Snorkeling in Port Barton: Private island tour with lunch

Four reefs, a starfish sandbar, and sea turtles in one morning

A private snorkeling tour from Port Barton, Palawan takes you to Maxima Island, Paradise Island, Starfish Place, Twin Reef, Fantastic Reef and the Turtle Sanctuary over seven hours, with a local English-speaking guide, lunch, snorkeling gear and life vest included. Pickup is available within 2km of Port Barton town. Children from age one are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Port Barton Islands and Marine Life

• Visit Maxima Island beach
• Relax at Paradise Island
• Explore Sand Bar and Star Fish Place
• Snorkel at Twin Reef
• Snorkel at Fantastic Reef
• Visit Turtle Sanctuary

The experience

What makes Port Barton different from the crowded snorkeling spots elsewhere in Palawan is that the islands and reefs here stay quieter. You're working with a private guide instead of joining a boat full of strangers, which means the pace stays yours and the guide can read the water and the wildlife instead of keeping to a schedule. The boat is licensed and equipped. You get snorkeling gear, a life vest, drinking water and lunch included, so there's nothing to arrange once you arrive.

The route moves through six stops over seven hours. Maxima Island has white-sand beaches and clear water thick with fish and coral. Paradise Island delivers the postcard version of what you came for. Starfish Place is a sandbar where starfish sit in shallow water. You wade rather than swim. Twin Reef and Fantastic Reef are the underwater heart of the day: two separate reef systems where the coral runs green and the marine life is dense enough that you'll see schools of fish move as one. The Turtle Sanctuary is a protected area where sea turtles live. Sightings aren't guaranteed, but the guide knows where to look. Lunch happens on the boat between stops.

The guide speaks English and Filipino and knows the reefs well enough to point out what you're seeing instead of just dropping you in the water. You'll get an underwater camera shot included, so there's a record of what you found. Pickup can be arranged within 2km of Port Barton town if you're staying outside it. If you're in town, you'll meet the boat at the pier.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment and life vest.
• lunch with drinking water and sodas.
• underwater camera shot.
• local English-speaking guide.
• boat with license.
• all entrance and marine fees.
• pickup within 2km of Port Barton town (or meet at the pier in town).

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

AgesAdult (4 and older) · Infant (1 to 3 years): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Filipino

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 21 pickup points.

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 problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by El Nido Adventure Tours

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to snorkel multiple reefs and islands without the noise of a shared boat, and you have a full morning to spend on the water. The private guide adjusts the stops and the pace to what you want to see, which works well for families with young children or anyone who prefers not to rush between sites.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

3 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Filipino.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (1 to 3 years): 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's the water like for snorkeling near Port Barton?

The water around Port Barton stays clear and shallow enough for snorkeling at most stops, with vibrant coral and schools of colorful fish at the reef sites. Sea turtles live in the sanctuary, though sightings depend on the day. The water temperature and conditions are suitable for snorkeling year-round, and a life vest is provided.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

Snorkeling gear, life vest, lunch, drinking water and sodas, the guide's fees, boat license and all entrance fees are included. Bring sunscreen, a towel, a change of clothes and any personal medications. The underwater camera shot is also included.

How does pickup work if I'm staying outside Port Barton town?

Pickup is available within a 2km radius of Port Barton town. If you're staying within that range, the guide can arrange to collect you from your accommodation. Otherwise, you'll meet the boat at the pier in town.

How long is the snorkeling tour, and what time does it start?

The tour runs seven hours total, moving between six stops with snorkeling time at each reef and island. The exact start time depends on tide and weather. Confirm the departure time when you book.