Island Hopping in Palawan: A Complete 3-7 Day Itinerary

Introduction

Island hopping in Palawan is an unforgettable adventure that takes you through some of Southeast Asia's most breathtaking archipelagos. From the world-famous Bacuit Archipelago in El Nido to the pristine islands of Coron, Palawan offers diverse experiences for every traveler.

This comprehensive guide provides flexible itineraries for 3, 5, and 7 days, with budget, mid-range, and luxury options. We'll help you decide which islands to visit, how to get there, and how to maximize your island-hopping adventure.

Why Island Hop in Palawan?

• World-Class Scenery: Limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters
• Diverse Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, rock climbing, and cave exploration
• Remote Experiences: Escape crowds and discover secluded islands most tourists never reach
• Flexible Scheduling: Tours operate year-round with options from budget group tours to private expeditions
• Rich Marine Life: Pristine coral reefs and abundant tropical fish for snorkeling and diving

Best Time to Visit

Dry Season (November-May): Best conditions with calm seas and clear skies. Peak months are December-February.

Monsoon Season (June-October): Lower prices and fewer crowds, but expect rain and choppy seas. Only experienced sailors should island hop during this period.

Getting Started: What You Need to Know

3-Day Island Hopping Itinerary

Perfect for: Travelers with limited time who want to experience Palawan's best islands

Best Base: El Nido (focus on Bacuit Archipelago)

Cost Range: ₱1,500-3,500 per person

Day 1: Arrival & Local Orientation

• Arrive in El Nido (from Puerto Princesa airport: 5-6 hour drive, ₱1,500-2,500 private car rental)
• Check into hotel and rest
• Evening: Explore El Nido town, dine at waterfront restaurants, book your island tours
• Accommodation: Budget (₱1,200-2,000) | Mid-range (₱2,500-5,000) | Luxury (₱8,000+)

Day 2: Bacuit Archipelago Tour A (Northeast Islands)

Tour A Highlights: Lagoons, snorkeling, secret beaches

• Depart: 6:30 AM from El Nido town pier
• Islands Visited:
  • Big Lagoon: Kayak through dramatic limestone cliffs (1.5 hours)
  • Small Lagoon: Turquoise waters perfect for swimming (1 hour)
  • Secret Lagoon: Hidden gem accessed through narrow cave entrance (1.5 hours)
  • 7 Commandos Beach: Pristine white sand beach for lunch and swimming (2 hours)
• Inclusions: Boat, lunch, snorkeling equipment (in some tours)
• Cost: ₱700-1,200 per person (group tour) | ₱4,000-6,000 (private boat)
• Return: 4-5 PM

Day 3: Bacuit Archipelago Tour B or C

Tour B: Matinloc Island, Alien Garden, Power Wading Island (southwestern islands)

Tour C: Banana Island, Pinagod Island, Paradise Beach (eastern islands)

• Choose based on weather and crowds
• Depart 6:30 AM, return 4-5 PM
• Cost: ₱700-1,200 per person
• Depart El Nido for next destination or relax at beach

5-Day Island Hopping Itinerary (Recommended)

Perfect for: Travelers seeking a balanced mix of famous and off-the-beaten-path islands

Itinerary Type: El Nido (Bacuit Archipelago) + Coron (Calamian Islands)

Cost Range: ₱3,500-8,000 per person

Days 1-2: Arrive & El Nido Tours

• Day 1: Fly/drive to El Nido, settle in, explore town
• Day 2: Full-day Tour A (Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, 7 Commandos Beach)
• Accommodation Cost: ₱2,400-4,000 (2 nights)

Day 3: Bacuit Archipelago Tour D or Palawan Safari

Tour D (Northeast Islands): Dilumacad Island, Corong-Corong Beach, Banul Island, Bukal Island

Alternative: Bacuit Archipelago sunset cruise with island stops

• Cost: ₱800-1,500 per person
• Return afternoon/evening

Day 4: Travel to Coron

• Transportation Options:
  • Speedboat: 2-2.5 hours, ₱600-900 per person (scenic route)
  • Bangka Boat: 4-5 hours, ₱400-600 per person (budget option)
  • Flight: 45 minutes, ₱2,000-3,500 per person (fastest)
• Check into Coron hotel
• Evening: Explore Coron town, visit Molo Wharf at sunset
• Accommodation Cost: ₱1,500-3,500 (1 night)

