Private Sibaltan Snorkelling and Secret Islands Tour, El Nido

Sibaltan, El Nido's quiet east coast

Sibaltan is one of the oldest villages in the municipality of El Nido, a coastal community on the eastern side of northern Palawan that faces the Sulu Sea rather than the limestone cliffs of Bacuit Bay. Settlers from the Cuyo islands founded it generations ago, and the village keeps a small heritage museum in a traditional wooden house. Fishing boats rest on the sand, mangroves line the shore and life moves slowly, which is exactly why a Sibaltan day trip from El Nido town appeals to travellers who have already seen the busy lagoons.

How to get to Sibaltan: the village is roughly an hour or a little more by road from El Nido town, through farmland and forested hills. The transfer is not part of this tour, so plan a tricycle, van or rented car for the morning; our team can advise on the easiest choice from your hotel. Arrive a little before the 9:00 AM start to change and meet your crew.

Secret islands and white-sand beaches

Off the Sibaltan coast lie small islands and sandbars that see very few boats. The crew chooses them by tide and wind, so the route changes with the season, but expect powdery white sand, leaning coconut palms and shallow water in every shade of turquoise. A few fishing families live on some islands, while others are empty except for hermit crabs and seabirds.

Because the boat is yours, there is no rush to leave a beach you love. Swim, rest in the shade, take photos without other groups in the frame, or ask the guide to move on when you are ready. This is a private island-hopping tour in El Nido done differently: the same clear water and soft sand, without the crowded beaches of the classic Tours A to D on the other side of the peninsula.

Coral reef snorkelling off Sibaltan

The day includes three to five snorkelling stops on reefs where hard and soft corals grow in shallow, clear water. Expect parrotfish, clownfish in their anemones, angelfish, giant clams and, on good days, shoals of fusiliers flashing over the reef edge. Masks, snorkels and guidance are provided, and the crew keeps the boat close so you can climb back on whenever you like.

Experienced swimmers can try free-diving at some spots, always within their own limits. Please do not stand on, touch or collect coral, and use a rash guard or reef-friendly sun protection. Snorkelling depends on sea conditions: the guide may change the order or swap a site for a more sheltered one, especially when monsoon winds or passing storms stir up the water.

Sea turtles along the east coast

Green sea turtles feed on the seagrass beds around the east-coast islands, and hawksbill turtles are sometimes seen near the reefs. Watching one glide below you, then rise slowly to breathe, is a favourite moment for many guests on this private El Nido snorkelling tour, and the quiet waters around Sibaltan mean the turtles are rarely surrounded by swimmers.

Turtles are wild and protected in the Philippines. Keep a calm distance of several metres, never touch, chase or block their way to the surface, and avoid flash photography. Sightings are frequent but never guaranteed; your guide knows where turtles tend to feed and will point them out quietly so they stay relaxed and you can enjoy the encounter without disturbing them.

Beach lunch and the best time to visit El Nido

Around midday the crew prepares lunch on a quiet beach: fish, chicken, rice, noodles, vegetables and fresh fruit, with vegetarian and vegan dishes on request. Drinking water is available all day. Halal-certified meals are limited in Palawan; seafood and vegetarian choices are easy, and we are happy to advise before you travel so the crew can plan your meal.

The best time to visit El Nido for calm seas and clear water is the dry season from about December to May, with March to May the hottest and usually the smoothest months. From June to November rain is more frequent and typhoons can pass, so boat trips may be rescheduled for safety. In every season mornings tend to be calmer than late afternoons, which is why the day starts at 9:00 AM.