F.A.Q.
How do I get to Panama?
American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Copa Airlines all fly to Panama City, Panama (Code PTY). There are convenient flights from all over the United States and Canada.
Do I have to know how to swim?
No. Many people do not swim but enjoy the other activities, or use a flotation device.
Can children come?
They must be at least 16 years old, accompanied by a parent, and you must assume all responsibility.
How far from land do we get?
When day sailing, we can be up to 10 miles offshore. The trip to Taboga island takes about 1 1/2 hours (It's 7 miles from Panama City). When traveling to Contadora in the Las Perlas (Pearl) Islands, the beginning of the island chain is about 36 miles from Panama City. This trip usually takes about 8 hours each way. The islands are in the Bay of Panama, on the Pacific Ocean side. Depending on atmospheric conditions, it is often possible to see the skyscrapers of Panama City in the distance, and looking the other way, see the islands. Once in the islands, there are islands in view at all times.
How many people does Windsong accomodate?
Windsong can accomodate up to 6 people plus the Captain for day sails, Taboga, and sunset cruises. For the three day trip to Contadora, Windsong can accomodate 1-4 people, plus the Captain.
Do I have to do any Cooking and Cleaning on the 3-Day Trip?
Yes! While the Captain is in command of the vessel, this is an interactive sailing experience, and everyone is expected to participate. This is an adventure cruise, not a luxury cruise liner with maid service. Everyone is required to pick up after themselves and assist with the duties of operating the ship, including preparing meals and cleanup.
Will I get seasick?
It is possible for people to become seasick while we are under way. It is advisable for people who are prone to this malady to take anti-seasickness medication. Meclazine and Dramamine are two over-the-counter medications that prevent this syndrome. Bring it with you!
What types of meals are there?
Four hour day sails include lite breakfast items and snacks. The full day trip to Taboga also includes lunch. The 3-Day trip to Contadora includes 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners. You will find the food excellent and always plentiful. Special food needs (Allergies, Vegetarian, etc) can be accommodated with advance notice. Some beverages (coffee, tea, water, juices) are included in the cost of the cruise. Sodas and alcoholic beverages can be ordered, and are an extra charge. For safety reasons on the 3-Day trip, no alcohol will be served while the vessel is underway to and from Contadora Island.
Is there electricity on board?
We have 12-volt batteries to run the lights and other equipment on board. There is no 110v house electricity, so curling Irons, hair dryers, electric shavers, and any other 110v items are not usable. Leave them at home! Bring car chargers (12-Volt plug-ins) for your iPod, cell phone, camera, etc., as those can be accommodated.
Four hour day sails include lite breakfast items and snacks. The full day trip to Taboga also includes lunch. The 3-Day trip to Contadora includes 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners. You will find the food excellent and always plentiful. Special food needs (Allergies, Vegetarian, etc) can be accommodated with advance notice. Some beverages (coffee, tea, water, juices) are included in the cost of the cruise. Sodas and alcoholic beverages can be ordered, and are an extra charge. For safety reasons on the 3-Day trip, no alcohol will be served while the vessel is underway to and from Contadora Island.
Is there electricity on board?
We have 12-volt batteries to run the lights and other equipment on board. There is no 110v house electricity, so curling Irons, hair dryers, electric shavers, and any other 110v items are not usable. Leave them at home! Bring car chargers (12-Volt plug-ins) for your iPod, cell phone, camera, etc., as those can be accommodated.
What do I wear?
Panama is in the tropics. It is hot! Very hot and humid! There is no need to bring a lot of clothes. Luggage storage space is very limited aboard Windsong. There is no place to put large, heavy pieces of luggage. It is required that you use small, collapsible luggage. You will be wearing swimsuits, cover-ups, shorts and T-shirts. One nice set of clothes for arrival and departure are all you will need. We are very casual, but you may wear what you are comfortable in.
Are there rules to follow?
Yes. While having fun is a priority, your safety and the safety of the ship is our Number One Priority. Our rules are easy to live with and for your benefit. The Captain is in charge and has the ultimate authority. Follow his instruction or you will be put off the vessel, with no refund.
Is there fishing available?
