The Philippines is an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands—and a first trip can feel gloriously overwhelming. For most newcomers, the best way to sample the country’s famed beaches, reefs and lagoons is island hopping: short boat trips linking a handful of islands in a day (or a few). Below are seven tried-and-true routes that balance scenery, snorkelling/diving, accessibility and that unmistakable Filipino island vibe. Each route is described separately with highlights, who it’s for and a fast “how to go” note so you can plan a first-timer-friendly itinerary.
What you’ll see: Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu/Helicopter Island, secluded white-sand coves and dramatic limestone karsts. Visitors can opt for packaged tours, namely A, B, and C. Tour A is lagoon-heavy; B and C visit beaches, reefs and snorkel spots. El Nido’s scenery—towering limestone cliffs set over glassy turquoise water—is the quintessential postcard Palawan experience.
Who it’s for: Couples, photographers, snorkellers and anyone who wants jaw-dropping scenery with easy beach access.
How to go: Fly to Puerto Princesa or directly to El Nido (Lio Airport) from Manila/Cebu; base in El Nido town and book shared island-hopping “Tour A/B/C” right from the plaza.
What you’ll see: Kayangan Lake’s mirror-clear water, Twin Lagoon’s dramatic rock walls, Siete Pecados snorkel reefs and WWII shipwreck dive sites. Coron pairs blue lagoons with some of the Philippines’ best wreck diving. For quieter coves, consider private or early morning trips.
Who it’s for: Divers, snorkellers and travellers who like alpine-looking limestone scenery but with more dramatic, rugged tones than El Nido.
How to go: Fly to Busuanga (Coron) from Manila; island-hopping tours depart from Coron town—book Kayangan/Twin Lagoon combos.
What you’ll see: Three very different islands: Naked Island’s white-sand spit, Daku’s local fishing community and beach parties, Guyam’s postcard palm-fringed cove. The trip is short, social and often paired with a seafood “boodle fight” lunch on the boat. Siargao is also surf central, so combine island hopping with surf days.
Who it’s for: Backpackers, surfers and those who want a relaxed island day with simple beaches and good food.
How to go: Fly to Siargao (Sayak/Surigao) or via Cebu/Manila; book the “3-island tour” from General Luna.
What you’ll see: Snorkel above the famous sardine clouds that stretch metres long, swim with turtles and explore reefs around Pescador Island. Moalboal is a short, family-friendly boat ride from the coast and is one of the easiest places to witness scale-impressive marine life without diving.
Who it’s for: Wildlife lovers and snorkellers who want an unforgettable underwater spectacle without technical diving.
How to go: Base in Moalboal (Cebu); join a morning boat trip to Pescador for snorkelling and the sardine-run experience.
What you’ll see: Balicasag’s protected reefs (excellent for snorkelling with turtles), possible dolphin sightings en route, and nearby Virgin Island sandbars that make for shallow-water exploring. Bohol also offers the Chocolate Hills and heritage sites, so you can pair island days with inland touring.
Who it’s for: Families, snorkellers and travellers wanting a mix of marine life and cultural side trips.
How to go: Fly to Tagbilaran (Bohol) or Panglao Airport; Balicasag trips leave from Panglao/Alona Beach and are commonly sold as half-day tours.
What you’ll see: Short island circuits from Boracay include snorkelling at Crocodile Island marine sanctuaries, exploring the caves and viewpoints at Crystal Cove, and lounging at Puka Shell Beach. These are convenient half-day tours for those staying on Boracay’s White Beach.
Who it’s for: Beach lovers who want short, easy trips without long transfers—great for mixed groups where some want to snorkel and others just want a beach picnic.
How to go: Boats depart daily from Boracay’s main beaches; join a shared island-hopping run or charter a private bangka.
Practical tips for first-timers
• Best season: Dry season (roughly November–April) for calm seas and clear skies—expect busier beaches in December–February.
• Book early for El Nido and Siargao in high season; consider morning departures to avoid crowds.
• Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a small waterproof bag, basic snorkel gear if you prefer your own mouthpiece, and cash for island entrance/eco fees (many islands charge small conservation fees).
• Respect marine rules: don’t touch coral or feed wildlife; local guides often enforce protected-area regulations.
Which to pick first?
If you want the “classic postcard” scene choose El Nido; for dramatic lakes and wrecks go Coron; for surf and chill island life pick Siargao; for a single-day wildlife spectacle try Moalboal; for family-friendly reef time select Balicasag (Bohol); for a quick, convenient beach hop pick Boracay. All are excellent introductions—mix one sea-heavy route (El Nido/Coron) with a relaxed one (Siargao/Boracay) if you have 10–14 days.
What are the best island-hopping routes in the Philippines for first-time travellers?
The guide highlights seven routes: El Nido (Palawan), Coron (Northern Palawan), Siargao (three-island loop), Moalboal & Pescador Island (Cebu), Panglao/Balicasag Island (Bohol), and Boracay day trips. Each has different highlights, accessibility and traveller profiles.
When is the best time to go island hopping in the Philippines?
The best period is during the dry season, roughly November to April, when seas are calmer and skies clearer. This makes boat transfers easier and views sharper.
What type of traveller is suited for each island-hopping route?
El Nido: couples, photographers, snorkellers
Coron: divers, adventure travellers
Siargao: surfers, social backpackers
Moalboal: wildlife lovers, snorkellers
Panglao/Balicasag: families, reef snorkellers
Boracay day trips: beach lovers, mixed groups wanting easy outings
How should I plan logistics and transport for island hopping in the Philippines?
It’s recommended to focus on one region (e.g., Palawan or Visayas) and use a combination of flights, ferries and boat transfers. Shared boats and local tours are common.
What should I pack and prepare for safe and responsible island-hopping in the Philippines?
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, snorkel gear (if you prefer your own), waterproof bags, and cash for eco/entrance fees. Also ensure flexibility for weather changes, check local rules about reefs and wildlife, and avoid touching coral.