Isla Grande is located at 2 hrs from Panama City by land. Once you arrive to the port in main land "La Guaira" you will find parking spaces for $2 per day. The locals will take care of your car while you are not there. Once you jump on a boat to get across it takes about 5 min to make it across. There are a few good hotels on the Island ranging from $35 to $65 per night near or on the ocean. Make sure you make reservations in order to be safe on lodging. You don’t want to get there and find your self without a place to spend the night.
The views from here are amazing blue waters of the Caribbean. There are a few locals who charter their boats for fishing, diving or cruising. Places like Punta Manzanillo, Caño Ciego and other nearby reefs are great to catch King Crab, Lobster, Conks and other assorted types of fish. Snorkeling or skin diving is good enough to have a wonderful trip in this area. Private sailboats are also chartered from here to San Andres Colombia for the weekends. Furthermore, the surf in this area is great and un crowded crystal clear breakers. It could get some current during December – March so recommended for experienced surfers. Isla Grande is good to go for the day or for the weekend.
In order to have a complete Colon City trip its recommend contact a guide to first visit the Spanish Forts in order to have a historical feedback on the area. Pirates such as Henry Morgan and Francis Drake are part of the history in this area. If you are a “Pirates of the Caribbean” fan this is the place to be! Right after visiting these forts where blood was spilled in 1400’s, you could head out to the Colon Free Trade Zone for some in expensive shopping. Mayor brands have their main Central America office here and lots of stock products to sell. However, jewelry and perfume are highly recommended to purchase due to its inexpensive price. You must take your passport in order to get in. In order to have a professional guide contact the people from http://www.PanamaPrivateTours.com or http://www.PanamaCruise.com.Pa they have very good vehicles and services.
