Balabac Snorkeling Tour: Turtle Watching & Starfish Sandbar

Three days island-hopping through Balabac's reefs, sandbars and turtle grounds

A 3-day snorkeling expedition in Balabac, Palawan, based from a camping tent on the islands and traveling by private van and boat between five named stops. You snorkel Nasubata Reef and the Starfish Sandbar, watch sea turtles at Onok Island, and island-hop to Canimeran, Patawan and Canibungan on day one, then Candaraman and back to Puerto Princesa on day three. A live guide in English or Filipino leads groups small enough to move between sites without delay.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Explore Balabac Islands

• Visit Canimeran Island
• Visit Patawan Island
• Visit Canibungan Island

Day 2: Balabac Island Hopping

• Visit Starfish Sandbar
• Visit Candaraman Island
• Visit Onok Island for turtle watching
• Snorkel at Nasubata Reef

Day 3: Return to Puerto Princesa

• Travel back to Puerto Princesa

The experience

The trip starts with a three-hour drive from Puerto Princesa in a private van, then a boat ride out to the first island camp. Day one covers three islands (Canimeran, Patawan and Canibungan) each with snorkeling in their shallow waters and time to swim or rest on white sand. You sleep in a camping tent with a mattress, pillow and electric fan, and eat all meals on the island. The operator handles dietary needs like vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free.

Day two is the main island-hopping run: Starfish Sandbar emerges at low tide with starfish visible on the shallow seabed, Candaraman Island has sea grass beds full of marine life, Onok Island is where you watch sea turtles in the water, and Nasubata Reef is a snorkeling site with coral formations and tropical fish. The boat moves between these four stops, so most of the day is spent traveling and entering the water rather than sitting in one place. You return to the tent camp for the second night.

Day three is the return journey: the boat takes you back to the van for the drive to Puerto Princesa. All entrance fees, the private van, the boat, life vests, tour insurance and a local guide are included. Meals are full board except breakfast on the first morning and dinner after you arrive back. The guide speaks English or Filipino and stays with the group the entire time.

What’s included

• Island camping tent with mattress and pillow.
• all meals from lunch on day one through lunch on day three.
• local guide in English or Filipino.
• private van transfer from Puerto Princesa.
• private island-hopping boat.
• life vests.
• entrance fees to all islands and reefs.
• tour insurance.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 03:00

AgesAdult (7 to 75 years) · Child (4 to 6 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Filipino

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by El Nido Adventure Tours

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want to visit multiple reefs and islands in one day with frequent water time and minimal hiking: the private van and boat handle all movement between sites, so you're mostly snorkeling and entering/exiting the boat rather than walking.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Filipino.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 6 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Starfish Sandbar actually like when you get there?

The Starfish Sandbar in Balabac is a shallow sandbank that appears at low tide, covered with powdery white sand and surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise water. Starfish scatter across the seabed in the shallow water, and you can swim and snorkel around them. It's a main photo stop on day two.

Can I watch sea turtles on this trip, or do you just pass by them?

Onok Island is set up for turtle watching: the turtles swim freely in the clear water around the island, and you enter the water to snorkel and watch them as part of the day-two itinerary.

How much time do you actually spend snorkeling versus traveling between islands?

Day two involves four island stops spread across the Balabac area, so most of the time is spent on the boat moving between them. Each stop includes time in the water, but the journey itself takes up a large portion of the day.

What kind of accommodation do you sleep in on the islands?

You stay in a camping tent set up on the island, complete with a mattress, pillow and electric fan. The tent is your base for two nights, and all meals are provided on-site.

Is the snorkeling suitable for beginners, or do you need diving experience?

Snorkeling requires no prior experience. You use a mask, snorkel and fins in shallow water around the islands and reefs. Life vests are provided and included. The trip is suitable for all physical fitness levels, though it is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health or pregnancy.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to the starting point?

No. Private round-trip van transfer from Puerto Princesa is included, so the driver picks you up and returns you at the end of day three.