Frequently Asked Questions
Yacht Rental in Panama — Your Questions Answered
What is included in a luxury yacht charter in Panama?
Every private yacht rental with Panama Yachts Travel includes a professional crew, port and passenger fees, an ice cooler with bottled water, and a gas BBQ kit. Most vessels also add floating mats, floaters, a Bluetooth sound system and, on select yachts, a floating pool. You only bring your food, drinks and swimwear.
How do I book a yacht and how much is the deposit?
Booking is simple: message our team on WhatsApp with your preferred date, group size and destination. To confirm the reservation you pay a 50% deposit, and the remaining balance is settled on the day of your charter. We recommend booking at least a few days in advance, especially on weekends and holidays when the fleet fills up quickly.
What are the most popular destinations for a day charter from Panama City?
All charters depart from the Flamenco Marina on the Amador Causeway in Panama City. The three favorite routes are the Bay of Panama for a relaxed half-day sail with skyline views, Taboga Island for a full-day beach escape, and the Pearl Islands (Contadora) for crystal-clear water and snorkeling. Sport-fishing charters run toward Taboga and Las Perlas, where the waters are rich with marlin, tuna and dorado.
How many passengers can the yachts hold?
Our fleet ranges from an intimate 38-foot sport boat for up to 10 guests to the NORTHSTAR 102 and Ana Cristina 105 yachts, which carry up to 35 passengers. Mid-size options like the LURS 42, Periboat 54 and the LEGGON 42 catamaran comfortably fit groups of 16 to 20 — ideal for birthdays, corporate outings and bachelor or bachelorette parties.
How much does it cost to rent a yacht in Panama?
Private charters start at $850 USD for a 4-hour Bay of Panama tour on the Sea Zure and scale up to $10,500 USD for a full-day trip to Contadora aboard the 102-foot NORTHSTAR. Catamarans and mid-size yachts for Taboga typically run between $1,350 and $2,850 USD, with the exact price depending on the vessel, destination and duration.
What is the difference between renting a yacht and a catamaran?
A yacht offers more speed, height and cabin space, while a catamaran like the LEGGON 42 sits flatter and wider on the water — more stable, more deck space, and its own party pool. Catamarans are a favorite for large groups who want to socialize, swim and sunbathe, whereas motor yachts suit travelers who want to reach islands like Contadora faster.
Can we go swimming, snorkeling or fishing on board?
Yes. Every charter includes floaters and floating mats for swimming stops, and many yachts carry snorkeling-friendly gear and Bluetooth music for the day. If fishing is your goal, the INTREPID 38 is a dedicated sport-fishing boat equipped with fishing gear and an experienced captain and mate for trips to Taboga and Las Perlas.
Do we need to bring our own food and drinks?
The charter provides an ice cooler, ice and bottled water, plus a gas BBQ kit so you can grill on board. Guests bring their own food, alcoholic beverages and any special snacks. This keeps the experience fully customizable — you set the menu, the drinks and the vibe, and our crew handles the grill and the sailing.
When is the best time of year to charter a yacht in Panama?
Panama is a year-round destination. The dry season, from mid-December through April, brings the calmest seas and sunniest skies — perfect for island hopping to Taboga and Las Perlas. During the green season the mornings are usually clear, so early departures are recommended. Whatever the month, our captains monitor conditions to keep every trip safe and comfortable.
