PANAMA

ELEVAIR

As Panama’s only luxury seaplane airline, ELEVAIR enables seamless point-to-point seaplane transfers between yachts, resorts, coastal or island locations and Panama City and facilitates immersive day trips to remote locations. Destinations like UNESCO World Heritage Site Isla Coiba, Rio Chagres & Fort San Lorenzo, the remote islands in the Bocas del Toro Province and prime sport fishing locations off of Panama’s Pacific Coast are all easily accessible with an approximately 60-90 minute flight from Panama City aboard their comfortable Cessna Grand Caravan EX Amphibious Seaplane which can accommodate up to 8 passengers. Rather than deal with the hassle of inconvenient domestic flight schedules and arduous road and boat transfers, guests of ELEVAIR enjoy premier service from start to finish and a scenic flight above the Canal, mountains and coast while transferring directly to their destination. When your traveler’s most precious resource is time, ELEVAIR delivers and exceeds expectations.

EXPERIENCES

PANAMA CANAL & CITY TOUR

Enjoy stunning vistas of Panama’s most notable attractions on this scenic and unique seaplane tour. An experience that’s heightened by the seaplane take-off and landing on the waters of Lago Alajuela.

Taking off from Albrook Airport you’ll view the Bridge of the Americas and the famous Panama Canal. We pass by the iconic Centenary Bridge and on our side is dense rainforest that reaches as far as the eye can see. We’ll land and take off in the calm water of Lago Alajuela, an exhilarating and memorable experience. As we circle over Panama Bay, the panorama of Panama City’s skyline contrasts with the many ships anchored in the bay. The colorful Frank Gehry Biomuseo and new Convention Center are the new icons of the Amador Causeway. In the distance just a few miles away lies Isla Tabogo. This scenic seaplane tour provides the finest view of the key attractions of Panama City together with a comfortable in-flight experience and exhilarating seaplane water landing and takeoff. Truly memorable.

RIO CHAGRES & FORT SAN LORENZO

This scenic trip offers a unique blend of the amazing history and raw nature of Panama. Your seaplane departs Albrook Airport and you fly alongside the Panama Canal, the most famous waterway in the Americas. Soon you reach the Caribbean and fly over Fort San Lorenzo, a Spanish fortification dating back to nearly 500 years ago when conquistadores and pirates battled for control of the Isthmus. The seaplane drops below the rain-forest canopy and gently skims onto the calm waters of the Chagres River. Surrounded by intact tropical jungle, the moment is a surreal transition to a different world. We transfer into a panga boat for our guided river tour and you’ll immediately experience the exceptional biological and cultural importance of this area, home to some 450 species of bird. With the help of your guide you’re likely to spot one of the tapir, monkey, sloth, crocodile or caiman that lives just an arm’s reach away in the rainforest that encroaches the river. Return to the seaplane for a thrilling water departure for your short trip back to Panama City.

ISLA COIBA

Following a spectacular seaplane flight, you’ll touch down in the waters of Isla Coiba National Marine Park – often called The Galapagos of Panama due to the abundance of endemic wildlife and marine creatures. Transfer from the seaplane to your private boat to access the best locations for snorkeling. Swim among colorful schools of reef fish, majestic sea turtles, morays and harmless white-tip reef sharks. Magnificent whale sharks are often spotted in January and March brings Modular Manta Rays to the waters. Your guide will swim alongside you to help you spot the many beautiful coral reef animals. After snorkeling, enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch on an isolated sandy beach. Then join your guide for a walk through the primary forest. Search for endemic Coiba howler monkey, the Coiba agouti and several species of birds while you learn about the forest ecology. Mid afternoon you’ll reboard the seaplane and either return to your point of departure or continue your onward journey to your resort.

SPORTFISHING DAY TRIPS

No question that Panama is one of the world’s very top destinations for saltwater anglers. But not everyone has the multiple days to travel and fish at a remote resort. Now Elevair provides same-day seaplane access and day-trips to every fishing region of Panama. Depart Panama City or your resort in the morning. Fish for the day with top boats, top captains and return back to the city or your resort for evening cocktails. We can get you anywhere from Pinas Bay in the east to Punta Burica in the west and everywhere in between: Tuna Coast, Marlin Hole, Hannibal Banks, Grey Zane Bank. Pick your species of interest; giant Yellowfin Tuna, Black Marlin, Blue Marlin, Sailfish, Wahoo, Cubera Snapper, Rooster Fish, Dorado and more. Panama also has Bluefin Trevally, Snook, Atlantic Tarpon migrants, GRouper, Amberjack and Almaco. We work with the most knowledgeable fishing resources in Panama to facilitate your day-trip fishing excursion. And we know the best fly-fishing and Bonefish locations in the country. Let us help you make an amazing day

ISLA ESCUDO DE VERAGUAS

One of the most amazing island locations in Central America is a lonely remote Caribbean island bravely facing the sea. Waiting to welcome you to explore its many wonders. The interconnected waterways surrounding the island provide an unbelievable snorkeling experience, turquoise passages through a natural labyrinth.

Isolated from the mainland, Escudo de Veraguas is a sanctuary to multiple endangered species. The only location in the world that is home to the elusive and critically endangered three-toed pygmy sloth. With luck we’ll see one swimming in the clear waters of the mangroves in this tropical island oasis.

Within the crystalline waters of the nooks and crannies surrounding the almost impenetrable jungle covering the island you’ll explore a perfect incubator and hatchery for innumerable fish and shellfish including shrimp, lobster, and several species of crab.

Our unique “Partnership in Sustainable Tourism” with the very remote indigenous community of Río Caña in the Comarca Ngöbe-Buglé has enabled us to work closely with the community on tours and conservation projects for the island of Escudo de Veraguas as well as the surrounding wetlands and beaches.

Working closely together with the community, we are able to offer guided tours of the adjacent Damani-Guariviara Wetland, a National Protected Area and one of five RAMSAR sites in Panama. The area is an important nesting site for multiple species of critically endangered Carey turtles plus IUCN Red List species such as Manatee, Howling monkeys, Harpy eagle, Loggerhead turtle and Green turtle.

PRIVATE CHARTERS & TRANSFERS

Chartering your own amphibious seaplane is a hassle-free, exciting way to reach a luxury boutique resort, fly directly to your yacht, arrive at your second home, scout potential real estate purchases or access multiple photo shoot locations. On request our seaplanes are available for half, full and multi day private charters for up to 8 guests.