El Nido/Puerto Princesa

El Nido/Puerto Princesa

Philippines

Paddle through emerald lagoons surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and discover hidden beaches in this island paradise.

💱 Currency Philippine Peso (PHP)
🗣 Language Filipino (Tagalog), English
🕐 Time Zone PST (UTC+8)
☀️ Best Time to Visit Nov–May
🚢 Typical Duration 13 nights
💰 Price Range $18,400 per person
Port Type Port of Call
🚤 Tender Port Yes

Gateway to the stunning Palawan region, featuring pristine beaches, limestone cliffs, and world-class diving opportunities in one of the Philippines' most biodiverse areas.

Cruises that visit El Nido/Puerto Princesa

Build Your Day in El Nido/Puerto Princesa

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 7:00 PM
Usually about 11 hours ashore
Getting around:
Buhay Isla Ecotour - El Nido The best experience ever, by far, El Nido - Coron 4 days and 3 nights. Tour operator · ★ 5 · 3k
Happiness Beach Bar ... best restaurant in El Nido, aside from the local Filipino restaurants. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 3k
Bella Vita By far, the best restaurant in El Nido - we ended up eating here 3 times. Italian · ★ 4.7 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
Sip Sunset Lounge & Bar Best bar in El Nido. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.8 · 2k
El Nido Tours "Sea Quest" - island hopping and expeditions to Coron. It’s definitely one of the highlights of my time in El Nido. Travel agency · ★ 4.8 · 2k
El Nido Paradise Highly recommend, a must do in El Nido! Boat tour agency · ★ 4.8 · 2k
El Nido Boutique Artcafe Super clean and fair pricing especially for foreigners. Restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 2k 🕐 Open · Closes 11 PM
Lio Beach I hope you have a great time in El Nido 🫶 Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 1k 🕐 Open now
OPPA Kitchen Highly recommend — probably the best restaurant we ate at in El Nido. Asian Fusion · ★ 4.8 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
Tutto Passa The best restaurant in El Nido. Italian · ★ 4.7 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
Ver De El Nido Nothing else to say but the best restaurant in El Nido. Vegan · ★ 4.8 · 1k
Amigos bar One of the best bars in El Nido. Bar · ★ 4.8 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7 PM
El Nido Beach El Nido is a Philippine municipality on Palawan island. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 1k
Shimizu Island One of the many islands in El Nido that is a must to visit Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 1k 🕐 Open now
Oceanview Chinese Restaurant (望海楼中式餐厅) The food was great, the best meal we’ve had in El Nido. Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 1k
Papaya Beach El Nido Palawan Philippines is absolutely a great place. Scenic spot · ★ 4.7 · 1k 🕐 Open now
Piece of Sky El Nido Best Restaurant in El Nido so far . Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 1k
Tales Of The Islands The best restaurant we visited in El Nido. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Oz El Nido The shop is stylish, neat and clean and you would feel welcomed! Tattoo and piercing shop · ★ 4.8 · 1k 🕐 Open · Closes 12:30 AM
L'Assiette El Nido best restaurant in El Nido. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Discover El Nido I was surprised by the hidden beauty of El Nido, Palawan. Tour agency · ★ 4.7 · 1k
El Nido Public Market Competitive prices yet very affordable Market · ★ 4 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 8 PM
Taas restaurant One of the best restaurants in El Nido. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5:30 PM
The Treehouse Beach Club Best bar in El Nido. Bar · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Prince Hypermart El Nido You can find many things you need here, and they're cheap. Hypermarket · ★ 3.8 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 8:30 PM
Taraw Cliff It’s a must visit if you are in El Nido Scenic spot · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Cudugnon Cave Visit to Cudugnon Cave is included in the Tour B of El Nido. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Snake Island sandbar This area is part of "tour b" in El Nido. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Yacht Wreck Bar Guys, this is the best bar in El Nido, seriously you have to come here. Bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM
Straight Up Bar Best bar man in the Philippines!! Bar · ★ 5 · 0k
Rooftop Bar Rooftop bar is a MUST VISIT place in El Nido. Bar · ★ 4.3 · 0k
Bar 147 by SPIN Great pool bar on the edge of the town of El Nido. Bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Cara-Bar Hands down the best bar we've been to in the Philippines! Bar · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
Big Lagoon Nevertheless, it was a truly great afternoon in El Nido, Palawan. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Ille Cave Another exciting activity to try here in El Nido. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Open now
Cadlao Lagoon Worth visiting island during your tour C in El Nido! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Matinloc Shrine A tourist stop on the El Nido island tours circuit. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 0k
El nido Adventures 360° Must do in El Nido! Canoe & kayak rental service · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Taraw Rooftop (Speakeasy) Bar by Neighbors and Nomads Great drinks, friendly service—definitely a must-visit in El Nido. Bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Piggy’s sunset bar Best bar in El Nido and probably the Philippines. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Small Lagoon to Big Lagoon Absolutely the best excursion experiwnce in el Nido. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Palaweña Travel and Tours & Wellness Spa (El Nido, Puerto Princesa), Palawan A complete different way to visit El Nido. Tour operator · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Abot Kaya Commercial Good for local and if you're looking cheap stuff. Shopping mall · ★ 3.8 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 7:30 PM
Marchylle Souvenir And Pasalubong Center Nice store , almost complete that you can buy for your needs Shopping mall · ★ 3.6 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 2 AM
A Little Corner of Paradise I had a wonderful experience, sales associate was very friendly and helpful. Souvenir store · ★ 3.1 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 12 AM
Vanilla Beach strip mall Prices are acceptable, some items are even cheaper here than in town. Shopping mall · ★ 3.3 · 0k 🕐 Open 24 hours
SUMMER EVRYDY PH The most beautiful sets and dresses at reasonable prices! Clothing store · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 11 PM

