Palawan is known as the Philippines’ ultimate paradise – with its white sandy beaches, crystal blue waters, and abundant marine life, it’s no wonder why! Snorkeling in Palawan is a must-do activity that gives you an up close and personal look at some of the world’s most vibrant coral reefs. From Pambato Reef to Skeleton Wreck, this list of the best spots for snorkeling in Palawan will ensure you don’t miss out on any underwater adventures.
With so much to explore and discover beneath the waves, you’re sure to be amazed at what lies beneath. So pack your gear and dive right into one of these incredible snorkeling spots in Palawan! The beauty and serenity of the waters will make you fall in love with the ocean all over again. Happy snorkeling!
1. Pambato Reef
Pambato Reef is the perfect destination for anyone looking for a snorkeling experience of a lifetime. Located on the northern tip of Palawan, this natural wonder boasts crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches. It’s teeming with thousands of vibrant marine life waiting to be explored including clownfish, sea turtles, and anemones.
Being one of the top snorkeling spots in the area, it’s no surprise why many people visit Pambato Reef. Not only will you view fascinating creatures in their natural habitat, but you can also enjoy incredible views while diving below its waters. With stunning coral gardens and colorful walls, it’s the perfect spot to explore during your island getaway!
Featured Marine Life & Corals: Anemones, Clownfish, Sea Turtles, stingrays, mantis shrimp, and colorful Corals.
Estimated Budget: P600.00 per person.
How to Get There: Take a 45-minute boat ride from El Nido Town to Pambato Reef.
Address: VQG8+P64, Puerto Princesa
If you want to visit this place, check the directions here.
2. Twin Peaks Reef
Twin Peaks Reef in Palawan is a magnificent snorkeling destination, boasting crystal-clear waters and an array of brightly colored sea life. It is easy to access from shore, making it an ideal spot for novice and experienced snorkelers alike. Each dive reveals fantastically diverse marine life: schools of fish, sponges, colorful corals, and vibrant anemones are just some of the wonders that await.
The reef is also bordered by sloping coral walls plunging toward the deep sea below – providing snorkelers with an exciting journey through its depths. With so much to explore and a plethora of underwater beauty, Twin Peaks Reef makes for one of Palawan’s most memorable snorkeling experiences.
Featured Marine Life & Corals: Tropical fish, vibrant hard and soft coral life as well as peculiar endemics.
Estimated Budget: PHP400 each.
How to Get There: Twin Peaks Reef is accessible from Palawan’s capital, Puerto Princesa. There are a few tour operators who offer boat trips to the reef which take about an hour and cost around PHP400 per person for a full-day trip.
Address: X669+67V, Coron
If you want to visit this place, check the directions here.
3. Siete Pecados
Siete Pecados in Palawan is renowned for its abundant marine life and unique snorkeling opportunities. Located in Honda Bay, the seven small islets that form the name “Seven Sins” are spread across an expansive coral garden rich with a dazzling array of vibrant colors.
Snorkelers can get up-close access to many schools of tropical fish as they weave their way through the warm waters and expect surprises of vibrant marine life. With visibility that reaches up to 15 meters, there is no shortage of sights to behold here. Whether you are looking for a relaxing place to view marine life or an exciting adventure full of exciting finds, Siete Pecados will not disappoint.
Featured Marine Life & Corals: Schools of colorful coral spawn, anemonefish, bright sand dragons, barracudas, napoleon wrasse, porcupinefish, sea squirts, and peculiar peppermint shrimp can be found in the depths of it.
Estimated Budget: PHP 1000-1500 per pax.
How to Get There: Siete Pecados can be reached through a boat ride from El Nido, the home of Palawan. Most resorts in the area offer day trips that include snorkeling and lunch for around 1000-1500 pesos per person.
Address: X6MJ+772, Coron, Palawan
If you want to visit this place, check the directions here.
4. Black Island (Malajon Island)
Nestled away off the bat of southern Palawan, Black Island (Malajon Island) is a tropical paradise made for an unforgettable snorkeling experience. Its crystal clear water gives a full view of stunning coral reefs and myriad marine life, making it a diver’s dream.
Despite its remote location, the island has all the necessary amenities to make your snorkeling adventure truly special. Both al fresco dining and beachfront villas are available on the shore, and boats can be rented for easy access to surrounding fascinating sites like nearby Siete Pecados Marine Park or Undina Bay’s vibrant mangroves.
Featured Marine Life & Corals: Offers an array of vividly colored corals along with many species of fish, turtles, sharks, and other creatures living under the water.
Estimated Budget: You can expect to spend around P1,500 for a day trip, including boat rental and meals.
How to Get There: Black Island (Malajon Island) is accessible by boat from Puerto Princesa and other nearby ports. It can also be reached by plane and helicopter if necessary.
Address: X669+67V, Coron, Palawan
If you want to visit this place, check the directions here.