Yes. The Bay of Panama has world class fishing, and more IGFA awards have been won here than anywhere else in the world! Windsong always has lines out while underway. Bring your own gear, if you’d like. Depending on the season, yellowfin tuna, dorado, wahoo, marlin, red snapper, grouper, sierra, and other species are caught.
Do I have to bring my own snorkeling equipment?
We have some equipment, but to assure a good fit, bring your own if you have it.
What other cost will I have to pay?
Items not included in the price of the cruise are: round trip airfare to Panama, transportation to/from the airport, Panamanian Tourist Visa. sodas and alcoholic beverages aboard Windsong, souvenirs, meals and drinks on land. Panama has a $40 departure tax per person, which is usually added to your airline ticket. If not, you will pay the departure tax when you check in for your return flight.
Will I be clearing Customs and Immigration?
Yes. Panama, Republic of Panama is a foreign country. You will need a valid passport. The airline at your departure point will sell you a Panamanian Tourist Visa (Currently $5), which will be stamped, (along with your passport), at Panamanian Immigration. Sometimes, the airline will not have Tourist Visas for sale. In that case, you will purchase your Tourist Visa upon arrival in Panama, before getting in line for Immigration.
Can I smoke or do illegal drugs aboard the Vessel?
Windsong is a non-smoking vessel, so no smoking will be allowed aboard the vessel at any time. Sail Windsong Adventures has a no tolerance policy regarding drugs. NO Drugs will be allowed aboard. The Captain can and will search for drugs, if suspected, and the perpetrators will be ejected from the vessel. There will be no refund. Panama is very strict about illegal drugs. You would not be happy getting caught!
What language is spoken?
Panama is a Spanish speaking country; however, since the U.S.A. operated the Panama Canal for almost 100 years, there are many people who speak English. Your Captain is from the U.S., and speaks fluent English. Also, United States currency is the national currency of Panama, although it is called the “Balboa”. So there is no worry about figuring out costs in a foreign currency.
Are there rules to follow?
Yes. While having fun is a priority, your safety and the safety of the ship is our Number One Priority. Our rules are easy to live with and for your benefit. The Captain is in charge and has the ultimate authority. Follow his instruction or you will be put off the vessel, with no refund.
Is there fishing available?
Yes. The Bay of Panama has world class fishing, and more IGFA awards have been won here than anywhere else in the world! Windsong always has lines out while underway. Bring your own gear, if you’d like. Depending on the season, yellowfin tuna, dorado, wahoo, marlin, red snapper, grouper, sierra, and other species are caught.
Do I have to bring my own snorkeling equipment?
We have some equipment, but to assure a good fit, bring your own if you have it.
What other cost will I have to pay?
Items not included in the price of the cruise are: round trip airfare to Panama, transportation to/from the airport, Panamanian Tourist Visa. sodas and alcoholic beverages aboard Windsong, souvenirs, meals and drinks on land. Panama has a $40 departure tax per person, which is usually added to your airline ticket. If not, you will pay the departure tax when you check in for your return flight.
Will I be clearing Customs and Immigration?
Yes. Panama, Republic of Panama is a foreign country. You will need a valid passport. The airline at your departure point will sell you a Panamanian Tourist Visa (Currently $5), which will be stamped, (along with your passport), at Panamanian Immigration. Sometimes, the airline will not have Tourist Visas for sale. In that case, you will purchase your Tourist Visa upon arrival in Panama, before getting in line for Immigration.
Can I smoke or do illegal drugs aboard the Vessel?
Windsong is a non-smoking vessel, so no smoking will be allowed aboard the vessel at any time. Sail Windsong Adventures has a no tolerance policy regarding drugs. NO Drugs will be allowed aboard. The Captain can and will search for drugs, if suspected, and the perpetrators will be ejected from the vessel. There will be no refund. Panama is very strict about illegal drugs. You would not be happy getting caught!
What language is spoken?
Panama is a Spanish speaking country; however, since the U.S.A. operated the Panama Canal for almost 100 years, there are many people who speak English. Your Captain is from the U.S., and speaks fluent English. Also, United States currency is the national currency of Panama, although it is called the “Balboa”. So there is no worry about figuring out costs in a foreign currency.
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