Panama Travel Forum

Hello!
Two of us are trying to plan a last minute trip to Panama. We would like to do a lot of snorkeling, and think the Caribbean side is better for this. We would also like to see the canal and do some other sight seeing. We are not sure where to stay on the Caribbean side that would be safe and close to the Canal. We've looked at Bocas Del Toro, but it seems so far away from the canal and we aren't sure about traveling within the country. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you!
Leanna

Maybe you could try Portobelo. It's said to be a nice picturesque town and it's not so far from the canal (about 50 km). We haven't been able to see it on our one day excursion to Panama, because we run out of time and didn't want to miss our cruiser. So this is no first hand info.

You should definitely stay away from Colon however. This city is one of the most dangerous places in Central-America.

Go to Isla Grande the best coral reef is located in front of Banana resort you can stay there for USD75 p/p or any hotel on the island USD35 p/p and then move to the beach front to the resort by boat, the ride cost 5 p/p approx. then spend at least 1 day in Portobelo the island in front to the bay has 3 beaches and 1 mangrove swamp great to do snorkel too, boat ride cost USD5 - 15 p/p depend of the beach Portobelo has not hotels only a couple of small motel for 15 p/p appx. but no a/c, no hot water, etc.
Then take the train to move from Colon to PC the ride cost USD25 appx. the cruises pax pay around USD125 for the same trip. stay in PC 1 day to visit the Canal: Miraflores locks, the America bridge and Costway Amador and finally spend 1 day visit Taboga island in the Ocean Pacific side , the place is good for do snorkel and compare the differences between the small color fishes in the caribbean and the huge fishes in the pacific. cost of the boat ride USD8 p/p . The only hotel in taboga is horrible and I recommend you stay in PC.

If you have upgrade you experience visit Pearl Island instead of Taboga, the boat ride cost USD45 p/p appx. but the adventure will be outstanding.

Good lucks,