Palawan is consistently voted one of the best islands in the world — and it is easy to see why. Crystal-clear turquoise waters, dramatic limestone karst cliffs, hidden lagoons, and some of the richest marine biodiversity on the planet make it the crown jewel of Philippine outdoor adventure. At the heart of the Palawan experience is island hopping: a full-day (or multi-day) journey by outrigger boat that takes you from one stunning destination to the next. This guide covers everything you need to plan the perfect Palawan island hopping adventure.
Why Palawan Island Hopping Belongs on Every Bucket List
Few experiences in Southeast Asia rival a day on the water in Palawan. The island province stretches over 1,700 kilometres from the tip of Luzon down toward Borneo, encompassing hundreds of smaller islands, many of them uninhabited. The waters here form part of the Coral Triangle — the global centre of marine biodiversity — meaning the snorkelling and diving are world-class. Whether you are based in Puerto Princesa, El Nido, or Coron, each hub offers its own distinct island hopping itineraries with unique landscapes and ecosystems.
The Three Main Island Hopping Hubs
El Nido
El Nido is the most famous island hopping destination in Palawan, and arguably in the entire Philippines. Located on the northern tip of Palawan, it is surrounded by the Bacuit Archipelago — a cluster of over 45 islands and islets defined by towering limestone karst formations, secret lagoons, white sand beaches, and pristine coral reefs.
El Nido’s island hopping tours are organised into four standard itineraries — Tour A, B, C, and D — each covering a different set of destinations:
- Tour A — The most popular. Includes the famous Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Seven Commando Beach.
- Tour B — The Caves Tour. Takes in Cathedral Cave, Entalula Beach, and Dilumacad (Helicopter) Island.
- Tour C — The Beaches Tour. Covers Matinloc Island, Secret Beach, Tapiutan Island, and Hidden Beach. One of the most adventurous itineraries.
- Tour D — North El Nido. Visits Cadlao Lagoon, Bukal Beach, Pasandigan Cove, and Natnat Beach — quieter and less touristy.
Tours depart from El Nido town at around 9 AM and return by late afternoon. Expect to pay between PHP 1,200 and PHP 1,800 per person including a freshly grilled seafood lunch prepared by your boatmen on a beach stop.
Coron
Coron, on the island of Busuanga in northern Palawan, offers a completely different island hopping experience. While El Nido is all about lagoons and limestone karst, Coron is famous for its World War II shipwrecks, crystal-clear freshwater lakes, and vibrant coral gardens. It is widely regarded as one of the top wreck diving destinations in the world.
The classic Coron island hopping day tour covers Kayangan Lake — often cited as the cleanest lake in Asia — Twin Lagoon, Barracuda Lake, Skeleton Wreck, and the coral gardens of Siete Pecados Marine Park. For those who prefer snorkelling over diving, the shallow reefs around Coron are teeming with life and require no certification to enjoy.
Puerto Princesa
Puerto Princesa is Palawan’s provincial capital and the main arrival point for most visitors. While it is less dramatic than El Nido or Coron, it offers excellent island hopping in Honda Bay — a sheltered bay dotted with small islands like Cowrie Island, Starfish Island, and Luli Island. Honda Bay tours are relaxed, affordable, and well-suited for families or travellers with limited time. Puerto Princesa is also the gateway to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature.
Best Time to Go Island Hopping in Palawan
The best time to go island hopping in Palawan is during the dry season, which runs from November to May. During this period, skies are clear, seas are calm, and underwater visibility is at its best — often exceeding 20 metres.
Peak tourist season falls between December and April, particularly in El Nido. If you are visiting during this window, book your boat tours at least a few days in advance. Visiting in shoulder months — November or May — gives you good weather with smaller crowds.
The southwest monsoon (habagat) runs from June to October, bringing rougher seas and frequent rain. Island hopping is still possible but tours may be cancelled on days with strong winds. If you visit in the wet season, build flexibility into your itinerary.
What to Bring on Your Island Hopping Day
Packing the right gear makes a huge difference. Here is what experienced Palawan travellers recommend:
- Reef-safe sunscreen — Regular sunscreen contains chemicals harmful to coral reefs. Reef-safe mineral sunscreen is required at some protected marine areas in Palawan.
- Rash guard or UV shirt — A lightweight long-sleeve rash guard protects against sunburn far better than sunscreen alone.
- Waterproof dry bag — Keep your phone, camera, and valuables dry. A roll-top dry bag is essential.
- Snorkel mask and fins — Tour operators supply basic equipment, but a well-fitting mask dramatically improves the experience.
- Water shoes — Rocky entries and coral rubble make water shoes very useful, especially when wading to lagoons.
- Cash — Most operators and restaurants in El Nido and Coron are cash-only. ATMs are unreliable outside town centres.
- Reusable water bottle — Staying hydrated in tropical heat is critical, and it reduces plastic waste in coastal areas.
Practical Tips for First-Time Visitors
Book Through a Licensed Operator
Always book through a licensed local operator registered with the El Nido or Coron tourism office. Licensed operators follow safety protocols, carry life jackets, and have insurance. Avoid unlicensed touts on the beach who offer suspiciously cheap rates — the savings are rarely worth the risk.
Environmental Fees
Palawan takes its marine environment seriously. Most destinations charge an environmental fee on top of your tour cost. In El Nido, this is currently PHP 200 for domestic visitors and PHP 400 for foreign visitors. Keep your receipt as you will need to show it at checkpoints throughout the day.
Respect the Marine Environment
Do not touch or stand on coral reefs. Do not feed the fish. Take all rubbish back to shore. These rules exist to protect one of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems on Earth, and rangers are increasingly active in enforcing them. Palawan’s natural beauty is its greatest asset — responsible tourism ensures it remains that way for future generations.
Go Early to Beat the Crowds
Most tour boats depart between 8:30 and 9:30 AM. The popular stops — particularly Big Lagoon in El Nido and Kayangan Lake in Coron — become very crowded by mid-morning during peak season. Choose a tour operator that departs early and does the most popular stops first.
Getting to Palawan
The main gateways to Palawan are Puerto Princesa Airport (for central and southern Palawan) and El Nido Airport (for the north). Direct flights operate from Manila with Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and AirAsia, with flight times of approximately one hour. Coron is served by Francisco B. Reyes Airport on Busuanga Island, also with regular connections from Manila.
Budget airlines frequently run seat sales, so booking early — especially for peak season travel — can result in significant savings. From Puerto Princesa, El Nido is reachable by van transfer (approximately 5–6 hours) or by air via a smaller regional carrier.
Start Planning Your Palawan Island Hopping Adventure
Palawan island hopping is one of those rare travel experiences that consistently exceeds expectations — the kind that people talk about for years after their trip. Whether you are kayaking through the hidden lagoons of El Nido, snorkelling over World War II wrecks in Coron, or simply watching the sun set from a deserted beach with a cold San Miguel in hand, the magic of Palawan stays with you long after you return home.
OutdoorLifePH lists hundreds of outdoor spots across Palawan — from beach resorts and diving centres to guided kayaking and overnight island camping. Use our directory to find the best-rated operators for your trip and start planning your adventure today.
