Best Island Hopping in the Philippines: 8 Must-Experience Tours (2026)
Island hopping is practically the national pastime of Philippine travel. You hop onto a twin-outrigger wooden bangka, feel the sea spray, and spend the day navigating hidden limestone lagoons, sandbars that appear only at low tide, and quiet coves for grilled lunch. But not all tours are created equal. Some get packed with 20-person joiner groups racing through five spots in four hours, while hiring a private bangka lets you pull into El Nido's Secret Lagoon or Coron's Kayangan Lake before the midday tour crowds arrive.
Recommended Spots for Island Hopping
Tested breaks, reefs, and beaches with verified local coordinates and traveler ratings
Big Lagoon
Big Lagoon is one of the most famous stops on Island Hopping. Aside from this famous stop, it is also known for the iconic turquoise water and limestone cliffs that everyone wants to take a picture with.
Small Lagoon
Famous for turquoise green-blue water surrounded by limestone cliffs, where you can enjoy kayak or snorkeling.
Secret Lagoon
By the name of this beach, it isn't easy to access this beach which is surrounded by steep rock walls. But once inside you will see nature's unique beauty that truly of its wonders.
Seven Commandos Beach
A popular attraction for island hopping tour, it has a white sand beach, towering limestone cliffs, and cottages for rent to relax.
Kayangan Lake
Known as the cleanest lake in the Philippines, Kayangan lake is one of the most visited tourist spot destinations in Coron Palawan.
Barracuda Lake
Barracuda Lake is famous for its clear black deep water and for its salt and freshwater combination. This spot is popular with all tourists visiting Coron.
Twin Lagoon
Twin Lagoon is a two-lagoon spot perfect for snorkeling separated by a narrow cliff. This is one of the most visited tourist spots in Coron.
Boracay Island Hopping
Boracay's experience is not complete without the famous island hopping. You can go snorkeling, visit beautiful white sand beaches and swim in pristine clear water. Island hopping tours include a visit to Magic Island, Crocodile Island, Crystal Cove Beach and Puka Beach.
Daku Island
Daku Island in Siargao is the biggest and most popular island of the 3 Islands Guyam and Naked Island for a day tour of Island Hopping.
Guyam Island
Guyam Island is a tiny island with palm trees and a white sand beach best for island hopping and snorkeling.
Sohoton Cove National Park
Sohoton Cove National Park is famous for its blue turquoise lagoon surrounded by limestones, similar to El Nido's & Coron's lagoons.
Matukad Island
Matukad Island is one of the tiny islands off the coast of the Caramoan Islands. It has humongous limestone cliffs, pristine waters, and fine sand that rivals that of Boracay.
Lahos Beach
Gota Beach
Gota Beach is one of the rising stars of Caramoan Island. Made as a project of the provincial government, the beach continues to attract Filipinos and foreigners alike to swim in its azure waters.
Crystal Cove
A private island famous for its uniques rock formations with cottages on top. Explore the natural pools underneath the rock formations where you can go for snorkeling. The best place on this island is cottages on top of the rock with trees surrounding the area and with a view of the blue crystal sea.
Little Santa Cruz Island
Little Santa Cruz Island is part of the Great Santa Cruz Island, renowned for its pink sand beach. While its larger counterpart often steals the spotlight, Little Santa Cruz Island has its own unique charm. With its untouched beauty and serene ambiance, it beckons travelers seeking a more secluded retreat. As you set foot on the shores of Little Santa Cruz Island, prepare to be embraced by the velvety softness of its powdery white sands, stretching endlessly before you. The gentle rhythm of turquoise waters caressing the shore creates an irresistible invitation, coaxing visitors to immerse themselves in its refreshing embrace or delve into thrilling water activities like snorkeling and swimming.
Premier Destinations for Island Hopping
Complete destination hubs with transport logistics, food spots, and hotels
El Nido
Palawan
Coron
Palawan
Hundred Islands
Pangasinan
Caramoan Islands
Camarines Sur
Kalanggaman Island
Leyte
Bantayan Island
Cebu
Siargao Island
Surigao Del Norte
Boracay Island
Aklan
Camotes Islands
Cebu
Sambawan Island
Biliran
Balabac Island
Palawan
Dinagat Islands
Dinagat Islands
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I book joiner tours or hire a private boat in Palawan?
If you are a solo traveler, joiner tours (Tour A, B, C in El Nido or Super Ultimate in Coron) are cost-effective at ₱1,200 to ₱1,600 per head. If you are a couple or group of 3+, go private. You can customize the route, stay longer at spots you love, and arrive at lagoons before the tour group armada.
What is typically included in an island hopping tour lunch?
Philippine boat tours are famous for generous grilled lunches prepared right on the boat or on a secluded beach: whole grilled fish (like lapu-lapu or tilapia), pork belly (liempo), fresh crabs, steamed rice, and sliced mangoes and pineapples.
What happens if the weather turns bad or the coast guard cancels trips?
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) issues strict sea travel advisories when gale warnings or strong squalls occur. If a trip is officially canceled due to weather, accredited tour operators will reschedule your trip for the following morning or issue a full refund.
Quick Reference & Costs
- Buy a 15L or 20L dry bag before your first tour. You can pick up durable waterproof bags in town for ₱350 – ₱500. When open-water chop hits the boat, everything inside gets drenched.
- If you are traveling as a group of 3 or 4, do the math on a private boat. A private bangka charter in Coron or El Nido runs ₱6,000 to ₱8,500 total, which is barely more than joiner tickets but lets you depart at 7:30 AM before the pack.
- Always wear sturdy water shoes / reef booties. Walking across sharp karst limestone trails in flip-flops is asking for a cut.
- Keep cash on hand in small bills (₱50, ₱100) for kayak rentals in lagoons, fresh coconut vendors, and environmental municipal fees.
Planning a Island Hopping Trip?
Browse all 66 destination hives to plan comprehensive multi-island routes.
Explore Destination Hives