Why the Philippines Is the Island Hopping Capital
The Philippines is an archipelago of over 7,600 islands, and that staggering number translates into an almost endless variety of island hopping opportunities. From the towering limestone karsts of El Nido to the perfectly turquoise waters of Coron, from the surf breaks of Siargao to the white sand perfection of Boracay, each island group offers a distinct personality. Island hopping in the Philippines is not just a day activity — it is a way of life, a method of travel that connects you to the country's maritime soul.
Siargao: Surf and Serenity
Siargao is the starting point for many travelers and for good reason. The island hopping tours from General Luna take you to three stunning spots: Naked Island, a bare sandbar in the middle of the ocean; Daku Island, a larger isle with palm trees and picnic areas; and Guyam Island, a tiny palm-covered dot that looks like a cartoon desert island. Each stop is more photogenic than the last. Beyond the standard tour, rent a boat to explore Sohoton Cove in Bucas Grande, where you swim through caves and emerge into hidden lagoons surrounded by jellyfish-free waters. Back on Siargao itself, do not miss the Magpupungko Rock Pools at low tide and the emerald waters of Sugba Lagoon, where you can paddleboard over crystal-clear depths.
Palawan: El Nido and Coron
Palawan consistently ranks among the most beautiful islands in the world, and El Nido is its crown jewel. The standard island hopping tours (labeled A through D) take you through hidden beaches, secret lagoons, and snorkeling spots that will have you questioning whether you have somehow stumbled into a screensaver. Tour A, which includes the Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon, is the most popular for good reason. Tour C, focused on snorkeling at Helicopter Island and the pristine Matinloc Shrine, is a close second. Coron, further north, offers a different flavor — here the highlights are sunken Japanese warships from World War II that have become world-class dive sites, alongside the impossibly clear waters of Kayangan Lake and the hot springs of Maquinit.
Planning Your Route
The beauty of island hopping in the Philippines is that you can tailor it to any budget and timeline. A classic two-to-three-week route might start in Manila, fly to El Nido, take a boat to Coron, fly to Cebu, take a bus and ferry to Moalboal for sardine runs and whale sharks in Oslob, then ferry to Siargao for surfing. Budget airlines like Cebu Pacific and AirAsia connect major hubs affordably if you book in advance. Between islands, ferries range from large comfortable vessels like 2GO to small bangka outrigger boats. Always check weather conditions during typhoon season (June to November), as routes can be disrupted.
Practical Tips
Island hopping tours typically cost 1,200-1,800 PHP ($20-30) per person for a full day including lunch, making them exceptional value. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a dry bag for electronics, and water shoes for rocky beaches. Snorkeling gear is usually provided but bringing your own mask guarantees a better fit. The Philippines uses the peso, and while major tourist areas accept cards, many island hopping operators and smaller islands are cash only. Globe and Smart are the two main SIM providers, and while coverage is good in towns, do not expect signal on remote islands — which is honestly part of the appeal.