Day 5: Calamian Islands Tour

Must-See Islands from Coron:

• Kayangan Lake: Ultra-clear freshwater lake surrounded by limestone cliffs (30 min by boat)
• Barracuda Lake: Unique thermocline where temperature changes dramatically at depth (45 min by boat)
• Twin Lagoon: Two connected lagoons with distinct colored waters (1 hour)
• Coral Garden: Excellent snorkeling spot (30 min by boat)
• Skeleton Wreck (Japanese WWII ship): Accessible to certified divers (beginner-intermediate level)

Typical Tour Schedule:

• Depart: 7-8 AM from Coron town
• Visit 4-5 islands based on weather and group preference
• Return: 4-5 PM
• Cost: ₱900-1,500 per person (group tour) | ₱5,000-8,000 (private boat)

7-Day Island Hopping Adventure (Premium Experience)

Perfect for: Travelers wanting to explore Palawan comprehensively with time for relaxation

Itinerary: Puerto Princesa + El Nido + Coron + Puerto Princesa

Cost Range: ₱6,000-15,000+ per person

Day 1: Arrival in Puerto Princesa

• Arrive at Puerto Princesa International Airport
• Rest and acclimatize
• Evening: Explore Puerto Princesa city, dine at oceanfront restaurants
• Stay: Puerto Princesa (₱1,500-3,000)

Day 2: Puerto Princesa City Tour

• Highlights:
  • Puerto Princesa Underground River (UNESCO World Heritage Site) - ₱500-800 per person
  • Sabang Beach - pristine white sand
  • Honda Bay Islands - snorkeling at 3 islands (Pandan, Starfish, Cowrie Islands)
• Option 1: Underground River tour in AM, rest in PM (₱1,200-1,500 tour cost)
• Option 2: Full-day Honda Bay island tour (₱1,000-1,500 per person)
• Stay: Puerto Princesa

Day 3: Puerto Princesa to El Nido

• Transportation: Private car/van (5-6 hours, ₱1,500-2,500 for 4 people), or van shuttle (₱600-900/person)
• Arrive El Nido by afternoon
• Settle in, explore town
• Stay: El Nido (₱2,000-4,000)

Days 4-5: El Nido Island Hopping

• Day 4: Tour A - Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, 7 Commandos Beach (₱800-1,200)
• Day 5: Tour B or C - different islands (₱800-1,200)
• Or combine with jungle trek, waterfall tour, or rock climbing
• Alternative Day 5: Bacuit Archipelago sunset cruise (₱1,200-1,500)

Day 6: El Nido to Coron

• Morning/midday speedboat to Coron (2-2.5 hours, ₱700-900)
• Afternoon arrival in Coron
• Explore Coron town, relax at beach
• Stay: Coron (₱2,000-4,000)

Day 7: Calamian Islands Tour

• Full-day Coron island-hopping tour
• Visit: Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake, Twin Lagoon, Coral Garden (₱1,000-1,500 per person)
• Return to Coron by evening
• Dinner at waterfront restaurants
• Overnight in Coron or return to El Nido/Puerto Princesa

Budget Island Hopping (3-7 Days)

Estimated Daily Costs:

• Budget Hotel: ₱1,000-1,500/night
• Group Island Tour: ₱700-1,200/day
• Meals: ₱500-800/day
• Snacks & Incidentals: ₱200-300/day
• Daily Total: ₱2,400-3,800

Money-Saving Tips:

• Book group tours instead of private boats
• Stay in budget accommodations in town centers
• Eat at local carinderias (small eateries) instead of tourist restaurants
• Pack your own snacks and water
• Travel during shoulder season (April-May, September-October) for better rates
• Book multi-day packages for discounts

Mid-Range Island Hopping

Estimated Daily Costs:

• Mid-range Hotel: ₱2,500-4,000/night
• Private or semi-private tours: ₱1,500-2,500/day
• Meals at mid-range restaurants: ₱800-1,200/day
• Activities & guides: ₱500-1,000/day
• Daily Total: ₱5,300-8,700

