Private Island Hopping Port Barton: Swim with Turtles

Choose your own pace across six islands and decide when to swim with turtles

A private island-hopping activity in Port Barton, Palawan, where you sail to up to six stops, swim or snorkel alongside sea turtles in their natural habitat, and lounge on pristine islands at your own rhythm. The boat is yours alone, the guide speaks English or Filipino, and lunch is prepared on one of the islands. Seven hours total. Moderate fitness required.

The experience

Port Barton sits three hours south of Puerto Princesa, a smaller, quieter district than the better-known spots in Palawan. A private boat means you set the itinerary: how long you stay at each of the six stops, whether you swim, snorkel or simply rest under the sun, and when you want to move on. Your guide steers the boat and knows where the turtles are most likely to surface. You decide whether to get in the water with them or watch from the boat.

Lunch arrives on one of the islands, prepared by your guides, so you eat where you are rather than heading back to shore. The whole day runs seven hours from start to finish. You'll need a moderate level of fitness for getting in and out of the boat and moving between islands, but the pace itself is entirely yours. There's no schedule pushing you along, no group waiting at the next stop.

The boat transfers, all fees and taxes, and the guide are included. Bring sunscreen, a light layer for sun protection, and a towel. The water is warm year-round. Public transport can get you to Port Barton from Puerto Princesa, though the journey is long enough that many travelers arrange a separate transfer or rent a vehicle for the drive.

What’s included

• Private boat for the full day.
• lunch prepared on one of the islands.
• English or Filipino-speaking guide.
• all fees and taxes.
• boat transfers between stops.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (6 and older) · Child (2 to 5 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Filipino

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Corazon Travel and Tours

Is this one for you?This is a private tour, so you're not sharing the boat or the guide's attention with other travelers. It suits anyone who wants to set their own rhythm and make decisions on the water without waiting for a group. The flexibility to linger at one island or skip another entirely is what makes a seven-hour day feel unhurried instead of packed.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Filipino.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 5 years); Infant (under 2): free.

What is it like to swim with sea turtles in Port Barton?

Sea turtles in Port Barton are wild animals in their natural habitat, so sightings are not guaranteed, but they are common in the area. When they surface, you can enter the water to swim near them. Your guide will advise on how to approach without disturbing them. You can also watch from the boat if you prefer not to get in.

How far is Port Barton from Puerto Princesa, and how do I get there?

Port Barton is about three hours from Puerto Princesa City by road. Public transportation is available, though the journey is long. Many travelers arrange a separate transfer or rent a vehicle. The tour itself begins once you arrive in Port Barton.

What happens if I want to spend more time at one island and less at another?

The itinerary is flexible because the boat is private. You decide how long to stay at each stop, whether that's a quick snorkel or a longer swim and rest. Your guide will work with your preferences throughout the day.

Is lunch included, and what kind of food is it?

Lunch is included and prepared by your guides on one of the islands. The specific menu depends on what is available and what your guides prepare that day.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer to join this tour?

You need at least a moderate level of physical fitness to get in and out of the boat and move between islands. You don't need to be an expert swimmer: snorkeling in shallow water is an option, and you can also stay on the boat and watch. The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnant travelers.