San Blas Luggage Limits for Private Flights and 4×4 Transfers
If your San Blas catamaran charter is part of a longer trip through Panama, pack a separate bag for the islands. A private flight has a combined weight limit for passengers and bags. If you travel by road, your luggage has to fit in both the 4×4 and the water taxi.
Private flights to San Blas
We recommend a small, soft-sided carry-on for the flight from Panama City. You can leave your other luggage with the airline at no extra cost and collect it when you return.
The table shows the maximum combined weight of all passengers and all luggage, including carry-ons. Prices are in US dollars, one way, for the whole aircraft. Taxes are separate.
Private aircraft option | Maximum passengers | Combined passenger and luggage weight | One-way price |
2-passenger aircraft | 2 | 450 lb (204 kg) | $700 |
5-passenger aircraft | 5 | 750 lb (340 kg) | $900 |
5-passenger aircraft with higher weight capacity | 5 | 1,000 lb (454 kg) | $1,350 |
6-passenger aircraft | 6 | 1,500 lb (680 kg) | $1,750 |
9-passenger turboprop | 9 | 1,900 lb (862 kg) | $2,100 |
The right aircraft depends on both your group size and total weight. A group of five may need the higher-capacity option even though both aircraft seat five. If you’re bringing bulky equipment, let us know in advance so we can check that it will fit. See our private flights to San Blas.ç
4×4 and water taxi luggage allowance
You can book a private or shared 4×4 for the road transfer. The water taxi from the port to your catamaran is shared in both cases. A private 4×4 may have more room for bags, but space on the water taxi is limited, so the same luggage restrictions apply to both options.
The transfers company allows one small, soft-sided backpack or carry-on per person. The published limits range from 28 to 30 lb, so confirm your allowance before departure if your bag is close to that weight. Hard-shell suitcases are prohibited. Arrange any additional baggage in advance, as extra charges apply.
If you’re leaving extra luggage in Panama City, the transfers company offers storage for US$7 per suitcase per day. Your hotel may also be able to hold your bags. Ask in advance and check the pickup hours, especially if you have an onward flight after your charter.
What to bring for your San Blas charter
A soft duffel or backpack is easy to stow in your cabin. Pack swimwear, a few lightweight changes of clothes, a rash guard, sandals, a hat and sunglasses, oil-free sunscreen, and any personal medication. Keep your original passport, some cash in US dollars, and a waterproof pouch for your phone and documents handy during the transfer.
We provide bath and beach towels, snorkeling gear and water toys on board. See our full San Blas packing guide.
What happens after you book?
Once your reservation is confirmed, we send you a preference form. It asks about food and drinks, including dietary requirements, as well as each guest’s body weight and luggage weight. We use that information to prepare for your stay and, if you’re flying, to confirm which aircraft can carry your group and bags.
Typical departure and arrival times
Transfer | From Panama City to your catamaran | From your catamaran back to Panama City |
Private flight | A typical departure from Albrook is 7:30 a.m., landing in San Blas around 8:10 a.m. A short dinghy ride takes you to your catamaran. | A typical departure from the San Blas airstrip is also 7:30 a.m., landing at Albrook around 8:10 a.m. Allow time for the short, 2 minute dinghy ride from your catamaran to the airstrip. |
4×4 and shared water taxi | Pickup in Panama City is usually around 5:15–5:30 a.m., with arrival at your catamaran around 10:00 a.m. | You typically arrive back in Panama City around midday or early afternoon, depending on the traffic, and your drop-off location. |
Some guests prefer to leave Panama City later or spend a little more time aboard on their last day. We can adapt private flight times to your plans, subject to availability. For example, a 10:30 a.m. departure lands around 11:10 a.m., and a 1:00 p.m. departure lands around 1:40 p.m., in either direction. If you’re flying into San Blas, add the short dinghy ride to reach your catamaran.
The latest checkout from the catamaran is 3:30 p.m. This late checkout carries a supplement equal to half of your nightly charter rate.
If you have an onward flight from Tocumen, let us know when you book so we can help you plan the connection.
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