Caribbean Gems: Portobelo and Mamey Island Private Tour
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 33 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Caribbean Gems: Portobelo and Mamey Island Private Tour worth booking?
Caribbean Gems: Portobelo and Mamey Island Private Tour is a 6-hour experience in Panama City, Panama, from $155 per person. It scores 69 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 33 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 69 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (33)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $155 per person
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.
What you get
About this experience
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.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- natural swimming pool and love tunnel boat ride fees
- Admission fees
What you'll see and do
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.
90 minutes here
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.
20 minutes here
Casa Congo is a beautiful place featuring nine rooms filled with local identity and art. Situated in front of Portobelo Bay, this public, inclusive space has been built to host training workshops, artisanal production, and artistic exaltation. Visitors can experience various manifestations of Congo art and gain a deeper understanding of the rich Spanish-colonial and African historical legacy in Portobelo.
15 minutes here
Museo de La Real Aduana de Portobelo
The Museo de la Real Aduana de Portobelo, also known as the Royal Customs House Museum of Portobelo, is a captivating historical landmark that provides a glimpse into the town's thriving maritime history. Housed in a 17th-century building, the museum exhibits the town's significant involvement in global trade and its ties to Spain and other world regions.
15 minutes here · Admission included
Isla Grande
We are going to board a boat that will take us to the paradisiacal beaches of Grande island Where we can enjoy the warm waters of the Caribbean
120 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Portobelo and Mamey Island
Pickup included
VIP private all included Combo
Premium service: You don't have to worry about paying anything extra we take care of all the tour expenses Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Panamanian Aventures
Know before you go
- 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.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 33 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
33 verified traveler reviews for Caribbean Gems: Portobelo and Mamey Island Private Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Beautiful views
This was a whole day trip! It was both fascinating and fun, you walk through naval forts from colonial times while also learning local culture of the area which is just fascinating, then you relax on the beach it’s great! Ricky was fantastic! Would let him guide all of the trips, he was knowledgeable and funny and easy to talk to and understand, he’s bilingual. I would recommend you bring swim gear as well as comfy clothes! This trip started at 9 and ended at 7:30.
via Tripadvisor
A good mix of beach and culture
We had a great day out with Ricky, exploring Portobelo and then at the beach. We chose this tour because we wanted a bit of variety - culture in the morning and beach in the afternoon. We were supposed to take the tour a couple of days after the earthquake but we were informed that many of the sites we would visit would be closed for safety reasons. The tour company were very helpful in allowing us to reschedule the tour for the next day. The tour gave us a chance to learn some of the history of Portobelo while looking around the town. We then went to meet our boat to Mamey Island. The boat trip goes via monkey island to say hello to a howler monkey, through the mangroves where we saw a ray, and through the mangroves tunnel of love. Once on the island we had time to relax and swim and eat the delicious lunch we had chosen from a range of options. There are very clean bathrooms on the island where you can shower and change. All in all it was a very enjoyable trip.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience! We're delighted that you enjoyed the perfect combination of Portobelo's rich history, Caribbean culture, and the beautiful beaches of Mamey Island. We're especially pleased that Ricky made your day memorable and that you enjoyed the wildlife encounters, scenic boat ride through the mangroves, and delicious island lunch. Your safety and satisfaction are always our priorities, so we're glad we could accommodate your schedule following the earthquake and ensure you experienced the best of this beautiful region. Thank you for choosing Panamanian Adventures and for trusting us with your Caribbean adventure. We hope to welcome you back to Panama for more unforgettable experiences!
