Tropic Star Lodge

Piñas Bay Billfishing - Panama

Over 300 IGFA World Records have been broken in Piñas Bay, more than anywhere else on earth. Tropic Star Lodge currently holds over 50 world records. Tropic Star Lodge is a world-renowned fishing resort carved into the jungle of Darien National Park, a 15,000 acre UNESCO world heritage site. The Lodge is situated 150 miles south of Panama City and 35 miles from the Columbian border. There are no roads within 100 miles, so the Lodge is only accessible by boat or plane. Early booking is a must.

Fishing Tropic Star Lodge:

Tropic Star Lodge was named the best saltwater fishing resort in the world in the 1999 Robb Report.
In Piñas Bay, black, blue, and striped marlin abound in numbers unheard of elsewhere. Plus Pacific sailfish, dorado, roosterfish, cubera and muller snapper, yellowfin tuna, and more can be caught in these pristine waters.
Zane Grey spent a lot of time marlin fishing in this area in the 1920s. Zane Grey's Reef is now known as Piñas Reef, and to this day, the population of fish has not diminished.
Fishing Season: Peak marlin fishing months are January and February. The prime black marlin season runs from December into April. All billfish and non-billfish species can be caught year-round in the pristine waters off Piñas Bay. The Pacific sailfish start moving in April through June. July brings another run of marlin, many in the 500-pound range.
All billfish are strictly catch-and-release. Roosterfish, cubera snapper, bluefin trevally, tarpon, and certain grouper species are also 100% catch-and-release.
Travel Time: Most of their fishing is done six to 15 miles offshore in calm waters, with runs averaging 20-minutes. About the only time it gets a bit bumpy is in late January and February, when the north wind brings cooler water and tailing marlin.

Fishing Boats and Equipment:

Boats: The Lodge has a fleet of 16 customized, fully rigged, 31-foot Bertram yachts. The standard Bertrams have twin diesel engines and an open salon with no air-conditioning. The upgraded Bertrams have brand new Volvo Penta engines and an enclosed salon with air conditioning and a stand-up head (toilet). Each boat hosts one to four anglers and is outfitted with GPS, VHF radios, tuna tubes, and live baitwell. The Lodge also has a 45-foot Hatteras modern fishing yacht, the Pollyanna, which hosts up to six anglers. The enclosed air-conditioned salon has comfortable seating.
Guides: Local captains and mates with years of training and experience.
Equipment: The Lodge provides the use of all conventional tackle. Custom-made rods by Dru. Shimano Tiagras spooled with 50lb and 30lb top shot on top of braid backing. Spin equipment includes Shimano reels with 65lb power pro braid line paired with a Shimano Terez 7 ft heavy spin rod. Even though the boats are stocked with a variety of poppers, jigs, and plugs, you should bring some of your own secret weapons. Fly anglers must bring their own equipment.
Fishing Licenses: No fishing license is required in Panama for recreational sportfishing.

A Typical Fishing Day:
5:45 a.m. Morning wake-up knock and hot coffee is set outside your door.
6:00 a.m. Breakfast is served in the Bayview Restaurant.
6:30 a.m. The boats leave the dock. The fleet sets out to catch live bait for your fishing day. You'll take along your choice of a boxed lunch and beverages. Beer is a separate charge.
3:00 p.m. You'll reel in for the day and head back to the Lodge for the afternoon.
3:30 p.m. Snacks are served at the Marlin Bar, Jungle Pool, or Bayview Restaurant. Enjoy the view of the bay, swim in the pool, tell stories.
7:00 p.m. A four-course dinner is served in the Bayview Restaurant, and a BBQ grill is offered three times a week at the Jungle Pool.

About Tropic Star Lodge:

Lodge Season: Tropic Star Lodge is open from December through September and is closed for maintenance in October to mid-November.
Tropic Star Lodge is at the edge of the Darien Jungle on Panama's Pacific Coast. The Lodge has 23 deluxe air-conditioned rooms with private baths and ocean views. One room is wheelchair accessible. (Call FWL for availability.) The Lodge hosts up to 45 guests who are catered to by over 120 employees. 85% of their business is repeat clients, so early booking is a must.
They now offer phone service and limited internet in the rooms, pool area, the bar, dining area, the veranda. Lodging options vary from spacious cabin rooms to the Palace upgrade with three master suites for larger families.

Meals: You’ll enjoy a made-to-order breakfast at 6:00 a.m. in the Bay View dining room.

