Palawan island hopping tours are a MUST if you’re visiting this beautiful part of the Philippines. But with so many options, figuring out which tour actually delivers on its promise can be overwhelming. This guide breaks down the most popular island hopping tours in El Nido and Coron, helping you decide which one is the best fit for your budget, interests, and time constraints.
El Nido Island Hopping: Finding Your Perfect Adventure
El Nido, known for its dramatic limestone cliffs and hidden lagoons, offers four main island hopping tours: Tour A, Tour B, Tour C, and Tour D. Each tour visits a different set of islands and lagoons, promising a unique experience. Let’s dive into each one.
Tour A: The Lagoon Lover’s Delight
Tour A is arguably the most popular tour in El Nido, and for good reason. It takes you to some of the most iconic spots, including the Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, and Shimizu Island. The Big Lagoon is a must-see; picture crystal-clear turquoise water surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. You can kayak through its serene waters, though you now have to pay an extra environmental fee to do so in most locations. The Secret Lagoon, as the name suggests, is a hidden gem accessible through a small opening in the rocks – get ready to crouch! It’s a fun and unique experience which is quite crowded during peak season.
Shimizu Island is a popular lunch spot and offers great snorkeling. The coral reefs here are vibrant and teeming with marine life. Another stop on Tour A is Seven Commandos Beach, a beautiful stretch of white sand perfect for relaxing and swimming. Legend says it was named after seven Japanese soldiers who lived there after World War II, though its accuracy is questionable, but its stunning looks is not.
Is it worth the money? Tour A is ideal for first-timers in El Nido who want to see the most iconic lagoons. However, be prepared for crowds, especially during peak season. If you’re looking for a more secluded experience, this might not be the best choice. Many rate this to be a 4.5/5 stars experience.
Tour B: Caves, Coves, and Untouched Beauty
Tour B focuses on caves, coves, and more secluded beaches. It’s often less crowded than Tour A, making it a good option if you prefer a quieter experience. Highlights of Tour B often include Snake Island, a unique sandbar that connects two islands, creating a “snake-like” path during low tide. It’s a great place for taking photos and enjoying the views.
Entalula Beach is another stop on Tour B, known for its pristine white sand and crystal-clear water. It’s perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Pinagbuyutan Island, also known as Helicopter Island due to its shape, offers stunning views and fantastic snorkeling opportunities. The coral reefs around this island are well-preserved and home to a variety of fish species.
Cathedral Cave is a sea cave that offers a unique experience. Your boat will navigate through a narrow opening into a cave with stunning rock formations. And sometimes the tour would involve the so called, Cudugnon Cave. It is a small cave with historical significance, believed to have been used as a hiding place by locals during World War II.
Is it worth the money? Tour B is a great choice if you want a more relaxed and less crowded island hopping experience. It’s perfect for those who enjoy exploring caves, relaxing on secluded beaches, and taking in the natural beauty of Palawan. Many rate this to be a 4/5 stars experience.
Tour C: Snorkeling Paradise and Hidden Beaches
Tour C is known as the “snorkeling tour” because it takes you to some of the best snorkeling spots in El Nido. The most popular stops on Tour C are Hidden Beach, Matinloc Shrine and Secret Beach. Getting to the Secret Beach is an adventure in itself, requiring you to swim through a narrow opening in the rocks. This is not for the faint of heart and can be challenging during rough seas. It is generally not suggested for seniors and small children.
Helicopter Island, is a common stop as well. Most tours will take you to another snorkelling spot. Coral reefs in the area are truly alive, and are teeming with life. The Matinloc Shrine offers panoramic views of the surrounding islands. It’s a great place to take photos and learn a bit about the local history. Though the story of this shrine is murky, no one exactly knows where it came from.
Is it worth the money? Tour C is perfect for those who love snorkeling and exploring hidden beaches. Be aware that the swim to Secret Beach can be challenging, so make sure you’re comfortable with swimming in open water. With careful planning, many rate this to be a 4/5 stars experience.
