Pacific Provider Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions that we are frequently asked:

What is not included in my package?
Are taxes and fishing licenses included in my package?
What is included in the transfer fee?
Which airlines fly to Panama City and from where?
When do we depart and arrive from and when do I need to be there?
How long is the travel time from Panama City to Las Perlas and what type of aircraft will I fly on?
Can you recommend some hotels for me in Panama City?
When should I book a flight out of Panama?
What identification do I need for flying to Panama?
How often will the fishing reports be updated?
What is typical weather like in the Las Perlas Islands?
What should I bring and what do I wear fishing?
What are my baggage restrictions?
What communication services are available during my stay?
Do I need a fishing license and where do I purchase it?
Am I able to keep any of my catch?
Can I upgrade my package once I get there?
What if I've never fished before?
Am I able to be self guided during my stay?
What are some activities available on the Ship other than fishing?
Do you have a tipping guideline?
What type of dining can I expect?
How many hours will we spend fishing each day?
Do you have an age limit for children?
What inoculations do you suggest I have before coming to Panama?

What is not included in my package?

Incidental charges not included. You are responsible for booking you own flights to and from Panama City and reserving a hotel in Panama City for the night before your trip with us and the last night of your trip should you require. There is a $250.00 roundtrip per person transfer fee as we arrange your transportation to and from Panama City to the lodge

Are taxes and fishing licenses included in my package?

Unlike our northern destinations, the taxes and fishing licenses are included in the Panama packages.

What is included in the transfer fee?

The transfer fee includes VIP airport services which include expedited customs and immigration clearance. The transfer fee also includes transportation to and from the airport and hotels on travel days in Panama. The cost of the charter flight to and from the Island from Panama is included in the fee as well.

Which airlines fly to Panama City and from where?

There are a number of US carriers flying to Panama City: Continental, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines and the major hubs servicing Panama with daily flights from the US are: Houston, Atlanta, L.A. and Newark. If you are connecting from Canada, you will have to fly either through one of these hubs, or take one of the newly established direct flights from Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary or Edmonton. The carriers in Canada are Copa Airlines and Air Transat.

Connecting from South America, there are a number of flights to Panama. Most flights are operated by Copa Airlines. We suggest checking with you travel agent for flights.

Where do we depart and arrive from and when do I need to be there?

To connect with our charter flight to the Island from Panama City, we ask that you arrive the night before your scheduled trip date to ensure that there are no misconnections or delays.

Upon arrival in Panama City, you will be greeted at the gate by a VIP host and be driven to your hotel. The next morning your WCFC host will arrive at 7:15 AM to greet you at the hotel. The drive to the airport is approximately 15 minutes from downtown allowing plenty of time to catch your 8:00 AM flight.

How long is the travel time from Panama City to Las Perlas and what type of aircraft will I fly on?

You will fly on a chartered wheeled Twin Otter or Caravan and the flight will take 30 minutes to get to the Island.

Can you recommend some hotels for me in Panama City?

We have selected two hotels in Panama City that we recommend for your stay. These hotels offer our guests a special rate and are conveniently located near restaurants and shopping and are in close proximity to the airport:

The Manrey Hotel 

Le Méridien Panama

We will be glad to assist with your hotel reservations at the time of booking your trip. Please discuss your requirements with your client services representative.

When should I book a flight out of Panama?

You will return to Panama City on the final day of your trip at 10:00 AM. This will possibly allow for an afternoon connection to be made to your destination. We always recommend staying in Panama for another night if your time allows.

What identification do I need for flying to Panama?

American and Canadian citizens require a passport to enter the Republic of Panama and the expiration date must be valid for 6 months beyond date of arrival.

How often will the fishing reports be updated?

We make every effort to update our fishing reports once per week; with the most current information we receive from our lodge managers.

What is typical weather like in the Las Perlas Islands?

The Las Perlas Islands are set in a very tropical climate with an average temperature of 79ºF. Rainy season is generally May to November, and dry season from December to April. The temperature ranges between a minimum of 70ºF, and maximum of 92 ºF with an average of 79ºF.

What should I bring and what do I wear fishing?

We suggest you bring your toiletries, required medications, camera with extra battery, good quality sunscreen with a high SPF, polarized sunglasses, sun hat, swim suits and shorts, long and short sleeved shirts, tennis or other rubber-soled shoes or sandals, casual attire for dinner.

Should you wish to bring any additional rods or reels, you are welcome to do so. We will assure that our boats have the best equipment available. Special lures are always encouraged.

What are my baggage restrictions?

Please ensure your one suitcase does not exceed 25 lbs (13.67 kgs) and your carry-on bag does not exceed 15 lbs ( 6.8 kgs). We will send you luggage tags to help us identify your bags in Panama and at the airport, please also make sure that your luggage is properly marked with your name and contact details. 

What communication services are available during my stay?

We will have a satellite communications that you can use as well as wireless internet.

Do I need a fishing license and where do I purchase it?

West Coast Fishing Club will provide your licenses upon your arrival at the lodge.

Am I able to keep any of my catch?

All fishing will be catch and release however should you choose to keep a fish for eating, our chefs would be happy to prepare it for you to enjoy during your trip.

Can I upgrade my package once I get there?

Your Client Services representative will be happy to book your desired package at the time of booking to ensure you get the exact package you require.

What if I've never fished before?

Our guides will teach you everything you need/want to know and you'll come home a better fisherman. A guide will instruct you during your days on the water, familiarize you with the appropriate fishing techniques and constantly share their extensive knowledge.

Am I able to be self guided during my stay?

Due to our location we offer only fully guided packages.

What are some activities available on the Ship other than fishing?

The lodge has a lounge with satellite television and wet bar. Guests can enjoy our hot tub, kayaking, swimming, beach-combing and exploring the jungle with one of our knowledgeable staff.

Do you have a tipping guideline?

Our guidelines for tipping are $35-45 per guest per day to the Captain on your boat, $15-20 per guest per day for Mates and $25 per guest per day for the inside staff. There is a safe available on board should you wish to bring cash.

What type of dining can I expect?

You will enjoy a world class culinary experience at each sitting. Trained at some of the best culinary schools in the world, our executive chefs offers gourmet creations each day of your trip featuring a variety of local seafood, premium meats as well as specialty and organic produce all invoking the cultural influences of Panama. Snacks around the lodge are always plentiful and we will always do our best to accommodate any special dietary requests.

How many hours will we spend fishing each day?

Our boats typically depart at 6:00 AM and will be on the water until they have to be back 6:15 PM when it gets dark.

Do you have an age limit for children?

We like to recommend that children be 12 years and older before their first visit to our lodges. However, we understand all children are different and your client services representative would be happy to discuss your particular situation with you.

What inoculations do you suggest I have before coming to Panama?

We would advise you discuss with your doctor prior to your trip should you be concerned about any necessary inoculations.