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 by card or 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?+
Yes. Cancellation more than 24 hours before: 100% credit valid 3 months. Less than 24 hours: no refund. No-show: 50% credit + 50% penalty. Date changes allowed up to once per booking.
What if I miss my departure?+
Late arrival is treated as no-show: 50% credit + 50% penalty. Always arrive 1 hour before, minimum 45 minutes.
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.
Payments
What payment methods do you accept?+
Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Yappy. All online payments processed via Tilopay (PCI-certified Panamanian gateway).
Is paying on the site safe?+
Yes. We don't store card data — payments go directly to Tilopay. 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?+
Yes. We issue DGI-authorized electronic invoices for Panama. You receive it by email after payment confirmation.
On the day
Where is the departure point?+
Isla Flamenco · Flamenco Marina · Amador Causeway, Panama City. Public parking available 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 5-8, 9-12, 13-17 (lower for younger). Taboga: single "Child" fare (~5-12 years). Infants under 2 free on both services.
Difference between VIP and Premium cabin?+
VIP: enclosed cabin, panoramic seating, climate control. Premium: open upper deck, social spaces. VIP is ideal for uncertain weather or older travelers; Premium is ideal for groups and photos.
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, open bar, decoration, and sound system with your quote.
What is the maximum capacity?+
La Esperada accommodates up to 77 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.