Puerto Princesa Firefly Watching Paddle Boat Tour with Dinner

Fireflies in the mangroves

The mangrove rivers around Puerto Princesa are among the best places in the Philippines to see fireflies. After sunset, the insects gather in certain mangrove trees along the water, and the males flash their lights to attract mates, so a single tree can sparkle like a decorated tree. On calm, dark nights the effect is extraordinary, and on some nights tiny glowing plankton also sparkle in the water as the paddle moves.

Is Puerto Princesa firefly watching worth it? For a peaceful, family-friendly evening with no effort required, it is one of the most memorable things to do in the city. The darkest nights near the new moon give the best show, and the fireflies are present all year, although numbers vary with weather and season, so sightings can never be promised.

The paddle boat ride

The ride takes place in small paddle boats rowed by local boatmen, so there is no engine noise to disturb the wildlife. You sit low on the water with a life vest on while the boat moves slowly along the mangrove banks, and the guide explains the life of the fireflies and the importance of mangroves, which protect the coast from storms and shelter young fish and crabs.

To protect the fireflies, flash photography, torches and phone screens are kept off during the ride, and guests keep their voices low. Insect repellent is a good idea, but apply it before the trip rather than on the boat. The paddle lasts about 45 minutes; the semi-private option has fewer guests on each boat and slightly later start times.

Dinner by the Puerto Princesa Baywalk

Dinner is served near the Puerto Princesa Baywalk, the long seafront promenade on the city's bay, where locals come in the evening for the sea breeze, family outings and street food. The meal features Filipino dishes such as grilled fish, chicken, rice and vegetables, and the relaxed setting is a pleasant way to end the evening after the quiet of the mangroves.

Halal food is available in only a few places in Puerto Princesa, so if you need halal or vegetarian meals, tell us when booking and we will ask for fish and vegetable dishes to be prepared for you. Children are welcome, and the mild evening temperatures make the Baywalk comfortable for an after-dinner stroll when time allows.

Puerto Princesa and planning your evening

Puerto Princesa is the capital of Palawan and the gateway to the Underground River, Honda Bay and Port Barton, with flights from Manila in about one hour twenty minutes. This firefly tour fits perfectly after a day at the beach or on arrival day, as pickup starts from about 5:00 pm and you are back at your hotel around 9:00 pm.

The best time to visit Puerto Princesa is the dry season from December to May, when evenings are clear. During the rainy and typhoon season from roughly June to November, heavy rain or strong wind can lead to the paddle ride being rescheduled for safety. Wear light long sleeves and comfortable shoes, and bring a small torch for walking to the boat.