Independent travel guide to Palawan
Most of the best things to do in Palawan happen on the water: island hopping between limestone cliffs in El Nido, swimming in Coron's lakes and over its World War II wrecks, and a boat ride into the Underground River near Puerto Princesa. This guide compares the main bases, explains how the island-hopping tours work and covers when to go and how to get around, so your Palawan trip spends its days on boats rather than in vans.
El Nido island hopping tours Tours A, B, C and D compared: the stops on each route, fees paid on top, shared or private boats, combos and weather cancellations. 
Coron Coron town, Coron Island and the Calamian bays: how to get there, how many days, where to stay and what to do. 
Underground River The UNESCO cave river near Sabang: permits and booking, fees, the boat from Sabang wharf, tour length and weather closures. 
Big Lagoon El Nido's most famous lagoon on Miniloc Island: time slots and visitor caps, kayak rules, fees, the best time of day and the lagoons nearby. 
Port Barton The laid-back beach village in San Vicente: island hopping tours, getting there from Puerto Princesa and El Nido, power, cash and Long Beach. 
Kayangan Lake The viewpoint climb, swimming rules, fees and the quietest hours at Coron Island's best-known lake, plus Twin Lagoon and Barracuda Lake. A standard El Nido boat route for first-time visitors who want lagoons, beaches and swimming in one outing. The trip runs about six hours, so it fits into a single morning and afternoon.
from ~$25 per person
Check availabilityvia GetYourGuide
Suits travelers who want caves and snorkeling stops around Bacuit Bay, including Pupulkan, Snake Island and Pinagbuyutan. A picnic lunch and a guide are included; weather permitting.
from ~$31 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
Suits travelers basing themselves in Puerto Princesa who want to visit the famous cave river park on a single outing. Allow about eight hours for the whole excursion from the city.
from ~$45 per person
Check availabilityvia GetYourGuide
Afternoon sightseeing around Coron town to learn about the area and its people, ending at the Maquinit hot spring. Hotel pickup and drop-off in central Coron.
from ~$19 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
A packed Coron boat day for visitors who want to see many sights without arranging each leg themselves. It covers seven destinations and includes lunch and transfers.
from ~$42 per person
Check availabilityvia GetYourGuide
A group-format visit to the famous Puerto Princesa cave river, suited to budget-minded travelers. Bring your own meal money, since lunch is not part of this option.
from ~$41 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
A short island trip suited to cruise passengers, couples and families, with swimming, snorkeling and lunch on the islands. A private tour or a shared one can be chosen, so check which is selected.
from ~$114 per person
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A shared boat tour around the islands off Port Barton, a quiet village between Puerto Princesa and El Nido. Suits travelers who want a calmer alternative to the busier El Nido and Coron routes.
from ~$33 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
Prices are indicative and may change. The final price is shown by the booking platform. Prices checked: October 17, 2026.
