Welcome to Isla Grande
Palm trees and white-sand beaches form the backdrop to this lovely little island, just 15km from Portobelo. A popular getaway for folk fleeing the urban grind of Panama City, Isla Grande is an ideal setting for snorkeling, scuba diving or simply soaking up the island’s relaxed vibe. There are no roads, just a footpath along the island's southern coast, backed by pastel-colored cottages. Many of the people living here are of African descent and are eking out a living from fishing and growing coconuts – you’ll get a taste of both when you sample the local cuisine.
Top experiences in Isla Grande
Isla Grande activities
Isla Grande Tour from Panamá City
The experience starts by picking you up at 7:00am at the lobby of your hotel. From there we will take you to Isla Grande in Colón.Isla grande, means ´Big Island´, the island is not that big, but is the biggest island around, is really popular because of its beauty, people from all places come to visit Isla Grande to enjoy of the Caribbean water snorkeling, fishing or enjoying other activities.On our way to the island we will pass the historic town of Portobelo, founded 400 years ago where if you like we can make a stop. This is not part of the tour but we can make a 20 minutes stop in the place.When we arrive in La Guira we will take a boat that will take us to the island, it will take around 10 minutes to cross to the island.You can do more activities while you are in the island.Then when tour ends we will take you back to your hotel. This is an all-day tour.
Private tour to Rosario's Islands
8:30am-8:40am Check-in process. 8:40am-9:30am Transfer between Cartagena and Isla Grande. 9:30am-13:00pm Enjoy the nautical activities you have chosen and the sensational beaches of Isla Grande. 13:00pm- 13:10pm Travel to Barú 13:10pm-14:30pm Visit Barú where you can have lunch 14:30pm-14:50pm We take anchors and leave for the Ciénaga de los Vásquez, our last stop of the day. 14:50pm-15:30pm Visit Ciénaga de los Vásquez place you can enjoy the sea in complete calm. 15:30pm-16:00pm We return to Cartagena with the sunset hiding behind the old bay and the walled city that seems to light up just for your entertainment. *The time schedule provided is subject to sudden changes in the tides for your own safety.
Tour to Isla Grande and Portobelo from Panama City
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productStop At: Panama Metro, Panama City, Panama ProvincePick up at hotel or address in Panama CityDuration: 15 minutesStop At: Isla Grande, Colon, Colon ProvinceExpend the day in the beach and town in the islandDuration: 5 hoursStop At: Portobelo National Park, Colon, Colon ProvinceTour around the old spanish town and fortress in PortobeloDuration: 1 hour
Portobelo, history and Caribbean
Portobelo, nestled on the Caribbean coast along the sea from the city of Colon, this small town of sinners and farmers is a historical reference since the Spanish conquistadors made it a starting point for gold to Europe. Terrible battles were held here to conquer this sheltered and easily defended bay, and many galleons still lag behind, making it a paradise for scuba divers. You will leave early in the morning from Panama City on the Colon route that crosses the country from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea bound for the walled city of Portobelo. Today a small secondary village of 3000 inhabitants, it was the most important city of America at the colonial time because the wealth that the Spanish colonists exported towards Europe were transported from its port. Our guide will introduce you to the city. You will stop to visit the ruins of the fortifications that are classified as World Heritage by UNESCO. You will visit the church of San Felipe, the last church built by the Spaniards, where the Black Christ (who is also the patron saint of the singers) feeds the history of this small port for decades. Then, you will take the road on about fifteen kilometers to reach the pier. From here, a boat (10 minutes of navigation) will take you to Isla Grande: palm trees, white sand, warm and crystalline waters will be waiting for you. You can enjoy lunch in the various snacks and restaurants present (not included), snorkel, swim, walk or just relax and enjoy this beautiful setting for a few hours. Our driver will then escort you to Panama City at your place of residence.