Port Barton Island Hopping – Is it Worth It?
TL;DR
We put Port Barton island hopping to the test against El Nido and Coron – and found turtles, sandbars, great food, and peaceful islands without the crowds.
Planning to go to Port Barton and wondering if island hopping is actually worth your time and money? You’re not alone. Many travellers researching Palawan trips ask the same questions: Is Port Barton island hopping comparable to El Nido? What wildlife will I see? Is it overcrowded? Our Port Barton island hopping tour review gives answers based on our firsthand experience.
We went on multiple island-hopping tours across the Philippines, so we have a solid benchmark. Port Barton is often marketed as a quieter alternative to the popular El Nido and Coron. We joined Port Barton Tour A to find out whether this experience truly delivers what it promises.
Our review is written for travellers who want a relaxed, authentic island hopping experience. Below, we break down the full Port Barton island hopping itinerary, what stood out (and what didn’t), and whether this tour deserves a spot on your Palawan bucket list.
Port Barton Island Hopping Tour Review
We chose this Port Barton: Island Hopping to Turtle Spot & Reef with Lunch, otherwise known as Port Barton Tour A:
Island Hopping Port Barton Itinerary
This is the itinerary of the Port Barton island hopping tour we went on. Note that stops might vary due to weather conditions or other circumstances.
1. Turtle Spot
As our accommodation was super close to the starting point, we met our guide at the beach and began our adventure.
Our first stop was Turtle Spot, where our guide jumped in with us and helped us find a turtle.
2. Twin Reef
After a short boat ride, we reached our second snorkelling spot of the day, Twin Reef. Again, our guy jumped in with us and helped us spot cool animals like clown fish and parrot fish.
3. Exotic and Maxima Island
Our next stop was the twin islands, Exotic and Maxima Island, which are connected by a sandbar. Our boat was moored on Exotic Island. From here, we made our way across the sandbar to Maxima Island.
We decided that we want to make our way to the beach on the northeastern side of Maxima. A man was collecting an “entrance fee” (not sure if this is legit, but maybe better bring some small cash). The walk was short, the views along the way were stunnig and the beach was nearly deserted – totally worth it!
4. Lunch
We had our lunch on Exotic Island, and it was amazing. It was a typical Philippino style barbeque, but what really stood out was the lovely presentation.
5. Paradise Island
After lunch, we headed to Paradise Island to digest. You can also buy coconuts and cold drinks here so have some cash on hand.
6. Starfish Sandbar
Our last but not least stop was the sandbar to spot starfish. Again, our guide walked across the sandbar with us to help us find the starfish – and there were so many!
Even without the starfish, standing on a sandbank in the middle of the ocean felt like a picture-perfect Philippines experience.
Port Barton Island Hopping– Our Honest Opinion
If you’re expecting the dramatic limestone cliffs of El Nido or Coron, Port Barton might feel more low-key at first – but that’s exactly its strength. Island hopping in Port Barton focuses less on jaw-dropping rock formations and more on relaxed exploration, marine life, and genuinely quiet islands.
What really stood out to us was how uncrowded everything felt. We were less than half the people on our boat compared to our El Nido tour A. Most stops felt almost deserted, especially compared to other popular island hopping tours in Palawan. You still get those quintessential Philippines moments – snorkelling with turtles, walking across a sandbar in the middle of the ocean, crystal-clear water, and tropical islands – just without the crowds.
The guides made a huge difference, too: they didn’t just drop us off and wait in the boat, but jumped into the water with us, pointed out turtles, fish, and starfish, and clearly cared about the experience. And honestly, the food was a highlight: the lunch on our Port Barton island hopping tour was hands-down the best we had on any tour in the Philippines, both in taste and presentation.
What Other Travellers Say About Port Barton Island Hopping
⭐ Rating: 4.6 / 5 (172 reviews)
Such a fantastic experience! I personally feel nervous swimming in the ocean, but was brave and felt safe with the guides and felt so blessed to have seen the fish, corals and turtles up close. Such a transformative experience ☺️ The guides also looked after and was very lovely to my elderly mother very well as she can’t swim and just wanted to come along for the trip. As this is the rainy season, I think they also timed it all very well. Whilst the weather was good we snorkelled three times (which build our appetite up), lunch and then three private islands. Also, such delicious food! The pancit canton was my favourite ❤️…
– Jean Clara (see more reviews)
What Does the Port Barton Island Hopping Include?
The tour includes:
- Professional tour guide
- Pick up from Port Barton proper
- Boat transfers
- Entrance fees
- Use of life vests
- Use of a snorkel and mask
- Lunch (local-style BBQ)
Conclusion: Is Port Barton Island Hopping Worth It?
Yes – Port Barton island hopping is 100% worth it, especially if you value calm, space, and good organisation over ticking off crowded hotspots. This tour offers excellent value for money, with multiple snorkelling stops, island visits, a proper lunch, and attentive guides all included.
Compared to places like El Nido and Coron, the lack of crowds alone makes this experience feel more personal and enjoyable. You’re not rushed, you’re not competing for photo spots, and you actually get time to enjoy each location.
If you want an island hopping tour in Palawan that feels relaxed, authentic, and still delivers unforgettable moments – turtles, reefs, sandbars, and quiet beaches – Port Barton is an easy recommendation.
Where We Stayed in Port Barton
We stayed at Rodel Yellow Hauz. The private rooms were right in the centre of everything and only a minute's walk from the beach.
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