Experience

Cultural World Heritage and Snorkeling in a National Park

Introduction

Appreciate the colorful wonders of the afro caribbean culture, a pirates path and the rich biodiversity under Portobelo waters.

Description

On this adventure, you will visit a destination on the Caribbean coast that intertwines the past of the UNESCO World Heritage fortresses with the nature of Portobelo National Park. The name “Puerto Bello” was given by Admiral Christopher Columbus on his fourth and final voyage in 1502.

In this fascinating destination, we will have the opportunity to learn about the restoration of the Caribbean Sea’s life by creating a coral nursery in the national park.

Departure from Panama City will be at 7:00 am, with a 90-minute transfer. All participants will receive high-quality snorkeling gear to first enjoy the snorkeling experience, and an educational talk by the Reef2Reef Foundation on the importance of corals and how we can contribute to their preservation.

The snorkeling activity will allow us to appreciate the rich marine life that inhabits the beautiful reefs of the Caribbean, as well as appreciating the coral fragments in the nurseries kept by Reef2Reef Foundation. Once the coral conservation activity is completed, we will have lunch at the Congo Culture House restaurant, where we will enjoy local Caribbean cuisine.

After lunch, we will visit the colonial fortresses. These massive walls were built to defend Spanish treasures from pirate attacks. Our specialized guide will share the fascinating history that led UNESCO to declare them a World Heritage Site.

Portobelo was the most important colonial port on the Panamanian Caribbean. In the XVI century, thousands of African slaves arrived in Portobelo at the hands of the conquerors. The Spanish soldiers are no longer there, but the Congo community, rich in traditions, remains. Thus, the group will have the opportunity to participate in the dances and songs that are now Portobelo’s greatest treasure, with the old forts as their best stages. The Congo culture is now recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

At the end of the tour, your private transportation will return you to your hotel, with an estimated arrival time of 6:00 p.m.

Coral Reef Restoration – At OGAYA, we are proud to help preserve and regenerate our planet. The previous price includes a donation to the Reef2Reef Foundation to help preserve the marine ecosystems of Portobelo through the creation of garden structures with coral fragments.

Regenerative impact

Experiences in this area are connected to regenerative initiatives and our partners are committed to one or more of the following topics:

  • Preserving wildlife

Cultural World Heritage and Snorkeling in a National Park

Location: Portobelo, Colón
Duration: 11 hours
Activity level: Easy Moderate Active Difficult Strenuous
Available: Year round
Experience keywords: Colonial fortresses, Coral nursery, snorkeling

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Our process

Tailor Made Booking

OGAYA has developed an easy-to-use website enabling you to browse the top five categories of transformational experiences; Ocean, jungle and mountains, Indigenous immersion, Wildlife encounters, Heritage and festivals, Adventure tours. Each of the five options provide in-depth details about what to expect and more.
OGAYA is ready to cater to your needs within transformational experiences. Our booking agents are available to receive and handle your request. Each travel is treated with our upmost attention. Your travel preferences are as important to us as it is to you. OGAYA booking office is keen to provide you with the highest quality custom made travel experiences Panama has to offer.
The OGAYA booking agent will walk you through all the details of your favorite experiences. Then assemble your preferences in the smoothest option for travel distance and coordination the solution that works best for your time in Panama. After the booking agent has received your choices and gathered the details, the OGAYA Itinerary will be sent/shared with you. This will happen in accordance with what is agreed with each trip. You will receive and review the itinerary to assess and evaluate that the detail matches your expectations and confirm the itinerary.
After you have reviewed and approved your custom made itinerary, OGAYA will either adjust preferred details until you are satisfied with your travel plans. Once you approve the itinerary the payment is made.
When the payment has been completed, OGAYA engages in a red-carpet guided service where you are served a welcome kit introducing the journey you are about to embark on. Next OGAYA presents you with a well-planned packing list, outlining the recommended type of garments and attire for your chosen experiences.
OGAYA is committed to provide high end experiences throughout your journey with us. All along the way, OGAYA aims to be available to support you with any topics that may arise. Our guides and staff are informed and or trained to deal with unforeseen things that could occur.
Tailor-made booking process

The professional staff at OGAYA are on standby to answer questions 24/7/365 and prepare day-trip experiences or multiple-day experiences that are tailor made for your needs.

Request a quote or book direct on the phone (+507) 6980-6314. Reach out to OGAYA directly through WhatsApp chat.

Allow 24-48 hours for us to respond to your inquiries.


Maria Amelia
Maria Amelia

booking agent