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Stone wall of the fort at Portobelo with boats beached in front of it.

Panama · Portobelo and Colón's Costa Arriba

Costa Arriba islands and beaches

The best beaches are reached by boat from Portobelo, La Guaira or Puerto Lindo. Bring cash: the islands have almost no ATMs or card payments.

5 places

  1. 1

    BeachOpen

    Isla Grande

    Portobelo district, 15–20 minutes by boat from La Guaira pier, east of Portobelo.13.5 km from the centre

    Entry
    Not confirmed
    Hours
    Not stated
    Booking
    Not stated

    Small car-free island with an Afro-colonial village, beaches, hostels, cabins and hotels. A large Black Christ statue stands on the reef at the entrance.

    Source: Isla Grande – Visit Panamá (ATP) · 2025 · +1

    Practical details and sources
    Entry
    La Guaira–Isla Grande boat: about US$6 each way; parking at La Guaira: about US$6 per day (Visit Panamá, indicative prices up to 2025).
    Booking
    Boat from the La Guaira pier (15–20 minutes). Visit Panamá recommends bringing cash for the transport to the island and for parking at the pier; the boatmen's transport cooperative offers trips, for example to the natural pools.
    Time needed
    Panama City to La Guaira takes about 2.5 hours by car via Sabanitas.

    Tip: From the island, boatmen go to the natural pools (5 minutes), Isla Mamey and the mangrove channel known as the Tunnel of Love.

    Nearby: Isla Grande Lighthouse (0.7 km) · Isla Mamey (4.5 km) · Portobelo National Park (10.6 km)

    Sources: Isla Grande – Visit Panamá (ATP) · Where to Stay in Portobelo – Visit Panamá (ATP)

  2. 2

    AdventureOpen

    Isla Grande Lighthouse

    Upper, northern part of Isla Grande.14.2 km from the centre

    Entry
    Not stated
    Hours
    Not stated
    Booking
    Not stated

    Lighthouse at the top of Isla Grande, about 55 m (180 ft) above sea level. Reach it by a trail of about 25 minutes, then 112 steps.

    Source: Isla Grande – Visit Panamá (ATP) · 2025 · +1

    Practical details and sources
    Time needed
    About 25 minutes' walk up, plus the lighthouse's 112 steps.

    Tip: Go early because of the heat and wear closed shoes.

    Nearby: Isla Grande (0.7 km) · Isla Mamey (5.2 km) · Portobelo National Park (11.2 km)

    Sources: Isla Grande – Visit Panamá (ATP) · 8 Days in Portobelo – Visit Panamá (ATP)

  3. 3

    BeachOpen

    Isla Mamey

    Costa Arriba of Colón, 5–10 minutes by boat from Puerto Lindo.9.3 km from the centre

    Entry
    Day pass US$4 approx.
    Hours
    Not stated
    Booking
    Not stated

    Small, almost undeveloped island with white sand, calm water, a short trail to a viewpoint and a camping area. Visit Panamá presents it as a wildlife refuge with its own rules.

    Source: Isla Mamey: Beach day in the Panamanian Caribbean – Visit Panamá (ATP) · 2026 · +1

    Practical details and sources
    Entry
    Day pass about US$4 (under-5s free); camping about US$10 per person per night; boat from Puerto Lindo about US$10 per person; parking in Puerto Lindo about US$5 (approximate prices from Visit Panamá, checked October 2026). Tours from Panama City: US$40–55 (Visit Panamá).
    Booking
    Cash only: no cards and no ATM.
    Time needed
    About 2 hours by car from Panama City to Puerto Lindo; by bus, about 90 minutes to Sabanitas and another hour by local bus.

    Tip: Glass containers and pets are not allowed. There is no electricity: bring water, a torch if camping, and take your rubbish with you.

    Nearby: Isla Grande (4.5 km) · Isla Grande Lighthouse (5.2 km) · Playa Blanca (Portobelo) (6.6 km)

    Sources: Isla Mamey: Beach day in the Panamanian Caribbean – Visit Panamá (ATP) · 8 Days in Portobelo – Visit Panamá (ATP)

  4. 4

    BeachOpen

    La Huerta Beach (Playa Huertas)

    North side of the entrance to Portobelo Bay, opposite Drake Island.2.9 km from the centre

    Entry
    Not confirmed
    Hours
    Not stated
    Booking
    Not stated

    Small clear-water cove at the mouth of Portobelo Bay, with a reef for snorkelling. Reached by boat from the Portobelo pier.

    Source: Portobelo Beaches – Visit Panamá (ATP) · 2026 · +2

    Practical details and sources
    Entry
    Boat fare: not confirmed by the official source at the time of review.

    Tip: Visit Panamá pairs it with the Venas Azules mangroves on the same boat trip.

    Nearby: Drake Island (Isla de Draque) (0.5 km) · Fort San Fernando (1.6 km) · Buenaventura Island (diving) (2.4 km)

    Sources: Portobelo Beaches – Visit Panamá (ATP) · 8 Days in Portobelo – Visit Panamá (ATP) · Diving and Snorkeling in Portobelo – Visit Panamá (ATP)

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  5. 5

    BeachOpen

    Playa Blanca (Portobelo)

    Playa Blanca Bay, north of Portobelo; boat access.3.9 km from the centre

    Entry
    Not confirmed
    Hours
    Not stated
    Booking
    Not stated

    Little-developed white-sand beach north of Portobelo Bay. Visit Panamá says there are places to eat, kiosks, chair rentals and basic toilets.

    Source: Portobelo Beaches – Visit Panamá (ATP) · 2026

    Practical details and sources
    Entry
    Boat and service prices: not confirmed by the official source at the time of review.

    Tip: Bring cash and water; services are basic.

    Nearby: Fort San Fernando (3.3 km) · San Jerónimo Fort and Battery (3.8 km) · San Juan de Dios Chapel (future museum) (3.8 km)

    Sources: Portobelo Beaches – Visit Panamá (ATP)

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