Pearl Islands Snorkeling Private Yacht Charter from Panama City

Snorkel, fish and island-hop across an archipelago of 200 islands in a single day

A private 8-hour yacht charter from Panama City to the Pearl Islands lets you snorkel, fish, swim and island-hop across an uninhabited archipelago with white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. The boat departs from Flamenco Marina and visits islands like Contadora, Saboga, Mogo Mogo, Chapera and Bartolomé. You decide which activities fill your day. Snorkeling gear, fishing equipment, drinks and a bilingual captain are included. Hotel pickup is available for an extra charge.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private yacht charter and island activities

• Depart from Flamenco Marina
• Travel to Pearl Islands archipelago
• Island hop to Contadora, Mogo Mogo, Bartolomé, Chapera
• Fish in deepsea or coastal spots
• Snorkel or swim at designated sites
• Relax onboard with drinks and music
• Enjoy optional BBQ or lunch on Contadora
• Return to Flamenco Marina

The experience

You board at Flamenco Marina in Panama City and cruise 1.5 to 2.5 hours out to the Pearl Islands, a Pacific archipelago of over 200 islands where most remain uninhabited. The yacht is a Viking 46ft with air-conditioning, a flybridge, bathrooms and a sound system: built for a full day of comfort rather than speed. A certified bilingual captain and deckhand run the boat and handle the logistics, leaving you free to choose how to spend the hours ahead.

The day is yours to shape. Snorkel at sites the captain knows, using the provided gear and swimming in clear water over shallow reefs. Fish for deep-sea or coastal species with professional equipment supplied. The captain has established fishing spots along the route. Island-hop to white-sand beaches on islands like Contadora, Saboga, Mogo Mogo, Chapera or Bartolomé: some busy with visitors, others quiet. Swim off the boat or wade ashore. Relax on the flybridge with a cold drink. If you want lunch, you can either request the onboard BBQ service or stop at Contadora to eat at a local restaurant serving fresh seafood and Panamanian fare.

The boat carries bottled water, juices, Gatorade and beer throughout the day. Everything runs on your pace and preferences. There is no fixed itinerary, no group schedule, no stops you did not choose. The captain adjusts based on weather, tide and what you want to do next.

What’s included

• Passenger's insurance.
• bottled water, juices, Gatorade and beer.
• snorkeling equipment.
• professional fishing gear.
• air-conditioned yacht with flybridge and restroom.
• certified bilingual captain and deckhand.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day6 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 11:00

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 5 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendly

Operated by Panama GEM Charters

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to customize your itinerary hour by hour. Choose which islands to visit, how long to stay at each, and whether to prioritize snorkeling, fishing, or beach time, rather than follow a set route.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide 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, and how long does the boat ride take?

The Pearl Islands lie in the Pacific about 1.5 to 2.5 hours by yacht from Flamenco Marina in Panama City, depending on which islands you visit and sea conditions.

Can I fish on this charter, and do I need my own equipment?

Yes, fishing is included and you can fish during the cruise or at coastal spots the captain knows. Professional fishing gear is provided, so you do not need to bring your own.

Is lunch included, or do I need to bring food?

Lunch is not included in the base charter, but you can request an onboard BBQ service (vegan and kosher options available) or stop at Contadora island to eat at a local restaurant with fresh seafood and Panamanian cuisine.

Does the yacht have bathrooms and air-conditioning?

Yes, the Viking 46ft includes air-conditioning, a flybridge, and onboard restrooms, so you stay comfortable throughout the day even in Panama's heat.

Can my hotel arrange pickup and drop-off?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available upon request for $20 per person. Otherwise, you meet the boat at Flamenco Marina in Panama City.