Tour D: Beaches and Lagoons for Relaxation
Tour D is a more relaxed option, focusing on beaches and lagoons that are perfect for swimming and sunbathing. It’s often less crowded than Tours A and C, making it a good choice if you want a more peaceful experience. One of the main highlights of Tour D is Pasandingan Beach (also known as Paradise Beach), a stunning stretch of white sand with crystal-clear water. It’s a great place to relax, swim, and soak up the sun.
Cadlao Lagoon is another stop on Tour D, offering serene waters perfect for kayaking or swimming. The lagoon is surrounded by lush vegetation and towering limestone cliffs, creating a beautiful and tranquil setting. You might also stop at Natnat Beach, a quiet and secluded beach known for its tranquility and natural beauty. It’s a great place to escape the crowds and enjoy the peace and quiet of Palawan.
Is it worth the money? Tour D is ideal for those who want a more relaxed and less crowded island hopping experience. However, note that some of the beaches and lagoons are further away and that this is one of the most inconsistent island choices, as it is sometimes cancelled. A lot of services rate this to be a 3.5/5 stars experience.
Coron Island Hopping: Exploring Shipwrecks and Lakes
Coron is famous for its stunning lakes, hidden lagoons, and World War II shipwrecks. Island hopping tours in Coron offer a mix of adventure and relaxation, allowing you to explore the natural beauty of the area and discover its rich history. Similar to El Nido, there isn’t really a strict Tour A, B, C or D; tours are pretty much bundled and can be customized to certain degree. Some of the most popular spots are highlighted below.
Kayangan Lake: The Postcard Perfect Lake
Kayangan Lake is one of the most iconic spots in Coron and is often referred to as the “cleanest lake in Asia.” To reach the lake, you’ll need to climb a series of steps, but the view from the top is well worth the effort. The crystal-clear turquoise water of the lake is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, creating a breathtaking panorama. Kayangan Lake is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The water is both fresh and saltwater (brackish) and the visibility is incredible. You can see the rock formations beneath the surface and the marine life that inhabits the area. Snorkelling here is a dream.
You can also take photos from the iconic viewing point where the entirety of the lake is in frame. Note that this spot may be crowded!
Worth the money? Absolutely! Kayangan Lake offers a unique experience that combines stunning natural beauty with great swimming and snorkeling opportunities. It’s a must-see for anyone visiting Coron.
Barracuda Lake: Diving into the Unique Waters
Barracuda Lake is another popular spot in Coron, known for its unique thermoclines. Thermoclines are layers of water with different temperatures, creating a surreal diving and snorkeling experience. The lake is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and offers a unique geological profile. It’s popular to take a photo from the top, where the entire lake is covered by surrounding mountains.
The water in Barracuda Lake is incredibly clear, allowing you to see deep into the depths. You can snorkel or dive in the lake. Divers particularly enjoy this location. You can feel the temperature change as you descend through the different thermoclines. This is an absolutely wild opportunity for diving.
The lake gets its name from the barracuda that used to inhabit its waters, but they are rarely seen now. According to local folklore, they are still there, but just in hiding.
Worth the money? Barracuda Lake is a unique and fascinating destination that offers a different experience compared to other lakes and lagoons in Coron. It’s perfect for those who enjoy diving and snorkeling in unusual environments.
Twin Lagoon: Serenity in Two
Twin Lagoon is a unique attraction consisting of two lagoons separated by a narrow limestone wall. During low tide, you can swim through a small opening in the wall to access the second lagoon. During high tide, you’ll need to swim over the wall or use a ladder attached to the rocks. The two lagoons are surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and offer a serene and peaceful setting. The water is crystal-clear and perfect for swimming and snorkeling. It is said that the temperature of the two lagoons differ significantly, and mixing the water has led to the unique biodiversity underwater.
The lagoon is absolutely teeming with life. So many animals and coral reefs are in the area, one can get lost marveling at the ecosystem.
