Panama City (Balboa) – San Miguel
Ferry to Panama
Panama City (Balboa) – San Miguel
Ferry to Panama
You can easily find cheap ferry tickets with our Deal Finder. We recommend booking in advance to get the best possible prices and availability. You can also check out our Special Offers page for the latest deals on Panama City (Balboa) ferries.
Yes, Direct Ferries offers a wide range of discounts all year around. When searching for ferries, senior discounts will be automatically applied if they are available. Just select your age range from the passenger options.
Students and graduates can get a 5% discount on ferry tickets. To take advantage of the discount, you need to register with our partner Student Beans and confirm your student or graduate status. You will then receive a discount code which can be entered during the payment process.
Resident discounts are available on a variety of Spanish and Italian ferry routes. Just click on the "Residents" option when this is displayed in our Deal Finder. The discount is automatically applied to the price. Bear in mind that proof of registration or an identity card with the correct address must be shown at check-in.
Travel requirements can vary depending on the route, so it's important to check what documents you'll need before sailing. In most cases, a valid passport is required when traveling from Panama City (Balboa) to San Miguel, along with any necessary visas or national ID cards. Requirements may differ based on your nationality and the destination country’s regulations. To avoid delays at check-in, you can find helpful information for your journey in our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide and in our blog post on tips and tricks for international travel.
Book your ferry tickets online with Direct Ferries using our Deal Finder. Just enter your departure and arrival ports and the date you’d like to travel to see all available options and prices. You’ll also be able to view alternative routes and times, so you can find the best deal to suit you.
Look out for early booking discounts or special ticket options such as upgrades or flexi-tickets that allow you to change or cancel your booking. To make your sailing as smooth as possible, make sure you enter all the required information correctly, such as number of passengers and vehicle specifications.
Once you’ve finalised your booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email. It depends on the ferry operator you book with as to how your boarding pass is issued and collected.
Whilst some ferry operators issue the boarding pass as soon as your booking is confirmed, others may ask you to check in at the port. There’s also the option for online check-in, which can be easily done via the Direct Ferries app, if available.
The ticket desks are usually located near the ferry terminals. To avoid any delays at the port, we’d recommend allowing some extra time to collect your tickets and to check-in.
During check-in, you must show your email confirmation, as well as an official photo ID, such as a passport or identity card. You might also be asked to provide documentation for your pet (vaccines, pet insurance etc.) or proof of residence, if you have booked your ticket with a resident discount.
There could be various reasons why there are no departures from Panama City (Balboa) to San Miguel for the date you’ve requested. For example, a temporary timetable change, limited availability or seasonal changes in the timetable.
We recommend checking for alternative dates. Our Deal Finder automatically compares the desired route with alternative routes and dates, offering up-to-date real time options, all in one place.
The best time to book ferries from Panama City (Balboa) to San Miguel is usually as early as possible. By booking in advance, you’ll not only get your tickets at the best available prices, but you’ll also get a better choice of departure times and cabin/seating options.
We’d recommend making your booking at least a few weeks in advance to benefit from the best offers. Bear in mind that prices may vary depending on the season and availability.
More routes than anyone else.
Compare fares, times & routes in one place.
Change plans easily with flexi tickets.
Book e-tickets & manage trips in-app.
Live ship tracking & real-time updates.
Top-rated customer support when you need it.
Regarded by some as the most cosmopolitan city in Central America, Panama City is a hub of vibrancy, presenting the feel of a bustling city whilst offering the chance to explore alluringly tropical landscapes. The city is vast in its contrasts; traffic jams and casinos are lined between laid back bars and cool clubs – in Panama the options for fun and adventure are endless. The canal is an obvious highlight, holding the key to Panama’s popularity. Whether it’s an excursion along the water or just a visit to admire the beautiful surrounding landscape, the gateway to exotic lands oftentimes proves too accessible to ignore. Aside from the canal, there is plenty to see around the city, particularly the stunning architecture around the city centre. The Palacio Bolivar and the Plaza Bolivar provide insight into the architectural history of the island, whilst Independence Square is the ideal place to while away a few hours amid beautiful buildings.
Panama City is possible to be covered entirely by foot due to its small size and relatively close proximity of the major landmarks. Alternatively, there are taxis readily available throughout the town for cheap and convenient transport.
Boasting a population of just under 1000 people, San Miguel is somewhere to escape from the bustle of the modern world. Taking the place of bars and clubs are tropical forestry and glorious stretches of golden sands – it is quite simply a natural paradise. Verdant vegetation and endless greenery dominate the landscape, forming an idyllic image that could adorn a postcard picture. The most popular pastime is sunbathing on the beach, interspersed with indulging in a refreshing swim in the deep blue waters. Most of the locals earn a living from fishing in the encompassing water, which is obvious from the delicious seafood served fresh at the fine restaurants. For a particularly desirable evening, you can enjoy the local cuisine whilst overlooking the beautiful mountainside and blue skies. Even in the quieter months, the weather is still pleasant enough to sit comfortably outdoors in the evening.
The town is tiny, so you can cover all of it by foot in less than a day.
