As for groceries, Portobelo has several chino stores that offer wide varieties of the basic necessities. If you can't find it at one, try another!
As well, the town of Sabanitas (30-45 minute drive away) offers 4 major grocery stores; Mr. Precio, Xtra Market, El Rey and Super 99, for your best selection of meat, produce and dairy items. The chino stores do have these items, but are limited in choices.
ATM machines are offered in Sabanitas, so if you need cash, any of the grocery stores or Banco General are the easiest choices. The police substation near Portobelo also has an ATM machine.
Caribbean Adventures offers canopy zip-line tours, river kayaking and nature trails.
Isla Grande, just east of Portobelo, is a popular weekend getaway for city dwellers. The island offers beaches, restaurants, hotels and a lighthouse where you can get a magnificent view of the Atlantic Ocean.
Most of the beaches along the coast are "natural" beach, however just past Maria Chiquita heading towards Portobelo there is a sandy public beach, Playa La Angosta, frequented by the locals. If you want a little more seclusion, there are a few other sandy beaches to choose from in Portobelo (Playa Huerta, Playa Frances and Playa Blanca) that are easy enough to get to by boat.
The historic town of Portobelo offers remnants of fort ruins to explore and the customs house with a small museum to tour. Most weekends there are vendor booths set up selling a myriad of items ranging from food to souvenirs. Iglesia de San Felipe is a popular tourist attraction as well. This is the church where the Black Christ statue is housed. The Black Christ Festival, held every October 21 (the anniversary of it’s discovery), is in honor of this statue. Different stories explain the origin of the statue and the festival that honors it, but it’s definitely a fascinating event to witness!
As we live near the bayside town of Portobelo, the focus of things to do and places to go are for the northeastern province of Colon. Taking the new Highway (the North Corredor or Corredor Norte) that connects Panama City and Colon, Portobelo is an approximate hour – hour and ½ drive from the city.
Golden Frog Scuba
Other Things To Do
Portobelo Adventures offers kayaking tours through the mangroves in the bay of Portobelo, hiking up to the ruins of Castillo San Fernando across the bay, hiking trails through the jungle and kayak trips to Buenaventura and Drake's Islands for snorkeling.
Explore all the beauty the Ocean and JUNGLE have to offer
Hungry?? When it comes to food choices, Portobelo and surrounding area offers several restaurants to choose from, though beware, some do close early. We have provided a list of the most frequented (popular with tourists) though there are many other typico places as well.
Black Zambombo- located at El Bongo Hotelito, open late
Casa Vela - located just at the entrance to Portobelo at the first speed bumb, owned by a well loved Italian, menu is restricted to pizzas and pastas, sits on the waterfront, usually open late
Rest. Pizzeria Roma - located in Portobelo across from the bus terminal, serves pizzas, pastas and Chinese food, generous portions at a great price, open late
Casa Congo Restaurant - located in Portobelo at their hotel, sits on the waterfront
Rico Rico Restuarante (bakery)- located in Portobelo, fresh made bread daily, sandwiches and other menu items
Don Quijote Pizzeria - located outside of Portobelo heading towards Isla Grande, more than just pizza, only open on the weekends
El Castillo- located on the way to Portobelo town, just past the police substation, waterfront dining
La Torre- located on the way to Portobelo town, no view of the ocean, but very good food, usually closes early
Los Canones- located in the Buenaventura area, waterfront dining with an upstairs deck