We Rank Palawan’s 15 Top Tours & Experiences

Palawan isn’t just a pretty face—it’s a region packed with diverse and authentic experiences that reveal the true soul of the Philippines’ most breathtaking island. Whether you’re interested in exploring hidden lagoons, snorkeling vibrant reefs, or marveling at UNESCO-listed underground rivers, Palawan offers options for every type of traveler. We particularly love the Easy Fun Scuba Dive in El Nido for its accessible marine exploration or the Underground River Day Trip from Puerto Princesa for a UNESCO World Heritage adventure that won’t break the bank. Each experience brings you closer to Palawan’s natural wonders, with plenty of opportunities to relax and soak in the scenery.

1. Easy Fun Scuba Dive in El Nido

For those certified in scuba diving, the Easy Fun Scuba Dive in El Nido offers the chance to visit three different dive sites without the hassle. This tour is perfect if you want to see Palawan’s diverse marine life—think colorful fish, corals, and maybe a sea turtle or two—without needing a complex itinerary. All equipment is included, and the tour offers the option for a third dive or simply relaxing on board. The reviews speak to its quality, with a perfect 5/5 rating from 72 reviews, praising the professional team and friendly atmosphere. This tour is suited for divers looking for a straightforward, well-organized experience that highlights El Nido’s underwater beauty.

Bottom line: It’s an excellent choice for certified divers wanting multiple sites in a single day, with all gear provided and a focus on safety and fun.

2. Underground River Day Trip from Puerto Princesa City

The Underground River Day Trip from Puerto Princesa is perhaps Palawan’s most iconic experience. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features a 4.3-mile navigable underground river filled with stalactites and stalagmites—impressive even for those skeptical of caves. The tour lasts around 6 to 8 hours and includes a boat ride that captures the geological formations in the most dramatic way. You can upgrade your experience with ziplining, a mangrove tour, or a massage, making it a flexible adventure.

The tour’s popularity is evident with over 260 reviews, mostly glowing, highlighting the spectacular geology and environmental care. It’s ideal for travelers seeking a mix of adventure and nature without complicated logistics, especially since private packages are available. Expect it to be well-organized, though sometimes busy, which is typical for such a famous site.

Bottom line: An absolute must for nature lovers and those wanting to tick a UNESCO site off their bucket list, with options to customize the experience.

3. Seacret Luxury Catamaran Yacht Group Island Hopping Tour

Ready for a luxurious day on the water? The Seacret Luxury Catamaran Yacht Group Island Hopping Tour offers a 7-hour cruise on a 50-foot sailing catamaran, exploring some of Palawan’s most stunning lagoons and beaches. Expect to visit the Big Lagoon, a private beach, Hidden Beach with its natural infinity pool, and Seven Commando Beach, famous for its white sands and coconut trees.

This tour, rated 4.5/5 from 119 reviews, is praised for its professional crew and the private, relaxed vibe. It’s perfect if you’re after an intimate and comfortable experience, with included lunch and kayak rentals. The private setting makes it ideal for couples, small groups, or anyone wanting to escape the crowds. The only potential downside is the minimum group size of six, so check availability.

Bottom line: A fantastic choice for travelers who want a high-end, personalized day with excellent scenery and great service.

4. 3-in-1 Adventure: Underground River, Zipline ride, and Mangrove Forest Tour

If you’re after a full day of variety, this 3-in-1 tour combines an underground river adventure with ziplining and a mangrove paddle boat trip. It’s a no-nonsense, small-group option that covers three distinct landscapes—from the caves and river to the aerial views from the zipline and the ecological importance of mangroves.

Rated 4.5/5, the tour includes all safety gear, lunch, and hotel transfers, making it convenient and budget-friendly at just $79. It’s well-suited for active travelers who want to maximize their experience without multiple bookings. Be prepared for a full day and some physical activity, especially the zipline, which might challenge those with mobility issues.

