Panama Guide: Luxury Yacht Charter in Panama

Panama sits at the crossroads of the Americas – a narrow isthmus connecting two continents and separating two oceans, threaded by the most famous waterway on Earth. For yacht charter guests, this geography translates into one of the most diverse cruising grounds in the Caribbean and Pacific combined. On the Caribbean side, the San Blas Islands (Guna Yala) scatter 365 palm-fringed islands across 200 miles of turquoise coastline – an autonomous indigenous territory where the Guna people have maintained their culture and governed their waters for centuries. On the Pacific side, the Pearl Islands archipelago fans out just 35 nautical miles from Panama City’s glittering skyline, while the UNESCO-listed Coiba National Park protects pristine reef, whale-watching grounds and some of the most rewarding diving in the eastern Pacific.

Between these two worlds runs the Panama Canal – one of the great engineering achievements of the modern era – and at its Pacific entrance sits Panama City, a cosmopolitan capital whose Casco Viejo old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of cobblestone streets, Spanish colonial architecture and some of the best restaurants in Central America. Flamenco Marina on Isla Flamenco, 20 minutes from the city centre, offers over 260 slips for vessels up to 61 metres. On the Caribbean side, Shelter Bay Marina at the canal’s Atlantic entrance accommodates superyachts up to 97 metres, while Red Frog Beach Marina in Bocas del Toro handles vessels up to 91 metres with full resort amenities.

Whether you’re planning a week among the coconut-palm islands of San Blas, a multi-day Pearl Islands circuit with superyacht-level privacy, or a cross-ocean transit combining Caribbean and Pacific waters, Panama offers a breadth of charter experiences that few countries can match. Enquire with Boatcrowd for availability and pricing on our Panama fleet.

Why Charter a Yacht in Panama

San Blas: 365 Islands, One for Every Day of the Year

The San Blas Islands are one of the last genuinely unspoilt island archipelagos in the Caribbean. Roughly 365 islands and cays – only 49 of them inhabited – dot a 200-mile stretch of Panama’s Caribbean coast, governed by the indigenous Guna people under their own laws and customs. Most of the islands are tiny: a crescent of white sand, a handful of coconut palms, a fringing reef and nothing else. There are no resorts, no high-rises, no jet skis – just crystalline water, healthy coral and a silence broken only by the wind in the palms. For charter guests, San Blas is the ultimate private-island experience: your captain picks a different uninhabited island each day, your crew sets up shade and a beach barbecue, and you snorkel pristine reef that sees only a handful of visitors a week. The cultural dimension adds depth – visits to Guna communities offer a respectful window into one of the most intact indigenous cultures in the Americas.

Two Oceans, One Country

Panama is the only charter destination where you can cruise both the Caribbean and the Pacific in a single voyage. The Panama Canal connects the two oceans across 80 kilometres of locks, lakes and jungle-lined channels – a transit experience that is part engineering marvel, part wildlife encounter (crocodiles, monkeys and toucans line the banks of Gatun Lake). Start your charter in the turquoise calm of the San Blas Islands, transit the canal to the Pacific, and finish among the Pearl Islands or the remote diving grounds of Coiba – all within a week. It is a voyage unlike anything else in the Americas.

The Pearl Islands: Pacific Privacy Within Sight of the City

The Pearl Islands (Islas de las Perlas) are an archipelago of over 200 islands and islets scattered across the Gulf of Panama, just 35 nautical miles – roughly 90 minutes at cruising speed – from Panama City. Named for the pearls that drew Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century (the 31-carat Peregrina Pearl, later owned by Elizabeth Taylor, was found here), the archipelago today offers deserted beaches, calm anchorages and a sense of tropical isolation that belies its proximity to a capital of two million people. Contadora and Viveros islands have a scattering of boutique properties, but most of the archipelago is undeveloped – your yacht becomes the only accommodation you need.

