Eighteen days in the Philippines, including 9 days of sea kayaking between the limestone cliffs of El Nido, the lagoons of Bacuit Bay and the quieter islands around Port Barton. A tropical journey combining camping, snorkelling, coastal villages and turquoise water.
Palawan, the Philippines’ “last frontier”
A long island lying west of the Philippine archipelago and north of Borneo, Palawan has an exceptional geography for sea kayaking. Limestone cliffs, karst islands, hidden lagoons, white-sand beaches, coral reefs and coastal villages create a journey in which the scenery changes almost every day.
The trip combines two very different areas. Around El Nido, Bacuit Bay offers a spectacular landscape of limestone towers and enclosed lagoons. Farther south, Port Barton has a gentler atmosphere, with quieter islands, reefs and village life that slows the pace of the journey even further.
Trip at a glance
Philippines · Palawan · El Nido · Bacuit Bay · Port Barton
Available on request
Have a period in mind? We can discuss opening a departure for a private group or look for additional participants to complete a small group.
- Duration
- 18 days
- Sea kayaking
- 9 days
- Level
- Level 3 — Experienced
- Group
- 4 to 8 participants
- Daily paddling
- Approximately 20 to 25 km depending on the stage and conditions
- Accommodation
- 6 camping nights · 4 hotel nights · 2 guesthouse nights
- Price
- €2,900 per person
- Trip meeting point
- Palawan / according to the selected flights
The programme is indicative and may be adapted according to weather, sea conditions, safety requirements and local circumstances.
Why Palawan works so well for sea kayaking
Bacuit Bay forms a genuine marine labyrinth. A sea kayak lets us enter coves that are too narrow or too discreet for larger boats, follow the limestone walls closely and reach isolated beaches at paddling pace.
Some names have become famous — Secret Beach, Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Cathedral Cave — but much of the journey is also about places without names: a beach where we hang the hammocks, a narrow passage between cliffs, a reef where we stop with mask and snorkel, or a small village where we spend a few hours.
Snorkelling is naturally part of the journey. The reefs, seagrass beds and tropical water support rich marine life, including colourful fish and, with a little luck, sea turtles.
Two different atmospheres: El Nido and Port Barton
El Nido & Bacuit Bay
The first major section of the journey takes place around El Nido, with 6 days of sea kayaking in the Bacuit archipelago. This is the most visually dramatic part of the trip: vertical cliffs, limestone islands, lagoons, hidden beaches and tropical camps.
The group moves from beach to beach with the kayaks carrying the equipment needed for the itinerancy. Stages are generally around 20 to 25 km, but the days are designed to leave time for breaks, swimming, snorkelling and exploration.
Port Barton
After Bacuit Bay, we continue towards Port Barton, traditionally travelling by bangka, the local boat. The rhythm changes: the scenery is less monumental, the islands gentler and the atmosphere quieter. We plan 3 days of sea kayaking here, moving between islands, reefs and small beaches.
Day-by-day itinerary
The programme below shows the overall logic of the journey. Exact timings, transport, accommodation and paddling stages are adjusted for each departure.
- Day 1 — International flight
Departure for the Philippines. - Day 2 — Arrival in Manila
Arrival in the Philippines and overnight on land before continuing towards Palawan. - Day 3 — Manila → Puerto Princesa → El Nido
Domestic flight to Puerto Princesa followed by a road transfer to El Nido. - Day 4 — El Nido
Recovery day, equipment preparation, kayak assembly and briefing before the itinerant section begins. - Days 5 to 10 — 6 days of sea kayaking in Bacuit Bay
A major itinerant section between karst islands, lagoons, hidden beaches and reefs. Several camping nights are included during this section. Return to El Nido at the end of the itinerancy. - Day 11 — View over Bacuit Bay & transfer to Port Barton
Depending on conditions and organisation, a morning hike may give a panoramic view over the bay before continuing to Port Barton. - Days 12 to 14 — 3 days of sea kayaking around Port Barton
Paddling between islands, reefs and beaches in a quieter environment, alternating camping and accommodation on land. - Day 15 — Port Barton
Rest day and time to discover the village. - Day 16 — Return towards Puerto Princesa
Road transfer and final night in Palawan according to the departure organisation. - Day 17 — Puerto Princesa → Manila → return flight
Domestic flight followed by the international connection. - Day 18 — Arrival
Arrival after the return flight.
Important: the guide may change the itinerary according to the weather, sea state, available landing places, safety requirements or local constraints.
Route map
A typical day during the itinerancy
After breakfast, we take down camp, pack the equipment into dry bags and load the kayaks. A briefing covers the weather, the planned stage and any particular points for the day.
We then paddle in sections, with regular stops to land, have lunch, swim or snorkel. On a full paddling day, the distance is generally around 20 to 25 km.
In the late afternoon, we reach either a campsite or accommodation depending on the section of the journey. On the beaches, hammocks or tents are set up before preparing a hot evening meal together.
Tropical camping, hotels & guesthouses
The current organisation combines 6 camping nights, 4 hotel nights and 2 guesthouse nights. This gives us a genuine itinerant experience while regularly returning to a shower, a bed and the comfort of accommodation on land.
Tropical camps
In the tropics, we generally favour hammocks with integrated mosquito nets, set up beneath a tarp. They are well ventilated and particularly suited to warm nights. If you prefer sleeping in a tent, we can arrange one when organising the departure.
