Somewhere in the world more than 8,000 vessels are flying the Panamanian flag. To put this into perspective consider that the second largest merchant fleet in the world (Liberia) claims roughly 2,000 vessels.

There are a lot of reasons why so many yacht and ship owners would come so far to register their boats. For starters, offshore income derived by a vessel registered in Panama is exempt from taxes. There is no minimum tonnage requirement for registration here and Panama’s corporate secrecy laws can provide absolute privacy for a vessel’s owners.

There is another big plus for yacht owners when they purchase a boat in Panama for $200,000 or more. Transactions of this kind may qualify the buyer for a “Person of Means” visa. This can make coming and going from Panama easier while opening the door to dual citizenship.

If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of registering a vessel in Panama, you should begin your research by developing a strong relationship with a local attorney. You will find that there are many third party resources to help you select the best one for your needs. These groups provide unbiased reviews of providers in Panama’s professional community speeding you to a successful pairing.

For more information on banking and tax strategies, estate management, employment, forming a Panamanian foundation or corporation, real estate, trade policy, local economics, vessel registration, obtaining legal counsel, or any other topic related to doing business in Panama… click here

The Tucan Golf course in Panama is just outside Panama City. This 6,618 yard, par 72 championship course is bordered by tropical rain forest and has views of the skyscrapers of Panama City as well as the Bridge of the Americas crossing the Panama Canal.

Tucan was designed by American golf course architect Jeffrey Meyers and built by Gregori International and is one of the most challenging golf courses in Panama.

The front nine on Tucan is the part bordered by rainforest and frequented by birds you thought only existed in magazine photos while the back nine opens up to vistas of the city and the Panama Canal.

True its reputation as a championship course Tucan has its share of water hazards in the line of play as well as to the side of play. This course is playable and impeccably maintained year round, including during Panama’s rainy season.

As a country club Tucan has villas and apartment for living on site where you can play a championship level golf course every day of the year. Homes at Tucan range from 2,300 to 5,000 square feet and feature elegant designs for luxurious living.

Playing golf in Panama means two seasons, wet and dry. The summer in Panama runs from December to May and means Tucan needs to water its fairways and greens. Winter in Panama is the rainy season from May to December when Tucan turns off the tap. Despite the fact that rainfall in Panama is measured in feet instead of inches Tucan is designed so that the course is playable year round although you will probably want to sit out the hour-long afternoon shower in the clubhouse.

“For more information click here”

If there were a secluded sea-side inn you could truly relax in, and it came with an exclusive restaurant serving delectable meals and an innkeeper who thinks it’s his mission to make your every dream come true; would you want to go there?

“Villa Romantica is a mix of high class service and food, yet secluded and romantic,” shared one Villa guest.  Originally, Villa Romantica was a private home on Isla Contadora, now it has been converted into a six room hotel and restaurant with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the lovely Cacique Beach.

The traveler’s review compliments are significant:  “Villa Romantica is an excellent choice for lodging if you are staying on Isla Contadora. The entire staff is extremely friendly, and the owner, Charlie, will do everything to make you feel welcome.” Villa Romantica offers six optimal rooms with an incredible ocean front view for a price per night varying from $80 -$160, depending on the season and number of guests in your party.

To plan your stay at the well designed and comfortable Villa Romantica, book a year in advance for a time around Christmas; but for the midsummer, around July, you might be able to show up and have just the lodging that you want…without long term planning.

Villa Romántica, (507) 250-4067, www.contadora-villa-romantica.com, to make reservations please write to ursula@panamatravelgroup.com