Coiba: A UNESCO Diving Paradise

Coiba National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005, protects 38 islands and over 270,000 hectares of marine and terrestrial ecosystems in the Gulf of Chiriqu’ on Panama’s Pacific coast. The park’s isolation – Coiba served as a penal colony from 1919 to 2004, which inadvertently preserved 80% of its natural resources untouched – has produced reef systems over 5,000 years old and a marine diversity that rivals the Gal’apagos. Thirty-three shark species, humpback whales (July–October), whale sharks (January–April), manta rays and schools of jack, tuna and barracuda populate waters where visibility regularly exceeds 25 metres. For diving-focused charter guests, Coiba is world-class.

Top Destinations Near Panama

• San Blas Islands (Guna Yala) – An autonomous indigenous territory of 365 islands stretching 200 miles along Panama’s Caribbean coast. Palm-fringed, uninhabited islands with pristine reef, crystal-clear water and no commercial development. Guna communities on the inhabited islands offer cultural visits, traditional mola textiles and fresh seafood. The ultimate private-island charter experience.

• Pearl Islands – An archipelago of 200+ islands 35 nautical miles from Panama City. Deserted white-sand beaches, calm Pacific anchorages and excellent snorkelling. Contadora Island offers a small airstrip and boutique restaurants. The archipelago featured in several seasons of Survivor and offers Hollywood-worthy beach settings with genuine seclusion.

• Coiba National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Gulf of Chiriqu’, comprising 38 islands and 270,000+ hectares of protected marine ecosystem. World-class diving with 33 shark species, humpback whales, whale sharks and reef over 5,000 years old. Access from Santa Catalina on the mainland (roughly 20–25 nautical miles) or as part of a Pacific coast charter.

• Bocas del Toro – A Caribbean archipelago in north-western Panama, roughly 170 nautical miles from Panama City by sea. Natural anchorages, coral gardens, Starfish Beach, Dolphin Bay lagoon and Red Frog Beach. Red Frog Beach Marina accommodates vessels up to 91 metres with full resort amenities including helipad and spa.

• Casco Viejo – Panama City’s UNESCO-listed old town on the Pacific waterfront. Cobblestone streets, Spanish colonial architecture, the National Theatre, rooftop bars and some of Central America’s finest restaurants. A natural starting or finishing point for any Panama charter, with Flamenco Marina just 20 minutes away.

• Panama Canal – The 80-kilometre waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. A yacht transit takes roughly 8–10 hours and passes through three sets of locks and the jungle-lined Gatun Lake – where crocodiles, howler monkeys and toucans line the banks. An engineering and wildlife experience unlike anything else in the charter world.

• Gulf of Chiriqu’ – A Pacific gulf bordering Costa Rica, home to Coiba National Park and the marine reserve of Isla Parida. Humpback whales (July–October), excellent fishing and remote, jungle-backed anchorages. A natural extension of any Costa Rica or Coiba charter.

Best Time to Charter a Yacht in Panama

Dry Season: December to April

Panama’s dry season brings the most comfortable conditions for both Caribbean and Pacific itineraries. Clear skies, warm temperatures (30–33’C / 86–91’F), calm seas and minimal rainfall make this the peak charter period. The San Blas Islands are at their finest – turquoise water, steady trade winds and excellent visibility for snorkelling. The Pearl Islands enjoy calm Pacific conditions ideal for beach days and diving. Charter rates are at their highest during Christmas and New Year, but January through April offers excellent conditions at slightly softer pricing.

Green Season: May to November

Panama’s green season brings warm temperatures and short afternoon rain showers, typically lasting one to two hours. Mornings are usually sunny and calm. The Pacific coast comes alive with marine life: humpback whales arrive at Coiba from July and stay through October, and whale sharks appear from January to April. The San Blas Islands can receive more rainfall during this period, but conditions remain pleasant for cruising. Charter rates drop by 15–25% and anchorages are quieter. Bocas del Toro’s September and October are relatively drier than the rest of the Caribbean coast.

Year-Round Caribbean Warmth

Panama’s Caribbean coast – including the San Blas Islands and Bocas del Toro – maintains warm, tropical conditions year-round, with water temperatures of 27–29’C and air temperatures rarely dropping below 28’C. The trade winds keep the air fresh and the anchorages comfortable. There is no hurricane risk – Panama sits south of the Atlantic hurricane belt, making it one of the safest year-round charter destinations in the Caribbean. This weather reliability, combined with the country’s two-ocean access, means there is no true off-season for a Panama charter.

