How Much Does a San Blas Catamaran Charter Cost? (2026 Pricing Guide)
One of the most common questions we receive at AMPA Tours is: “How much does a San Blas catamaran charter cost?” The answer varies significantly depending on the type of charter, the size of the boat, the duration, and the time of year. This guide gives you everything you need to budget accurately for a San Blas sailing vacation in 2026.
Private vs Shared Charter, Which is Right for You?
Before discussing pricing, it’s important to understand the two main types of San Blas catamaran experience:
Private Charter
You book the entire catamaran exclusively for your group. The boat, the captain, the chef, and the itinerary are entirely yours. You choose where to go, when to eat, and how long to stay at each island. This is the premium experience, and the one AMPA Tours specialises in. Private charters are ideal for couples, families, groups of friends celebrating a special occasion, or anyone who values privacy and flexibility.
Shared (Cabin) Charter
You book one or two cabins on a catamaran alongside other guests you don’t know. You share meals, the cockpit, and the itinerary. It’s the budget-friendly option, popular with solo travellers and backpackers. The trade-off is less privacy and less flexibility.
San Blas Private Catamaran Charter Prices (2026)
AMPA Tours private charter pricing is structured by boat and number of guests per night. All prices below include the crew, meals, drinks and water toys on board. Transport from Panama City ($140 per person round trip on the shared 4×4) and the $22 Guna Yala tax are separate. Rates run from mid-size catamarans up to the Lagoon 56, which carries air conditioning in every cabin and Starlink onboard.
Lagoon 42, Private Catamaran (Up to 4 Guests)
- 2 guests: from $1,900/night all-inclusive
- 3 guests: from $2,100/night all-inclusive
- 4 guests: from $2,300/night all-inclusive
The Lagoon 42 is our most popular boat for couples and small families, air-conditioned cabins, fully equipped galley, and exceptional performance under sail.
ELBA 45, Private Catamaran (Up to 8 Guests)
- 2 guests: from $2,200/night
- 4 guests: from $2,700/night
- 6 guests: from $3,200/night
- 8 guests: from $3,700/night
The ELBA 45 is ideal for larger friend groups or two families sharing a charter. More space on deck, more cabins, and the same all-inclusive service.
Salina 48, Private Catamaran (Up to 10 Guests)
- 2 guests: from $2,540/night
- 4 guests: from $3,130/night
- 6 guests: from $3,720/night
- 8 guests: from $4,310/night
The Salina 48 is our flagship for larger groups. Spacious cabins, a large outdoor living area, and the smoothest ride across open water.
Planning a short trip? Our 3-day San Blas sailing itinerary shows the days and the 2-night price for every boat.
What is Included in the Price?
All AMPA Tours private charter prices include:
- ✅ Full professional crew, experienced captain and onboard chef
- ✅ Three meals per day, freshly prepared on board
- ✅ Snacks, fresh fruit, and drinks with and without alcohol (in moderation)
- ✅ Snorkeling equipment and fins for all guests
- ✅ Dinghy with outboard motor for island excursions
- ✅ Stand-up paddleboard and/or kayak (varies by boat)
- ✅ Boat mooring and anchorage fees
- ✅ Fuel for the entire charter
What is NOT Included?
- ❌ Transport from Panama City to the boat (a separate service we arrange)
- ❌ Guna Yala entry tax ($22 per person, paid in cash at the checkpoint)
- ❌ Mola purchases from Guna craft markets
- ❌ International flights to Panama City
- ❌ Panama City hotel nights before/after the charter
Cost Per Person Breakdown
To make the pricing more tangible, here’s what a 5-night private charter works out to per person depending on group size:
- Couple (2 people), Lagoon 42, 5 nights: approx. $4,750 per person
- Group of 4, Lagoon 42, 5 nights: approx. $2,875 per person
- Group of 6, ELBA 45, 5 nights: approx. $2,667 per person
- Group of 8, ELBA 45, 5 nights: approx. $2,313 per person
The more people sharing the boat, the lower the per-person cost. Larger groups of 6–8 people get exceptional value, comparable to a high-end resort but with an experience that’s genuinely priceless.
How Much is a Shared Charter in San Blas?
