Pirates of Portobelo

HIGHLIGHTS: PORTOBELO & CARIBBEAN SEA

Looking for the loot? Portobelo is a land full of enchantment and the Pirates of Portobelo exploration sailing begins revealing the unknown Pirates of the Caribbean side of Panama, an oasis of legendary stories. Discover the place where the battles for dominance took place. Sail on board a Catamaran the Caribbean Sea and discover its marine treasures from the surface and underwater in an interactive experience: kayak, snorkel and enjoy a secluded Caribbean beach.

Experience Map

Experience Overview

1. Pick up from Panama City to Portobelo

AM pick up from hotel for a ground transportation to Portobelo, time will be confirmed 24-hour prior departure.

2. Arrival in Portobelo and Catamaran boarding

After a 1.5 to 2 hour transfer from Panama City to Portobelo you will arrive at the Portobelo dock. Our host will accompany you to board the Catamaran.

3. Sailing Portobelo Bay, following the Pirates of the Caribbean path

From the first step on board you may feel the Pirates of the Caribbean path. Our captain will sail on a bay discovery of legends and Pirates. Follow the quest in the place where the real story took place, sail and discover courses, stories, strategies for escaping from enemies (TYPO)

4. Explore alongside Sir Francis Drake’s Island

Navigate narrow waterways along the Caribbean Coast as we approach Drake Island and encounter with the forbidden stories around the legendary pirate Sir Francis Drake. The mission of several Pirates lovers is to discover if Drake was actually buried under these Caribbean waters.

5. Lunch at El Otro Lado Private Retreat

Following the mystic side of Portobelo we will take you to El Otro Lado Private Retreat for a delicious lunch. This retreat harmoniously integrates design, culture, exquisite handcrafts, nature and luxury in a unique way in order to provide guests a complete experience of Portobelo.

6. Ground transportation to Panama City

The journey will end at Panama City with a ground transportation to your hotel.

Experience Brief Description

1. Pick up from Panama City

The experience begins with a guided pick up from your hotel in Panama City. 

2. Arriving in Portobelo and boarding the Xplore Catamaran

After a 1.5 to 2 hours trip from Panama City you will arrive to Portobelo dock where the adventure begins. Our host will lead you to the Catamaran from one of the Fortress that was constructed to protect Portobelo from Pirate invasions.

3. Sailing Portobelo Bay, following the Pirates of the Caribbean path

Henry Morgan and Francis Drake’s cannons blasted their way into Panama 500 years ago, heralding in a previously unforeseen expansion project for the Spanish Crown: explore, populate and conquer the region, and of course, bring back its gold. Military strategies and architecture were crucial to defend and trade the new treasures found not only in Panama but also in the South American Inca Empire. 

Pirates-extraordinaire Henry Morgan and Francis Drake obtained the authorization from the British empire to ransack Spanish possessions, setting the stage for an ongoing battle for Caribbean treasures that would shape much of world history for centuries to come. Set sail we are ready to navigate the Pirates of the Caribbean direction.

4. Explore alongside Drake’s island

5. Lunch at El Otro Lado Private Retreat

Surrounded by mangroves and carefully located at Portobelo is El Otro Lado Private Retreat, a property full of cultural enchantment and nature. As you stroll around you will find the Congo local culture all around. 

6. Transfer back to Panama City

From Acqua Xplore our bus will pick you up to return to Panama City.

About Experience Highlights

Portobelo

When you dare to drench into a place Portobelo sure is a new destination for discovery. A land where the blend of treasures, music, pirates, dances, rituals, and cultural exchange took place. Named by Christopher Columbus as “Beautiful Port” in 1502 Portobelo became the main point for the trade of Spaniard ships between Europe and Central and South America, which were laden with the gold of the Incas and Aztecs after these treasures crossed the Isthmus from the Pacific Coast. Because of this, Portobelo became the target of attacks by Pirates like Sir Francis Drake. Portobelo has a rich culture since it is home to the Congo Culture, in the past slaves were trade here.

Drake Island

The Pirates of the Caribbean stories and myths will come alive while you experience the most iconic sites, Drake Island is one of the highlights of the Pirates of the Caribbean route, a site full of stories and legends. 

Congo Culture

Back in 1520 the Spanish leader of colonization Nicolas de Ovando brought Spanish wealthy families to Portobelo to produce sugar cane derivatives which lead to slavery in the region. Portobelo is a bay located at the Caribbean Sea and served as a strategic point for commercial trade. Pirates were attracted by treasures kept in the port, conquerors from Spain and England were also interested, slaves were brought mostly from Africa and were kept in confinement until they were auctioned not only in Panama but to Central and South America. Natives were influenced by all these foreigners.

Some slaves stayed in Portobelo and worked at the port, fairs and in different local activities. They established their own communities know as the Palenques where they worked and gathered in order to play their own music, perform dances, use their attire, allowing to keep some of their culture alive and that is how the Congo culture was born. These people have a profound sense of pride and their music is a contagious way of expressing themselves.

Catamaran Xplore

The Catamaran Xplore Lagoon 400 is designed for sailing in open sea as well as near the coast. It can comfortably accommodate 8 guests, distributed in 4 cabins with private bathrooms. For day trips we recommend 16 guests on board.

The catamaran is elegantly and functionally decorated to make the most of your experience at sea, fully air-conditioned, complies all safety regulations, equipped with snorkeling and kayaks. Our passionate and qualified crew will take care of every detail to make a fabulous experience on board.

What else is included in this experience?

Includes:

•All ground/water transportation
•Guided, English or Spanish
•Equipment safety vests, fishing gear
•Snacks, soft beverages and beer on board the Xplore Catamaran
•Lunch at El Otro Lado Private Retreat
•Optional activities: Kayaks, snorkeling, wildlife observation

 Not Included:

•Not specified services
•Gratuities, laundry or valet services, gifts and additional items
•ITBMS taxes 7%
•Alcoholic beverages

Important Note:
Itinerary and activities are subject to change without previous notice.

What to bring

The Essentials:

•Passport
•Travel Insurance
•Health insurance information
•Credit/debit cards
•Cash (US Dollars)
•Personal medication

The Wearables:

•Lightweight walking shoes or/and sandals (for your safety while you are on board you will be barefoot)
•Bathing suit
•Short-sleeve and/or t-shirts
•Light raincoat
•Sunglasses (optional: neck strap)
•White-brimmed hat or cap
•Extra clothing

The Portables:

•Binoculars
•Prescription snorkeling mask or specialized equipment
•Sun block & lip balm (waterproof + SPF50 or higher)
•Insect repellent
•Small backpack/daypack (preferably waterproof)
•Camera/video camera
•Extra memory cards and batteries
•Appliance chargers & adaptors if necessary (plugs in Panama are US-style A&B, 2 flat pins, 110V)
•Journal

Suggested Additional Services Upon Request:
Overnight on board the Catamaran Xplore, San Blas Archipelago, The Origin of the Pirates