If you’re fishing, you’ll have a packed lunch aboard the boat. At noon, non-anglers can dine at the restaurant or poolside. At 7:00 p.m., a four-course dinner with wine is served in the Bay View dining room, and every other evening, buffet-style dinners are served near the pool. With advanced notice, the Lodge can accommodate special dietary needs.
Lodge Activities: Hike jungle paths, snorkel, whale watch from the Lodge, comb the white sandy beach, enjoy a massage, swim in the freshwater swimming pool, and more.

Getting to the Lodge:

You'll fly to Panama City and stay overnight. In the morning, a lodge representative will drive you to the local airport. You'll take a 55-minute charter flight to the Piñas Bay landing strip. (There is a 40-pound baggage limit for checked luggage and 15-pounds for your carry-on for the charter flight.) You'll board the jungle cruise bus for a short ride to the boat. You will then board a panga, similar to a wide canoe, for a ten-minute boat ride to the Lodge. You'll settle into your room and then enjoy lunch. (The first and last hotel nights in Panama City and the charter flight are not included in the package.)

RATES & PACKAGES

Tropic Star Lodge

Black Marlin Season - January and February:
Charters are exclusive, and you will share a boat with the people in your travel party only.
Non-angler companion $3,585.00
7-nights in a Classic Room and 6-days guided fishing
Two anglers per room. Price per person.
Upgrade to a single-occupancy room $300.00 per night.
Standard 31-foot Bertram yacht:
• 4-anglers per boat: $6,700.00 per person
• 3-anglers per boat: $7,350.00 per person
• 2-anglers per boat: $8,600.00 per person
Premium 31-foot Bertram:
• 4-anglers per boat: $7,200.00 per person
• 3-anglers per boat: $8,100.00 per person
• 2-anglers per boat: $9,600.00 per person
32-foot Blackfin:
• 5-anglers per boat: $6,200.00 per person
• 4-anglers per boat: $7,500.00 per person
• 3-anglers per boat: $8,500.00 per person
• 2-anglers per boat: $10,100.00 per person
45-foot Hatteras:
• 6-anglers per boat: $6,950.00 per person
• 5-anglers per boat: $7,650.00 per person
• 4-anglers per boat: $7,900.00 per person
• 3-anglers per boat: $9,500.00 per person
• 2-anglers per boat: $13,300.00 per person
47-foot Viking:
• 6-anglers per boat: $7,450.00 per person
• 5-anglers per boat: $8,150.00 per person
• 4-anglers per boat: $8,550.00 per person
• 3-anglers per boat: $10,250.00 per person
• 2-anglers per boat: $14,300.00 per person

Inshore Season - March - May, 2022:
Charters are exclusive, and you will share a boat with the people in your travel party only.
7-nights in a Classic Room and 6-days guided fishing
Non-angler companion $2,085.00
Two anglers per room. Price per person.
Upgrade to a single-occupancy room $200.00 per night.
31-foot Bertram yacht:
• 4-anglers per boat: $4,600.00 per person
• 3-anglers per boat: $5,300.00 per person
• 2-anglers per boat: $6,200.00 per person
Premium 31-foot Bertram:
• 4-anglers per boat: $5,200.00 per person
• 3-anglers per boat: $6,200.00 per person
• 2-anglers per boat: $7,200.00 per person
32-foot Blackfin:
• 5-anglers per boat: $4,950.00 per person
• 4-anglers per boat: $5,600.00 per person
• 3-anglers per boat: $6,500.00 per person
• 2-anglers per boat: $7,700.00 per person
45-foot Hatteras:
• 6-anglers per boat: $5,300.00 per person
• 5-anglers per boat: $5,900.00 per person
• 4-anglers per boat: $6,500.00 per person
• 3-anglers per boat: $7,700.00 per person
• 2-anglers per boat: $10,950.00 per person
47-foot Viking:
• 6-anglers per boat: $6,000.00 per person
• 5-anglers per boat: $6,600.00 per person
• 4-anglers per boat: $7,250.00 per person
• 3-anglers per boat: $8,520.00 per person
• 2-anglers per boat: $11,700.00 per person

5-nights in a Classic Room and 4-days guided fishing
Non-angler companion $2,285.00
Two anglers per room. Price per person.
Upgrade to a single-occupancy room $200.00 per night.
31-foot Bertram yacht:
• 4-anglers per boat: $3,900.00 per person
• 3-anglers per boat: $4,450.00 per person
• 2-anglers per boat: $5,200.00 per person
Premium 31-foot Bertram:
• 4-anglers per boat: $4,300.00 per person
• 3-anglers per boat: $5,000.00 per person
• 2-anglers per boat: $5,700.00 per person
32-foot Blackfin:
• 5-anglers per boat: $4,700.00 per person
• 4-anglers per boat: $5,100.00 per person
• 3-anglers per boat: $5,150.00 per person
• 2-anglers per boat: $5,850.00 per person
45-foot Hatteras:
• 6-anglers per boat: $4,500.00 per person
• 5-anglers per boat: $4,900.00 per person
• 4-anglers per boat: $5,100.00 per person
• 3-anglers per boat: $6,200.00 per person
• 2-anglers per boat: $8,100.00 per person
47-foot Viking:
• 6-anglers per boat: $4,700.00 per person
• 5-anglers per boat: $5,100.00 per person
• 4-anglers per boat: $5,500.00 per person
• 3-anglers per boat: $6,600.00 per person
• 2-anglers per boat: $8,500.00 per person

