Best Boat Tours In The Philippines

Best Boat Tours in the Philippines: A Seafaring Adventure You’ll Never Forget

Explore Stunning Islands, Hidden Lagoons, and Thrilling Marine Adventures Across the Philippines

If you’ve ever dreamed of cruising through crystal-clear waters, hopping between paradise islands, and feasting on fresh seafood aboard a boat, then the best boat tours in the Philippines are calling your name. With over 7,600 islands, this tropical wonderland is one of the best destinations in the world for island-hopping and ocean adventures.

From the jaw-dropping limestone cliffs of Palawan to the whale shark-filled waters of Oslob, every boat trip offers stunning scenery, exciting marine life, and unforgettable cultural experiences. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing river cruise, an adrenaline-fueled dive, or an island-hopping escapade, the best boat tours in the Philippines have something for every kind of traveler.

So, grab your sunscreen, snorkeling gear, and a waterproof camera because it’s time to explore the best boat tours in the Philippines.

El Nido Island Hopping – The Crown Jewel of Palawan

A Paradise of Hidden Lagoons, Secret Beaches, and Dramatic Cliffs

When people talk about the best boat tours in the Philippines, El Nido always tops the list. This breathtaking destination in northern Palawan is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the country. Towering limestone cliffs, pristine beaches, and vibrant coral reefs make El Nido a must-visit for travelers looking for the ultimate island-hopping experience.

El Nido’s boat tours are categorized into Tours A, B, C, and D, each offering unique sights and adventures. Whether you want to kayak through hidden lagoons, relax on white sand beaches, or snorkel alongside colorful marine life, this is one of the best boat tours in the Philippines for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Highlights of the El Nido Boat Tours:

• Big Lagoon & Small Lagoon, where you can paddle through emerald-green waters surrounded by towering cliffs

• Secret Beach, a hidden paradise only accessible by swimming through a small rock opening

• Shimizu Island, one of the best snorkeling spots in the Philippines, filled with colorful coral gardens

• Seven Commandos Beach, a relaxing paradise where you can sip on fresh coconut juice

• Hidden Lagoon, a tranquil cove enclosed by massive rock formations

Best Time to Visit For El Nido Boat Tours:

• November to May for the clearest waters and calmest seas

How to Book Your El Nido Boat Tour:

• Book through El Nido town’s travel agencies or hire a private island-hopping boat.

  Or you can check out the boat tours below. These are highly-rated El Nido Boat Tours that are professional, fun, and safe.

Coron Island Hopping – Shipwrecks, Lakes, and Stunning Lagoons

A Diver’s Paradise with WWII Shipwrecks and Majestic Lakes

For those looking for a more adventurous take on the best boat tours in the Philippines, Coron is the ultimate destination. Located in northern Palawan, Coron is famous for sunken WWII shipwrecks, crystal-clear freshwater lakes, and breathtaking limestone formations.

A Coron boat tour is perfect for anyone who loves exploring both above and below the water. Whether it’s swimming in pristine lakes or diving through historic sunken warships, Coron is one of the best boat tours in the Philippines for thrill-seekers and history buffs alike.

Highlights of the Coron Boat Tours:

• Kayangan Lake, known as the cleanest lake in Asia, featuring stunning turquoise waters

• Twin Lagoon, a breathtaking double lagoon where warm and cold waters mix

• Barracuda Lake, a must-visit for divers, featuring a unique thermocline effect

• Siete Pecados Marine Park, one of the best snorkeling spots in Palawan

• WWII Shipwrecks, with over ten sunken warships, making Coron one of the top wreck-diving sites in the world

Best Time to Visit For Your Coron Boat Tour:

• December to May for calm seas and clear waters. But you can visit about any time of year as long as you pay attention to the weather forecast.

Best Time to Visit For Your Coron Boat Tour:

• Book through Coron town’s tour operators or hire a private boat for an exclusive experience.

  Or you can check out the links below for some of the best boat tours in Coron.

