Beaches and Water Sports in Portobelo, Panamá

Explore the bay by boat to discover nearby beaches and more historic ruins; take a stand-up paddleboard class to see the town, port, and old cannons from a different perspective; or join a kayak tour through the mangroves with an expert guide to learn more about this ecosystem and why it is essential to the biodiversity of the region.

The adventure starts a half hour before Portobelo, in Maria Chiquita. This beach is the ideal place to begin your surfing journey along Costa Arriba. Just 45 minutes from Portobelo, you’ll find Jose Pobre, a small town with beaches where you can grab your board and ride the waves. Boats traveling to nearby islands and beaches also leave from here.

If you like unfiltered nature, stop in La Guaira, a small town with a Caribbean soul. From here, you can take a boat to Isla Grande, another destination for surfing and adventure. In addition to beaches, the island has a great Caribbean vibe, and the town offers accommodation, restaurants, and all kinds of activities to enjoy, with the sea and beautiful scenery as a backdrop.

If you like marine biodiversity, make sure to visit Playa Huertas, a short boat ride from the Portobelo port. Here, you’ll find crystal-clear water and abundant, colorful marine life. This is a great spot to try out your snorkel gear or go diving for the first time.

If you prefer diving in deeper water, make sure to visit Isla Drake, located facing Playa Huertas. This is the best place for diving enthusiasts—swim over the Salmedina reef and learn about the coral restoration project and how to conserve our oceans.

Explore the local beaches if you’re looking for beautiful Caribbean scenery, with white sand, turquoise water, and palm trees. 

Visit Puerto Frances for a more natural setting, or Playa Larga and Playa Blanca, where you’ll find picnic tables and small stalls selling local food.

Located just 15 minutes from Portobelo, Puerto Lindo is where boats depart for Isla Mamey. This island is an oasis where the sea feels like a natural pool, making it the perfect place to snorkel, paddleboard, and have a great day on the beach.