Island Hopping in Port Barton
Port Barton is what El Nido used to be: a quiet fishing village on Palawan's central west coast, surrounded by a dozen islands and reef-fringed lagoons. The pace is slow, the wifi is patchy, and the boat tours are dramatically cheaper than El Nido's. If you have an extra 2–3 days in Palawan, Port Barton is the local-favourite alternative.
What to see and do
Tour 1 (most popular): Exotic Island, Maxima Aquarium, German Beach, Starfish Island. Tour 2: Inaladelan Island (Long Beach), Capsalay, Bigaho Falls. Add a kayak rental to explore the lagoon at sunset.
Best months to visit
November to May. December–February has perfect weather but is busier — March and April offer warm seas with thinner crowds.
How to get there
Puerto Princesa Airport → 3.5h van to Port Barton (shared vans leave several times a day). Most travelers stop here on the route between Puerto Princesa and El Nido.
Local operators in Port Barton
Compare and contact local crews and captains directly.
Port Barton Palawan Island Tours
Island hoppingAlto engagement en destino infra-explotado. First-mover.
Frequently asked questions
Is Port Barton worth visiting if I'm already going to El Nido?
Yes if you want a quieter pace and lower prices. The marine life around Port Barton (turtles, reef sharks at Aquarium) is arguably better than El Nido's Tour A circuit.
What's the price difference vs. El Nido?
Shared tours in Port Barton cost USD 25–28, similar to El Nido on paper — but the boats are smaller and the islands less crowded, so you get more value.
Is there reliable internet?
Patchy. A few guesthouses have Starlink; mobile data works on Smart. Plan to be partially offline.
Can I see turtles?
Yes — Aquarium snorkel stop on Tour 1 is almost-guaranteed turtle sightings year-round.