4-nights in a Classic Room and 3-days guided fishing
Non-angler companion $2,085.00
Two anglers per room. Price per person.
Upgrade to a single-occupancy room $200.00 per night.
31-foot Bertram yacht:
• 4-anglers per boat: $3,500.00 per person
• 3-anglers per boat: $3,800.00 per person
• 2-anglers per boat: $4,500.00 per person
Premium 31-foot Bertram:
• 4-anglers per boat: $3,600.00 per person
• 3-anglers per boat: $3,950.00 per person
• 2-anglers per boat: $4,650.00 per person
32-foot Blackfin:
• 5-anglers per boat: $3,400.00 per person
• 4-anglers per boat: $3,850.00 per person
• 3-anglers per boat: $4,200.00 per person
• 2-anglers per boat: $4,900.00 per person
45-foot Hatteras:
• 6-anglers per boat: $3,650.00 per person
• 5-anglers per boat: $3,900.00 per person
• 4-anglers per boat: $4,400.00 per person
• 3-anglers per boat: $5,400.00 per person
• 2-anglers per boat: $7,100.00 per person
47-foot Viking:
• 6-anglers per boat: $3,950.00 per person
• 5-anglers per boat: $4,200.00 per person
• 4-anglers per boat: $4,800.00 per person
• 3-anglers per boat: $5,800.00 per person
• 2-anglers per boat: $7,500.00 per person

Blue Marlin Season - June, September, and December 2022:
Charters are exclusive, and you will share a boat with the people in your travel party only.
7-nights in a Classic Room and 6-days guided fishing
Non-angler companion $3,585.00
Two anglers per room/price per person.
Upgrade to a single-occupancy room $250.00 per night.
31-foot Bertram yacht:
• 4-anglers per boat: $5,550.00 per person
• 3-anglers per boat: $6,350.00 per person
• 2-anglers per boat: $7,300.00 per person
Premium 31-foot Bertram:
• 4-anglers per boat: $6,200.00 per person
• 3-anglers per boat: $6,900.00 per person
• 2-anglers per boat: $8,200.00 per person
32-foot Blackfin:
• 5-anglers per boat: $5,800.00 per person
• 4-anglers per boat: $6,500.00 per person
• 3-anglers per boat: $7,100.00 per person
• 2-anglers per boat: $8,600.00 per person
45-foot Hatteras:
• 6-anglers per boat: $5,800.00 per person
• 5-anglers per boat: $6,300.00 per person
• 4-anglers per boat: $6,900.00 per person
• 3-anglers per boat: $8,050.00 per person
• 2-anglers per boat: $11,400.00 per person
47-foot Viking:
• 6-anglers per boat: $6,450.00 per person
• 5-anglers per boat: $6,950.00 per person
• 4-anglers per boat: $7,650.00 per person
• 3-anglers per boat: $8,800.00 per person
• 2-anglers per boat: $12,250.00 per person

5-nights in a Classic Room and 4-days guided fishing
Non-angler companion $2,785.00
Two anglers per room/price per person.
Upgrade to a single-occupancy room $250.00 per night.
31-foot Bertram yacht:
• 4-anglers per boat: $4,550.00 per person
• 3-anglers per boat: $5,200.00 per person
• 2-anglers per boat: $6,200.00 per person
Premium 31-foot Bertram:
• 4-anglers per boat: $4,900.00 per person
• 3-anglers per boat: $5,600.00 per person
• 2-anglers per boat: $6,800.00 per person
32-foot Blackfin:
• 5-anglers per boat: $4,450.00 per person
• 4-anglers per boat: $4,700.00 per person
• 3-anglers per boat: $5,850.00 per person
• 2-anglers per boat: $7,050.00 per person
45-foot Hatteras:
• 6-anglers per boat: $5,100.00 per person
• 5-anglers per boat: $5,400.00 per person
• 4-anglers per boat: $5,900.00 per person
• 3-anglers per boat: $6,900.00 per person
• 2-anglers per boat: $9,000.00 per person
47-foot Viking:
• 6-anglers per boat: $5,400.00 per person
• 5-anglers per boat: $5,700.00 per person
• 4-anglers per boat: $6,300.00 per person
• 3-anglers per boat: $7,300.00 per person
• 2-anglers per boat: $9,400.00 per person

