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Isla Grande
ℹ️Practical info — Isla Grande
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- The island is only accessible by small boats (lancha) from La Guaira; agree on the fare before boarding.
- There are no cars on the island, so pack light as you will walk to your accommodation.
- Bring enough cash, as ATMs are generally not available.
- Visit on a weekday for a more relaxed atmosphere, as weekends get very crowded.
🍽 Food
Whole fried fish with plantains (patacones), a classic dish in beachfront restaurants.
Fresh seafood marinated in lime juice, well-suited for a hot day.
Coconut rice, the classic Caribbean side dish served with almost everything.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Local crafts and shell jewelry near the main dock.
Buy ice-cold coconuts directly from locals on the beach.
A steep climb, but it gives a quiet panoramic view of the Caribbean Sea.
Walk away from the main beach to find secluded and quiet coves among the rocks.
Water temperature…
Isla Grande is a photogenic island located off the Caribbean coast of Colon Province, within the Portobelo National Park. Known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and spirited coral reefs, it is a popular destination for snorkeling, surfing, and beach relaxation. The island is characterized by its laid-back Afro-Caribbean atmosphere, with colorful wooden houses and local restaurants serving traditional seafood dishes like 'pescado con coco'. A highlight of the island is the historic lighthouse at its highest point, which provides panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea and the lush coastline. Visitors can also see the 'Cristo Negro' (Black Christ) statue submerged in the shallow waters near the shore. Isla Grande provides a beautiful example of Panama's diverse coastal geography and the rich cultural heritage of its Caribbean inhabitants.
- Location: Panama
- Top sights: El Faro · La Punta · Linton Bay Marina
- Nearby: Chilibre (9 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 26 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 30 | 13 | 27 | 115 | 260 | 274 | 241 | 242 | 253 | 270 | 261 | 122 |
Geography
Facts
- Located only 1 kilometer from the mainland town of La Guaira.
- Home to a historic lighthouse built in 1893.
- The island is approximately 5 kilometers long.
- Motorized vehicles are not permitted on the island.
- Famed for its surf breaks on the northern shore.
- Surrounded by protected mangrove forests.
- The population is primarily of African descent.
- Part of the Portobelo-San Lorenzo UNESCO World Heritage site buffer zone.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Isla Grande (3)
Frequently asked questions
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