Direct Charter Boat: Professionalism and Transparency for Your Vacation
At Direct Charter Boat, we are an association of boat owners operating without intermediaries or agencies, ensuring a direct booking experience free of commissions or hidden costs.
Backed by our legal registration in Panama (RUC 155711144-2-2021 DV35) and commercial and charter authorizations (Aviso de Operaciones N° 155711144-2-2021-2021-574272684, Habilitación Legal para Charter N° 042-2023), we offer a serious and transparent operation. Furthermore, our boats are insured under the commercial policy with SURA (N° CA110379), and our crews are professionally trained and certified, guaranteeing safety and peace of mind on every voyage.
Choosing us means trusting true professionals committed to providing exceptional and legal service so you can enjoy a worry-free vacation. Sail with us with confidence and security!
The price includes:
Captain, steward/cook, double and single cabins with private bathrooms, a sofa/bed in the saloon, bedding, towels, and hygiene products.
Dinghy, barbecue, 2 paddleboards, kayak, and snorkel gear.
Fuel, freshwater tank, breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages in moderate consumption.
The price does not include:
Transportation
San Blas Fees:
By road: Community entrance fee (UD5/pax) + island visit fee (U$D 3/pax).
By El Porvenir airport: Community entrance fee (U$D 20/pax).
By Corazón de Jesús airport: Community entrance fee (UD 12/pax).
Souvenirs and any consumption outside the boat.
7% ITBMS (local sales tax).
In a Shared Charter, you share the boat and the common areas with other people traveling just like you, but you have your own private cabin. In a Private Charter, the entire boat is private for you and your guests. No one else, except the crew, will share space with you.
Moderate alcohol consumption is considered to be a level of consumption that does not lead to intoxication. This limitation is due to the importance of not endangering or compromising the safety of everyone onboard.
Tips generally range between 5% and 15% of the total trip cost, depending on the effort demonstrated by the captain and the cook during the experience. Tipping is never mandatory and is always at the client’s discretion. You can give the tip directly to the captain or cook via cash or through us, and we will deliver it to whomever you specify.
The minimum time to see two or three islands is two days. The recommended duration is 3 to 5 days to truly enjoy this paradise without rushing!
Very few things are needed in paradise: You will literally live in a swimsuit! Bring at least two swimsuits, as it’s a good idea to always have a dry one. You will only need shoes for the journey to and from the boat, so a good pair of sandals works perfectly. A couple of summer dresses, shorts, sun-protective long-sleeve Lycra shirts, and a windbreaker for the evening should be everything you need.
Remember to bring enough cash, as there are no ATMs in San Blas. Also, bring plenty of $1 bills; the Kunta people rarely have change in case you want to buy something!
You must carry your passport to show to the authorities at the entrance to the region.
Travel light and avoid rigid or wheeled suitcases.
Remember it’s a tropical environment; we advise bringing sunglasses, a cap, sun cream, and mosquito spray.
Don’t forget to bring your best adventurous and curious spirit to enjoy life at sea.
Little more than your passport, but be sure to check all the details on the official Panama tourism website, as these requirements may vary: https://es.tourismpanama.com/planea-tus-vacaciones/avisos/
Yes, you will have free connection to a broadband internet service, thanks to the Starlink satellite system.
Yes, you can use it.
To formalize the reservation, simply make a bank transfer of 50% of the total trip amount. No reservation will be considered firm until this reservation amount is credited via bank transfer.
The remaining amount of the trip must be paid in cash in $USD upon the client’s boarding. The charter will not begin until the client has deposited the money with the captain.
Keep in mind that your trip is all-inclusive on board, except for transportation costs, island entrance fees (if traveling to San Blas), tips, and souvenirs. Therefore, extra expenses once on the boat are minimal. We recommend bringing no more than $300 in cash.
Of course, you can. Furthermore, you can download the vessel rental agreement in the general conditions section, where you can view our cancellation policy.
In case of bad weather, we are the first to cancel the charter, as the safety of the vessel and everyone on board is paramount. In such a case, we will refund the total reservation amount, excluding any transfer fees.