Shared trips on our boats cost about $200 to $450 per person a night, depending on the boat and season. This is significantly cheaper but comes with shared spaces and the social dynamics of living with strangers. For budget-conscious solo travellers, it can be a great option.
Peak Season vs Low Season Pricing
Charters carry a 20% surcharge per night for nights between 20 December and 10 January and over Carnival and Holy Week, and between 20 December and 10 January most boats need at least 5 nights; the exact minimum depends on the boat and its captain. Availability is also much more limited from December through March. For Christmas and New Year, book 4 to 6 months ahead, and book early for Carnival and Holy Week, to secure your preferred boat and dates.
Is a San Blas Catamaran Charter Worth the Cost?
Overwhelmingly, yes. Our guests consistently tell us that their San Blas charter is the best travel experience of their lives, not just the best of a particular trip, but across all the travel they’ve done. When you consider that the price covers accommodation, all meals, all activities, all transportation within the islands, and a dedicated crew of two for your entire group, it represents exceptional value compared to a comparable luxury resort experience.
And unlike a resort, you wake up somewhere different every morning, a new island, a new anchorage, a new piece of the 365-island archipelago that most people on earth will never see.
Get a Custom Quote for Your Group
Every charter is different, different group sizes, different dates, different durations. The best way to get an accurate price is to send us your details and we’ll respond within a few hours with a personalised proposal.
Request your custom San Blas charter quote →
AMPA Tours Fleet: Pricing by Catamaran
| Catamaran | Size | Cabins | Max Guests | From (per night) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lagoon 37 | 37 ft | 3 | 5 | $900 |
| Lagoon 42 | 42 ft | 2 | 4 | $1,900 |
| ELBA 45 | 45 ft | 4 | 8 | $2,200 |
| Leopard 50 | 50 ft | 4 | 10 | $2,760 |
| Salina 48 | 48 ft | 4 | 10 | $2,540 |
| Ipanema 58 | 58 ft | 6 | 12 | $3,100 |
| Sunreef 62 | 62 ft | 4 | 10 | $2,280 |
All charters include captain, cook, meals, drinks with and without alcohol (in moderation) and snorkeling gear; most boats have wifi, often Starlink. Transport from Panama City is not included: a private 4×4, or a shared 4×4 at $140 per person round trip.
Plan your trip
Private catamaran charters from $725 per person per night at 2 pax, lower rates for groups of 3+. All-inclusive with crew, meals, and Starlink on the luxury fleet.
Replies within 2 hours (Panama hours) · Local team, book direct · Rated 5.0★ by past guests
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How much does a catamaran charter in San Blas cost per night?
Per person per night for 2 guests: from $450 on a catamaran and from $725 on a catamaran with A/C, with lower per-person rates for bigger groups on most boats. Per boat, that is $900 a night for 2 guests on a Lagoon 37 ($920 from 1 December 2026) and $1,450 for 2 on a Leopard 40 with A/C. Holiday dates cost 20% more, and most boats need at least 5 nights between 20 December and 10 January. Each boat page shows its full price table.
What is included in a San Blas catamaran charter?
The boat with its crew (a captain and a cook on every catamaran), meals and snacks cooked on board, drinks with and without alcohol in moderation, snorkel gear, a paddleboard or kayak, and fuel. Most boats have wifi, often through Starlink. Not included: the Guna Yala tax, $22 per tourist and $7 per Panamanian resident (includes the $2 port fee; children under 9 exempt), paid in cash at the Nusagandi checkpoint, and transport from Panama City: a private 4x4 for your group or a shared 4x4 ($140 per person round trip), plus the water taxi to the boat, which you add when you book.
How many people can charter a catamaran in San Blas?
It depends on the boat: from 4 guests on the Lagoon 42 and 5 on the Lagoon 37 up to 12 on the Lagoon 57-F and the Ipanema 58. Each boat page shows its maximum.
How far in advance should I book a San Blas catamaran charter?
For Christmas and New Year, book 4 to 6 months ahead: those dates fill first, and holiday bookings are non-refundable once confirmed. Book early for Carnival and Holy Week too. In other months you can often book closer to the date. Send us your dates on WhatsApp and we will tell you which boats are free.