Worth the money? Twin Lagoon is a beautiful and tranquil destination that offers a unique swimming and snorkeling experience. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Coron.
Skeleton Wreck: An Underwater Adventure
Coron is famous for its World War II shipwrecks, and the Skeleton Wreck is one of the most accessible and popular wreck diving sites. The wreck lies in shallow water, making it ideal for both snorkelers and divers. The wreck is heavily encrusted with coral and is home to a variety of marine life. Snorkelers can explore the upper parts of the wreck, while divers can venture deeper inside. It is so called because when viewed from afar, the ship looks like a skeleton of an animal.
Exploring the Skeleton Wreck is like stepping back in time. The ship is now a thriving artificial reef, providing habitat for a wide range of fish, corals, and other marine organisms.
Worth the money? If you’re interested in history and marine life, the Skeleton Wreck is a must-see. It’s a unique opportunity to explore a piece of history while enjoying the beauty of the underwater world. However, you will need to take a tour specifically for diving if you want to go INSIDE the ship skeleton.
Malcapuya Island: A Tropical Paradise
Malcapuya Island is a pristine tropical island with white sand beaches and crystal-clear water. It’s a popular destination for those who want to relax on the beach and enjoy the natural beauty of Coron. The island is covered in lush vegetation. You can find secluded spots to unwind. Malcapuya Island offers great snorkeling opportunities. The coral reefs around the island are well-preserved and home to a variety of fish species.
The sand is so white and powdery, it feels like walking on clouds. The water is so clear, you can see the fish swimming around your feet.
Worth the money? If you’re looking for a tropical paradise to escape to, Malcapuya Island is the perfect choice. It’s a great place to relax, swim, snorkel, and soak up the sun.
Banana Island and Bulog Dos Island: Postcard-Perfect Paradise
Often bundled together, Banana Island got its name from its shape when viewed from above. It is a serene island with powdery white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and swaying palm trees. Perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling, it has vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life that can be explored just steps from the shore. Simple, open-air cottages provide shade and a place to relax. Its laid-back atmosphere makes it ideal for escaping the crowds, making it a tranquil retreat.
On the other hand, Bulog Dos Island is renowned for its stunning sandbar that connects to a smaller islet during low tide. This sandbar offers breathtaking views and is a popular spot for taking memorable photos. The waters here are crystal clear, making it great for snorkeling and swimming. With its picturesque scenery and calm ambiance, Bulog Dos is a must-visit for those looking to experience the beauty of Coron’s islands.
Worth the money? Yes, if you’re looking for that quintessential tropical island experience. Perfect for photographers and beach lovers, these islands provide a relaxing escape with plenty of opportunities for swimming and snorkeling.
Important Considerations for All Tours
Before booking any island hopping tour in El Nido or Coron, consider these factors:
- Time of the Year: The best time to visit Palawan is during the dry season (November to May). The weather is generally sunny and the seas are calm, making for ideal island hopping conditions. During the wet season (June to October), the weather can be unpredictable, and some tours may be canceled due to rough seas.
- Budget: Island hopping tours in El Nido and Coron range in price depending on the tour operator and the inclusions. You can choose from budget-friendly group tours or more expensive private tours. Consider what is included in the price (lunch, entrance fees, snorkeling gear, etc.) and choose the option that best fits your budget.
- Physical Fitness: Some island hopping tours require a certain level of physical fitness. For example, the swim to Secret Beach in El Nido’s Tour C can be challenging. Similarly, climbing the steps to Kayangan Lake in Coron can be tiring. Assess your physical abilities and choose a tour that suits your fitness level.
- Crowds: Island hopping tours in El Nido and Coron can get crowded, especially during peak season. Be prepared to share the islands and lagoons with other tourists. If you prefer a more secluded experience, consider booking a private tour or traveling during the off-season.
- Tour Operator: Do your research and choose a reputable tour operator. Read reviews online and ask for recommendations from other travelers. Make sure the tour operator is licensed and insured and that they prioritize safety. Also, verify if they properly take care of waste.
