Snorkeling & Fishing in Panama's Pearl Islands: Private 27ft Boat

A 27ft boat, eight hours, and 200 islands to choose from

A private 8-hour fishing and snorkeling charter in Panama's Pearl Islands departs from Flamenco Marina in Panama City aboard a 27ft Proline, carrying up to eight people. You fish during the ride or near the islands, snorkel in clear water, and island-hop to white-sand beaches like Contadora, Mogo Mogo, and Bartolomé. The boat includes professional fishing gear, snorkeling equipment, drinks, a certified bilingual captain and deckhand, and optional BBQ catering. The ride from Panama City takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours each way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private fishing and island hopping

• Depart from Flamenco Marina
• Travel 1.5–2.5 hours to Pearl Islands
• Fish during the boat ride
• Visit islands like Contadora and Mogo Mogo
• Snorkel and swim in clear waters
• Relax on white-sand beaches
• Enjoy BBQ or catering onboard
• Return to Flamenco Marina

The experience

The boat leaves Flamenco Marina in Panama City and runs 1.5 to 2.5 hours out to the Pearl Islands, a Pacific archipelago of over 200 islands, most uninhabited. You spend the day on the water and at anchor, choosing how to fill it: fish from the boat or near the islands using professional gear the captain sets up, snorkel in the clear water around the islands, swim off white-sand beaches, or simply sit at a quiet anchorage. The islands themselves (Contadora, Mogo Mogo, Bartolomé, Saboga, Chapera) have no crowds because most are empty. The tides here are dramatic and shape the whole coastline. The captain knows where the fish run and where the snorkeling is best on any given day.

A certified bilingual captain and a deckhand run the boat and handle the details. Drinks come throughout the day (bottled water, juices, Gatorade, beers), and you can arrange BBQ catering or other meals when you book. The boat has a restroom on board. The charter holds a maximum of eight people, so it stays small and the captain can adapt the day to what your group wants to do. If you're staying in a hotel in Panama City and don't have a car, pickup and drop-off can be arranged for $20 per person.

All weather operates the charter, so dress for sun and wind. You'll need a valid passport for the day of travel and at booking. Children must be with an adult, and the boat is wheelchair accessible. Infants can ride in a pram or stroller, and service animals are welcome.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment and professional fishing gear.
• drinks throughout the day (bottled water, juices, Gatorade, beers).
• a certified bilingual captain and deckhand.
• passenger insurance.
• all taxes and fees.
• a restroom on board.
• optional BBQ catering or other meals arranged at booking.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 06:00, 07:00 and 08:00

Book up to4h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Panama GEM Charters

Is this one for you?Departing from Flamenco Marina in Panama City, this charter works best if you're staying in the city without a car: hotel pickup for $20 per person removes the logistics of getting to the marina, and the captain's bilingual fluency means you don't need to arrange a guide separately or negotiate with local operators at the dock.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How far is the Pearl Islands from Panama City?

The ride from Flamenco Marina in Panama City takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours each way to reach the islands, so you spend roughly four to five hours traveling and three to four hours at the islands and anchorages.

What fishing equipment is included on the boat?

Professional fishing gear is provided and set up by the captain and deckhand. You fish from the boat or near the islands depending on where the captain positions you for the day.

Can I snorkel and fish on the same day?

Yes, the 8-hour charter lets you split the day between fishing, snorkeling, swimming, and beach time at different islands. The captain and deckhand help you move between activities and locations.

What islands can we visit?

The Pearl Islands include Contadora, Mogo Mogo, Bartolomé, Saboga, and Chapera, all with white-sand beaches and clear water. The captain chooses the day's stops based on weather, tides, and what your group wants to do.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off in Panama City are available for $20 per person and must be requested at booking. The boat itself departs from Flamenco Marina.

What's included in the price?

The charter includes snorkeling equipment, professional fishing gear, drinks (water, juices, Gatorade, beers), a certified bilingual captain and deckhand, passenger insurance, and all taxes and fees. BBQ catering or other meals can be added when you book.