Beautiful Islands and Beaches in San Vicente, Palawan
Table of Contents
Palawan is known for its visually arresting and tranquil beaches. We always think of Coron or El Nido when we talk about Palawan but there are more unspoiled beaches in this province than you know. And that’s what we found in most of the islands and beaches in San Vicente.
San Vicente is the less crowded and underrated part of Palawan. It is one of the municipalities tucked in between El Nido and Puerto Princesa City. It is also home to majestic waterfalls and rich marine biodiversity.
More interesting discoveries here… Read along to know the must-visit Beaches in San Vicente, Palawan!
Long Beach
Long Beach is named as the longest white sand beach in the Philippines. It is also the first flagship tourism enterprise zone (TEZ) of Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA).
Beach bums are sure to love it here! Surrounded with bountiful trees, you’re sure to find enough shade if you plan on strolling or take photos. Since it’ll take you a while to discover this beach, the best option to tour would be taking the habal-habal instead.
This 14-km stretch of white sand is facing the West Philippine Sea, and also surrounding the beaches of four Barangays: Poblacion, New Agutaya, San Isidro, and Alimanguan.
To go here, you need to ride a tricycle from Puerto Princesa Airport to San Jose Terminal. From there, take the bus ride to San Vicente. Travel time will take around 5-6 hours by bus, but 3-4 hours if you take the van.
However, if you’re coming from El Nido, ride a van going to San Vicente. Travel time is at least 2 to 3 hours.
Inaladelan Island
Amassing great reviews from previous travelers, Inaladelan Island is arguably a destination to behold. Fortunately, we’ve been here twice, and it still has its admiring white sand and the interesting lively staff that welcomes tourists from all over the world. There are plenty of things to do in the 17.24-hectare private island. You rest in their hammock, take pictures, chill at their hut, and play beach volleyball. Not to mention, you can even camp in here!
It’s 3 hours away from Puerto Princesa, and a 20-30 minute boat ride from Port Barton.
If you’re coming from San Vicente port, look for the office of St. Vincent Travel and Tours (FB page). They offer land and island hopping packages.
Double Island
Also located in San Vicente, Palawan, this destination also gives an epic view of the crystal waters, a mix of coarse and powdery fine sand. It’s a unique experience being here in this laid-back island – certainly feels like you’re in another world.
Exotic and Maxima Islands
These two are stunning islands, seriously. Its water’s so crystal clear, you can definitely see the what’s on the bottom. In case you’re wondering, these two islands are in close proximity to each other, that you can cross one island to the other by walking through the shallow water during low tides. Lucky you if visit during that time. You can even scuba dive and explore its coral reef. The perfect diving spot!
Irawan Beach
Prepare yourself to be wowed when you visit this beach. It features a long stretch of coconut trees, giant boulders, well-maintained shorelines, and a small hill on the north end. Definitely picture-perfect! If you want to take a picture with the ocean as the backdrop, carefully climb atop a boulder and from there, you’ll get a great 180-degree shot of yourself in this paradise.
There’s a huge rock on top of the hill that you can use as a vantage point. Also known as Bato ni Ningning, this is the perfect spot if you want to see the birds-eye view of Sto. Niño Beach aka Irangan Beach, the vast ocean, Mount Capuas, and the view Imuruan Island.
How to get there: At this point, there’s no public transportation that plies between the town center and Brgy Sto Nino. You need to rent private transportation. The place is 20 kilometers away from the town center and it takes about 30 minutes drive.
Capsalay Island
There are a bunch of stunning beaches in San Vicente, and Capsalay is one of those. Snorkeling is one of the main activities to do here. Want to camp on a tropical island? Then look no further! More than the crystal waters, it also houses a glamping area called Capsalay Reef Camp. Other things to do include exploring the jungle, mangroves, and beaches nearby.