Accommodation on land
The hotels and guesthouses are simple and chosen for their location and suitability for the trip logistics. Accommodation is generally shared. Single-room options depend on the establishments and are discussed when a departure is being organised.
Meals
During the kayaking sections, meals are included. Lunches are generally picnic-style and hot evening meals are prepared together, using fresh local produce whenever possible.
In El Nido, Port Barton, Puerto Princesa and during stops outside the itinerant sections, meals are not included. This is also an opportunity to enjoy small local restaurants and choose according to your own tastes.
We travel with the kayaks
Palawan is one of those destinations where the locally available fleet does not match our requirements for a multi-day itinerant journey. We therefore travel with our own folding sea kayaks, just as we do on some of our more remote expeditions.
- Singles: folding TRAK 2.0 sea kayaks.
- Doubles: Nautiraid kayaks suited to expeditions and carrying gear.
- Paddles: Werner carbon.
- Equipment provided: PFDs, spraydecks, dry bags, safety equipment, hammocks or tents and shared cooking equipment.
When participants depart from the same airport as the guide, we meet at the airport with the kayaks packed in their travel bags and check them in with the rest of the expedition equipment. If you depart from another airport, the kayak and associated equipment can be shipped to you in advance so that you can check them onto your own flight and meet the group in the Philippines.
Baggage allowances and the exact distribution of equipment depend on the airlines and flights selected. They are therefore explained in the Road Book for each departure rather than fixed permanently on this page.
To understand this particular way of organising a journey, you can read our article “Traveling with your Kayak – When expedition starts from the airport”.
This journey is for you if…
- you already have regular sea-kayaking experience and match Level 3 — Experienced;
- you can paddle for several hours and link days of approximately 20 to 25 km;
- you enjoy snorkelling, remote beaches and discovering a tropical coastline as much as the paddling itself;
- you appreciate journeys that alternate simple camping with local accommodation;
- you are comfortable with expedition logistics in which the equipment travels with the group;
- you accept that a sea-kayak itinerary must remain adaptable to conditions and local realities.
Dates, price & inclusions
Available on request
Current reference price: €2,900 per person, excluding international and domestic flights. Contact us to discuss a period and receive the corresponding Road Book.
The price includes:
- guiding by a qualified sea-kayak guide;
- kayaks, paddles, PFDs, spraydecks, dry bags and safety equipment;
- camping and cooking equipment provided by the organisation;
- accommodation included in the programme: camps, hotels and guesthouses;
- meals during the kayaking sections;
- local transfers included in the itinerary between Puerto Princesa, El Nido and Port Barton;
- the overall trip logistics.
The price does not include:
- international and domestic flights;
- meals outside the kayaking sections;
- drinks, tips and personal expenses;
- personal insurance not included under the travel contract;
- anything not explicitly listed as included.
Practical information
Flights & meeting point
Flights are not included. Once a departure is defined, we provide flight references that allow us to coordinate the transport of the kayaks and the group meeting arrangements. The trip is built around arrival in Palawan and the transfers towards El Nido.
Tropical climate
Heat, humidity, strong sun and insects are all part of the journey. Serious sun protection, lightweight long-sleeved clothing, suitable insect repellent, a mosquito net — integrated into our hammocks — and good hydration are essential.
Personal equipment
Bring suitable paddling shoes or sandals, rash vests or lightweight long-sleeved tops, swimwear, hat or cap, sunglasses, a light windproof layer, headtorch, small personal first-aid kit, water bottle, mask and snorkel.
FAQ — Essential information
How long is the Palawan journey?
The journey lasts 18 days in total, including 9 days of sea kayaking: 6 days in Bacuit Bay around El Nido, followed by 3 days in the Port Barton area.
What kayaking level is required?
The journey is rated Level 3 — Experienced. It is designed for paddlers with regular sea-kayaking experience who are comfortable paddling for several hours, linking several consecutive days on the water and handling small waves and straightforward beach launches and landings.
How far do we paddle each day?
Kayaking days are generally around 20 to 25 km. The exact distance depends on the weather, sea state, landing options, the group and the route chosen by the guide.
How large is the group?
The group is limited to 4 to 8 participants in order to keep the organisation light and well suited to an itinerant journey.
Where do we sleep during the trip?
The current reference organisation combines 6 camping nights, 4 hotel nights and 2 guesthouse nights. For tropical camping we generally favour hammocks with integrated mosquito nets and tarps; tents can be arranged for participants who prefer them.
Are meals included?
Meals are included during the sea-kayak sections. Lunches are generally picnic-style and hot evening meals are prepared together. Meals outside the kayaking sections are not included.
Do we fly with the kayaks from Europe?
Yes. We mainly use our own folding TRAK and Nautiraid sea kayaks. They are packed in travel bags and fly with the group. If a participant departs from a different airport from the guide, the kayak and associated equipment can be shipped in advance so that the participant can check it onto their own flight.
Which kayaks are used?
We use folding TRAK single sea kayaks and Nautiraid doubles, with Werner carbon paddles, PFDs, spraydecks, dry bags and safety equipment.
Is the itinerary fixed?
No. The itinerary is indicative and may be adapted by the guide according to the weather, safety considerations, local conditions, sea state and the group’s level.
Can the journey be organised on request?
Yes. Palawan is currently available on request. We can discuss a period for a private group or consider opening a departure and looking for additional participants.
Would you like to discover Palawan by sea kayak?
El Nido, Bacuit Bay and Port Barton can be organised on request.
Send us your preferred period, number of participants and sea-kayaking experience.