Puerto Princesa’s top activities: whale shark and dolphin tour (April–October, ₱3,500, Tour Z), Honda Bay island hopping (year-round, ₱1,200–1,800), the Underground River (year-round, permits required), Palawan Wildlife Rescue Centre, firefly watching on Iwahig River, and the Rizal Avenue seafood strip. Puerto Princesa has earned recognition as one of the Philippines’ most liveable cities — cleaner, friendlier, and more organised than most gateway cities in Southeast Asia.
1. Whale Shark & Dolphin Tour — April to October
The highest-rated activity in Puerto Princesa, and the most time-sensitive booking. Tour Z operates a 30ft speedboat with aerial drone spotting — reaching the whale shark zone in 20 minutes, maximum 12 guests, 100% wild encounters with zero feeding.
The tour also frequently encounters wild Spinner and Bottlenose dolphin pods in the open-water channels on the way out — making it genuinely a 2-in-1 marine wildlife expedition.
₱3,500 per person · Hotel pickup 7:00 AM · Returns 1:00 PM
Book the whale shark tour →
Book this before anything else — it sells out weeks ahead in peak season (June–August).
2. Honda Bay Island Hopping
Half-day circuit of small islands 20–30 minutes from the city pier. Visits: Starfish Island (Chocolate Chip starfish in shallow water), Cowrie Island (snorkelling, beach), Luli Island (sandbar that disappears at high tide), and Pandan Island. Half-day tours cost ₱1,200–1,800 including lunch and fees.
Good option for the afternoon following the whale shark tour, or as a standalone activity if travelling outside whale shark season.
3. Puerto Princesa Underground River
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. An 8.2km underground river flowing through a cave system with soaring limestone formations, bat colonies, and nesting swiftlets. Tourists enter by paddle boat with a mandatory guide.
Permits are capped daily and sell out weeks ahead December to April. Book through the Puerto Princesa city government website or through your hotel. Full packages including transfer: ₱1,500–2,500.
4. Palawan Wildlife Rescue & Conservation Centre
The largest crocodile facility in the Philippines, also housing native Palawan wildlife including bearcat (binturong), Philippine pangolin, and Philippine cockatoo. A genuine conservation facility — not a zoo. Entrance: ₱80. Allow 1–2 hours. Located approximately 10km from the city centre.
5. Firefly Watching — Iwahig River
Evening boat rides along the mangrove channels of Iwahig River, where thousands of fireflies synchronise their flashing in the trees lining the bank. Tours depart around 6:00 PM and return by 9:00 PM. ₱500–800 per person. A genuinely rare natural spectacle.
6. Rizal Avenue Food Strip
Puerto Princesa’s main dining strip. Kinabuch’s is famous for grilled tuna jaw and local seafood (₱300–600/person). Ka Lui is legendary for a set-menu Filipino feast served in a bamboo house setting (₱500–800/person). Badjao Seafront offers bay views at sunset. Book Ka Lui in advance during peak season.
The Optimal 2-Day Puerto Princesa Schedule
Day 1: Whale shark tour (7:00 AM–1:00 PM) → Honda Bay island hopping (afternoon) → Kinabuch’s for dinner
Day 2: Underground River (early morning, half day) → Palawan Wildlife Centre → Rizal Avenue dinner
Or: whale sharks on Day 1, afternoon van to Port Barton, island hopping on Day 3. This is the most popular Tour Z combination.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days in Puerto Princesa is enough?
Two days covers the whale shark tour, Honda Bay or the Underground River, and Rizal Avenue dining. Three days allows a more relaxed pace with all main attractions.
Can I do the whale shark tour and Underground River on the same day?
No. The whale shark tour departs at 7:00 AM and returns around 1:00 PM. The Underground River requires a separate half or full day including the transfer to Sabang. Plan them on consecutive days.
What are the best restaurants in Puerto Princesa?
Kinabuch’s on Rizal Avenue is famous for grilled tuna jaw and local seafood. Ka Lui is legendary for a set-menu Filipino feast in a bamboo house setting. Both benefit from advance booking during peak season.
