A 7-day Palawan itinerary covers three destinations: 2 nights Puerto Princesa (whale shark tour + Underground River), 2–3 nights Port Barton (island hopping + sea turtles), and 2 nights El Nido (lagoon tours). Travel occurs via shared van between locations. Book the whale shark tour and Port Barton island hopping first — before accommodation, before anything else.
Seven days gives you enough time for three completely different environments without feeling rushed. This itinerary is built around real transport schedules and actual departure times.
7-Day Overview
| Days | Location | Anchor Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | Puerto Princesa | Whale Shark & Dolphin Tour |
| 3–4 | Port Barton | Island Hopping — sea turtles, reefs, island lunch |
| 5–6 | El Nido | Lagoon tours + Nacpan Beach |
| 7 | El Nido → Puerto Princesa | Departure |
Day 1 — Arrive Puerto Princesa
Most flights arrive mid-morning or early afternoon. Check in near Rizal Avenue — central location for restaurant access and tour pickups. Puerto Princesa is cleaner and more pleasant than most visitors expect. Afternoon options: the Palawan Wildlife Rescue Centre, Plaza Cuartel seafront walk, or rest after travel.
Evening: Kinabuch’s on Rizal Avenue for grilled tuna jaw (₱300–600/person), or Ka Lui for a full set-menu Filipino feast. Confirm your whale shark tour booking for tomorrow morning.
Day 2 — Whale Shark & Dolphin Tour
Tour Z pickup at 7:00 AM from your city hotel. Our 30ft speedboat reaches the wildlife zone in 20 minutes. Drone-locate whale sharks from altitude, slip quietly into the water for a respectful guided swim, photograph the unique spot patterns behind each shark’s gills. Spinner and bottlenose dolphins are frequently encountered in the channels on the way out.
The whale shark tour is the anchor for Day 2 — book it before flights, hotels, or anything else. It sells out weeks ahead during peak season (April–October).
Returns: 1:00 PM. Afternoon free — Honda Bay island hopping (₱1,200–1,800) or simply rest and prepare for tomorrow’s van.
Day 3 — Transfer to Port Barton
7:00 AM shared van from Puerto Princesa transport terminal (2–3 hours, ₱600). Book through your hotel the evening before. Arrive mid-morning — full afternoon to settle in.
Port Barton is a dramatic change of pace. No cars, no crowds, one long sandy beach facing the sunset. Kayak in the bay (₱150–250/hr), eat fresh grilled snapper, watch the sun go down.
Day 4 — Port Barton Island Hopping
Arrive at the beach in front of Mai Tai Bar by 8:15 AM — Tour Z departs at 8:30 AM sharp. Seven hours visiting six named stops: Twin Reef (snorkelling, fan corals, 8–10m visibility), Turtle Point (wild green sea turtles), Starfish Island (Chocolate Chip starfish sandbar), Paradise Island (hidden white sand beach), Maxima and Exotic Island (island lunch on the beach).
Returns: ~4:00 PM. ₱1,700 all-inclusive — eco-tax, lunch, snorkel gear all included.
Day 5 — Transfer to El Nido
Van from Port Barton to El Nido via San Vicente — approximately 3 hours, ₱600–700. Arrive mid-afternoon. Settle in, walk the beach, find dinner.
Day 6 — El Nido Island Hopping Tour A
Tour A covers Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon (kayaking through limestone walls), Secret Lagoon, and Shimizu Island snorkelling — widely considered the best of El Nido’s four routes. Departs 9:00 AM, returns 5:00 PM. Optional: El Nido viewpoint hike at sunset for panoramic bay views.
Day 7 — El Nido to Puerto Princesa & Departure
Vans depart at 5:00 or 6:00 AM (5–6 hours) to reach Puerto Princesa for afternoon flights. Alternatively, fly directly from El Nido Airport (ENI) to Manila on AirSwift — more expensive but saves the overland return.
Budget Estimate (Per Person)
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Whale shark & dolphin tour (Tour Z) | ₱3,500 |
| Port Barton island hopping (Tour Z) | ₱1,700 |
| Van transfers (all legs) | ₱1,600–2,000 |
| Accommodation (6 nights, budget–mid) | ₱6,000–18,000 |
| Food & drinks (7 days) | ₱3,500–7,000 |
| El Nido Tour A | ₱1,200–1,800 |
| Total land costs | ₱17,500–34,000 |
Flights from Manila are additional (₱1,500–4,500 one way).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 7 days enough for Palawan?
Seven days covers Puerto Princesa, Port Barton, and El Nido comfortably if you move efficiently. Ten days allows for a more relaxed pace — add a second Port Barton night and an extra El Nido tour. Five days is possible but feels rushed.
Should I visit Port Barton or El Nido first?
Port Barton first. El Nido’s dramatic scenery adds well to the experience after Port Barton’s quieter, wildlife-focused character. The reverse order often leaves travellers feeling Port Barton is underwhelming — it’s not, but it requires recalibrating expectations.
Can I fly out of El Nido instead of returning to Puerto Princesa?
Yes. El Nido Airport (ENI) has flights to Manila operated by AirSwift. Tickets cost more than Puerto Princesa flights but save 5–6 hours of overland travel. Book early as availability is limited.
What is the best time of year for this 7-day itinerary?
November to April — dry season brings calm seas, clear visibility, and optimal conditions for both tours. February and March offer the most settled weather. May and October are excellent value shoulder months. The whale shark tour only operates April–October.
Book the whale shark tour → · Book Port Barton island hopping →