Bottom line: An excellent all-in-one adventure for explorers who want variety and value in one day, especially suited for families and groups seeking a mix of nature and adrenaline.

5. El Nido to Puerto Princesa – Private Transfer

Traveling between Palawan’s major hubs? The Private Transfer from El Nido to Puerto Princesa ensures your journey is smooth and private. For $390, you get a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, pick-up at your accommodation, and a stress-free drive that takes 7 to 10 hours. You can choose from several vehicle options, which is especially helpful for groups or families carrying lots of gear.

The reviews highlight friendly drivers and seamless service, making it a reliable way to avoid the hassles of public transport. If you prefer a personalized, door-to-door experience and want to conserve energy or time, this is the way to go.

Bottom line: Ideal for travelers who value comfort and convenience over cheapness, and for those with tight schedules or lots of luggage.

6. El Nido Private Tour A w/ Lunch

For an exclusive, customizable island-hopping experience, the El Nido Private Tour A offers undivided attention from your guide and the flexibility to select your preferred stops. Tour highlights include the Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Secret Lagoon, and Seven Commandos Beach. The tour provides lunch, transfers, and snorkel gear, making it a comfortable, all-in-one package.

Rated 4.5/5, travelers love the personalized attention and the chance to visit less crowded spots. The main advantage is the ability to tailor the day to your interests, which can make the experience significantly more memorable. However, private tours tend to be pricier and require advanced booking.

Bottom line: Perfect for couples or small groups who want a bespoke day exploring El Nido’s best sites with all logistics handled.

7. Puerto Princesa Underground River Shore Excursion

Cruising? The Puerto Princesa Underground River Shore Excursion is designed for cruise passengers wanting a short but impactful experience. It includes port transfers, a guided tour of the cave, and all entrance fees, with a focus on quality over quantity. The tour lasts about 5 to 8 hours, with a small group size ensuring a more personal touch.

Rated 5/5 by 12 reviews, the highlight is the serene underground river—a perfect quick escape from the cruise chaos. The tour is well-organized but can be somewhat busy, so booking early is recommended if you want to avoid the crowds.

Bottom line: A top pick for cruise travelers seeking a full, well-managed underground river experience.

8. Small-Group El Nido Island Hopping Tour

If you’re budget-conscious but still crave a quality island-hopping experience, this Small-Group El Nido Tour offers a full day exploring Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Seven Commando Beach, and Shimizu Island for just $23.50 per person. The tour concentrates on popular sites, with plenty of snorkeling and relaxing opportunities.

Rated 5/5 from 9 reviews, travelers appreciate the friendly guides and the better-than-average scenery. It’s a great way to see the highlights without breaking the bank, though it may get crowded and the itinerary could be similar across operators.

Bottom line: A solid, affordable option for travelers seeking a full day of island magic on a tight budget.

9. Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour + Sabang X Zip Line Ride

A full day of adventure and nature, this combined tour includes the underground river, a zipline over the sea, and a visit to Sabang Beach. The tour is rated 5/5 from 11 reviews, with many praising the fun and variety. It starts with a hotel pickup, then takes you through caves, on the zipline, and includes a Filipino-style lunch.

This tour is best for active travelers who want a mix of adrenaline and sightseeing in one day. Safety gear and guides are included, making it suitable even for first-timers.

Bottom line: An energetic, fun-packed tour ideal for those who want more than just sightseeing, with lots of movement and photo opportunities.

10. Private Transportation between Puerto Princesa and El Nido

When traveling between major destinations, this private transfer offers a reliable, comfortable ride. For $390, you get a private van, with options for door-to-door service and multiple vehicle sizes. The reviews note the friendly driver and smooth service, making it an easy way to avoid public buses or shared vans.

Perfect if you’re flying in or out, or just want a stress-free journey with flexible stops. It’s particularly useful if you have lots of luggage or want to customize your route.

Bottom line: Best suited for travelers prioritizing comfort and convenience over cost savings.