4-nights in a Classic Room and 3-days guided fishing
Non-angler companion $2,485.00
Two anglers per room/price per person.
Upgrade to a single-occupancy room $250.00 per night.
31-foot Bertram yacht:
• 4-anglers per boat: $4,100.00 per person
• 3-anglers per boat: $4,450.00 per person
• 2-anglers per boat: $5,250.00 per person
Premium 31-foot Bertram:
• 4-anglers per boat: $4,200.00 per person
• 3-anglers per boat: $4,800.00 per person
• 2-anglers per boat: $5,600.00 per person
32-foot Blackfin:
• 5-anglers per boat: $3,950.00 per person
• 4-anglers per boat: $4,450.00 per person
• 3-anglers per boat: $5,050.00 per person
• 2-anglers per boat: $5,850.00 per person
45-foot Hatteras:
• 6-anglers per boat: $4,300.00 per person
• 5-anglers per boat: $4,500.00 per person
• 4-anglers per boat: $4,900.00 per person
• 3-anglers per boat: $6,100.00 per person
• 2-anglers per boat: $8,200.00 per person
47-foot Viking:
• 6-anglers per boat: $4,600.00 per person
• 5-anglers per boat: $4,800.00 per person
• 4-anglers per boat: $5,250.00 per person
• 3-anglers per boat: $6,500.00 per person
• 2-anglers per boat: $8,700.00 per person

A transfer package of $685.00 per person is additional to the rates above. This transfer package includes roundtrip airfare from Panama City to the Lodge in Piñas Bay, meet-and-greet Service at the Tocumen International Airport upon arrival to Panama, and up to four ground transfers between the airport and your hotel in Panama City. The charter flights are only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Upon booking, you’ll receive a confirmation packet with detailed information about transfers.

2022 Premium Accommodations

Tropic Star Lodge also offers room upgrades from the standard Classic Room listed in the rates above. Upgrades are priced per room, per night. Subject to availability.

The Palace - Three bedrooms:
Black Marlin Season: $575.00 per night
Inshore Season: $450.00 per night
Blue Marlin Season: $525.00 per night

The Villa - Two bedrooms, min. 3-guests:
Black Marlin Season: $300.00 per night
Inshore Season: $200.00 per night
Blue Marlin Season: $250.00 per night

The Villa Suite - One bedroom, 2-guests:
Black Marlin Season: $200.00 per night
Inshore Season: $150.00 per night
Blue Marlin Season: $180.00 per night

Villa Suite min. 2-guests:
Black Marlin Season: $200.00 per night
Inshore Season: $150.00 per night
Blue Marlin Season: $180.00 per night

Packages Include:

Deluxe air-conditioned double-occupancy room with private bath, use of a yacht with an experienced captain and mate, use of fishing tackle (except for fly fishing), full breakfast, boxed lunch, four-course dinners, sodas, iced tea, and afternoon snacks. Complimentary wine is served during dinner.

Packages Do Not Include:

The $685.00 transfer fee, airfare to Panama City, first and last night hotel and all expenses incurred in Panama City, alcoholic beverages (other than the complimentary wine served at dinner), and drinks (other than sodas or iced tea) will be charged to your room, beers consumed on the boat, laundry service, fly tackle and equipment, special excursions, gratuities to guides and lodge staff, massage therapist, special air charters, any special excursions, taxidermy orders, Global Rescue, travel insurance, a Panamanian room tax of $70.00 per room per week (or $35.00 p.p. double occupancy), $60.00 departure tax, and anything not mentioned under inclusions.

Fuel Surcharge:

Rates are subject to change without notice. The rates for the 2022 season are fixed on fuel prices up to $4.00 per gallon delivered to Piñas. If fuel prices increase above this amount, a fuel surcharge may apply.

Tropic Star Lodge

Deposit Policy: 50% of the rate is required at the time of booking to confirm your space. The remaining balance is due 135 days before arrival at the Lodge.
Cancellation Policy: Payments made on your trip are refundable for cancellations received, in writing, at least 121 days prior to your arrival date at TROPIC STAR LODGE®, less a $1,000.00 per person cancellation fee ($500.00 may be applied toward a trip within one year of your cancellation). If you cancel your trip for whatever reason, 0-120 days prior to your arrival date at TROPIC STAR LODGE®, all payments made on your trip will be non-refundable. Travel Insurance is strongly recommended to protect your investment.