Private Boat Tours on Lake Atitlán from Panajachel
Your own boat and captain on Lake Atitlán. Choose the villages, beaches and viewpoints you want to see — San Juan, San Pedro, Santiago, Santa Cruz, San Marcos — and we build the route around you. Departures from the Atitlán Café dock in Panajachel at the time you choose, 4 to 8 hours, from $40 per person or $100 per boat for a direct private transfer.
Plan my boat day on WhatsApp · Book the Private Lake Day
Private Lake Day — your route, your pace
A private boat for the whole time you book, a dedicated captain and an itinerary you decide the morning you sail. Snacks and drinks are already on board; lunch is on you at the village of your choice.
$40 per person for 4 hours · $55 per person for 8 hours · groups of 5–10 (smaller groups: ask for a per-boat price)
- Private boat for the entire duration
- 100% personalized itinerary
- Dedicated certified captain
- Onboard snacks and beverages
- Optional bilingual guide (the captain does not speak English)
Private boat from Panajachel to every village
Direct, no stops, no waiting for other passengers. Price is per boat, not per person.
| Destination | Crossing | Boat up to 8 | Boat up to 23 |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Pedro La Laguna | 20-25 min | $200 USD | $350 USD |
| San Juan La Laguna | 25-30 min | $220 USD | $380 USD |
| Santiago Atitlán | 30-35 min | $250 USD | $400 USD |
| Santa Cruz La Laguna | 10-15 min | $120 USD | on request |
| San Marcos La Laguna | 20-25 min | $200 USD | $350 USD |
| San Antonio Palopó | 15 min | $120 USD | on request |
| Santa Catarina Palopó | 10 min | $100 USD | on request |
Caracol — the big boat for private events
Birthdays, proposals, team days: the Caracol is our largest boat, chartered by the hour for private events at $150 per hour. Tell us the date and headcount and we will put it together.
Popular private itineraries
- Three villages in a day – San Juan (textiles and murals), San Pedro (cafés, lake views) and Santiago (Maximón, market). The classic — 6 to 8 hours.
- Beaches and viewpoints – Santa Cruz coves, the Jaibalito cliffs and a swim stop. 4 hours, unhurried.
- Private sunset – Leave at 4:30 pm, drift past the three volcanoes and come back with the last light. See the shared Sunset Cruise if you prefer a group.
Good to know before you board
- Where we depart
- Private boats leave from the Atitlán Café dock in Panajachel. We send a Google Maps pin on WhatsApp when we confirm.
- Departure time
- Flexible — you choose the hour when you book and we confirm it with the captain.
- Captain
- Certified captain with years on the lake. He does not speak English; add a bilingual guide if you want narration.
- Safety
- Life jackets for every passenger, always on board.
- Luggage
- Large backpacks and suitcases travel with you, or we store them for you in Panajachel until you return.
- Rain
- We sail in light rain. In a lightning storm or strong wind we reschedule at no cost and let you know.
Private boat on Lake Atitlán — questions travelers ask
How much does a private boat tour on Lake Atitlán cost?
The Private Lake Day costs $40 per person for 4 hours or $55 per person for 8 hours (groups of 5–10). A direct private transfer from Panajachel to one village costs from $100 per boat (up to 8 passengers) depending on the destination; larger boats for up to 23 passengers are available on the main routes.
Where does the private boat depart from?
From the Atitlán Café dock in Panajachel. You receive the exact location as a Google Maps pin on WhatsApp when the booking is confirmed.
How many people fit in a private boat?
Standard boats carry up to 8 passengers; larger boats carry up to 23. For bigger events we charter the Caracol by the hour.
How long is a private boat tour?
A transfer takes 10 to 35 minutes depending on the village. The Private Lake Day runs 4 or 8 hours; you decide how long to stay in each place.
Is the captain included? Does he speak English?
Yes, a certified captain is always included. Captains do not speak English — you can add a bilingual guide, the same one who leads our Lake Tour.
Is the boat really private?
Yes. The boat is yours for the time booked: nobody else boards, there are no stops for other passengers and the route is the one you chose.
What happens if it rains?
We sail in light rain. If there is a lightning storm or strong wind, we reschedule at no extra cost and notify you in advance.
Can I bring large luggage?
Yes. Backpacks and suitcases travel on board, or we can keep them in Panajachel until you come back if you prefer.
What time can we leave?
Departure time is flexible and set when you book; we confirm it with the captain. Early departures for sunrise and late ones for sunset are both possible.
How do I book a private boat?
Book the Private Lake Day online or message us on WhatsApp with your date, group size and the villages you want; we confirm the boat and the departure time.
What is the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation 48 hours or more before departure; a 20% deposit is charged when you book online. Full details on the cancellation policy page.