Booking Procedure

A 50% deposit is required to confirm the yacht of your choice. A completed contract must then be mailed or faxed to the Bocas Houseboats office and a signed copy will be returned to you in acknowledgment. The balance of the charter fee together with all optional extras requested are payable 30 days prior to the start of the charter. Payment can be made by credit card, check or bank transfer. In addition, a crew manifest and a boating resume must be completed and sent in 30 days prior to charter start.

If you are a little anxious about handling a 35' houseboat in the waters of the Bocas del Toro Archipelago or if you do not have experience handling a boat this large, it is possible to take a captain for a few days. These local Panamanians are great guides and teachers. In just a few days you will be a pro and you will have inside knowledge on lots of local anchorages and dive spots. Captains must be arranged for 30 days prior to charter start. The rates for a captain is $50 per day plus food.

For your convenience all of the required documents are provided below in Microsoft Word format. Just print and complete the form and fax it in to our office to reserve your charter.

Charter Contract - This document must be signed and returned along with your deposit in order to confirm the charter.
Boating Resume and Crew Manifest - This provides us with a list of the types of vessels you have experience handling and a listing of those persons that will be on board. This must be updated before the charter can start.
Credit Card Authorization - This is required if you wish to use a credit card to pay for your charter or if you wish to use a credit card for your security/damage deposit.
 

Security/Damage Deposit

The charterer is responsible for the first $500 in damage to the boat or equipment including dingy and dingy engine. .   A deposit will be collected at the beginning of the charter and held to cover this deductible should a claim be incurred.  This deposit is intended to cover loss or damage to the yacht and yacht equipment, the yacht inventory, the dinghy and the outboard. In the case of intoxication or gross negligence the charterer is responsible for all damage and loss to boat and equipment.
 

Cancellation Policy

The Charterer may cancel subject to the following charges: