Private Island Hopping — Explore the Philippines by Boat
No group tours. No crowds. Just your party, a private crew, and an ocean full of undiscovered paradise.
The Philippines is 7,641 islands — and most of the best ones have no hotel, no restaurant, and no permanent residents. A private island hopping charter puts all of them within reach. No shared boats, no fixed schedules, no tour groups. Your private speedboat, your personal captain and guide, and the freedom to stop wherever you want for as long as you want.
By Island
Where to Experience This
Palawan (El Nido & Coron)
The best island hopping destination in the Philippines — and arguably in the world. El Nido's Tour A, B, C, and D cover different archipelagos of the Bacuit Bay, each with hidden lagoons, secret beaches, and limestone formations accessible only by small boat. Coron offers volcanic lake swimming, WWII wreck snorkeling, and pristine coral gardens.
Concierge tip: Our concierge books separate private boats for each tour (A, B, C, D) — doing two per day is realistic and avoids the tour group morning rush.
Siargao
Siargao's three most famous islands — Naked Island (a pure sandbar), Guyam Island (palm-fringed), and Daku Island (largest, with a fishing village and fresh seafood) — are combined in a classic half-day tour. For more adventurous guests, Sugba Lagoon is a 45-minute boat ride through mangrove channels to a vast turquoise inland lake ringed by jungle cliffs.
Concierge tip: Sugba Lagoon is our most requested Siargao experience — it's unlike anything else. Combine with Naked/Guyam/Daku for a full island hopping day.
Boracay
Boracay island hopping covers the crystal-clear waters around the main island — Crystal Cove Island with its inland saltwater caves, Crocodile Island (shaped like its namesake) with excellent snorkeling reefs, and Puka Shell Beach at the northern tip. Traditional paraw sailboat options add a romantic dimension to the experience.
Concierge tip: The paraw sunset cruise combines island hopping with Boracay's famous sunset — arrange through our concierge for a private paraw with champagne service.
Cebu & Bohol
Cebu island hopping reaches Sumilon Island — a sandbar and marine sanctuary accessible year-round — and Pescador Island's world-class walls and sardine tornado. Bohol's Balicasag Island is one of the Philippines' premier dive and snorkel spots, and Virgin Island's white sandbar appears only at low tide.
Concierge tip: The Oslob whale shark experience is controversial regarding conservation — our concierge can advise on alternatives that offer whale shark encounters in the open ocean.
Private Charter
What's Included
Private boat — no shared tours
Your charter is exclusively for your group. No strangers on board, no fixed group schedules. Depart when you want, stop when you want.
Captain, crew & guide
Experienced local captain and guide for every charter. Guide speaks English and knows the best spots at different tide levels and times of day.
Snorkeling equipment
Full snorkeling set for each guest: mask, fins, and vest. Prescription masks available on request. Underwater cameras can be arranged.
Picnic lunch option
Gourmet picnic on a deserted beach arranged by your villa chef — chilled drinks, fresh fruit, sandwiches, and local seafood served on the sand.
Custom route planning
Our concierge plans your route 24 hours in advance based on tide conditions, wind direction, and which spots will be least visited at your departure time.
Sunscreen & comfort extras
Reef-safe sunscreen, extra towels, dry bags for valuables, and a cool box with water and cold drinks on board throughout the charter.
Choose Your Format
Charter Options
4 hours
Half Day
Cover 2–3 islands or lagoons. Perfect for guests who want a taste of island hopping without a full day on the water. Depart at 8am and return for lunch.
8 hours
Full Day
The complete island hopping experience — 4–6 stops, deserted beach lunch, afternoon snorkeling, and time to truly explore. Depart at 8am, return at 4–5pm.
2-day
Overnight Liveaboard
Anchor in a private cove for the night — the ultimate island hopping experience. Sleep to the sound of waves, wake up in paradise, and continue exploring the next morning. Available in Palawan and Siargao.
Pricing
Price Range Guide
| Destination | Half Day | Full Day | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Palawan (El Nido) | $350–$550 | $600–$900 | $1,800–$2,800 |
| Siargao | $200–$350 | $380–$600 | $1,200–$1,800 |
| Boracay | $180–$280 | $320–$500 | N/A |
| Cebu / Bohol | $220–$380 | $400–$650 | $1,400–$2,200 |
Prices are per charter (not per person) for groups of up to 6 guests. Larger vessels for 8–12 guests available at 40–60% premium. All prices include crew, fuel, snorkeling equipment, and basic refreshments. Picnic lunch, alcohol, and underwater photography are optional add-ons.
Ready to Book?
Arrange Through Your Concierge
All experiences are arranged as part of your villa package — tell us your dates and preferences, and we coordinate everything before you arrive.
Concierge responds within 4 hours — all inquiries treated with complete discretion