There are two options for getting to San Blas from anywhere in Panama:
1. Fly to San Blas
A taxi will pick you up at Tocumen Airport (Panama) or your hotel in Panama City to take you to Albrook Airport (approximate cost: U$D 25). From there, a private plane will take you to the Corazón de Jesús or El Porvenir airstrips in San Blas, where the boat crew, anchored nearby, will pick you up and take you aboard.
The cost is significantly higher than going by road, but it is by far the best option as it only takes about 50 minutes, compared to the 4–5 hours by road. The amount is paid directly to the flight provider. We can provide you with contacts for air transport. There are no commercial flights.
Details for a shared light aircraft: from U$D 350 per person, round trip, or from U$D 1,000 for a private three-seater plane, round trip.
Upon entering San Blas by plane, you must pay an additional fee of around $USD 10 per trip for the plane and U$D 12 in cash per person for using the airstrip.
2. By Road to San Blas
There is a road over the mountains from the Pacific side of Panama to San Blas on the Caribbean side. Although it’s paved, it has many curves and steep ascents and descents. The journey takes 2 to 3 hours, starting from Tocumen Airport or Panama City, and ending at the Cartí San Blas port.
A 4×4 vehicle is required for this road. Group 4×4 services are available from anywhere in Panama City (hotel or home pick-up from 5 to 6 a.m.) for approximately U$D 80 per person, round trip, paid directly to the driver. The sailboat crew can arrange this transport upon request and provide you with the driver’s contact number.
If you have your own 4×4, you can also drive to Cartí and park for $USD 5 per car.
From Cartí, you will board a small water taxi to the boat, which will be waiting anchored within the San Blas islands. The crew will provide you with instructions for boarding the sailboat the day before your charter. The water taxi service will be waiting for you at the Cartí port. The water taxi transport fee is paid at the Cartí maritime transport office. The cost depends on the total number of passengers traveling in the same direction but is usually around U$D 40 per person, per trip.
There is an entrance fee to San Blas of $USD 20 per person with a passport or $USD 5 for Panamanian residents, collected at a checkpoint on the road by representatives of the Guna Yala Congress (San Blas). Don’t forget your passport or Panamanian ID!
Bring approx. $USD 180 in cash per person for the 4×4, entrance fee, and water taxi.
In San Blas, we operate under the rules of the indigenous community of Kuna Yala. Only the Kuna people, with the water taxis that transport tourists to and from the boats, have the authority to embark and disembark passengers at the San Blas port.
If you choose to arrive in San Blas by air transport, the boat will be waiting right next to the airstrip, and the crew will also be waiting at the same airstrip to take you to the boat with a 2-minute dinghy ride, starting your journey through paradise.
However, if you choose to enter by land, the weather conditions for your travel dates will determine the location where the boat will be anchored for your arrival and for route planning. Nevertheless, we are happy to hear your preferences, whether for a route focused on relaxation, discovering the culture of San Blas, snorkeling, or why not, a little bit of everything!
For land transport, the approximate costs are:
Taxi from anywhere in Panama City to the San Blas port: $80 per person, round trip.
Water taxi from the San Blas port to the catamaran: $70 per person, round trip.
For air transport, the approximate costs are:
Taxi from anywhere in Panama City to Albrook Airport: $25 per car and transfer.
Private light aircraft from Albrook Airport to the San Blas airport: From $1,000, three seats, round trip.
Entrance fee: $22 per person.
Island visit fee: $3–$2 per person.
If entering by light aircraft, there is an additional charge of $10 per plane and trip.
Entrance fee: $22 per person.
Island visit fee: $3–$2 per person.
If entering by light aircraft, there is an additional charge of $10 per plane and trip.
San Blas is an ideal destination for adventure travelers to visit all year round. Temperatures are the same all year (averaging ), and hurricanes and tornadoes do not reach this area.
During the dry season there is a lot of wind for sailing. If sailing is your priority, we encourage you to visit during this time.
The rainy season has the advantage of having truly calm waters; this is when snorkeling and swimming are best enjoyed.