Naked Sandbar
Another perfect snorkeling spot is here at the Naked Sandbar. It connects Double Island and Capsalay Island where everyone can swim and snorkel while setting up your picnic at Double Island.
Boayan Island
Dubbed as the biggest island in San Vicente, you can visit this island easily from the port in Brgy. Poblacion. Here, you’ll discover the Kalipay Beach, known for its shoreline covered with fine white sand. There are also amazing stone formations nearby where you can take your picture! It’s slippery so be careful! Boayan Island has lots of beautiful beaches and it can be reached via private boat or by getting a dedicated tour package.
St Vincent Travel and Tours offers Boayan Tour A and B. Tour A includes Starfish Point, Pulang Bato, Pulang Bato Reef, and Pandan Point while Tour B includes Niapuray, Niapuray Reef, Kambingan and Evergreen Beach.
Daplac Cove
Daplac Cove is one of the most beautiful beaches in San Vincente. Located in Boayan Island. It boasts a 200-meter stretch of talc-soft sand, surrounded with hills, cliffs, and mountain ranges. You can also do some sightseeing and snorkeling in this area. It is a private cove and it’s advisable to ask permission from the owners first before you visit the place.
Cacnipa Island
Also highly recommended, this island, which is a 45-minute boat ride from Port Barton is known for its island resort called Coconut Garden Island Resort. If you’re thinking of getting a cold beer in your hand, having a good conversation with someone, then this is the island to visit! It surely has one of the most beautiful seascapes in Palawan.
Luli or Starfish Sandbar
Starfish Island is actually near Port Barton. And in case you’re wondering where it’s got its name, then you’re right because the tiny island is literally surrounded with starfish. Other than snorkeling and diving, you can also watch the dramatic sunset here at the Sandbar. Witnessing the sunset at this area feels like it came straight out of a movie.
Fun fact: Locals refer to this sandbar as Luli Island (although it’s a sandbar and not an island), from the words “lulubog lilitaw.”
Port Barton
The last time we’ve been here, most of the tourists basking at the sun are French. Perhaps the reason why they loved staying in this coastal village is because of the exclusivity and the peacefulness. It’s also unpopulated, making it a perfect retreat. Most of the time, people tend to stay in Port Barton, rather than in El Nido. Perfect place if you’re traveling solo or with groups. Don’t worry! Locals are very accommodating, and you’ll meet a lot of people here.
Bokbok Beach
This beach is sandwiched by the Irawan and Alimanguan Beach. Currently, this area is still unpopulated and not frequented by tourists. Surprisingly, water at this beach is calmer compared to other beaches in San Vicente.
It’s surrounded with forests, mangroves, and abundance of coconut trees, making it a perfect postcard-worthy shot.
Paradise Island
Also an island near Port Barton, Paradise Island is perfect for lunch/picnic. It’s surrounded with coconut trees. You’ll also be amazed with its turquoise waters, perfect for snorkeling and perfect for intro diving.
Secret Beach
Located in Barangay Sto. Nino, this is a pocket beach right next to Irawan Beach. From Bato ni Ningning, traverse down to reach this pocket paradise.
Canipo Beach
This white sand beach is another must-visit in San Vicente. It’s facing Imuruan Island and also fronting the Coral reefs that is a perfect place to do snorkeling and scuba diving. The beach offers first-grade white sand facing the magnificent West Philippine Sea, with romantic sunset views and the calming sound of waves.
This beach is the best place for overnight camping. It’s also a perfect stargazing site.
Imuruan Island
This island is privately owned. One of the islands with the whitest and finest sand in San Vicente. A lot of local tourists who visited this island noticed the similarity of this place to Calaguas Island.
Emergency Point
It is located at the foot of Mount Capuas at the most southwestern edge of San Vicente, which is already at the border of Taytay and San Vicente, Palawan. Considered as a unique beach destination in having beautiful boulders on both sides of the beach, it also has the finest sand and clearest water.
