Palawan Itineraries: Day Charters and Multi-Day Routes
Palawan’s cruising ground is vast, but the most popular charter waters – El Nido’s Bacuit Archipelago and Coron’s Calamian Islands – are concentrated in the north and connected by a 50-nautical-mile passage that takes around three hours on a motor yacht. The itineraries below showcase both regions and are designed to be combined for longer voyages.
Day Charter Routes from Palawan
El Nido Lagoon Circuit
Depart El Nido town pier in the morning and cruise into the Bacuit Archipelago. Visit the Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon on Miniloc Island by kayak, snorkel the coral gardens off Shimizu Island, and walk the Snake Island sandbar before returning to El Nido by late afternoon. A full-day immersion in the archipelago’s headline attractions, with lunch on the aft deck between stops.
Coron Island Highlights
From Coron Town, cruise to Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoon in the morning, then snorkel Siete Pecados before lunch on board. In the afternoon, dive the Lusong Gunboat (shallow enough to snorkel) and visit the Maquinit Hot Springs as the sun begins to drop. Return to Coron Town for dinner ashore.
3-Day Palawan Yacht Charter Itinerary: El Nido and the Bacuit Archipelago
Day 1: El Nido to Miniloc Island and Cadlao
Board at El Nido and cruise to the Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon on Miniloc Island. Lunch on the aft deck, then snorkel Shimizu Island’s coral gardens in the afternoon. Anchor overnight in the lee of Cadlao Island – the largest in the Bacuit group – for a sunset dinner with the karst towers silhouetted against the sky.
Day 2: Secret Lagoon, Helicopter Island and Snake Island
Swim through the narrow rock opening into the Secret Lagoon, then cruise to Helicopter Island for beach time and snorkelling. After lunch, walk the sinuous sandbar at Snake Island as the tide recedes. Anchor near Pangulasian Island for a beach barbecue dinner under the stars.
Day 3: Matinloc Island and Tapiutan Strait
Explore the Matinloc Shrine and Secret Beach, then cruise through the dramatic Tapiutan Strait. A final snorkel at Star Beach before returning to El Nido by late afternoon. Guests continuing to Coron can depart directly for the 50-nautical-mile passage north, arriving in Coron Bay by evening.
4-Day Palawan Yacht Charter Itinerary: The El Nido–Coron Passage
Day 1: El Nido Lagoons
A full day in the Bacuit Archipelago: Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island and Snake Island. Overnight at anchor near Cadlao Island.
Day 2: Matinloc and Linapacan Islands
Morning at Matinloc’s Secret Beach, then depart north through the Linapacan Islands – a chain of small islands between El Nido and Coron renowned for the clearest water in the Philippines. Anchor off one of the deserted beaches for a swim in water so transparent your yacht appears to hover above the seabed. Overnight at anchor in the Linapacan group.
Day 3: Coron’s Lagoons and Hot Springs
Continue north to Coron Island. Swim in Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoon in the morning, then snorkel Siete Pecados after lunch. Late afternoon at the Maquinit Hot Springs, soaking in 39–40°C saltwater as the sun sets over the karst peaks. Overnight in Coron Bay.
Day 4: WWII Wrecks and Barracuda Lake
Morning dives on the Irako and Okikawa Maru (or snorkelling on the Lusong Gunboat for non-divers). After lunch, swim in Barracuda Lake’s volcanic thermocline waters. Return to Coron Town by mid-afternoon. Guests can combine this 4-day route with the 3-day El Nido itinerary for a comprehensive 7-day Palawan charter covering both the Bacuit Archipelago and the Calamian Islands without repeating a single stop.
5-Day Palawan Yacht Charter Itinerary: El Nido to Coron Grand Passage
Day 1: El Nido Lagoons and Bacuit Highlights
Full day exploring the Bacuit Archipelago: Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Shimizu Island coral gardens and Snake Island sandbar. Beach barbecue dinner off Cadlao Island.
Day 2: Secret Lagoon, Matinloc and the Outer Islands
Morning at the Secret Lagoon and Matinloc Shrine. Cruise through the Tapiutan Strait and continue north to the outer Bacuit islands. Anchor off Helicopter Island for a late-afternoon snorkel and a sunset dinner on the aft deck.
Day 3: Linapacan Islands
A full day in the Linapacan group – the highlight of any Palawan passage. These remote islands sit midway between El Nido and Coron and offer some of the most pristine snorkelling in the Philippines. Anchor off a deserted white-sand beach, explore the fringing reef, and enjoy an evening of total solitude.
Day 4: Coron’s Lagoons, Lakes and Hot Springs
Arrive in Coron Island territory and spend the day at Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon and Barracuda Lake. Maquinit Hot Springs for a late-afternoon soak, then dinner on the aft deck in Coron Bay.
Day 5: WWII Wrecks, Black Island and Farewell
Morning wreck dives (the Irako at 42 metres for advanced divers, the Lusong Gunboat at 3–5 metres for snorkellers). Cruise to Black Island for a final beach lunch – swim through the cave to the freshwater lagoon, snorkel the vibrant reef, and enjoy your chef’s farewell spread. Return to Coron Town by late afternoon. Guests looking for an 8-day voyage can add the 3-day El Nido itinerary at the start without repeating any stops.
