Private Tour
Caribbean Gems: Portobelo and Grande Island Private Tour
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
If you're interested in immersing yourself in the captivating culture that made Portobelo fortifications a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its paradisiacal beaches, then this tour is the perfect choice for you. Portobelo was once the trading hub of the Americas and was a melting pot of Caribbean cultures. You'll also get to explore a tropical paradise that boasts stunning beaches and mangroves. The crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming and relaxing. This tour is the ideal way to spend a day away from the city and bask in the tranquil beauty of the Caribbean paradise.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The remaining hours have been allocated for the travel time.
What To Expect
Portobelo
After driving for an hour and a half from the city, visiting Portobelo can be a fascinating cultural experience. The town's central square features a majestic Customs building, which has been converted into a museum that vividly displays the history of African people who arrived on these shores during the Spanish colonial era. Many locals are descendants of these people and represent the vibrant Congo culture that thrives in this town. The Congo culture has been officially recognized as an Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
Complejo De Fuertes De Portobelo, Panama
Fuerte San Jerónimo, close to the center of Portobelo, was the largest fortress ever built to protect the bay. San Jerónimo is the most complete of Portobelo's accessible forts and makes for the best visit.
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Bottled water
Air-conditioned vehicle
round trip boat ride fees to mamey island
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Options
Portobelo and Mamey Island
Pickup included
All included /private combo
Premium service: You don't have to worry about paying anything extra we take care of all the tour expenses Pickup included
Reviews
28 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing Portobelo/Colon Experience
Erica S,Apr 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Aura was absolutely amazing! I would highly recommend her. She was very knowledgeable of Panama overall and specifically provided a deep dive into the history and culture of Colon/Portobelo. I look forward to many more excursions with her.
An expensive and bad experience
Achivanh,Mar 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00The trip to Portobelo took us 2 hours and 30 minutes. The guide was enthousiastic, but his English was insufficient; he had simetimes to use google translate. We did not see the Casa Congo or the Royal Customs house museum. The boat trip to Mamey Island was a joke, waste of time.
Superday with Superguide!
Monika K,Feb 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very recommended if you are interested in all sides of the Panama' s history, at the same time you can swim in cristal caribean water. Riggo was the best, hope to see You again☺️
UNIQUE
mariagge80,Feb 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour of Portobelo and Colón with a guide from Rigo. Immaculate organization, deep knowledge of history and narrative with passion and humor. It made the experience pleasant, authentic and absolutely informative. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to actually get to know Panama. Rigo is not just a guide, he is a man who loves his country and conveys it with love, humor and professionalism.
Turquoise beach and amazing service
271MarinaS,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour is personalized and Carlos our guide was commenting and answering what we were interested in. The journey that lasts about two and a half hours becomes pleasant and on the other hand once you leave the highway the road borders the sea with beautiful landscapes and later there are also mountains. It's a scenic route. With regard to Mamey Island you can access it through a small boat trip of about 15 minutes and the place is unspoilt , without great influx of people but with amenities such as chairs, tables , shade and obviously a dream landscape with palm trees and a warm and transparent sea. You can also snorkel if you wish. And at noon they bring you lunch, which is very rich. The whole experience is wonderful and having a guide like Carlos is of course a great plus.
Good time even with the rain
edwinsU653HY,Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Even with heavy rain in the morning and cloudy skies all day, Aura made it a very enjoyable day. Don't let clouds and some rain keep you from enjoying swimming in pleasant Caribbean waters.
Couple tour
U2233PYnadinem,Sep 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a great trip and Charly was a wonderful tourguide.he gave us a lot of interesting information about Portobelo and playa blanca
Experience of a Lifetime
noellej592,Sep 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00There are tours and then there is rolling with Charlie! If you want to see Panama, take a tour. If you want to EXPERIENCE Panama, roll with Charlie! We left Panama City and took a scenic drive to Portobelo and learned the whole way and back! The sites were amazing! We stopped at a natural swimming spot, a private beach, ate great food and took awesome pics! It’s what you NEED to do if you’re doing anything at all in Panama!🇵🇦
private tour to Portobello with Charlie L
laurie p,Apr 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a great adventure! Charlie L. has an incredible knowledge of Panamá, both its history and its contemporary reality. We asked many questions and he was always ready with an in-depth answers. This was especially important as we discussed the African and indigenous presence in Panamá, specifically Portobello. Much of this his-story is not in our schoolbooks. So we really appreciated learning more! In addition, my tío, who is 80 and born in LaBoca, CZ was with us. Charlie was attentive to his needs and also swapped stories of their experiences growing up on the Canal Zone, noting all the changes over the years. I very much appreciated Charlie’s care and generosity. And the beach! Lovely and relaxing, followed by a great lunch. This private tour with Charlie L was the definite highlight of our week in Panamá! Will definitely be back!
Book this tour!
Curious31420,Apr 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing and caring company. Roderick is a fantastic person to work with. I highly recommend. Easy and fast communication. Will use again for sure.
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Operated by Panamanian Aventures