The tour starts at 7:00 a.m., with your 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 to the Atlantic.
At 9:30 a.m., we arrive at the port, where a lancha boat will take you to the Monkey Island Isla Linton. This island is famous for its howler monkeys, which inhabit the dense forest canopies. When leaving the boat, you will hear their barking howls, and you may also spot a few curious faces looking at you from atop the trees.
Next, 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 you realize your heightened senses, listening to the birds chirping around you and the occasional monkey bellowing at his companions while sitting waist-deep in a natural bathtub.
Exiting the Tunnel of Love, we will be greeted by Isla Mamey, which has a 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 relax and enjoy the gentle Caribbean breeze.
We head to Isla Grande at noon, a 10-minute boat ride from Isla Mamey.
As you step off the boat, palm trees and white-sand beaches will welcome you. 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 here are of African descent and earn a living from fishing and growing coconuts – you’ll get a taste of both when you sample the local cuisine.
We recommend an oceanfront restaurant where seafood is served fresh from the ocean to your plate. You can spend the rest of the day lounging on the private beach, sipping a cold Balboa beer, or snacking on delicious patacones (fried plantains).
At 3:00 p.m., we will return to the port and return to Portobelo, allowing us to explore the rich historical buildings around town.
‘Puerto Bello,’ the Beautiful Port, was named by Christopher Columbus in 1502 when he landed on his fourth New World voyage. Since it was common to abbreviate Spanish names during that time, the beautiful port quickly became known as simply ‘Portobelo.’
From 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 in the Caribbean sun.
As the sun sets, we will return to Panama City, arriving at your hotel around 6:00 p.m.