via Viator
An Exceptional and Unforgettable Day Exploring Panama’s Caribbean Side
Riggo was an absolutely phenomenal tour guide and gave our group one of the best days of our entire trip to Panama. From beginning to end, he was knowledgeable, personable, patient, and genuinely passionate about sharing the Caribbean side of Panama with us. What really stood out was how flexible and accommodating he was. He took the time to clearly explain the history, culture, and significance of each place we visited, while allowing us to enjoy every stop without ever feeling rushed. The entire day felt authentic and personal rather than like a typical scripted tourist experience. Riggo’s knowledge and warm personality made the experience even more memorable. We learned so much about Panama’s Caribbean roots and culture while simply having a fantastic time together. If you’re visiting Panama and want an exceptional guide who will go above and beyond to make your day special, I cannot recommend Riggo highly enough. Five stars without hesitation! Thank you, Riggo, for an unforgettable experience and a truly phenomenal day!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for this incredible five-star review! We’re delighted to hear that Riggo made your experience exploring Panama’s Caribbean side one of the highlights of your trip. His passion for Panama’s history and culture, along with his warm and personalized approach, is exactly what we strive for at Panamanian Adventures. We truly appreciate your kind words and recommendation. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back to Panama for another unforgettable adventure!
via Viator
BEST CARIBBEAN TOUR EVER !!!!!
Caribbean portobelo tour!!! A one of a kind experience. We were blessed to have the tour guide such an amazing tour guide. Jorge was amazing, he was super knowledgeable, he was so patient, didn’t rush us at all, super funny and overall so sweet. Jorge did such an amazing job telling us about the cultural and what everything we saw today represented. 1000/10 tour guide, Jorge eres maravilloso. The island of mamey was sooo beautiful. Clear and blue waters. The sun was amazing and the people were so sweet. We were also fed , which was so amazing , we had filet fish with side salad and tostones with rice, OMG, SUPER GOOD LORD THOSE PEOPLE CAN COOK!!! We were able to go into the tunnel of love which was super beautiful and finally ended off with the natural pool, Such an amazing experience 🩵🩵🩵 1000/10 experience
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words about this great experience and for choosing Panamanian Adventures as your go-to tour company in Panama! We truly appreciate your support!
via Tripadvisor
Amazing Portobelo/Colon Experience
Aura 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.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words about this great experience and for choosing Panamanian Adventures as your go-to tour company in Panama! We truly appreciate your support!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $155 to $225
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 12
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Panamanian Aventures, who run 13 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 64.1.
See everything Panamanian Aventures runsWhy this scores 69
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Caribbean Gems: Portobelo and Mamey Island Private Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Panama City.
How much does Caribbean Gems: Portobelo and Mamey Island Private Tour cost?
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Prices start at $155 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Panama City usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Caribbean Gems: Portobelo and Mamey Island Private Tour take?
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Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Panama City is not rushed.
Is Caribbean Gems: Portobelo and Mamey Island Private Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 69 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 33 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Panama City, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Caribbean Gems: Portobelo and Mamey Island Private Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Caribbean Gems: Portobelo and Mamey Island Private Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Caribbean Gems: Portobelo and Mamey Island Private Tour?
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Around 12 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Panama City can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Panama City and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Caribbean Gems: Portobelo and Mamey Island Private Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Panama City within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Panama City?
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On Outty we rank every Panama City experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Tour to a waterfall and Embera village with lunch included, Ocean to Ocean Combo: Canal Boat Safari, Agua Clara & Gatun Locks, Half day of Panama city and canal tour: shared and private. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Panama City?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Panama City?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Caribbean Gems: Portobelo and Mamey Island Private Tour?
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Included: Private transportation; Bottled water; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: natural swimming pool and love tunnel boat ride fees; and Admission fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Caribbean Gems: Portobelo and Mamey Island Private Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 165 listed pickup locations in and around Panama City. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Caribbean Gems: Portobelo and Mamey Island Private Tour offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Caribbean Gems: Portobelo and Mamey Island Private Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Caribbean Gems: Portobelo and Mamey Island Private Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Caribbean Gems: Portobelo and Mamey Island Private Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Panama City. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Caribbean Gems: Portobelo and Mamey Island Private Tour?
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Across 33 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, food and drink. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
What booking options are available for Caribbean Gems: Portobelo and Mamey Island Private Tour?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Portobelo and Mamey Island, VIP private all included Combo. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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