Bohol’s Loboc River Cruise – A Floating Feast in the Jungle

Serenity, Scenic Views, and a Buffet on Water

For travelers who prefer a relaxing experience, the Loboc River Cruise in Bohol is one of the best boat tours in the Philippines that offers both scenic views and delicious food. Instead of island hopping, this tour lets you drift along a tranquil river while enjoying a buffet of Filipino cuisine aboard a floating restaurant.

Highlights of the Loboc River Cruise:

• Scenic jungle river views with lush greenery and calm waters

• A floating restaurant serving classic Filipino seafood and grilled dishes

• Live music and cultural performances onboard

• A visit to Busay Falls, a small but picturesque waterfall

Best Time To Visit For Your Loboc River Tour:

• Year-round, but mornings and late afternoons offer cooler temperatures

How to Book A Loboc River Boat Tour:

• Tickets can be purchased in Loboc town or through local tour operators.

  You can also check out the boat tours below. These are highly-rated boat tours that are fun, safe, and reasonably priced.

 Cebu’s Whale Shark Watching in Oslob – A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience

Get Up Close with the Gentle Giants of the Ocean

No boat tour in the Philippines is more unforgettable than swimming with whale sharks in Oslob, Cebu. This unique experience allows travelers to snorkel alongside these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

Highlights of the Whale Shark Watching Tour

• Guaranteed sighting of whale sharks

• Snorkeling experience with the ocean’s largest fish

• A side trip to Tumalog Falls, a misty waterfall perfect for cooling off

Best Time to Visit In Oslob For Your Boat Tour:

• November to June for calm waters

How to Book Your Oslob Boat Tour:

• Book directly at Oslob Whale Shark Watching Center or through Cebu tour operators. You can also check out the Oslob boat tours below.

Siargao Island-Hopping – Surfing, Lagoons, and Hidden Islands

A Laid-Back Tropical Escape with Stunning Seascapes

Siargao is best known as the surfing capital of the Philippines, drawing wave riders from around the world to its famous Cloud 9 surf break. But beyond the surf, Siargao is a paradise for island-hopping and marine exploration, making it one of the best boat tours in the Philippines for those seeking a laid-back yet adventure-filled escape.

Located in the southern part of the Philippines, Siargao is an island of lush coconut groves, remote beaches, and stunning turquoise waters. Unlike the bustling tourism of Palawan or Cebu, Siargao offers a more intimate and off-the-beaten-path boat tour experience, where you can spend the day discovering hidden islands, swimming in serene lagoons, and feasting on freshly caught seafood prepared by local fishermen.

The Siargao island-hopping tour is one of the most popular activities for visitors, taking travelers to a mix of sandbars, pristine islands, and clearwater lagoons. Unlike some of the more developed tourist hubs, Siargao’s boat tours have a rustic, untouched feel, making it perfect for those who love raw, natural beauty and a slower pace of travel. Whether you’re lounging on an uninhabited sandbar, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, or kayaking through a peaceful lagoon surrounded by limestone formations, Siargao’s island-hopping experience is pure, tropical bliss.

Highlights of the Siargao Boat Tours

• Naked Island, a stunning sandbar in the middle of the ocean, completely untouched with no trees or buildings—just white sand and crystal-clear water

• Daku Island, the largest of Siargao’s island-hopping stops, known for its powdery white sand, coconut trees, and fresh seafood lunches cooked by locals

• Guyam Island, a tiny, picturesque island with soft sand and swaying palm trees, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the surrounding turquoise waters

• Sugba Lagoon, a stunning hidden lagoon with emerald-green waters, ideal for paddleboarding, kayaking, and cliff jumping

Best Time To Visit For A Siargao Boat Tour:

• March to October for the best weather and sea conditions

How to Book Your Siargao Boat Tour:

• Island-hopping tours can be booked through General Luna’s tour agencies, or travelers can charter a private boat for a more personalized experience.

Final Thoughts: Set Sail and Explore the Best of the Philippines

The best boat tours in the Philippines offer a variety of experiences, from thrilling island-hopping adventures to peaceful river cruises. Whether you’re snorkeling in El Nido, diving through shipwrecks in Coron, or paddling through Sugba Lagoon in Siargao, each tour offers a unique way to experience the Philippines’ breathtaking landscapes.

It’s time to set sail and embark on an unforgettable adventure.