Full-Day Catamaran Sailing Caribbean Beaches with Snorkelling and Lunch
Active
6h - 9h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Set sail with us to explore hidden Caribbean gems only accessible by sea! With 20 years of experience navigating these waters, we’ll guide you to vibrant marine spots far from the crowds.
This tour explores two stunning and contrasting locations: Playa Drake, known for its incredible snorkeling, and Venas Azules, a turquoise lagoon surrounded by mangroves. Both are part of the unspoiled Portobelo National Park, rich in biodiversity and natural beauty.
If you choose the pickup option, we’ll collect you directly from your hotel and take you to the historic town of Portobelo—founded in 1597 by the Spanish to defend against pirate invasions. From there, we’ll cruise toward these breathtaking destinations on a catamaran, raising the sails whenever the wind allows.
During the trip, you’ll have the chance to swim, kayak, paddleboard, or simply unwind on the catamaran or beach. Perfect for adventurous travelers looking for off-the-beaten-path experiences and a deep connection with nature!
Available options
PRIVATE BOAT+PTY hotel pickup
PRIVATE TOUR: it’s exclusively for you and your group. <br/>Duration: 9 hours<br/>Lunch and Water<br/>Panama City Return Transfer: HOTEL PICK-UP AND DROP-OFF INCLUDED<br/>Pickup included
PRIVATE BOAT from Portobelo
PRIVATE BOAT: it’s exclusively for you and your group. <br/>Duration: 6 hours<br/>Lunch and Water<br/>from Portobelo<br/>Hotel transfers NOT INCLUDED
Shared Tour from PORTOBELO
SHARED TOUR: you’ll be joining other travelers for the experience. It’s a great way to meet new people.<br/>Duration: 6 hours<br/>Lunch and Water<br/>tour starts from Portobelo<br/>Hotel transfers NOT INCLUDED
Shared Tour+PTY ReturnTransfer
SHARED TOUR: you’ll be joining other travelers for the experience. It’s a great way to meet new people.<br/>Duration: 9 hours<br/>Lunch and Water<br/>from your Panama City Hotel: HOTEL PICK-UP AND DROP-OFF INCLUDED<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Safety Equipment
Drinking Water
A freshly prepared lunch will be served on the catamaran. For guests with a kosher diet, we can offer a fresh fruit alternative.
Snorkeling mask and tube
Kayak, Paddleboard and Floating Noodles
Detailed itinerary
1
Here, you can see Spanish defensive fortifications built 500 years ago. It's part of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites.
From here you will get the speedboat to the catamaran (2 minutes ride).
2
Once on the catamaran, we will do a briefing and sail for almost one hour to the first stop: Venas Azules. Our first stop is Isla del Padre, also called Blue Veins. Blue Veins is a lagoon of mangroves with crystal-clear water and a white sand beach. Here we’ll explore the lagoon by dinghi.
Then we will sail to our next stop Playa Drake for 20 mins.
3
Playa Drake is a tropical white beach, named after the pirate who died not far from there. Here, you can go snorkelling and observe beautiful corals and fish. You can also swim, do kayaking, paddle-boarding, or just enjoy the beach. We will have lunch on the catamaran and then we will sail back to Portobelo (30 mins).
What's not included
Drinks and Snacks
Beach towel
$20/group if pickup from Panama City is included but hotel is in PlayaBonita,Tocumen,C.Este,S.Maria
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.2
51 reviews
5★
32
4★
6
3★
8
2★
2
1★
3
Tripadvisor
4.7
62 reviews
5★
53
4★
5
3★
0
2★
3
1★
1
Important information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Not recommended for travelers with limited mobility
Not suitable for travelers who are unable to go barefoot
Not suitable for travelers who are unwilling to follow safety guidelines and onboard instructions
Meeting point
Cooperativa de transporte acuático Santiago de la Gloria , Portobelo
About Colón
Colón is a vibrant port city on the Caribbean coast of Panama, known for its rich history, diverse culture, and strategic location at the entrance to the Panama Canal. It offers a unique blend of Caribbean charm, historical landmarks, and bustling markets, making it a fascinating destination for travelers.
