachts, birthdays, bachelorettes, corporate events and couples.

Booking and the day itself

How to book a private yacht, where charters depart (Flamenco Marina on the Amador Causeway), what to bring and first-time tips. Every boat is on Panama yacht rentals.