5. Nasubata Reef
Nasubata Reef, located near the northeastern shore of Palawan, is a prime spot for snorkeling. Visible from the surface of the crystal clear waters are plentiful schools of colorful tropical fish and thriving coral formations, making it an ideal destination for snorkelers and divers alike.
In addition to this stunning diversity of marine life and coral, visitors will also appreciate being able to observe them in close proximity due to the shallow waters surrounding Nasubata Reef. With accessible access points and reliable currents all around, even those who have never snorkeled before can explore this unique ecosystem with ease.
Featured Marine Life & Corals: Its crystal clear waters and vivid corals are home to an incredible variety of marine life, from small sea horses to large schools of angelfish.
Estimated Budget: PHP 700 per person.
How to Get There: Nasubata Reef can be accessed by boat from the nearby town of Coron. Boats typically cost around PHP 700 per person and take about 45 minutes one way.
If you want to visit this place, check the directions here.
6. Kayangan Lake
Kayangan Lake in Palawan is consistently touted among the very best snorkeling spots around. The crystal-clear waters provide visitors with an unforgettable experience filled with mesmerizing scenes of coral reefs, tropical fish, and breathtaking underwater limestone formations.
Experienced snorkelers and novices alike have found the lake provides a safe, accessible, and truly magical diving landscape for people of all ages. So if you’re looking for an exceptional open-water swimming experience, definitely consider making Kayangan Lake your top pick.
Featured Marine Life & Corals: House of an amazing variety of aquatic creatures including starfish, triggerfish, shells, squid, and more.
Estimated Budget: PHP 900 – 1,200 per person.
How to Get There: You can take a boat from Coron Town to Kayangan Lake for around PHP 900 – 1,200 per person. The trip takes about an hour one way.
Address: Kayangan Lake, Coron, Palawan
If you want to visit this place, check the directions here.
7. Dimakya Island
Dimakya Island, located off the northern coast of Palawan in the Philippines, has crystal clear waters and teeming marine life, making it one of the best snorkeling spots in Palawan. Visitors to this island can float over colorful corals and explore a variety of tropical fish and sea creatures in their natural surroundings.
With plenty of shallow areas that are great for beginners and deeper regions offering more thrilling experiences for more advanced snorkelers, Dimakya Island is a must-visit destination for those travelers looking to get up close with some of the most magnificent creatures in this part of the world.
Featured Marine Life & Corals: Home to vibrant coral reefs, as well as a wide variety of fish such as triggerfish, angelfish, seahorses, clownfish, butterflyfish, lionfish, parrotfish, and more.
Estimated Budget: PHP 1,500 – 2,000 per person.
How to Get There: You can take a boat from Coron Town to Dimakya Island for around PHP 1,500 – 2,000 per person. The trip takes about two hours one way.
Address: Dimakya Island, Coron, Palawan
If you want to visit this place, check the directions here.
8. Skeleton Wreck
Skeleton Wreck, located in the Sulu Sea near Palawan, is a must-see for snorkelers! A fantastic and unique experience awaits as one dives beneath the waters to explore the massive Japanese cargo ship that has since become home to an array of aquatic life.
Immerse yourself in a rich and colorful underwater world as you spot fish of all shapes and sizes darting across and around this once mighty vessel. In addition to snorkeling at the wreck site, divers can enjoy an exotic assortment of corals while spying on fascinating starfish and other marine species that inhabit the area.
With its abundance of sea creatures, underwater vibrant coral gardens, crystal clear waters, and beautiful sunsets, Skeleton Wreck is surely one of the best snorkeling spots in Palawan.
Featured Marine Life & Corals: A variety of colorful corals, fish, and sea creatures inhabit the underwater world beneath Skeleton Wreck.
Estimated Budget: PHP 600 per person.
How to Get There: You can take a boat from Coron Town to Skeleton Wreck for around PHP 600 per person. The trip takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes one way.
Address: Coron, Palawan
If you want to visit this place, check the directions here.
9. Barracuda Lake
Barracuda Lake is one of the most popular snorkeling spots in Palawan, Philippines. These mountain-rimmed freshwater lakes feature spectacular views and crystal-clear water, making them a must-see attraction for any traveler to the area.
The limpid surface of the lake reveals beautiful limestone formations that give way to an array of brightly colored fish and corals. Snorkelers can expect to find an impressive variety of life beneath the waters here, including species such as clownfish, blue tangs, and surgeonfish.
With its gorgeous surroundings and abundant marine life, Barracuda Lake certainly offers one of the most memorable snorkeling experiences in all of Palawan.
Featured Marine Life & Corals: Offers an array of brightly colored fish, coral reefs, and occasional sea turtles.
Estimated Budget: PHP 1,500 per person.
How to Get There: You can take a boat from Coron Town to Barracuda Lake for around PHP 1,500 per person. The trip takes about two hours one way and includes lunch on the lake.