- Environmental Fees: Palawan, particularly El Nido, is now charging an environmental fee for every island hopping tour. This fee is used to maintain the cleanliness and preservation of the islands. Make sure to factor this fee into your budget.
Alternatives to Group Tours
If you don’t really like the idea of going on a group tour, and prefer a more personalized experience, you have options:
- Private Tours: Splurging on a private tour is arguably the best option. For example, you are able to customize and plan the tour at your own leisure. Private tours cost much more, but are a great experience if your budget allows for it.
- DIY Tours: It’s possible to rent a boat and navigate the islands yourself, but this isn’t really suggested unless you have experience in sailing and navigation. Additionally, local authorities would require any rental boat to have a captain, so you really can’t explore yourself.
Responsible Tourism
Remember that you can enjoy Palawan’s beauty while minimizing your impact on the environment. Here are a few tips to practice responsible tourism:
- Use reef-safe sunscreen. Regular sunscreen contains chemicals that can harm coral reefs.
- Don’t touch or disturb the marine life. Observe from a distance and avoid touching corals or other marine organisms.
- Don’t litter. Dispose of your trash properly and avoid bringing single-use plastics.
- Support local businesses. Choose locally owned restaurants, shops, and tour operators.
- Respect the local culture. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and be mindful of local customs and traditions.
FAQ Section
What is the best island hopping tour in El Nido for first-timers?
Tour A is generally considered the best for first-timers because it includes the most iconic lagoons, such as the Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon. However, be prepared for crowds.
Which El Nido tour is the least crowded?
Tour B is often less crowded than Tours A and C, making it a good option if you prefer a quieter experience. Tour D is also a good option, but some of the stops may be further away.
What should I bring on an island hopping tour?
Essentials include sunscreen, swimwear, a towel, a hat, sunglasses, a dry bag, and a camera. It’s also a good idea to bring cash for entrance fees, drinks, and souvenirs.
Is it possible to book tours in advance?
Yes, it’s highly recommended to book tours in advance, especially during peak season. You can book tours online or through your hotel or guesthouse. Booking in advance ensures that you have a spot on the tour and allows you to compare prices and choose the best option for your needs.
Are there ATMs in El Nido and Coron?
ATMs are available in El Nido and Coron town, but they can be unreliable. It’s best to bring enough cash with you to cover your expenses. Many establishments accept credit cards, but it’s always a good idea to have cash on hand.
What is the average cost of an island hopping tour?
The average cost of an island hopping tour in El Nido and Coron ranges from PHP 1,200 to PHP 2,500 per person, depending on the tour operator and inclusions. Private tours are more expensive, typically ranging from PHP 8,000 to PHP 15,000 per boat.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?
Palawan is home to a diverse range of marine life, including colorful fishes, sea turtles, coral, and various types of marine invertebrates. Some tours also offer opportunities to see dolphins, birds, and monkeys.
How long should I stay in Palawan?
To fully experience the best of both El Nido and Coron, a stay of at least 7 to 10 days is recommended. This allows ample time for multiple island hopping tours as well as exploring the towns and their surrounding areas. If you must select one, choose the island to visit based on the tour descriptions provided above.
Are there any options for vegetarians and vegans?
Yes, many tour operators offer vegetarian and vegan meal options. Some restaurants and eateries have started to cater to a variety of diet requirements. You must specifically contact the operator about your dietary preferences. It is often a good idea to bring additional food with you if certain options are not catered for.
References
Department of Tourism Philippines.
Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD).
Various TripAdvisor reviews and travel blogs.
Ready to book your Palawan island hopping adventure? Don’t wait! Start planning your trip today and experience the breathtaking beauty of El Nido and Coron. Choose the tour that best suits your interests and budget, and prepare for an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re exploring hidden lagoons, diving into shipwrecks, or relaxing on pristine beaches, Palawan has something for everyone. Book your flights, accommodations, and tours in advance to secure the best deals and availability. Get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime!