Top Attractions
Colón 2000
A large shopping mall offering a wide range of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. It's a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
Shopping
Half day to full day
Free entry, varies by store
Panama Canal Extension (Canal Ampliation)
The expanded Panama Canal, which includes the new locks, offers a fascinating look at one of the world's most important engineering projects.
Historical
Half day
Free entry to visitor center, boat tours vary in price
Fort San Lorenzo
A 17th-century Spanish fortress located at the entrance to the Panama Canal, offering stunning views and a glimpse into the region's colonial past.
Historical
Half day
Moderate entry fee
Colón Free Trade Zone
One of the largest free trade zones in the world, offering a vast array of duty-free goods, from electronics to textiles and more.
Shopping
Half day to full day
Free entry, varies by store
Playa La Piscina
A popular beach located near the entrance to the Panama Canal, offering a mix of relaxation and adventure activities.
Beach
Half day
Free entry, varies by activity
Must-Try Local Dishes
Sancocho
A hearty chicken soup with root vegetables, often served with rice and plantains.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains chicken and root vegetables, can be made vegetarian with modifications.
Ropa Vieja
A flavorful shredded beef dish cooked with tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers, typically served with rice and beans.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains beef, can be made with chicken or vegetables for a lighter option.
Ceviche
Fresh raw fish or seafood marinated in citrus juice, mixed with onions, peppers, and cilantro.
Appetizer/Lunch
Contains raw seafood, can be made with cooked seafood or vegetables for a safer option.
Patacones
Fried green plantains, often served as a side dish or snack with various dips.
Side Dish/Snack
Vegetarian and vegan-friendly, often fried in oil.
Popular Activities
Boating and fishing in Gatun Lake
Hiking and nature trails in Portobelo National Park
Water sports at Playa La Piscina
Sunbathing and swimming at Playa La Piscina
Shopping and dining at Colón 2000
Exploring historic sites in Portobelo
Visiting the Panama Canal Museum
Exploring the Colón Free Trade Zone
Best Time to Visit
Dry season (January to April)
The dry season offers the best weather for visiting Colón, with lower humidity and less rain, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. This is the peak tourist season, so expect more visitors and higher prices.
24-30°C
75-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Spanish
- Widely spoken: English, Creole
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in other parts of the city
Currency
Panamanian Balboa (PAB)
Time Zone
Eastern Time Zone (ET) (UTC-5)
Electricity
110VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution
Colón has a reputation for being less safe than other parts of Panama, with higher crime rates and a history of violence. However, the city has made efforts to improve safety and security in recent years, and many visitors enjoy their time in Colón without incident. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, especially at night and in less populated areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas
- • Use licensed taxis and agreed-upon fares
- • Be wary of strangers offering unsolicited help or services
Getting there
By air
- Enrique Adolfo Jiménez Airport • 5 km from city center
By bus
Terminal de Transporte de Colón
Getting around
Public transport
The Diablo Rojo is a traditional and affordable way to get around Colón. These brightly painted buses are shared among passengers and can be crowded, but they offer a unique local experience.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, InDriver
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Cristóbal
Sabanitas
Colón City Center
Day trips
Portobelo
40 km from Colón • Half day to full day
A historic town on the Caribbean coast, known for its colonial fortifications, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural heritage. Portobelo offers a mix of history, relaxation, and adventure.
Panama Canal
Varies by attraction • Half day to full day
One of the most important engineering projects in history, the Panama Canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, offering a fascinating look at its construction, operation, and impact on global trade.
Gatun Lake
20 km from Colón • Half day to full day
A large artificial lake created by the damming of the Chagres River for the construction of the Panama Canal. Gatun Lake offers a variety of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, and wildlife watching.
Festivals
Carnaval de Colón • February or March, before Lent
Feria de las Flores y las Frutas • July or August
Fiestas Patronales de Colón • December 8th
Pro tips
- Visit the Panama Canal visitor centers for a comprehensive understanding of the canal's history and operation
- Shop at the Colón Free Trade Zone for duty-free goods and unique souvenirs
- Explore the local markets for fresh produce, traditional goods, and authentic experiences
- Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas, and use licensed taxis and agreed-upon fares
- Dress modestly and respectfully when visiting religious sites, and be mindful of local customs and traditions
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
