Planning your trip
The best islands to visit by boat from Vista Mar on Panama's Pacific Coast
From Vista Mar Marina on Panama's Pacific Coast, the islands you can reach on a private day charter are Farallón, Otoque and Taborcillo, while the Pearl Islands and Coiba open up on longer, custom-planned trips. Strong Tower Adventures runs all of them as private charters, with the Captain shaping each route around the weather, sea conditions and your group. Here is how they compare and who each one suits.
Day trips from Vista Mar Marina
Farallón: the half-day island escape
Farallón Island is the shortest island trip we run, about 5 hours dock-to-dock. It's an offshore stop on Panama's Pacific Riviera for swimming and snorkeling, with a dramatic natural sea arch. It's $500 on Iron Covenant or $700 on Oasis. Best for families, first-timers and anyone who wants the afternoon free. Fishing is not offered on this trip.
Best fitFarallón IslandFrom $500
Otoque: a full day of island life
Otoque Island is about 23 nautical miles from Vista Mar Marina, a full day of about 8 hours. It pairs a coastal village of colorful houses with beaches, snorkeling and the open-water scenery of the Gulf of Panama. The surrounding area is known for seasonal humpback whale watching, generally July through October, though sightings are never guaranteed. From $750; Fun fishing ($100) and a paddleboard ($25) can be added.
Best fitOtoque IslandFrom $750
Taborcillo: the John Wayne island beach day
Taborcillo is a private island near Punta Chame, once owned by John Wayne and still known as John Wayne Island. Our day of about 9 hours follows the coastline of Chame Bay at an unhurried pace, with swimming and beach time when access allows. From $850. Snorkeling gear is included on Iron Covenant only; on Oasis it's a beach day. Shore visits depend on local restrictions and Captain approval.
Best fitTaborcillo IslandFrom $850
Multi-day and custom island trips
The Pearl Islands
The Pearl Islands Expedition is 3 days and 2 nights based at Hacienda del Mar on Isla San José, combining offshore cruising, snorkeling, fun fishing and private island exploring aboard Oasis. From $3,750 for a couples escape. Scuba diving can be coordinated separately through Hacienda del Mar.
Best fitPearl Islands ExpeditionFrom $3,750
Coiba
Coiba National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a destination for a custom Coiba itinerary aboard Iron Covenant built around snorkeling, diving and exploring. It is individually planned: availability and pricing depend on the itinerary, permits, park requirements, weather and sea conditions.
Best fitCustom Coiba Island AdventuresRequest pricing
Iguana Island and Pearl Islands diving
For divers, we arrange private diving to Iguana Island or the Pearl Islands from Vista Mar Marina. Talk with the team about your group, preferred destination and experience level; pricing is on request.
Best fitIguana Island & Pearl Islands DivingCall for pricing
How to choose
- Half a day: Farallón.
- A full day with snorkeling and wildlife potential: Otoque.
- A long, relaxed beach day: Taborcillo.
- A trip of its own: the Pearl Islands, or a custom Coiba itinerary.
- Fishing as part of the day: Otoque with the Fun fishing add-on, or a dedicated Boca Chica fishing expedition.
How to plan an island day
Choose the island by time
Count back from when you need to be home: about 5, 8 or 9 hours dock-to-dock.
Choose the boat by group
Oasis carries up to 10 guests with a private enclosed restroom; Iron Covenant carries up to 6 adults or 8 with children, with an open deck for active days.
Add what makes it yours
BBQ / picnic ($25 per person), drone footage ($50) or a GoPro ($25).
Pack and go
Use our what-to-bring checklist, then send your request. The team confirms every charter personally.
Frequently asked questions
- Which island is the shortest trip from Vista Mar Marina?
- Farallón. It is a half-day charter of about 5 hours dock-to-dock, with swimming and snorkeling.
- Can we go ashore on the islands?
- Sometimes. Shore landings depend on local access restrictions, conditions and Captain approval, and are never guaranteed. At Taborcillo, beach time happens when access allows.
- Will we see whales near Otoque?
- The Otoque area is known for seasonal humpback whale watching, generally from July through October, but wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
- Can we fish on an island day?
- Fishing is not offered at Farallón or Taborcillo. At Otoque you can add Fun fishing for $100 per trip, and dedicated fishing trips leave from Boca Chica.