Only a four to five-hour flight from the U.S., Panama is among the easiest of Latin American countries for Americans to visit. There are direct flights to Panama City from a number of major U.S. cities, including Los Angeles, New York, Newark, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Orlando and Miami. From Panama City, it is just a one hour direct flight to David, with two airlines and several flights to service you daily.
 
English is considered Panama’s second language. In Panama City you can expect the people in the nicest hotels, bars and restaurants to speak English fluently. Once outside of the cities, you may find it helpful to have brushed up on your Spanish, as you are in Latin America.
As a tourist, you will have no difficulty with the currency “exchange” because there is none. Panama has adopted the U. S. dollar as their currency, though locals call the dollar a “Balboa” after the famous explorer. Credit cards are accepted at the finer hotels and restaurants in Panama City. Otherwise, it is best to carry a large supply of smaller denomination bills — nothing larger than $20’s. Bills of $50 and $100 can be hard to spend or exchange throughout the country.
 
Food and water is safe to eat and drink in both Panama City and David. You should not worry about being bothered by “Montezuma’s Revenge,” which is so common in Mexico. Panama’s sanitation standards are good.
The people of Panama are friendly and the crime rate is low. Panama City is a large metropolis, so just as you would in any big city, exercise caution. In the central banking and shopping district (where you will be staying), you can feel very safe. If you go out at night, just take one of the many friendly cabs. In David, you are safe day and night.
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Panama’s weather is tropical, with daytime temperatures averaging around 85° to 90° on the ocean, and only about five to 10 degrees cooler at night. December through April is the dry season, often with little or no rain. The other months of the year can be quite humid, with tropical rain showers in the afternoons, some of which can be quite strong, but usually of short duration.
When it comes to clothing, you can pack light for our tropical climate — plus, we have a washer and dryer on the barge and are more than happy to do your laundry.
We suggest you bring the following:
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Long pants and sport shirt (with fish on it!) for your air travel and when in Panama City. |
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Two pairs of fishing shorts and two fishing shirts (long pants and long-sleeve shirts are advisable fishing attire for anyone with fair skin). |
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Alight weight rain jacket for fishing (April to December). |
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Your lucky fishing cap or a broad-rimmed “Panamanian” style fishing hat. |
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Knee pads and finger tape for added comfort when battling big game fish. |
Other items to pack include a swimsuit, passport, sun block, sun glasses, lip balm, deck shoes, camera, favorite lures and flies, any movies or CD’s you enjoy, reading material, extra prescription glasses, and any personal items you might need (there are no stores on these remote islands). We have a phone available on the barge should you need to make a call.
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