DAY TOUR Portobelo & Caribbean Beaches by Speedboat + Snorkeling
Active
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
We'll take you to stunning Caribbean beaches that can only be reached by boat—no roads lead here! You'll visit two unique locations: Playa Blanca, known for its amazing snorkeling, and Venas Azules, a serene turquoise lagoon surrounded by mangroves. Both are nestled within Portobelo National Park, a pristine natural haven teeming with wildlife.
If you choose the pickup option, we’ll collect you from your hotel in Panama City and bring you to Portobelo, a historic port founded by the Spanish in 1597 to defend against pirate raids. During the tour, you can swim, snorkel, or simply relax on the beach.
Before heading back, enjoy free time to explore Portobelo’s charm—visit its seaside restaurants, the Spanish Customs House, local art galleries, and the famous Black Jesus Church.
Perfect for adventurous travelers who enjoy hidden gems and time on the water, this experience offers a unique blend of nature, history, and relaxation.
Available options
Start in Portobelo
hotel transfers NOT INCLUDED
With Panama city Pick-up
Pickup included
What's included
Safety equipment
Use of Snorkelling equipment
Detailed itinerary
1
You will picked up from the comforts of your accommodation and then drive from Colon to Portobelo.
2
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).
3
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 sailing to our next stop Playa Drake.
4
Playa Blanca is a tropical white beach, named after the pirate who died not far from there. Here, you can go snorkeling and observe beautiful corals and fish. You can go kayaking, swim, and enjoy the beach. Then we will sail back to Portobelo.
5
You will be driven from Portobelo to Colon, and dropped off back at your hotel.
What's not included
Drinks and Snacks
Lunch
Gratuities
2$ National Park Entrance Fee
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
IT
FR
ES
Reviews breakdown
Tripadvisor
5.0
4 reviews
5★
4
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Not recommended for travelers with limited mobility
Not recommended for travelers over 130 kg
Meeting point
The dock is located next to the fortress Santiago de La Gloria. Mr. Tavo will set you on a speedboat to the catamaran.
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