Address: Coron, Palawan, Philippines
If you want to visit this place, check the directions here.
10. Dimalanta Island
Dimalanta Island is a snorkeler’s paradise! Located in the northern part of Palawan and surrounded by pristine aquamarine waters, this island is teeming with diverse marine life, making it the perfect place to explore and take in some of nature’s beauty.
Even if you are a novice or expert snorkeler, you will be amazed at the thousands of vibrant fish, corals, and sea stars that live around the water’s edge. The coral gardens that line the shore provide great protection for the creatures living here, creating calm and shallow waters to explore, giving visitors an unforgettable experience.
Whether you want to spend an entire day snorkeling or simply do some sightseeing along its powdery white sands, Dimalanta Island has something for everyone. Its stunning beaches and crystal-clear water makes it one of the most stunning places in Palawan–so don’t miss out on your chance to explore Dimalanta Island!
Featured Marine Life & Corals: Diverse fish species, including colorful butterflyfish, angelfish, and clownfish. Turtles and reef sharks can also be seen in the shallow waters, with deeper dives revealing larger groupers and stunning lionfish.
Estimated Budget: PHP 1,500 – 2,000 per person.
How to Get There: You can take a boat from Coron Town to Dimalanta Island for around PHP 1,500 – 2,000 per person. The trip takes about two hours one way and includes lunch on the island.
Address: Dimalanta Island, Coron, Palawan
If you want to visit this place, check the directions here.
11. Nabat Island
Nabat Island is a paradise for snorkelers looking for a unique experience in the Palawan region. Located off the coast of Busuanga, this tiny uninhabited island offers crystal clear waters, magnificent views of an incredible underwater landscape.
The shallow waters around Nabat Island make it ideal for swimming and snorkeling, providing excellent visibility that allows visitors to spot a wide array of sea creatures. Fascinated visitors can safely explore the vast vibrant treasures beneath the sea surrounding Nabat Island and be amazed by its mesmerizing beauty.
Featured Marine Life & Corals: Array of vibrant aquatic creatures such as giant clams, sea horses, cuttlefish, eels, crabs, and a variety of fish species. Alongside the exotic wildlife are mesmerizing coral formations including boulder corals and plate corals.
Estimated Budget: PHP 900 – 1,200 per person.
How to Get There: You can take a boat from Taytay Town to Nabat Island for around PHP 900 – 1,200 per pax. The trip takes about two hours one way and includes lunch on the island.
Address: Taytay, Palawan
If you want to visit this place, check the directions here.
12. Banana Island
Banana Island, located in the picturesque Palawan, has quickly become one of the premier snorkeling spots in the region. With lavish coral gardens and a diverse range of marine life, it’s no wonder why avid snorkelers are flocking to this destination.
What makes Banana Island truly unique is that visitors can get access to turquoise-blue seawater along with secluded coves and rock formations. Keen snorkelers may even catch a glimpse of rare species like clownfish and sea turtles! With its crystal clear waters, stunning scenery, and variety of sea life, it’s easy to see why Banana Island should definitely be a stop on your list of top snorkeling destinations.
Featured Marine Life & Corals: Features an array of vividly colored corals, as well as a variety of fish species. You may even spot rare creatures like sea turtles and clownfish!
Estimated Budget: PHP 2,500 per person.
How to Get There: You can take a boat from Coron Town to Banana Island for around PHP 2,500 per person. The trip takes about three hours one way and includes lunch on the island.
Address: Banana Island, Coron, Palawan
If you want to visit this place, check the directions here.
13. Smith Coral Garden
Smith Coral Garden is renowned as one of the best snorkeling spots in Palawan. With its crystal clear waters and spectacularly vibrant coral, you can explore an array of marine life up close. At this location, the abundance of vibrant corals can be seen extending out from beneath the boat, creating a picture-perfect underwater paradise.
You’ll find several species of fish that inhabit the area, from nudibranchs to clownfish and wild emperor angelfish! Not only that, but it’s also home to stunning sea turtles and other aquatic creatures. So make sure you don’t forget your swimsuit and your snorkel when visiting Smith Coral Garden on your next trip to Palawan!
Featured Marine Life & Corals: Schools of colorful fish, turtle sightings, stunning coral gardens, and plenty of other aquatic life.
Estimated Budget: PHP 800 per person.
How to Get There: You can take a boat from Coron Town to Smith Coral Garden for around PHP 800 per person. The trip takes about one hour one way.
Address: Coron, Palawan
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
In Conclusion
Palawan is a stunning destination offering some of the world’s best snorkeling spots. With its idyllic beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundance of diverse marine life, it’s no wonder why travelers flock to this island in search of unforgettable experiences.
Whether you’re looking for shallow waters or deeper dives into the unknown, there is something for everyone in Palawan. So don’t miss out on your chance to explore its beauty and take home amazing memories!