Signature Experiences

• Private Island Picnic in San Blas – Your captain selects an uninhabited island – palm trees, white sand, a fringing reef and nothing else. Your crew tenders ashore with shade, cold drinks and a full barbecue while you snorkel the pristine reef metres from the beach. No other footprints on the sand, no sounds but the wind and the water. The definition of barefoot luxury.
• Panama Canal Transit – Cruise through one of the world’s great engineering marvels – three sets of locks lifting and lowering your yacht between two oceans, the jungle-lined banks of Gatun Lake alive with howler monkeys and toucans, and the Culebra Cut carved through the continental divide. An 8–10 hour experience that is part history lesson, part wildlife encounter, and entirely unforgettable.
• Whale Watching at Coiba – Between July and October, over a thousand humpback whales gather in the waters around Coiba National Park. Cruise among them as mothers nurse their calves, juveniles breach and pods sing in the deep. Your captain keeps a respectful distance, but encounters are often remarkably close. Surface after a morning dive on a 5,000-year-old reef and watch whales from the aft deck with a cold drink in hand.
• Casco Viejo Sundowners – Moor at Flamenco Marina and tender to Panama City’s UNESCO-listed old town as the sun drops. Walk the cobblestone streets, browse the galleries, and climb to a rooftop bar for a rum cocktail overlooking the Pacific entrance to the canal and the modern skyline beyond. Dinner at Maito – one of Latin America’s top 50 restaurants – caps the evening.
• Guna Cultural Visit – Tender to an inhabited San Blas island and meet Guna families who have governed this archipelago for centuries. Learn about mola textiles – the vibrant, layered-fabric art form that is the Guna’s most distinctive cultural expression – and share a meal of fresh-caught fish and coconut rice prepared by community cooks. A genuine cultural exchange, not a tourist performance.
• Pearl Islands Beach Day – Anchor off a deserted island in the Pearl Islands and spend the day on a white-sand beach that could double as a film set (it has – several seasons of Survivor were filmed here). Your crew arranges paddleboards, snorkelling gear and a gourmet picnic, while dolphins play in the channel between the islands. Return to Panama City by sunset.

Yacht Types Available

Panama’s two-ocean access and diverse cruising grounds attract a growing fleet of charter yachts. Flamenco Marina (Pacific) and Shelter Bay Marina (Caribbean) serve as the primary bases, with Red Frog Beach Marina offering an additional Caribbean option in Bocas del Toro. Your Boatcrowd charter specialist can source the right vessel for your itinerary, whether Caribbean, Pacific or a canal-transit combination.

• Luxury Motor Yachts (78’–99’) – Speed and flexibility are key advantages for Panama’s varied itineraries. A motor yacht cruising at 18–25 knots covers the 35-nautical-mile run to the Pearl Islands in roughly 90 minutes, making multi-destination Pacific charters comfortable and efficient. Accommodation for 6–8 guests in 3–4 en-suite cabins with a crew of 3–5 and a full complement of water toys. Weekly rates typically start from around $40,000–$90,000 depending on season and yacht.

• Superyachts (100’+) – Shelter Bay Marina on the Caribbean side accommodates superyachts up to 97 metres, while Red Frog Beach Marina handles vessels up to 91 metres. Several superyachts transit the Panama Canal each season, making it possible to charter on both oceans in a single voyage. A superyacht in the San Blas Islands – floating among 365 uninhabited islands with five-star service – is one of the great charter experiences in the world. Weekly rates from roughly $120,000–$250,000+.

• Luxury Catamarans (55’+) – The most popular option for San Blas Island charters, where shallow draft and stability are essential. Premium power catamarans navigate the reef-protected waters with ease, anchor close to shore on uninhabited islands, and provide a wide, stable platform ideal for families and groups. Fully crewed with captain, chef and steward/ess. Weekly rates from approximately $25,000–$50,000 depending on season and vessel.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a yacht charter in Panama cost?

