Caribbean Day Tour: Isla Grande, Mamey, Monkey Island & Portobelo

4.5 (36 reviews) Panama City, Panama
Duration11h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish, Spanish
Group sizeUp to 10 travelers
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

Experience the best of Panama’s Caribbean coast on this day trip from Panama City. This full-day adventure combines visits to three beautiful islands—Isla Grande, Isla Linton, and Isla Mamey—with the historic town of Portobelo, once a key Spanish port filled with treasure and history. Just 2.5 hours from Panama City, you’ll enjoy turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, snorkeling, swimming, and vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture.

Portobelo, named Puerto Bello (“Beautiful Port”) by Christopher Columbus in 1502, is home to colonial forts, colorful traditions, and a unique local vibe.

We make your experience stress-free with:

✅ Pick-up from your Panama City lodging
✅ Comfortable transport with friendly drivers
✅ Expert local, English-speaking guides who share history and culture
✅ Excellent customer service available before and during your trip

This is the perfect blend of island-hopping, beach time, and history, offering a Caribbean escape without leaving Panama.

Options

Pickup Panama City

Pickup included

Pick Up Playa Bonita

Pickup included

Pickup Costa del Este

Pickup included

What's included

  • Shared Boat Transfers between islands
  • 1 Bottled Water per Guest – stay refreshed during your adventure
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Round-Trip Shared Transportation from your Panama City hotel to the port
  • ‍ Full-Day Bilingual Guide (English & Spanish) – expert guidance throughout the tour
  • Entrance Fee to Portobelo National Park & Islands (mandatory, paid in cash on site)
  • Guests can enjoy freshly prepared seafood and local dishes at a beachfront restaurant on Isla Grande (average $15–20 per person, paid directly at the restaurant). Vegetarian options available.

What to expect

  1. Panama City
    2h
    Hotel Pick-Up in Panama City

    Your adventure begins with pick-up from your hotel in Panama City at 7:00 AM. Relax in spacious, air-conditioned transport as we make the scenic 2.5-hour drive to Panama’s Caribbean coast. Along the way, enjoy rolling hills, lush jungle landscapes, and charming local villages.

    Extra charges apply for pick-ups from Tocumen Airport area, Playa Bonita, and Costa del Este.
  2. Colon
    15m
    Isla Linton – Monkey Island & Natural Pool

    At around 9:30 AM, board a boat to Isla Linton, also known as Monkey Island. Famous for its wild howler monkeys, the island offers a magical experience as their calls echo through the dense jungle canopy.

    Here you’ll also find a crystal-clear natural pool surrounded by mangroves, perfect for a refreshing swim in calm, shallow waters. As you float, listen to the symphony of birdsong and the occasional monkey call—a surreal moment in untouched Caribbean nature.
  3. Colon Province
    20m
    The Tunnel of Love

    On the way to Isla Mamey, we pass through the enchanting “Tunnel of Love”, a narrow mangrove passage where the trees form a natural canopy overhead. Here, we make a stop so guests can take a refreshing swim and enjoy a shallow sandbank—a peaceful, postcard-perfect spot surrounded by nature.
  4. Isla Mamey
    1h 30m
    Isla Mamey

    Next, we arrive at Isla Mamey, known for its long white-sand beach and calm, turquoise waters. Just offshore, a shallow coral reef offers excellent snorkeling, while the palm trees provide plenty of shade for relaxing on the sand. It’s the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation in a true Caribbean paradise.
  5. Isla Grande
    3h
    Isla Grande – Relax, Lunch & Local Culture

    At midday, enjoy a short 10-minute boat ride to Isla Grande, a lively Afro-Caribbean island known for its colorful culture and laid-back vibe. There are no roads here—just a charming coastal path lined with pastel houses, fishing boats, and reggae rhythms.

    We’ll bring you to a seafront restaurant where you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch of fresh seafood or local dishes like fried plantains (patacones). Spend the afternoon snorkeling, swimming, or relaxing on the private beach with a cold Balboa beer in hand.
  6. Portobelo
    40m
    Historic Portobelo, Panama

    At 3:00 pm, we return by boat to the port, and from there continue by car to the historic town of Portobelo on the Caribbean coast of Panama.

    “Puerto Bello” (“Beautiful Port”), named by Christopher Columbus in 1502, became one of the most important Spanish ports between the 16th and 18th centuries, serving as a key hub for exporting silver and treasures to Europe.

    On this guided history and culture tour, your local expert will walk you through the fortress ruins of San Felipe de Portobelo, where stories of pirates and battles come alive. Hear about legendary figures such as Sir Henry Morgan and Admiral Edward Vernon, whose invasions shaped the destiny of the town.

    Though Portobelo was rebuilt in 1751 after repeated attacks, it never regained its former glory. Today, you’ll experience it as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, blending fascinating history with the laid-back charm of the Caribbean. This is a highlight of any day trip from Panama City.
  7. Panama City
    2h
    Return to Panama City

    Relax on the return journey and arrive back at your hotel by evening, full of memories of Panama’s Caribbean coast, pristine islands, and colorful history.

Meeting and pickup

Pickup details

The Colón District is located on Panama’s Atlantic coast. The drive to the port takes approximately 2.5 hours each way, along winding roads with beautiful scenery.

Pick-up from your Panama City lodging is included and begins at 7:00 AM.

Additional charges apply for pick-up and drop-off at hotels or accommodations located in the Tocumen Airport area, Playa Bonita, or Costa del Este. Please contact us in advance for details.

Additional information

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Pickup Time: Pickup from your Panama City hotel or accommodation is at 7:00 AM sharp. Please be ready in the lobby 10 minutes before.
  • Passport Requirement: Travelers must bring their original passport. Police occasionally conduct roadside checks, and photocopies are not accepted.
  • Additional Pickup Charges: Extra fees apply for pickups and drop-offs at hotels or accommodations located in the Tocumen Airport area, Playa Bonita, or Costa del Este. Please contact us for details.
  • Travel Distance: The drive to the port takes approximately 2.5 hours each way through winding but scenic roads.
  • Extra Fees: The $11 entrance fee (cash only) and lunch are not included.
  • What to Bring: Sunscreen, hat, towel, swimsuit, water shoes, cash
  • ️ Weather & Conditions: Tours run rain or shine. Sea conditions may vary, so guests should be comfortable with boat travel.
  • Health & Mobility: This tour is not recommended for travelers with serious back problems, mobility issues, or those who are pregnant.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.5 (36)
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