Binga Beach
Also known as Lumambong Beach, this beach is located in Barangay Binga right after Canipo beach. It stretches over 1.5 km along with its crystal clear waters of the South China Sea. The sand is not as white as in Canipo but it’s definitely more powdery. Coconut groves, rocky hills, and palm trees surround the area.
Island Hopping Tour Packages and Boat Rentals
There are 22 islands and islets in San Vicente. To explore some of those amazing islands and beaches, you can rent a private boat or join an Island Hopping tour if you want to save money and meet new friends.
| Day Tour | Destinations | Rates |
| Port Barton Regular Island Hopping Tour | Maxima, Turtle Sanctuary, Inaladelan Island, Twin Reef, Sand Bar | Php1,200.00 |
| Port Barton Extended Island Hopping Tour | Maxima, Turtle Sanctuary, Inaladelan Island, Twin Reef, Sand Bar, Port Barton Town, Bigaho Waterfalls | Php1,500.00 |
| Boayan Tour A | Starfish Point, Pulang Bato, Pulang Bato Reef, Pandan Point | Php1,200.00 |
| Boayan Tour B | Niapuray, Niapuray Reef, Kambingan, Evergreen Beach | Php1,200.00 |
| Land Tour San Vicente
Full Day |
Town Tour, Inandeng River Kayaking, Longbeach, Alimanguan Beach, Irawan Beach, Bato ni Ningning | Php1,500.00 |
| Land Tour San Vicente
Half Day |
Inandeng River Kayaking, Longbeach, Alimanguan Beach, Irawan Beach, Bato ni Ningning | Php1,200.00 |
| Inclusions | ||
| Boat, Lunch | ||
| Lunch | ||
| Grilled Fish, Grilled Chicken, Vegetable Salad, Tropical Fruits, Rice, Water | ||
| Other Activities | ||
| Skydiving San Vicente | San Vicente Airport (SWL) | Php19,000.00 |
You can check out our recommended travel agency below who can take care of your trips for you!
- St. Vincent Travel and Tours /SVtravelandtours/
- Email: abaoaivan@gmail.com
- Mobile Number: 0915-7821562
How to get to San Vicente, Palawan
By Air
From Clark International Airport
Book a flight directly to the newly-opened San Vicente Airport. Airlines that serves flight to San Vicente include Philippine Airlines (PAL Express, and Royal Air. Travel time will take about an hour and a half.
From Manila
Skyjet offers a direct flight to San Vicente from NAIA Terminal 4. Skyjet will fly four times a week (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays) from Manila to San Vicente starting July 16.
From San Vicente Airport, you can charter a tricycle going to your hotel and even to the long beach. It’s a 10-20 min ride from the airport to the town proper. Tricycle rental cost P120 per ride from the airport to the town center.
By Bus
From Puerto Princesa City
If you’re coming from Puerto Princesa, you can reach San Vicente by bus and shuttle van. But first, you need to ride a tricycle going to the San Jose Terminal. Travel Time is approximately 3 hours. Fare is less than PHP400.
From El Nido
If you’re done exploring the vast waters of El Nido and wanted to check out San Vicente, then just hop on a van ride going to San Vicente directly. Vans to San Vicente are available only during noontime and 5pm daily.
Fare is less than PHP 500.
Special Thanks to PHILTOA for inviting #TeamOutofTown. PHILTOA members and its media partners recently visited the island to conduct PALAWAN, The Last Frontier Update.
Out of Town Travel Blog is one of the media partners of the 30th Philippine Travel Mart happening from August 30 to September 1, 2019, at SMX Convention Center Manila, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.
Thanks also to Aivan Abao – the Marketing Manager of St. Vincent Travel and Tours for providing a comfortable and enjoyable tour of San Vicente, Palawan.
Check out our complete list of recommended Hotels and Resorts in San Vicente, Palawan via Agoda or you may also see available Airbnb properties in San Vicente.
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