Planning your trip
What to bring on a private boat charter in Panama: a first-timer's checklist
For a private boat day in Panama, bring sun protection, a swimsuit and towel, a dry change of clothes, a small dry bag, motion-sickness medication if you need it, and any snacks or drinks you like. Strong Tower Adventures provides the Captain, safety equipment and life jackets, water and hydration packs and, on most island trips, snorkeling gear and light snacks. This checklist, drawn from our trip packing lists for charters from Vista Mar Marina, covers the rest.
The day-trip checklist
- Sunscreen and SPF lip balm
- Hat and lightweight SPF or UPF clothing
- Polarized sunglasses
- Small backpack or dry bag
- Camera or phone
- Personal and motion-sickness medication
- Preferred snacks, especially for children
- Swimsuit, towel, and dry change of clothes
Towels and sunscreen are not included on our island trips, so pack your own.
What's provided on most island trips
- A professional Captain and fuel for the advertised itinerary
- Required safety equipment and life jackets
- Snorkeling masks, snorkels and fins (on Taborcillo, aboard Iron Covenant only)
- Light snacks, hydration packs and water
Not included: towels, sunscreen and motion-sickness medication, alcoholic beverages, personal expenses and crew gratuity (15% is recommended). Each trip page lists its exact inclusions.
Extra items for specific trips
Sunset Cruise
Add a light sweater or jacket for the return, and your own wine or favorite beverages. Ice and cooler space are included.
Best fitSunset Cruise$400
Freediving & Spearfishing
A long-sleeve rash guard or water shirt is required, and rain gear helps during the rainy season.
Best fitIntroduction to Freediving & SpearfishingFrom $500/person
Fishing and multi-day trips
Bring comfortable non-slip footwear, rain gear in the rainy season, overnight clothing, toiletries and required photo identification, plus a cooler or transport plan if you are taking fish home.
Best fitBoca Chica Pacific Fishing Expedition$3,000 for 2 days
First-timer tips
- If you are prone to motion sickness, take your medication as directed before departure, not once you feel unwell.
- Keep phones, keys and wallets in a small dry bag; a zipped pocket is not enough on a swim day.
- Wear clothes you can swim in or change out of easily, and bring a dry set for the ride home.
- Bring snacks your children like; light snacks are included on island trips, but kids have opinions.
- Listen to the Captain. Routes, swim stops and timing follow the weather and sea conditions, and safety always comes first.
The day before
Check your confirmation
Departure details are confirmed with each reservation. Message Sam if anything is unclear.
Pack the night before
Use the checklist above and put the dry bag on top.
Charge everything
Phones and cameras, plus the GoPro if you rented one ($25 per trip).
Plan food and drinks
Add the BBQ / picnic ($25 per person) if you have not already, and pack the drinks you want.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need to bring towels?
- Yes. Towels are not included on our day trips, so bring your own along with a dry change of clothes.
- Is food included on a boat charter?
- Island trips include light snacks, hydration packs and water. You can add the Strong Tower BBQ / picnic for $25 per person, and the Pearl Islands Expedition includes breakfast and a boat lunch each day.
- Can we bring alcohol?
- Alcoholic beverages are not included. On the Sunset Cruise you are welcome to bring your own wine or favorite drinks; for other trips, ask the team when you plan.
- Should we tip the crew?
- Crew gratuity is not included; 15% is recommended.
- What if I get seasick?
- Bring motion-sickness medication and take it as directed before departure. Tell the Captain if you feel unwell; the crew will help you get comfortable.