Isla Grande Beach and Portobelo Tour in Panama City

If you’re looking for a relaxing and rewarding day out near the ocean, a trip around Isla Grande Beach and Portobelo should be at the top of your Panama City itinerary. This stunning, sprawling beach location is perfect for exploring on foot and by boat, with great swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing opportunities. You’ll get to visit the picturesque beaches and wildlife of Isla Grande as well as the fortified Spanish city of Portobelo.

Located around 2.5 hours away from Panama City docks, Isla Grande is ripe for exploration, with plenty of unique marine life to see. From manta rays, sea turtles and tropical fish to exciting hiking trails, Isla Grande is not hard to like. Portobelo is similarly stunning, with historic cobbled streets full of culture, fabulous architecture, and stories of Spanish conquests.

If this sounds like your idea of a perfect day, you’ll want to join a tour that offers plenty of informative and entertaining guidance. We can highly recommend the Isla Grande Beach and Portobelo tour provides by the established tour operator GetYourGuide. Read on to discover why this is one of the best tours of the area available.

Getting to Isla Grande Beach and Portobelo

The Isla Grande Beach and Portobelo tour begins with pick up from Panama City at 6am where you’ll begin your journey to Portobelo which takes around 2 to 2 and a half hours by vehicle. Once your group has arrived, you’ll board a comfortable and safe boat to take you to Isla Grande where you’re sure to see some magnificent wildlife in the surrounding waters while on your way. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the palm-shaded beaches of Isla Grande, including a stop at one of the the island’s amazing swimming spots – perfect for snorkeling or relaxing underwater and admiring the multicolored electric-blue-patterned coral.

The tour then continues on for a leisurely cruise over to Portobelo – an Unesco World Heritage Site – to explore its historic streets, churches and fortifications and learn about its place in Panama’s complex history from your devoted guide. If you’d prefer to explore the city on foot, you’ll be offered a guided walking tour which will allow you to soak in the full atmosphere of the area without having to worry about navigating your own way around.

Find your own Rhythm

There’s also plenty of time for you to wander around Portobelo at your own pace and explore all its hidden gems, before returning by boat to Isla Grande where refreshments will be waiting. During this time, it’d be advisable to grab some of the delicious local seafood specialities or just relax under the trees with a good book until you head back to Panama City.

Make it Memorable

The main goal of the Isla Grande Beach and Portobelo tour is to provide an unforgettable experience where visitors can learn more about Panama’s fascinating colonial history as well as admire some of its most beautiful regions. What’s more, GetYourGuide make sure every visitor is taken care of from start to finish; you’ll start your tour with a welcome beverage, enjoy refreshments at both locations throughout the day and return to Panama City fully satisfied after the experience.

Experience Counts

The tour is run by experienced local guides who will personally present each destination in depth; so when signing up for this tour you can be sure that you’ll leave feeling informed and enlightened about Panama’s past and present. Furthermore, GetYourGuide also offer other fascinating excursions around Panama through its website so you can experience further wonders that the country has to offer afterwards.

A Great Value Day Out

Overall, prices for the Isla Grande Beach and Portobelo tour are very reasonable when compared with other excursion companies in the area; for around USD$90 per person, you’ll get a comprehensive tour which includes return transfers from Panama City, refreshments, snacks and a knowledgeable guide throughout your stay in both areas.

In Brief

In summary this Isla Granada Beach and Portobelo tour through GetYourGuide is an ideal day out for anybody looking for a relaxed day trip away from Panama City but full of illuminating sightseeing opportunities. With informative assistance throughout the day as well as refreshments provided at both destinations, this tour offers both fun and great value for money. To book your unforgettable journey, visit GetYourGuide today.

An Insider’s Guide to Panama City

As the bustling capital city of Panama, Panama City has plenty of attractions for tourists. From the historic Panama Canal to the impressive skyscrapers, there is something for everyone. However, if you really want to experience the heart and soul of Panama City, you need to get off the beaten path. Here are some insider tips to help you make the most of your trip.

Discover the Hidden Gems

While the popular tourist attractions are definitely worth a visit, Panama City has some lesser-known gems that should be on your radar. For instance, you can take a relaxing stroll through Parque Omar. This large park is a favorite among locals for its beautiful gardens, sports facilities, large shaded areas, and children’s playgrounds. Another local favorite is the BioMuseo, an award-winning natural history museum. The building, designed by Frank Gehry, showcases Panama’s unique biodiversity and ethnography.

Savor the Local Cuisine

Panama’s cuisine is a melting pot of African, Spanish, and indigenous traditions. You can enjoy traditional dishes like arroz con pollo (rice with chicken) or ceviche (raw fish marinated in citrus juices), but there are plenty of other surprising flavors to discover. Casa Bruja Brewing Co. is a popular brewery that serves delicious craft beer alongside an excellent selection of bar bites. For a more authentic experience, check out the Mercado de Mariscos, where you can find delicious seafood dishes at reasonable prices.

Immerse Yourself in the Culture

Panama City has a rich history and culture. One of the most interesting cultural experiences is the Afro-Caribbean tradition of Congo dancing. The dance originated with the slaves brought to Panama by the Spanish during colonial times. You can witness this exciting performance at festivals and events throughout the city. Another must-see experience is the annual carnival celebration in February, where you can enjoy colorful parades and parties.

Explore the Local History

Panama City has a fascinating history that is intertwined with the story of the Panama Canal. The Panama Canal Museum tracks the building of the canal and its impact on the country’s development. One of the most fascinating historical sites in Panama City is the ruins of Panama Viejo. Founded in 1519, this was the first Spanish city on the Pacific coast of the Americas. As you wander through the ruins, you’ll see evidence of the ancient city’s fortifications and churches.

Venture Outside the City

To experience the true beauty of Panama, you need to venture outside the city limits. One of the best day trips from Panama City is to Isla Grande. This beautiful island is home to pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. You can take a boat tour of the island and appreciate the coral reefs, sea turtles, and colorful fish.

Conclusion

There is much more to Panama City than meets the eye. By exploring its hidden gems, immersing yourself in its local culture and cuisine, and venturing off the beaten path, you’re sure to discover a unique and unforgettable side of this vibrant city.