Manila has a quieter coast than you might expect. This Calatagan day trip takes you from the city to shallow water, a floating bamboo cottage, small coastal stops, and a Filipino barbecue lunch, all without the hassle of arranging several separate rides. I especially like the calm water at Calatagan, which works well for families, … Read more
Coron’s best water stops fit into one busy day. Coron Island Tour B combines two unusual swimming spots, coral reefs, a shallow shipwreck, and a beach lunch for about $35 per person. I like the mix of scenery and snorkeling, and I especially like that boat transfers, entrance fees, food, and a guide are included. … Read more
El Nido looks best from the water. This seven-hour cruise pairs a roomy 50-foot catamaran with limestone cliffs, turquoise lagoons, white-sand beaches, lunch, and time to snorkel. I especially like the comfortable catamaran and the crew’s warm, hands-on service. The private beach access also gives the day a calmer feel than a standard island-hopping run. … Read more
Island days are best kept simple. This seven-hour Siargao boat trip pairs Naked Island’s bare sandbar with the palms of Guyam and the wider beaches of Daku, then adds a Filipino boodle-style lunch by the sea. I like the mix of swimming, sun time, snorkeling, and local food, and I like that pickup and return … Read more
El Nido’s famous lagoons reward an early start. This private eight-hour boat trip combines the Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Payong-Payong Beach, and Seven Commandos Beach, with time for swimming, snorkeling, photos, and lunch. I like the exclusive boat, which lets you adjust the order of stops, and the crew’s strong record for friendly, … Read more
Start with the sky, then hit the trail. This full-day Boracay package packs parasailing, island hopping, and snorkeling into one busy outing, then shifts inland for an ATV ride, river swimming, and a kawa bath. I like the mix of sea and countryside, and I like having transport, guides, lunch, and several activities arranged in … Read more
Cebu’s best escape starts before breakfast. This full-day boat trip takes you to Hilutungan, Nalusuan, and Caohagan, mixing excellent snorkeling with a look at everyday island life. I like the clear division between stops: Hilutungan is for fish, Nalusuan for water and resort scenery, and Caohagan for local life, seafood, and small stalls. I also … Read more
A private boat makes Boracay feel more personal. You can adjust the pace, spend more time snorkeling, and enjoy stops such as Crocodile Island and Puka Beach without being tied to a large group schedule. I especially like the flexible route and the friendly guides, including Edgar, Mark, Camille, and Ms. Kim, who have helped … Read more
Clear water, four island stops, one full day. This Cebu boat trip pairs excellent reef snorkeling with a restaurant lunch at Nalusuan and a visit to Caohagan’s fishing village. I especially like the San Vicente Fish Sanctuary as a calmer opening stop and the care shown by guides such as Jimmy, Gina, Alemar, and Vina. … Read more
Three islands, one bright blue-water day. This Cebu excursion packs Hilutungan Marine Sanctuary, Nalusuan Island, and Caohagan Island into seven hours, with snorkeling, swimming, a Filipino BBQ lunch, and hotel transfers included. I like the excellent fish viewing at Hilutungan and the small-group limit of 12, which keeps the day more personal. I also like … Read more
