Portobelo & Isla Grande Snorkeling
Caribbean Snorkeling Over Coral Reefs on Panama's Atlantic Coast
This is Panama's best Caribbean snorkeling day. The tour heads to the Atlantic coast for snorkeling over coral reefs off Isla Grande, a car-free tropical island with white-sand beaches and turquoise water, with a stop in the colorful UNESCO-listed colonial town of Portobelo on the way.
The main event is snorkeling. The reef around Isla Grande is shallow and accessible, with colorful fish, soft and hard corals, and excellent visibility on calm days. Snorkel gear and a guide are included, and the boat takes you to the best reef spots around the island. Beginners and experienced snorkelers are equally welcome.
Between snorkel sessions you'll have time to swim from the beach, walk the car-free island paths, or just relax with your feet in the sand. On the way back to the mainland, you'll stop in Portobelo — a small Caribbean town on a sheltered bay, home to colonial-era Spanish fortifications (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the cultural heart of Afro-Panamanian heritage.
Go Beyond coordinates kosher food arrangements for the day. The scenic 2.5-hour drive to the coast passes through small towns and lush countryside.
Bring Your Passport
Police occasionally conduct roadside document checks on the highway to Colón. Bring your original passport — photocopies are not accepted.
What's Included
- Guided snorkeling over coral reefs off Isla Grande
- Snorkel gear (mask, snorkel, fins)
- Boat ride to a car-free Caribbean island
- Beach time on Isla Grande's white sand
- Stop in Portobelo: UNESCO colonial fort and Afro-Panamanian culture
- Round-trip transport from Panama City
What to Bring
- Original passport (required)
- Swimsuit and towel
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Cash for souvenirs and snacks
- Waterproof phone case
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