Benefits of Mid-Range:

• Comfortable accommodations with better amenities
• Smaller tour groups (8-12 people instead of 20+)
• More flexibility in tour scheduling
• Quality meals included in tour packages
• Professional tour guides with better English

Luxury Island Hopping Experience

Estimated Daily Costs:

• Luxury Resort: ₱6,000-15,000+/night
• Private boat charters: ₱5,000-15,000/day
• Fine dining: ₱1,500-3,000/day
• Premium activities (diving, photography tour): ₱2,000-5,000/day
• Daily Total: ₱14,500-38,000+

Luxury Inclusions:

• Private yacht or speedboat with captain
• Personalized itinerary based on preferences
• Gourmet meals prepared onboard
• Professional photography services
• Exclusive access to private islands
• Expert naturalist guides
• Sunset picnics and romantic setups
• VIP resort accommodations

What to Pack for Island Hopping

• Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+) - protect coral and your skin
• Rash guard or UV protection shirt - essential for long sun exposure
• Snorkeling gear - bring your own or rent (₱150-300/day)
• Water shoes - sharp corals and rocks require foot protection
• Quick-dry towel and microfiber cloth
• Waterproof bag or dry bag for phone and valuables
• Light layers and rain jacket - afternoon showers are common
• Medications: seasickness medicine, antihistamine, basic pain relievers
• Insect repellent - especially for evening in low-lying areas
• Swimsuit (pack 2-3 so one can dry while wearing another)
• Hat or cap with strap - wind can carry hats away
• Plastic bags - for trash, wet clothes, and protecting electronics

Island Hopping Safety & Responsible Tourism

Safety Tips:

• Check weather forecast before booking
• Ensure boat operator has proper life jackets and safety equipment
• Inform someone of your itinerary
• Stay hydrated - bring more water than you think you'll need
• Avoid swimming alone - go with tour groups or friends
• Don't leave valuables unattended on boat or beach
• Be aware of currents and marine hazards
• Get travel insurance covering water activities

Getting Around: Transportation Tips

El Nido Town to Islands: All tours depart from El Nido town pier. Hotels arrange pickups (usually free or ₱100-200).

Coron Town to Islands: Tours depart from Coron town pier or Molo Wharf. Similar pickup arrangements.

Puerto Princesa to El Nido:

• Private car: 5-6 hours, ₱1,500-2,500 (for 4 people)
• Van shuttle: ₱600-900 per person
• Best to book through your hotel

El Nido to Coron:

• Speedboat: 2-2.5 hours, ₱700-900
• Bangka boat: 4-5 hours, ₱400-600
• Flight: 45 minutes, ₱2,000-3,500

Booking Your Island Hopping Tours

Best Ways to Book:

• Through your hotel: Convenient, can negotiate group rates
• Day before: Direct booking at tour offices in town (best prices)
• Online platforms: Viator, GetYourGuide, ToursByLocals (flexible cancellation)
• Local tour operators: Often better rates than online platforms

What to Confirm Before Booking:

• Number of islands included
• What meals are included (usually just lunch)
• Equipment provided (snorkeling gear, life jacket)
• Boat condition and type
• Guide qualifications and language
• Tour company reviews and reputation
• Cancellation/refund policy in case of bad weather
• Group size - smaller groups are often better

Sample Island Hopping Itineraries by Interest

Adventure Seekers (5-7 Days)

• Day 1-2: Puerto Princesa - Underground River + Honda Bay
• Day 3: Travel to El Nido
• Day 4-5: El Nido - Island hopping tours + rock climbing at Kayangan
• Day 6-7: Coron - Advanced diving or freediving courses
• Budget: ₱8,000-15,000 per person

Relaxation & Romance (5-7 Days)

• Day 1-3: El Nido - Sunset cruises, beachside dinners, couples massage
• Day 4: Rest day at resort with spa
• Day 5-6: Coron - Sunrise island tour, beach picnic at private island
• Day 7: Spa day and departure
• Budget: ₱12,000-20,000 per person (mid-range to luxury)

Photography Enthusiasts (5-7 Days)

