Who can I speak to regarding any additional inquiries I may have?

Feel free to contact our offices. We are ready to receive your call 24/7. For additional information, call us directly on the following numbers:

(507) 232-7521 | (507) 6022-1103 | (507) 6677-4402 | (507) 6998-7727

Chat with us through Whatsapp

You can have immediate inquiries through our live chat (click here)

Our direct email with the fast response is: sales@panamagemcharters.com

Please note that due to time differences, sometimes there may be a delay in answer to your emails. However, the GEM Charters customer service team will do its best to respond to all messages as soon as possible.

Which is the best option of boat for me?

The 2 main factors determining the type of vessel are the total number of passengers and your charter’s primary focus. For example, a fishing charter would require a fast cruising boat to reach fishing grounds with plenty of deck space with rod holders for the fishing action. Compared to a party charter where speed is not the main factor. In contrast, you get a lovely spacious deck and comfortable air-conditioned interiors to enjoy the party.

Keep in mind that some vessels combine different purposes. If you are unsure about your vessel selection, contact our sales department for a custom-made charter experience!

What boat license will I need for my trip (as a customer)?

Our vessels and crew are fully licensed; this is the only licensing required. There is no licensing required for clients, not even for fishing charters.

What time of year should I plan my charter?

Panama has been blessed with pristine conditions with changing attractions throughout the year. For example, from June to October, we get the visit from humpback whales, one of the longest mammal migrations in the world! There are top-of-the-line fishing conditions year-round, 2 different oceans, and one of the biggest artificial lakes right in the middle of the Panama Canal to explore and fish. Contact our sales department for the best recommendations based on your inquiry. (CONTACT US)

What do I need to bring?

Our main recommendations include sunglasses, a bathing suit, probably extra dry clothes, sunblock, a camera, and a towel. Also, since vessels depart from registered sites, a valid ID is required (passports for foreigners and/or Panama official ids like migration permits and cédula for Panamanians).

We provide a basic courtesy on every vessel an ice pack, juices, Gatorade, bottled waters, and beer.

How do I Book/Reserve/Pay my charter?

Once you have chosen your desired vessel, a 50% reservation deposit is required to fully reserve it. This can be done by credit card, bank transfer to our commercial account, PayPal, online payment, or cash. Balance can then be paid before departure at the departure site. After every payment to GEM Charters, you will receive a formal legal note as official proof of payment.

What additional costs besides the boat can I expect?

From the moment you depart until you come back, there should not be any more payments required by Gem. Furthermore, our packages do not include any personal things you acquire on the islands, like souvenirs, food, and drinks.

You should take into account might be the rental of extra equipment and services we offer at GEM Charters; please click to check the complete list.

How do I get to my boat?

Once you confirm the desired vessel, we will let you know the exact departure site with a map or Google Maps location for reference. At the departure site, we have dock masters ready to receive you, guide you to the vessel, introduce you to the crew, and deal with the remaining balance. In addition, Panama GEM Charters offers a shuttle service that is not included in the price of the boat. We are happy to arrange that for you. 

Am I dealing with a certified charter company?

GEM Charters is registered in Panama Commerce Authority and the Panama Maritime Authority. Our vessels are all registered, and our crews are certified and licensed. On every departure, Maritime Authorities will revise both vessel and crew licenses. On the other hand, after every payment to GEM Charters, you will receive a legal note as proof of payment.

How far in advance should I book my charter?

Panama is a major boating destination; we have fishing, whale and dolphin watching, calm coastal areas to cruise, and beautiful islands to explore. Therefore clients tend to reserve vessels in advance. However, suppose you have a specific date like a birthday or particular days during your travels in Panama. In that case, we recommend reserving your date and vessel with a booking deposit to assure availability. We are always ready to head to sea; therefore, we accept last-minute reservations depending on availability.

What if I’m making a last-minute booking?

Our sales department is ready 24/7 to assist you with a last-minute booking. In case the vessel you initially desired might be booked, we will make sure we have the most convenient alternative ready to have you on board with us!

Are tips/gratuities included?

Tips are not included since they are voluntary. However, our crews are professional seamen who love their work and will always try to comply with your wishes. In addition, they may be able to present various new possibilities along the way to make your charter a brilliant experience.

Gratuities will always make them happy, and rates are at your discretion. Nevertheless, it is customary to tip the Captain and crew. A decent tip might be reasonable if you have had a wonderful time and think it was due to the crew’s long hours and attention to detail.

Besides the yacht, what else is included?

Our basic package includes all operational costs like fuel, licensing, and docking fees. Onboard you will find packed ice, juices, bottled waters, and beer as a courtesy.

All vessels come with a certified and licensed crew. In addition, bilingual staff can be offered upon request.

Other services can be offered upon request, such as:

• Land round trip transportation
• Catering service with hard liquor
• Overnight accommodations on the islands
• Restaurant reservations on the islands
• Snorkeling fear
• fishing gear
• Whale watching guide with a hydrophone
• SCUBA diving
• DJ
• Bartender
• Entertainment
• Video/Photo memories package with professional camera and drone

Always check your personalized quotation to check what is included in your specific charter.

What if we bring our food and beverages?

That is fine with no problem; the boats count with plenty of storage refrigerated space. Keep in mind there will be no extra charge for this, especially no corkage fee. Feel free to quote our complete catering packages hassle-free. Keep in mind the Captain is the authority at sea, and he can restrain alcohol consumption for a situation that requires his intervention for safety reasons. Please inform particular religious or personal factors like kosher to make necessary arrangements. Always count on our courtesy pack, full of ice, juices, Gatorade, bottled waters, and beer.

What are the cancelation policies?

Unavoidable some factors might cause a cancelation, like dangerous weather conditions or any personal reason. Once this situation occurs, we will try to have immediate contact with you to re-schedule, make a substitution or arrange a refund. Heading out to sea on board with us is a top-of-the-line adventure. We will always do whatever is within our reach to make the best of your time and come up with the best solution possible. Click here for our policies of cancelations and reserves.