Island hopping in the Philippines
A day on a bangka, hopping between lagoons, sandbars and reefs, is the classic Philippine trip. Here is how to do it well and safely.
Quick answer
- What it is: a day trip on a bangka, a wooden outrigger boat, visiting several beaches, lagoons and snorkel spots.
- Best places: El Nido and Coron in Palawan, Siargao, Bohol, the Hundred Islands and Moalboal.
- How to book: through your hotel, a registered tour office or the local tourism desk; shared tours are cheapest.
- Safety first: life jackets for everyone, a registered boat, and no sailing when the Coast Guard has stopped small boats.
- Best time: the dry season, roughly November to May, when seas are calmest.
With more than 7,000 islands, the Philippines was made for island hopping. A typical day goes like this: board a bangka, a wooden outrigger boat, after breakfast; snorkel a reef; swim into a lagoon; eat grilled fish on a beach; and be back by sunset, salty and sunburnt.
Where to go
- El Nido, Palawan. Tours A to D take in lagoons, hidden beaches and limestone cliffs. See our El Nido lagoons guide.
- Coron, Palawan. Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon and reefs. See our Kayangan Lake guide.
- Siargao. The tri-island tour of Naked, Daku and Guyam islands. See our Siargao guide.
- Bohol. Balicasag and Virgin Island from Panglao. See our Panglao and Balicasag guide.
- Hundred Islands, Pangasinan. Easy to reach from Manila. See our Hundred Islands guide.
How it works
- Book a tour through your hotel, a registered tour office or the local tourism desk. Many places have fixed routes and regulated prices.
- Pay the fees. Environmental, entrance or landing fees are often charged on top of the tour price.
- Board early. Morning boats beat the crowds and the afternoon wind.
- Bring the basics: water, sunscreen that is kind to reefs, a dry bag, cash and reef shoes.
How to choose a safe boat
- Life jackets for everyone, in sizes that fit, including children.
- A registered operator listed with the local tourism office.
- A boat that is not overloaded, with a crew of at least two.
- No trips when small boats are stopped. The Philippine Coast Guard often suspends sailing for small vessels when a tropical cyclone wind signal is raised or a gale warning is issued. Do not let anyone talk you into going out.
- Trust your instincts. If the sea looks rough or the boat feels unsafe, stay ashore.
See our guide to typhoon season for how to plan around bad weather.
Respect the sea
- Don’t touch or stand on coral, and don’t feed the fish.
- Take your rubbish back with you.
- Follow the rules on protected areas, such as limits on visitor numbers and no-swim zones.
Tour routes, prices and fees change. Check with the local tourism office before you book.
Photo gallery
Frequently asked questions
What is a bangka?
The traditional Filipino outrigger boat, with bamboo or wooden floats on each side for stability. Most island-hopping tours use motorised bangkas.
Are island-hopping tours safe?
Most run safely, but standards vary. Choose registered operators, check that there are life jackets for everyone, and never go out when the Coast Guard has suspended trips for small boats.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Tours are cancelled when the Coast Guard or local tourism office suspends trips, often when a tropical cyclone wind signal is raised. Leave spare days in your plans.
Do I need to pay extra fees?
Often, yes. Many areas charge environmental, entrance or landing fees on top of the tour price. Ask what is included before you pay.
Shared tour or private boat?
Shared tours are cheaper and fun. A private boat lets you choose the route and timing, which helps you beat the crowds.
We checked this guide against the 3 sources listed below. Last updated 14 November 2026. Basis: researched from official sources. Written and edited by Delfin, with AI-assisted research (how we work). Prices, hours and rules change, so confirm before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