In any case, with climate change, the weather varies greatly and no longer follows established patterns so closely; you will still have some rain in the summer and many sunny days in the winter.
The high-quality food consists of a wide selection of fruits, vegetables, meats, and seafood: popular appetizers, snacks at all times (fruits, cheeses, dips, chips, sweet and savory crackers…), in addition to fresh fish and fresh lobster, depending on the seasonal catch (we respect the no-catch season for seafood in San Blas from March 1st to June 30th). The food is bought fresh for each charter, allowing us to create unique menus that can be viewed in advance. If you or your guests have any food preferences or dietary restrictions, we easily adapt to your request one week before the charter takes place.
Onboard, the youngest passengers require the same, if not more, attention than adults. We offer menus based on fresh local products and international cuisine, with varied, simple, and healthy dishes. If children have food preferences or dietary restrictions, we easily adapt to their request one week before the charter takes place.
Children enjoy being onboard much more than adults! Furthermore, this activity with your family has many benefits: family bonding, few electronic distractions, time for daydreaming and reflection, connection with nature and animals in a safe way, sibling interaction, childhood memories, and unique teaching and learning moments await the little ones!
Children under 12 years old receive a 50% discount, and children under 3 years old do not pay if they sleep with their parents.
Not at all! It is very rare for you to get seasick while sailing around the San Blas islands. This is because all the islands are surrounded by a large coral reef barrier that protects them from large waves. Additionally, we always try to choose routes specifically designed for calm and relaxing journeys.
In any case, we share several methods that help prevent traveler seasickness:
Before boarding: Sleep well the night before and do not drink alcohol. Drink plenty of water to reduce dehydration and minimize hangover effects.
Avoid acidic or high-fat foods. Avoid foods high in histamine, such as aged cheese, eggs, canned fish, alcohol, or chocolate.
Never board on an empty stomach. It’s good to have a full stomach, but not excessively so.
It can be prevented with dimenhydrinate medication (like Dramamine). It is important to take it about half an hour before sailing, as it is useless once you are already seasick.
Once onboard: Avoid enclosed spaces and going below deck: Try to stay outside, at the front of the boat (the bow). By looking at the horizon and seeing the direction and course of the boat, you can find or maintain your balance. The breeze will also help by preventing heat and clearing your head.
Try to avoid intense odors, such as perfumes and cigarettes (of course, no smoking), as they increase and facilitate unwanted seasickness. Once again, remember to seek open, fresh air.
Avoid focusing your sight on nearby objects, and do not read; let your gaze drift over long distances.
Protect yourself from the sun.
Jump into the water.
Do not bend down or lower your head.
Do not close your eyes, as you will get even sicker.
Seasickness has a certain psychological factor: if you think you are going to get sick, you will end up sick.
Participate in the navigation tasks.
Drink sugary soft drinks like Coca-Cola.
Take ginger, either in an infusion, sucking on it, or simply smelling it.
Breathing is key to avoiding and reducing the effects of motion sickness; the best thing is to take large gulps of air and exhale slowly.
Above all, trust our crew; with years of experience, they have all the knowledge to alleviate seasickness and will do everything possible to ensure you are comfortable at all times!
Imagine waking up in bed and the paradise of San Blas delighting you every morning with the vision of a moving and always different sunrise. If you feel like it, you can have breakfast on deck or dive straight into the sea for a dip. As you swim in the turquoise and clear blue waters, you can see the bottom, spot starfish, turtles, dolphins, fish of all colors, and manta rays… until you reach the beach just a few meters away by snorkeling or paddleboarding. Meetings with Kuna friends and direct contact with their culture await you, perhaps over a bottle of rum at night!
The crew will be experienced sailors who love life at sea and are immensely happy to share it with you, opening the doors of their floating home while showing you the wonders of nature. The boat will be your apartment and means of transport.
Since we like to eat healthily, the sailors fish or buy fresh fish and seafood directly from the Kuna people, so the menu will not lack fresh fish and seafood, even grilled! But you might first weigh anchor towards our next island to eat. These trips through the San Blas archipelago by sailboat or catamaran are usually short, an hour or two, which we take advantage of to sunbathe, relax on deck, and breathe that pure air that only the sea can give us.
