Description
Panama’s Caribbean coast is simply spectacular! This Caribbean snorkeling adventure takes you to the province of Colon, about an hour and a half’s drive from Panama City. You will depart at 7:30 a.m. and arrive in the town of Portobelo by 9:00 a.m. Once in Portobelo, you will take a short boat ride across the bay to reach your snorkeling site. Playa Huerta is a private, white-sand beach with crystal-clear waters, surrounded by a jungle that is home to a variety of wildlife. There, you will have time to sunbathe and relax.
The second snorkeling spot in the Caribbean snorkeling adventure is a reef wall located very close to the shore. More experienced snorkelers can follow the wall and explore the underwater world. These calm, clear Caribbean waters teem with tropical fish. The waters surrounding Portobelo are tied to famous tales of conquistadors, pirates, and gold; historical figures such as Captain Morgan and Sir Francis Drake once sailed through the Bay of Portobelo. For those who are certified, there is also another tour option to go scuba diving in Portobelo.
The Caribbean snorkeling adventure continues with a visit to the town of Portobelo. Its name literally means “beautiful port,” and it served as such during the era of the Spanish conquistadors. Together with the Fort of San Lorenzo, this port was one of two routes used by the Spanish to transport treasures looted from Peru back to Spain. As you might imagine, the site was a constant target for attacks by privateers and pirates. Both fortifications have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Portobelo is a quiet town on the shores of the Caribbean Sea, known for its colorful houses. It is famous for the Black Christ of Portobelo, whose feast day is celebrated every year on October 21st. You can visit the church and, if you wish, purchase some souvenirs. It is also possible to visit the old customs house—which has been restored—and the local museum. During the excursion, there is a stop in Portobelo for lunch (the cost of lunch is not included). The local cuisine is delicious; you can sample dishes such as octopus in coconut curry, coconut rice, fried plantains, fresh fish, crab, and a variety of other seafood. After lunch, the group begins the return journey to Panama City.
Includes:
- Transportation
- Boat
- Bilingual tour guide
- Snorkeling Equipment
- Taxes
Does not include:
- Lunch
- Gratuities
Available: Mondays and Fridays.
Time: 7.5 hours.
What to bring? bathing suit, change of clothes, towel, comfortable wear, flip flops or aqua shoes, rain jacket or waterproof bag (green season), sunscreen, hat, ID, cash, water bottle, GoPro and camera.
Important information: the Caribbean snorkeling adventure tour runs on Mondays and Fridays with a minimum of three people. Please inquire for other dates before booking. Private day tours from Panama City to Portobelo are also available. Children pay the same rate as adults. Infants under two years are free of cost.