11. 4-hour Private Van Rental in Puerto Princesa

Looking for flexibility in exploring Puerto Princesa? This private 4-hour van rental for up to 10 people provides spacious, air-conditioned comfort. It’s perfect for a custom city tour, visiting spots like the Ugong Rock or the old Spanish fortress.

Rated 5/5, reviews mention friendly drivers and efficient service. It’s a flexible option for groups who want to tailor their sightseeing without the rigidity of scheduled tours.

Bottom line: A good investment if you want personalized time in the city or nearby attractions.

12. Private 4-kilometer Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour with lunch

For those seeking a deeper exploration, this tour takes you up to 4 kilometers into the underground river—twice as deep as the standard tour. It includes lunch, hotel pickup, and a paddle boat journey lasting about three hours inside the cave. The reviews praise the personalized experience and the remarkable geology.

If you’re keen on a more immersive experience, with fewer crowds and more time inside the cave, this is your best bet.

Bottom line: Ideal for travelers who want an extended, in-depth underground river tour with a focus on geological wonder.

13. Puerto Princesa Palawan tour Underground River with Ugong cave

This two-in-one tour combines the Underground River with Ugong Rock, adding ziplining and caving. Rated 4.5/5, it offers adventure and scenic views in a single day, with lunch included. The river cruise showcases the spectacular caves, while Ugong Rock offers aerial views and the thrill of ziplining.

Suitable for active travelers who want a balanced dose of adventure and nature, with the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off.

Bottom line: Perfect for those wanting a full day of multiple activities that highlight Palawan’s rugged landscapes and caves.

14. El Nido Island Hopping Tour A with Lunch

This classic island-hopping tour explores five of El Nido’s stunning islands, including the Secret Lagoon and Shimizu Island. Rated 4/5 from 86 reviews, it’s praised for excellent scenery and good snorkeling opportunities. Lunch is included, and the tour runs for about 6 to 8 hours.

While somewhat crowded, the well-known spots and efficient boat transfers make it a reliable option for first-time visitors. It’s best for those who want a full day on the water with minimal planning.

Bottom line: Great for travelers wanting to see key highlights of El Nido without fuss.

15. El Nido Highlights Tour w/ Island Lunch

Rounding out the list is the El Nido Highlights Tour, focusing on Big Lagoon, Secret Beach, and Helicopter Island. Rated 5/5 from 4 reviews, this tour emphasizes spectacular scenery and easy access to some of Palawan’s top spots. The full-day trip includes lunch, and the itineraries are designed for comfortable exploration.

This tour is ideal if you want a focused experience on Palawan’s most famous sights, with enough time for relaxing and photos. It’s especially suited for those short on time but eager to see the best.

Bottom line: Best for travelers seeking a simple yet memorable tour of Palawan’s iconic islands.

How to Choose the Best Tour in Palawan

When deciding which tour is right for you, start by considering your budget, time available, and interest level. If you’re after just a quick taste of Palawan’s underground rivers, the Shore Excursion or Underground River Tour are excellent. Want maximum flexibility? Opt for a private tour like El Nido Private Tour A. For budget travelers, small-group island hopping offers great value, while those seeking luxury and comfort should look at the Seacret Catamaran.

Think about your fitness level—some tours involve paddling or walking, like the Deep Underground River. For best results, book early, especially for popular dates or high season. Check the reviews to match the tour style with your priorities—whether that’s adventure, relaxation, or culture.

Final Thoughts

Palawan’s tours provide a range of experiences, from exploring ancient caves to relaxing on pristine beaches. For a balanced adventure, the Underground River Day Trip offers a classic experience, while the Seacret Yacht Trip suits those craving luxury. Budget travelers will find the small-group island hopping perfect for a full day of fun. Whatever your style, Palawan invites you to discover its natural wonders—just remember to book early and bring your sense of curiosity.

Now it’s time to pick your adventure, pack your sense of adventure, and get ready for an unforgettable journey through one of the world’s most beautiful islands.