• Focus on sunrise and sunset tours
• Visit Kayangan Lake and Barracuda Lake in Coron (dramatic landscapes)
• Underwater photography in coral gardens
• Book private boat for flexible timing and positioning
• Hire professional photographer: ₱3,000-8,000 per day
• Budget: ₱10,000-18,000 per person

Budget Backpacker (7-10 Days)

• Days 1-3: Puerto Princesa (budget hotels, local tours)
• Days 4-6: El Nido (group tours, budget accommodation)
• Days 7-8: Coron (group boat tours, hostel)
• Days 9-10: Return to Puerto Princesa with flexible schedule
• Budget: ₱3,500-5,000 per person (strict budget)

When to Go: Month-by-Month Guide

• January-February: Perfect weather, high season, crowded, expensive
• March-April: Still excellent, slightly fewer crowds, warm water
• May: Shoulder season, good weather, reasonable prices
• June-September: Monsoon season, rough seas, tours limited
• October: Improving weather, fewer tourists, deals available
• November-December: Dry season begins, weather improving

How Vehicle Rental Enhances Your Island Hopping Experience

While most island tours operate independently, having access to a rental vehicle adds tremendous value:

Recommended Vehicles for Island Hopping:

• Sedan/City Car: Best for town exploration and short distances (₱2,500-3,500/day)
• SUV: Ideal for mountain roads to El Nido (₱3,500-5,000/day)
• Van (Mitsubishi L300): Perfect for groups of 4-6 people (₱4,000-6,000/day)

A carefully selected fleet with competitive rates, insurance options, and professional drivers is available to support your journey. Browse available vehicles and enjoy the freedom to explore Palawan your way!

Final Tips for an Unforgettable Island Hopping Experience

• Start Early: Tours depart at 6-7 AM. Get to bed early the night before.
• Be Flexible: Weather can change plans. Go with the flow and embrace the adventure.
• Interact with Locals: Learn about island life from fishermen and boatmen.
• Bring a Dry Bag: Keep electronics safe from salt water spray.
• Document Your Experience: Take photos and videos, but also enjoy the moments unplugged.
• Respect Local Culture: Ask permission before photographing people.
• Try Local Cuisine: Island fish is incredibly fresh and delicious.
• Arrive Early: Popular islands get crowded by midday - early arrival means fewer tourists.
• Stay Hydrated: Sun exposure and salt water dehydrate quickly.
• Consider Travel Insurance: Covers medical emergencies and trip cancellations.

Conclusion

Island hopping in Palawan offers unforgettable memories, stunning natural beauty, and adventures tailored to every travel style and budget. Whether you choose a fast-paced 3-day sprint or a leisurely 7-day exploration, Palawan's islands will captivate you.

From the iconic Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon of El Nido to the crystal-clear waters of Kayangan Lake in Coron, every destination offers unique experiences. The key is choosing the right duration, pace, and group composition for your preferences.

Ready to start your island hopping adventure? Browse our vehicle rental options to arrange reliable ground transportation for getting between island-hopping destinations. Comfortable, well-maintained vehicles ensure safe travel throughout your Palawan journey.

Disclaimer

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is island hopping safe for non-swimmers?
A: Yes! Many tours don't require swimming. You can enjoy the boat ride, beach time, and islands without entering the water. Life jackets are available.

Q: Can I island hop if I'm prone to seasickness?
A: Take ginger supplements or motion sickness medicine 30 minutes before the tour. Sit at the back or middle of the boat for less motion. Eat a light breakfast and stay hydrated.

Q: What's the best group size for island hopping tours?
A: 8-12 people is ideal - large enough to share costs, small enough for personalized service. Avoid mega-groups (20+ people).

Q: Can I bring my own snorkeling gear?
A: Absolutely! Many people bring quality snorkels and fins from home. The fit and comfort make a big difference.

Q: What if the weather is bad on my tour day?
A: Tours are typically postponed and rebooked for another day. Some companies offer refunds if you can't reschedule.

Q: Are boat tours suitable for children?
A: Yes, with proper supervision. Bring children's life jackets, sun protection, and sea-sickness medicine. Shorter tours (half-day) work better for young kids.

Q: Can I get an itinerary customized just for me?
A: Private boat charters allow complete customization. Expect to pay ₱5,000-15,000 per day depending on boat size and amenities.