Charter pricing depends on yacht type, itinerary, season and inclusions. Luxury catamarans (55’–80’) – the most popular choice for San Blas charters – start from around $25,000–$50,000 per week, fully crewed. Motor yachts (78’–99’) typically start from $40,000–$90,000 per week. Superyachts (100’+) start from roughly $120,000–$250,000+ per week. Most charters operate on MYBA terms: base rate plus an Advance Provisioning Allowance (usually 25–35%) covering fuel, food, drinks and dockage. Green-season rates are typically 15–25% softer. Panama Canal transit fees are additional and vary by vessel size. Enquire with Boatcrowd for a personalised quote.

Are luxury catamarans available for charter in Panama?

Yes, and they are the most widely available option for San Blas and Caribbean itineraries. Boatcrowd’s fleet includes premium power catamarans ideal for the shallow, reef-protected waters of the San Blas archipelago. Their shallow draft allows anchoring close to uninhabited islands, and the wide beam provides a stable platform for snorkelling, diving and tender operations. Catamarans come fully crewed and are particularly popular with families and groups who appreciate the generous deck space and minimal rolling.

Can I charter a yacht in Panama for a film or TV production?

Yes. Panama’s extraordinary range of locations – a modern city skyline, a UNESCO-listed colonial old town, a Caribbean island archipelago, Pacific beaches, jungle-lined canals and pristine underwater environments – has attracted major productions. The James Bond film Quantum of Solace (2008) filmed extensively in Panama City and Casco Viejo, while several seasons of Survivor used the Pearl Islands as their arena. Boatcrowd can arrange production-friendly charters with vessels that accommodate camera crews, lighting rigs and talent, and coordinate with local authorities for filming permits. Panama’s position outside the hurricane belt ensures reliable shooting conditions year-round.

Is Panama a good destination for a proposal, honeymoon or milestone celebration?

Panama is exceptional for celebrations. Imagine a sunset proposal on a deserted San Blas island – just you, white sand, palm trees and a bottle of champagne chilled by your crew. A honeymoon itinerary might weave between the private-island seclusion of San Blas, a canal transit at dawn, and a candlelit dinner in Casco Viejo’s rooftop restaurants. For milestone birthdays, a Pearl Islands beach day with a gourmet chef’s table on the sand, or a Coiba diving adventure followed by a whale-watching sundowner, creates memories no resort can match. Let Boatcrowd know the occasion when you enquire.

Can I bring the whole family, including grandparents and young children?

Absolutely. The San Blas Islands’ calm, shallow waters and sandy-bottom anchorages are ideal for young children – wade-in swimming from the beach, beginner snorkelling over shallow reef, and the novelty of a different island every day. The Pearl Islands offer similarly calm conditions on the Pacific side. Catamarans provide the widest, most stable platform for multi-generational groups. Crews are experienced with guests of all ages: children get island treasure hunts and fish-spotting games, while grandparents appreciate the gentle pace, shaded deck spaces and attentive service.

Can I transit the Panama Canal on a charter yacht?

Yes, and it’s one of the most unique charter experiences in the world. A full Panama Canal transit takes approximately 8–10 hours and passes through three sets of locks, Gatun Lake and the Culebra Cut. Transit fees vary by vessel size but are typically $2,000–$5,000 for yachts. Your Boatcrowd charter specialist handles all permits and scheduling. The transit can be combined with cruising on both oceans – start in the San Blas Islands on the Caribbean side, transit to the Pacific, and finish among the Pearl Islands or at Flamenco Marina in Panama City.

Can I combine Panama with Costa Rica in one charter?

Yes. The Pacific border between Panama and Costa Rica is just 15 nautical miles from Golfito (Costa Rica) to the Panamanian side, and the Gulf of Chiriqu’ – home to Coiba National Park – is a natural extension of any southbound Costa Rica charter. On the Caribbean side, Bocas del Toro sits near the Costa Rican border. A 7–10 day itinerary can comfortably cover Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula, cross into Panama for Coiba diving and whale watching, and continue to the Pearl Islands or Panama City. Your Boatcrowd charter specialist will design a cross-border route.