Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020

Contadora Island ferry schedule + information

Country forums / Central America / Panama

Hi guys,
I have some information to share:

By Ferry Boat: PANAMA PEARL
150 passenger boat with seating, ac, bar, and snacks. One way 1 hour 15 minutes.

Departure Location: LAS BRISAS MARINA AMADOR CAUSEWAY Panama City (on left hand side large parking lot before restaurants/shopping center).
Departure Times From Panama: 7:00 AM or 2:00 PM daily (arrive 40 minutes before)
Departure Times From Contadora: 10:00 AM or 4:00 PM daily (arrive 40 minutes before)
Round Trip Prices: $80 per person. Non online bookings bring cash and pay onsite.
Contact: www.panamapearl.com or 011-507-6784-3564

:-)

Thanks for the update. The flights to Contadora only take 18 minutes and cost $70.00 so I do that, but I have friends who do not like small planes so a ferry will work for them.

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Remember: No flights between january 19 and april 14 due to maintenance of airstrip!

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Thanks, Marejke! We had heard of ferries being set but this the first website, schedules and price that we've seen.

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hmmm, just checked the panama pearl website and it says there are currently no boats going, but i'm wondering if this is accurate/up to date?

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Yes, their website did say the same thing when we were there - but there is a ferry running.

Here's the information:

Departing from Balboa Yacht Club to Contadora every morning at 8. Ask the taxi driver to take you to the restaurant Friday!!! Not the other yacht club more far out on the Causeway.

Bring cash, it's 30 USD/person/one way.

They will tell you no need to reserve, actually they won't reserve by phone, so maybe show up a little early to book. It's a small boat for like 40-50 people.

Going back from the island (every day 2 pm), make sure to be there early (at the Hotel Punta Real beach / tickets can be bought in the Punta Real reception if you have no return ticket). Sometimes, they don't wait for all passengers, if it's full they leave.

Be aware that you'll probably get wet on your legs entering and leaving the ferry on Contadora. The ferry can't make it all the way on the shore, so they'll have smaller boats to collect from the ferry, but neither those boats can make it all the way on the sand.

If uncertain call 50766151392 it's a direct phone number to the operator.

Enjoy Contadora, it's a GREAT place. Where are you staying? Anyhow, have fun...

Edited by: Marejke

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great thanks Marejke! that's a huge help. i'll probably call when i get to PC. not sure where i'm staying yet, i may just kill a few days there while i'm waiting for a friend to arrive in PC who i'm meeting. thanks-
emily

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I've heard that the ferry departs at 7am and 8am... Does anyone know the actual time? We don't want to miss it!

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