Frequently Asked Questions

Fill out our booking form on this website, message us on WhatsApp at +507 6840 0045, or email mail@oceanride.city. We'll confirm availability and send a detailed proposal within 4 hours during business hours.

We require a 30% deposit to confirm your booking, with the balance due 7 days before your charter date. For last-minute bookings (within 7 days), full payment is required at booking.

Cancellations 14+ days before departure receive a full refund. Cancellations 7–14 days before receive a 50% refund. Cancellations within 7 days are non-refundable, but we'll do our best to reschedule. We offer weather insurance — if we cancel due to unsafe conditions, you receive a full refund or free reschedule.

Yes, subject to availability. WhatsApp us directly at +507 6840 0045 for the fastest response. We often can accommodate last-minute requests, especially on weekdays.

All our charters include: professional licensed captain and crew, fuel, snorkeling equipment (masks, fins, vests), life jackets, onboard safety equipment, freshwater for rinsing, anchor at private islands, and basic beverages (water, soft drinks). Full catering, open bar, and premium extras are available at additional cost.

No hidden fees. Applicable extras that some clients add: open-bar package, full catering meals, Kuna Yala entry permit (required for San Blas, ~$20/person), fishing licenses, PADI dive guide, and special decorations for events. We'll itemise everything in your proposal.

Pricing is per vessel, not per person. This means the more people in your group, the better the value. A private catamaran charter to San Blas for 8 people costs the same as for 2 people.

From the Caribbean coast (Carti dock, ~2 hour drive from Panama City), it's 20–40 minutes to the nearest San Blas islands by speedboat. From Panama City directly by sea, the journey is 2–3 hours — we recommend multi-day charters for this route.

Yes. San Blas (Guna Yala) is an autonomous indigenous territory. All visitors must pay an entry fee of approximately $20 USD per person, paid at the checkpoint. We include this in your trip briefing and can arrange payment on your behalf.

We tailor itineraries based on weather, tides, and your preferences. Popular stops include Isla Pelícano, Isla de los Perros (Dog Island), Niadub (Senidup), and the Holandés Cays. For multi-day trips, we anchor overnight at uninhabited islands far from tourist routes.

Safety is our top priority. All vessels are registered with Panama's ACP (Canal Authority), carry full commercial insurance, and are equipped with EPIRB, life rafts, flares, and first aid. Our captains monitor weather 48h in advance. If we determine conditions are unsafe, we will reschedule or refund — no questions asked.

No experience needed at all. Our licensed captains handle all navigation. You just need to show up, relax, and enjoy. However, if you do have a sailing license and want to take the helm, let us know — we can arrange supervised helm time.

Yes, all ages are welcome. We carry child-sized life jackets for ages 2–12, and our captains are experienced with family trips. We recommend day trips or the Taboga / Contadora routes for families with young children, as the sea conditions are generally calmer.

Yes. We hold full commercial operating licenses from Panama's ACP and Tourism Authority (ATP). All vessels carry comprehensive liability insurance. Our captains are certified by STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers).