Beaches · Palawan · Philippines
The best beaches in and near Palawan
Where to swim and spend a beach day, and when the water is warm.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Simon Hefti, Schweiz ( de:User:Nikswieweg ), CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
The best-known beach is Nacpan Beach (About 17 km from El Nido Town). The sea is usually warm enough for a comfortable swim (21°C+) in January–December.
Key facts
- Beaches in this guide
- 6
- Swimming season
- January–December
- Warmest sea
- 30°C (86°F)
The beaches
About 17 km from El Nido Town · Space and sunsets
1.Nacpan Beach
A 4-kilometre curve of pale sand backed by coconut palms north of El Nido, with gentle surf and a few beach bars.
About 4 km from El Nido Town · Sunset drinks
2.Las Cabanas Beach
El Nido's sunset beach facing Bacuit Bay, with beach bars and a zipline to Depeldet Island.
About 4 km from El Nido Town · Quiet swimming
3.Marimegmeg Beach
A quieter neighbour of Las Cabanas with calm water and a few relaxed bars.
About 6 km from El Nido Town · Families
4.Lio Beach
A long, clean and well-kept beach in front of the Lio estate beside El Nido Airport.
About 30 minutes on foot from Port Barton · Lazy beach day
5.White Beach, Port Barton
A small sandy cove a short walk or boat ride from Port Barton village, with calm water and simple huts.
On the coast road near San Vicente town · Solitude
6.Long Beach
Around 14 km of pale sand in San Vicente, one of the longest beaches in the Philippines, with light development.
Sea temperature by month
| Month | Sea | Air high |
|---|---|---|
| January | 28°C (82°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| February | 27°C (81°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| March | 28°C (82°F) | 32°C (90°F) |
| April | 29°C (84°F) | 33°C (91°F) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 33°C (91°F) |
| June | 30°C (86°F) | 32°C (90°F) |
| July | 29°C (84°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| August | 29°C (84°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| September | 29°C (84°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| October | 29°C (84°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| November | 29°C (84°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| December | 28°C (82°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
Staying near the beach
$$ · Best for couples, families and beach
Corong-Corong
About 2 km south of El Nido Town by tricycle, Corong-Corong faces west across Bacuit Bay, so it gets the sunsets the town beach misses. It has mid-range resorts, cafés and beach bars on the road down to Las Cabanas Beach, and many island-hopping boats also pick up here.
- Good
- Sunset views over the bay; Quieter than town; Close to Las Cabanas
- Watch out
- Tricycle needed for town; Narrow beach at high tide
- Nearby
- Las Cabanas Beach, Marimegmeg Beach, El Nido Town
Getting to the beaches
- Bus — Air-conditioned vans and buses run from Puerto Princesa to El Nido in about 5–6 hours, with stops for Port Barton and San Vicente; shared vans also serve Sabang.
- Boat — Island-hopping in El Nido, Coron and Port Barton uses outrigger bangkas on set tour routes, or private boat charters for groups.
- Ferry — Fast ferries cross between El Nido and Coron in about 3.5–5 hours, depending on the boat and sea; crossings are suspended in bad weather.
- Scooter — Scooters can be rented in El Nido, Coron and Port Barton and are useful for reaching beaches such as Nacpan; roads outside towns can be rough.
- Car — Private vans with drivers can be hired for the Puerto Princesa–El Nido journey with stops, and for day tours to Sabang.
Beach-weather months
Days of 24°C (75°F) or more with no more than nine rainy days come in January–April. The busiest of those is April, so book early.
Beach safety
Sun, sea conditions and boat safety are the main concerns: wear a life jacket on bangkas and follow crew advice on currents. Petty theft from rooms and beaches occurs in busy towns; use lockers and keep valuables out of sight. Swim at lifeguarded beaches where possible and follow local flag warnings.
Questions travellers ask
+Does Palawan have beaches?
Yes: Nacpan Beach, Las Cabanas Beach, Marimegmeg Beach, Lio Beach, White Beach, Port Barton and Long Beach.
+When is the sea warm enough to swim in Palawan?
Usually January–December, when the sea averages 21°C or more.
+What is the best beach near Palawan?
Nacpan Beach: A 4-kilometre curve of pale sand backed by coconut palms north of El Nido, with gentle surf and a few beach bars.