From Panama City: Caribbean Island Hopping & Portobelo Fort Isla Grande Panama – Caribbean Island Hopping & Portobelo
ID: GYG492721-872623
Category:
Country: Panama
Duration:
11:00 hours
Description
Join us on our Caribbean Coast adventure, visiting three pristine islands and Portobelo. Experience the other side of Panama, with its Caribbean charm, vivid history and afro-latin rhythms.
The tour starts at 7:00am, with yoiur English speaking driver and guide picking you up from your lodging in Panama City. Enjoy our comfortable, air-conditioned car as we cross the country from the Pacific side to the Atlantic side.
At 9:30am we arrive at the port, where a lancha boat will take you to the monkey island Isla Linton, which is famous for its Howler monkeys inhabiting the dense forest canopies. You will hear their barking howls when leaving the boat and you may also spot a few curious faces looking at you from atop the trees.
Next up we visit the "Tunnel of Love", a natural pool, surrounded by mangroves, inviting you to soak in the balmy, shallow waters. The experience will almost feel surreal, as realize your heightened senses, listening to the multitude of birds chirping all around you and the occasional monkey bellowing at his companions, all while sitting waist deep in a natural bathtub.
Exiting the Tunnel of Loves, we will be greeted by Isla Mamey with its large white sand beach. The huge, shallow reef right in front will be the perfect opportunity for you to unpack your snorkel and dive into the iridescent ocean. Various palm trees will afford plenty of shade, inviting you to lay down and enjoy the gentle Caribbean breeze.
At noon we head to Isla Grande, a short 10 minute boat ride from Isla Mamey.
As you step off the boat you will be welcomed by palm trees and white-sand beaches. A popular getaway for folk escaping the urban grind of Panama City, Isla Grande is an ideal setting for snorkeling, scuba diving or simply soaking up the island’s relaxed vibe. There are no roads here, just a small footpath along the island's southern coast, backed by pastel-colored cottages. Many of the people living here are of African descent and are eking out a living from fishing and growing coconuts – you’ll get a taste of both when you sample the local cuisine.
We will recommend you an oceanfront restaurant, where seafood is served fresh from the ocean to your plate and where you can spend the rest of the day lounging on the private beach, sipping on a cold Balboa beer or snacking on delicious Patacones (fried plantains).
At 3:00pm we will return to the port, making our way back to Portobelo, giving us the opportunity to explore the rich historical buildings around town.
‘Puerto Bello, ’the Beautiful Port, was named by Christopher Columbus in 1502, when he landed here on his fourth New World voyage. Since it was common during that time to abbreviate Spanish names, the beautiful port quickly became known as simply ‘Portobelo.’
During the 16th to the 18th centuries Portobelo was an important silver-exporting town and one of the two Atlantic ports on the route of the Spanish treasure fleets. Explore the old ruins and cannons idly aging away ion the Caribbean sun.
As the sun starts dropping, we will make our way back to Panama City, arriving at your hotel at around 6:00pm.
Highlights
- Experience the Afro-Caribbean culture of Portobelo
- Meet the monkeys of Isla Linton
- Fall in love and bathe in the "Tunnel of Love" mangrove forest
- Lounge on the white sand beaches of Isla Grande
- Snorkel on the colorful reefs of Isla Mamey
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
ATTENTION LAST MINUTE BOOKINGS: Bookings made after 6:00pm for the following day are NOT guaranteed until we respond and explicitly confirm your tour itinerary. If your booking is not confirmed by one of our booking specialists, your tour will be scheduled for the subsequent day.
This tour will take place rain or shine
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.