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General Questions Q: What documents will I need to travel to Panama? A:
Americans are now required to carry a passport in all foreign travel. Also, you will need to purchase a
$5.00 Tourist Card from your international airport desk prior to
boarding the plane for Panama.
Q: What is the departure fee?A: $20.00, you pay this at the airport before you board the plane for the states. This fee may also be included in the price of the airline ticket, check with your airline to verify that it is or is not included in your ticket price. Q: What other out-of-pocket expenses should I expect? A: Our charter price includes everything once aboard the Coral Star fleet in David, Panama, except alcohol and any gratuity you wish to give your captain, mate and ship crew. Flights to and from Panama City, arrangements in Panama City such as hotels, transfers, meals, round trip in-country flight or bus ride are not included in your charter price. Starlite Travel in Panama City can help you determine what best suits your needs and assist in making those arrangements, prices vary. Most guests typically require two nights at hotel, a couple of meals and round trip in-country flight. Q: Do I need to take any special precautions? A: NONE, you will be out at sea. When the United States built the Panama
Canal, Yellow Fever and Malaria was controlled. The United States
designed the water supply in all major towns and Panama has some of the
best drinking water in Central America.
Q: What is the air temperature? A: Average is 80 F. Q: Is it humid? A: Not really, remember that you are at sea, not in the jungle. Q: What is the rainy season? A:
(May to November) During the rainy season it usually rains about 3 hours
a day, mostly in the late afternoon. Remember that we are at sea, around
islands, not near the mainland where the clouds build up and it rains.
Q: Can we extend our trip to see more of Panama? A:
Certainly. Many of our guests stay longer to see the canal or take
jungle tours. Please let us know a couple of weeks before your flight of
your intentions and any type of arrangements can be made to have you
extend your trip or have your spouse join you at the end of your trip.
Q: Which airlines offer flights to Panama? A:
From the U.S. there is Continental, American, and Delta. Air France,
British Airways, Copa, El Al Israel, Taca, KLM, Korean Air, Lufthansa,
Mexicana, and Cubana also offer flights.
Q: How much for Panama entry? A: $5.00, you buy it at the international airport desk before you board the
plane for Panama.
Q: How much for Boat Gratuity per person? A: Gratuity is up to you and it is based on service. For the crew, we suggest 10% to 15% based on the total cost of the trip. Gratuity is totaled up after the trip and divided equally between the crew. Envelopes are provided for the tips at the end of the trip. Please bring cash as the crew is unable to accept travelers checks or credit cards. Q: What is the baggage limitations for the In-country flight? A: If your bags weigh more than 35 lbs. per person, you may need to pay an excess baggage fee of $.25 per pound. This is typical for foreign country, especially on small aircraft. While we recognize this as an inconvenience to you, it is an indication of the remoteness and the logistic problems that face us. AccommodationsQ: Can I book a trip online? A: Yes and no. We provide an Online Reservation Request form that you can fill out for availability on a certain trip. This form also provides us with information to help expedite your reservation if that date is available. Q: Do you provide clean bath/shower towels every day? A: Yes Q: Do you provide clean ship deck towels (different than your shower towels) every day? A: Yes Q: Do you provide bath/shower soap or should I bring my own? A: Yes, but you may wish to bring your own if you have special requirements for sensitive skin. Q: Does the boat have hot water? A: Yes. You can adjust the temperature up to 150 degrees. Q: Are there hairdryers in the rooms? A: No. We do have 120 VAC current in all rooms and baths, so may bring your own. Q: Are there bathrobes in the rooms for each person? A: No. Q: How often do you change the bed linens? A:
Every other day
Q: Do I have to bring my own alcohol? A:
Soft drinks, beer and water are abundant. The M/V Coral Star has two
bars stocked with a variety of beer, hard liquor and wine at per drink
cost. You may make arrangements for specific brands depending on
availability.
Q: What is the maximum number of passengers? A:
We have 8 cabins with a total capacity of 19 guests, with 3 of the
cabins capable of triple ocupancy.
Q: Is the ship air-conditioned? A:
Yes, the ship is fully air-conditioned and each cabin has its own
controls.
Q: How comfortable is the M/V Coral Star? A:
The M/V Coral Star offers the latest technology and the best comfort
available. Saloon, bar, sundeck, eight staterooms. (2 masters, 2 deluxe
and 4 standard)
Q: What should I bring? A:
It is vital that you bring a hat, sunglasses and suntan lotion as the
Equatorial sun is blistering. Your clothes can be washed aboard the M/V
Coral Star mid-week or upon request. Typically, people fish in shorts
and shirt and wear light cotton at night.
Q: How safe is Coiba? A:
Our boats stay within radio contact of each other and the M/V Coral Star
is in constant contact with the island, mainland and the United States.
Serious accidents tend to happen through irresponsible acts or neglect.
Our crew is professional, has been with us for years and has avoided
serious, even minor problems since our inception.
Q: What are the medical facilities? A:
A comprehensive first aid kit is kept onboard the M/V Coral Star. We
have a complete telecommunications with the island, as well as the
mainland, and depending on the flying conditions, a plane can be
available for evacuation on Coiba in two hours.
Q: Can I bring my wife? A: Yes. The M/V Coral Star has two master staterooms with queen size beds and full bath. We have two deluxe state rooms with a full size bed and twin bunk with private shower and toilet. Plus our 4 standard staterooms with twin bunk beds and a shared shower and toilet in each cabin.
Fishing Questions
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