FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Answers to what we get asked most. Filter by category — if yours isn't here, message us on WhatsApp.
Bookings & cancellations
How do I book a ticket?+
Pick destination, date, passengers from the search bar. Fill in your info and pay with Yappy. The QR ticket reaches your email in seconds.
How late can I book before a trip?+
Online bookings close 2 hours before departure. After that, message us on WhatsApp to check availability.
Can I cancel or change my booking?+
Cancel 72 hours or more before departure and we refund you 100%. For cancellations with less notice or date changes, message us on WhatsApp and we will sort it out.
What if I miss my departure?+
Always arrive 1 hour before, minimum 45 minutes, so you do not miss the boat. If you arrive late or cannot make it, message us on WhatsApp as soon as possible and we will see how to help.
Can I gift a ticket?+
Yes. Book in the traveler's name (we need their full name and document). The QR goes to whatever email you enter — can be yours and you forward it.
Can I buy at the dock without booking online?+
Yes. You can buy your ticket at the boarding point the same day, subject to seat availability. Booking online secures your spot and fare — recommended on high-demand dates (weekend sunsets and holidays).
Payments
What payment methods do you accept?+
You pay with Yappy from your bank app when completing your booking, and receive your QR ticket by email within seconds. Card payment is coming soon.
Is paying on the site safe?+
Yes. We don't store card data: payment is processed securely to PCI standards. Personal data is handled under Panama's Data Protection Law 81.
Do you accept cash?+
Not on the website. For cash payment, message us on WhatsApp and we coordinate at the marina (subject to availability).
Do you provide electronic invoices?+
When you pay you receive a purchase receipt by email. If you need a DGI-authorized electronic invoice, message us on WhatsApp with your RUC or ID and we issue it after the trip.
On the day
Where is the departure point?+
It depends on the service: Taboga boards at Isla Perico (Amador); Bahía and private charters at Flamenco Marina (Amador). Both on the Amador Causeway, Panama City, with public parking nearby.
How early should I arrive?+
1 hour before departure (minimum 45 minutes). Check-in is with your QR code. No boarding after departure time.
What do I need for check-in?+
Your QR code (email or phone screen) and ID/passport. For preferential senior fares: ID confirming 60+.
Can I bring food and drinks?+
On Bahía and Charter no — the vessel has its own snack and bar service. On Taboga yes (it's regular transport).
Is there parking?+
Yes, public parking around Flamenco Marina. First-come, first-served.
Schedules
- Tuesday: 6:30 pm — 9:30 pm
- Friday: 7:00 pm — 10:00 pm
- Saturday & Sunday: 5:30 pm — 8:30 pm
- Mon & Thu: 7am / 3pm outbound; 8:30am / 3:45pm return
- Friday: 7:30am / 4pm outbound; 8:30am / 5pm return
- Saturday: 7:30am / 10am outbound; 8:30am / 5pm return
- Sunday: 7:30am / 9:30am / 4pm outbound; 8:30am / 3pm / 5pm return
When does the Bay Tour operate?+
When does Taboga service operate?+
Do you operate Taboga on Tuesdays and Wednesdays?+
No service to Taboga on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. For private transport on those days, ask us about charter.
Do you cancel for bad weather?+
Only if AMP (Panama Maritime Authority) suspends navigation for safety. In that case we reschedule at no cost or refund 100%. Light rain doesn't cancel.
Fares & discounts
Is there a senior fare?+
Yes. Panama nationals (Tabogan and otherwise) with ID confirming 60+ pay a preferential fare. On Bahía the senior fare applies to all cabins. Foreign passengers don't have a senior fare.
How much for children?+
Bahía: tiered fares by age (1-4, 5-8, 9-12, 13-17; lower for younger). Taboga: single "Child" fare (~1-12 years). Infants under 1 year travel free in arms, no ticket.
Difference between VIP and Premium?+
Both sail on the same boat and share the same areas — the difference is the onboard service. VIP includes priority boarding, 3 snacks and unlimited drinks. Premium includes 1 snack and access to the social area.
Do you take promo codes?+
Yes. Enter your code at the extras step of checkout. Expired or invalid codes don't apply a discount but the booking still goes through.
Cargo & pets
- 0 — 20 lb · US$ 5
- 20 — 50 lb · US$ 12
- 50 — 100 lb · US$ 25
Can I bring cargo to Taboga?+
Yes, cargo is added to your Taboga ticket by weight bracket:
Cargo over 100 lb requires captain approval — contact us.
Do you allow pets?+
On Taboga yes, with per-leg fee (one-way or round-trip). Pet must travel in a closed carrier. For Bahía and Charter check with us on WhatsApp.
Can I bring construction materials / tools?+
As cargo, yes. For large volumes (moves, heavy equipment) contact us for private cargo charter.
Private charter
What does a private charter include?+
Rental of the entire vessel for the hours you arrange — without sharing with other passengers. We coordinate catering, bar, decoration, and sound system; but you are also free to bring your own catering, decoration, and vendors, however you like.
What is the maximum capacity?+
Our vessels carry up to 104 passengers. If your group is smaller, you still book the whole boat.
How far in advance to book a charter?+
Minimum 1 week, ideally 2-4 weeks. High-demand dates (Friday sunsets, Saturdays in season) fill up earlier.
What is the charter deposit / cancellation policy?+
50% deposit at date confirmation — non-refundable if you cancel. Remaining balance 24 hours before the trip. If we cancel due to weather, we reschedule at no cost or refund 100%.
Safety & accessibility
Do you have life jackets for everyone?+
Yes. Vessels comply with AMP regulations and captains are certified. Life jackets for every passenger and a safety briefing before each departure.
Is it safe for young children?+
Yes, with adult supervision at all times. Pediatric life jackets available for infants and small children. We recommend against bringing infants to night Bahía tours.
Is it accessible for reduced-mobility passengers?+
Vessels have limited wheelchair access. If you need special assistance, message us on WhatsApp in advance so we can coordinate.
What if someone gets seasick?+
The Bay is usually calm. If you're prone to motion sickness, Dramamine before departure helps. Safety bags available on board.