A long, lighthouse-free day trip from Puerto Princesa delivers El Nido’s towering limestone cliffs, secret lagoons and reef snorkeling in Bacuit Bay. Prepare for a full 18–20 hour outing with boat transfers, short swims and a packed lunch on a sandbar.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The morning van slips out of Puerto Princesa before dawn and the island chain comes into view like a row of green teeth rising from blue water. By the time the boats push off from El Nido’s wooden piers, limestone cliffs loom and the sea dares you to dive through its glassy shallows.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
18–20 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness; able to handle repeated short swims, climbing in/out of boats, and a long day of travel.
Wildlife
History
The islands of Bacuit Bay are limestone karst formed from uplifted reef and coral over millions of years; local fishing communities have used these coves for generations.
Conservation
Coral reefs in Bacuit Bay are fragile—use reef-safe products, avoid standing on coral, and minimize single-use plastic to reduce local impact.
Reserve your spot on the El Nido Island Hopping Tour from Puerto Princesa today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring a refillable water bottle
There’s only one included packed lunch; carry 1–2 liters of drinking water and a lightweight filter or refill plan for the day.
Use reef-safe sunscreen
Apply biodegradable sunscreen before boarding and reapply sparingly—coral health depends on it.
Wear reef-safe footwear
Water shoes protect feet when scrambling onto rocky beaches and entering boats from shallow reefs.
Prep for early pickup and late return
Van leaves around 4 AM and returns before midnight—bring snacks, a light layer and seasickness remedies if prone to motion sickness.
Refillable water bottle (1–2 L)
Staying hydrated is critical on a long day under the sun.
Reef-safe sunscreen and sun shirt
Protect skin and coral—use mineral-based sunscreen and a UPF shirt for long exposures.
summer
Dry bag (10–20 L)
Keeps phone, wallet and spare clothes dry during boat transfers and swims.
Lightweight snorkeling fins or water shoes
Fins help with longer swims; water shoes protect when stepping onto rock or reef flats.
summer