TERMS & CONDITIONS

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TERMS AND CONDITIONS

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Please note that these terms and conditions are very important and contain information the you will need to know before you book your trip

1. Booking & Payments

  • Deposits: 20% deposit to secure the date
  • Balance: 30 days prior to departure
  • Currency: Prices in Panama are in USD
  • Taxes:  Panama’s sales tax 7% ITBMS  is included in our prices

2. Cancellation & Refund Policy

  • Client Cancellation: A credit for any deposits made towards a future trip minus a fixed flat fee of 300$ per package
  • Less than 30 days / No-Show: no refund
  • Weather Cancellation (Captain’s Call):  The Captain reserves the exclusive right to cancel a trip due to unsafe weather conditions (high winds, lightning). Rain is not considered unsafe. In the event of a Captain’s cancellation, we will attempt to reschedule. If rescheduling is not possible, a full refund will be issued.

3. Panamanian Fishing Regulations

  • Billfish Conservation: In accordance with Panama Maritime Authority regulations, all Billfish (Marlin, Sailfish) and Roosterfish are strictly Catch & Release.
  • Protected Species: The harassment or capture of Sea Turtles is strictly prohibited by law.
  • Fishing Licenses: Personal fishing licenses are not required for tourists; our vessel covers the necessary permits for all guests.

4. Safety & Conduct

  • Captain’s Authority: The Captain has the final authority on the vessel. Non-compliance with safety instructions will result in the immediate termination of the charter without refund.
  • Drugs & Alcohol: Zero tolerance for illegal drugs. If found, the trip ends immediately, and police will be notified upon return to port. Alcohol is permitted in moderation. The Captain reserves the right to stop serving alcohol or terminate the trip if a guest becomes intoxicated and unsafe.
  • Liability Waiver: Guests assume all risks associated with sport fishing and the inherent risks of the sea (motion sickness, slippery decks, handling fish hooks,…). Panama Sport Fishing Charters is not liable for personal injury or loss of personal property.

5. Jurisdiction

  • These terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of Panama. Any disputes shall be resolved in the courts of Panama City

6. Privacy Policy (Data Protection)

  • Panama has specific data privacy laws (Law 81 of 2019) that you should generally align with.

1. Information Collection

      • We collect personal information such as names, passport numbers (often required for marina clearance), and payment details solely for the purpose of booking and complying with maritime authorities.

2. Media Release (Marketing)

      • Fishing charters rely heavily on photos of catches. By participating in our charter, you grant Panama Sport Fishing Charters permission to use photos and videos taken during the trip for marketing purposes (social media, website) without compensation. If you prefer not to be photographed, please inform the Captain before departure.