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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.