From island-hopping in El Nido to chasing waterfalls in Cebu, the Philippines is one of the great adventure destinations in Asia. This guide covers how to find and book the best tours — what to look for, what to avoid, and where to go.
Why Book Tours in the Philippines Online?
The Philippines has a well-developed tour and activities market, but quality varies enormously between operators. Booking through reputable platforms gives you verified reviews, price guarantees, and — crucially — automatic rebooking or refunds if weather cancels your trip. Local operators on the beach might be cheaper, but you have little recourse if conditions change.
For popular experiences like El Nido island hopping or Oslob whale sharks, online booking is almost essential in high season (November–April). These tours sell out days or weeks in advance during peak periods.
The Philippines’ Best Tour Experiences
Island Hopping (Palawan)
El Nido and Coron in northern Palawan offer the most celebrated island-hopping in the country — and arguably in Southeast Asia. El Nido’s Tour A (Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Beach) and Tour C (Helicopter Island, Hidden Beach, Star Beach) are the most popular routes. Coron’s tours take in the famous Coron Lake, shipwrecks, and Kayangan Lake. Each route is typically a full-day trip by bangka boat with lunch included. Book early — these tours fill up fast in peak season.
Whale Shark Swimming (Oslob, Cebu)
Oslob in southern Cebu is famous for whale shark encounters at close range. The experience is guided and conducted in shallow water — no diving experience needed. Go in the morning (before 8am) to beat the crowds. Note: some travelers have ethical concerns about the feeding program used to attract the sharks; research before you go and decide if it aligns with your values.
Chocolate Hills and Tarsiers (Bohol)
Bohol’s two icons — the Chocolate Hills (1,200+ symmetrical mounds) and the Philippine tarsier (one of the world’s smallest primates) — are typically combined in a full-day island tour from Cebu or from Bohol itself. Add a Loboc River cruise for a relaxed lunch on the water.
Underground River Tour (Puerto Princesa, Palawan)
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. A guided paddle through the cave system is unforgettable — book through a licensed operator, as permits are required and daily visitor numbers are capped.
Kawasan Falls Canyoneering (Cebu)
The canyoneering route from Alegria to Kawasan Falls involves cliff jumping, swimming through gorges, and rappelling — ending at the famous turquoise three-tiered waterfall. It’s physically demanding but one of the most thrilling half-day adventures in the Philippines. Not suitable for non-swimmers.
Rice Terraces and Highland Trekking (Banaue, Ifugao)
The 2,000-year-old Banaue Rice Terraces are a UNESCO heritage site carved into the Cordillera mountains. Guided treks through the terraces and to remote villages like Batad are a world away from the beaches. Best visited March–May (harvest season) or September–November.
Book Tours and Activities
TiqetsSkip-the-line tickets to attractions, museums, and events.
El Nido Island HoppingThe classic 3-day Palawan island-hopping adventure.
Underground River TourPuerto Princesa’s UNESCO underground river, full-day trip.
Tips for Booking Tours in the Philippines
- Book island hopping and whale sharks well ahead. El Nido, Coron, and Oslob book out days in advance during high season (December–April). Don’t leave it to the day before.
- Go early. Most boat tours depart 7–9am. Earlier departures beat both the crowds and the afternoon heat. Morning light is also better for photos.
- Check what’s included. Lunch, snorkel gear, entrance fees, and boat insurance are sometimes bundled, sometimes not. Always confirm inclusions before comparing prices between operators.
- Mind the weather window. The Philippines has two distinct seasons. The Pacific side (Siargao, eastern Samar) is best May–November; the west coast (El Nido, Boracay, Coron) is best November–May. Boat tours can be cancelled in rough conditions — build buffer days into your itinerary.
- Bring cash to the islands. ATMs are rare or nonexistent on smaller islands. Bring more pesos than you think you need before leaving the main town.
- Wear reef-safe sunscreen. Several popular destinations (including El Nido) now require biodegradable sunscreen. Bring your own or buy locally.
How to Choose a Reputable Tour Operator
When booking directly with a local operator (not through an online platform), look for DOT (Department of Tourism) accreditation, a physical office, and recent reviews from other expats or travelers. Ask specifically about safety equipment on boats — life jackets should be available for all passengers. Avoid operators who can’t show you a written itinerary or who pressure you to book immediately.
For peace of mind — especially for first-time visitors — an online booking platform with verified reviews and clear refund policies is almost always the better choice.