Afterward, a swim, meal, nap, and perhaps changing islands to spend the night in another beautiful spot. All that remains is to end a wonderful day by sleeping with the gentle rocking of the boat, feeling the sea breeze on your body every night and in the absolute silence where you will discover that you love nature more than you thought.
Imagine waking up every morning in La Paz, Baja California, with a spectacular sunrise over the calm waters of the Sea of Cortez, known as the “aquarium of the world.” Start the day enjoying breakfast on the boat’s deck or diving directly into the surrounding crystalline waters. As you swim, you come face to face with impressive marine life: playful sea lions, whale sharks, manta rays, and an incredible variety of tropical fish. Later, you paddleboard or snorkel until you reach pristine white-sand beaches, surrounded by unique and desert landscapes.
The crew, formed by expert sailors passionate about this region, will welcome you as part of their family. With them, you will discover the most magical corners of La Paz while enjoying the comfort of your boat, which will be both your floating home and your guide to new adventures.
Onboard, every meal will be an unforgettable experience. From freshly caught fish and seafood to fresh fruits and vegetables from the region, everything is prepared with a local touch. You can savor your favorite dishes, even grilled, while the boat sets sail for another paradisiacal destination.
The transfers are relaxed and short, perfect for sunbathing on deck and feeling the tranquility of the sea. Each day concludes with the calm of sleeping under a sky full of stars, with the sea breeze accompanying you and the gentle rocking of the boat. Exploring La Paz by boat is not just a trip; it is an experience that deeply connects you with nature and its extraordinary beauty.
The possibility of bringing your furry companion on board will depend on each boat and captain. Some boats allow pets for a small extra cost, but we always recommend checking directly with the captain before making the reservation.
We want to ensure that both you and your pet enjoy a comfortable and safe experience at sea. Don’t hesitate to ask and plan the best trip for everyone together!
Unfortunately, the rules of the indigenous community of San Blas indicate that windsurfing and kitesurfing are completely prohibited. However, it is possible to snorkel and fish in the company of the Kuna people!
Yes, La Paz is an excellent destination for kitesurfing, especially due to its ideal climate, calm waters, and constant winds. The Bay of La Paz is a popular spot among lovers of this sport, as it offers a safe environment and spectacular scenery. The predominant seasonal winds, which run from November to April, provide perfect conditions for kitesurfers of all levels. Don’t hesitate to embark on a kitesurfing adventure in La Paz and enjoy the incredible beauty of the Sea of Cortez!
The yellow fever vaccine is mandatory for all persons traveling from Brazil, who must present the international vaccination certificate issued by ANVISA, administered at least 10 days prior to arrival.
Exceptions:
Children under 1 year and adults over 60 years of age.
Travelers in transit in Brazil who do not leave the transit areas.
Holders of a certificate of contraindication for medical reasons.
Recommended vaccines: Hepatitis A and B, Meningitis, Tetanus, Typhoid fever and anti-malarial treatment; Rabies (in some areas of the country).
Please note that this information is for informational purposes only, and the health entry requirements for a country always depend on your country of origin. It is the traveler’s duty to consult this information with the official sources: Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Health, Embassies, or any other government health agency, for the specifications regarding travel to this Caribbean area.
Specific vaccines are not required to enter Mexico under normal health conditions. However, it is recommended to have the following vaccines up to date as a preventive measure, especially if you plan to explore rural areas or outdoor activities:
Tetanus and Diphtheria (Tdap)
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Typhoid fever (if you will consume food outside of tourist areas).
Additionally, if you are coming from a country where yellow fever is endemic, Mexico may request a vaccination certificate against this disease. Verify the specific requirements according to your country of origin before traveling.
For greater safety, consult with a doctor or travel clinic.
Let us know in advance about your special dietary requirements, and we will take care of everything. Whether you are celiac, vegetarian, or have specific allergies or intolerances, our team will ensure your meals are delicious and adapted to your needs. Your comfort and satisfaction are our priority!