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from El Nido/Puerto Princesa

About El Nido/Puerto Princesa

El Nido and Puerto Princesa represent one of Asia's most enchanting cruise destinations, offering visitors a gateway to some of the Philippines' most pristine natural wonders. This remarkable region has earned international acclaim for its dramatic limestone cliffs, crystalline waters, and extraordinary biodiversity, making it an increasingly coveted stop for discerning cruise travelers seeking authentic tropical experiences beyond the typical port itineraries.

As a primarily port-of-call destination, El Nido/Puerto Princesa welcomes cruise passengers seeking immersive encounters with Philippine culture and nature rather than serving as a turnaround port. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection currently offers voyages featuring this port, with most itineraries spanning 13 nights and connecting to other Southeast Asian highlights including Hong Kong, Cebu, Boracay Island, and the scenic islands of Busuanga. January emerges as the peak season, when favorable weather conditions make this an ideal time to explore the region's stunning seascapes and hidden lagoons.

Upon arrival, passengers discover a port that seamlessly blends modern facilities with access to world-class attractions. The proximity to Puerto Princesa's famous Underground River—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—combined with El Nido's breathtaking Bacuit Archipelago, means that exceptional adventures await just moments from your ship. Whether you're kayaking through emerald lagoons, snorkeling vibrant coral reefs, or exploring charming local villages, this destination delivers the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration that defines unforgettable cruise experiences.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Explore Puerto Princesa Subterranean River

Paddle through one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature—a navigable underground river flowing through a massive limestone cave system. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and pristine waters teeming with unique wildlife. The 45-minute boat journey into the cavern is an unforgettable natural spectacle accessible within your port day.

2

Island-Hop Through El Nido's Lagoons

Discover turquoise lagoons, hidden beaches, and dramatic limestone cliffs on a guided island-hopping tour departing from El Nido town. Visit Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, and Secret Lagoon where you'll swim in crystal-clear waters surrounded by towering karst formations. This quintessential Palawan experience showcases some of Asia's most breathtaking coastal scenery.

3

Savor Fresh Seafood at Waterfront Markets

Browse Puerto Princesa's bustling fish markets and waterfront restaurants where local fishermen sell the day's catch. Enjoy grilled bangus, fresh prawns, and ceviche prepared with native coconut vinegar at casual seaside eateries. The authentic flavors and vibrant market atmosphere provide genuine insight into local life and culinary traditions.

4

Shop Local Crafts in Puerto Princesa Town

Wander through Puerto Princesa's compact downtown district discovering artisan shops selling handwoven textiles, shell jewelry, and indigenous Palawan crafts. The colorful market stalls and small boutiques offer unique souvenirs reflecting the region's cultural heritage. Perfect for finding authentic gifts while supporting local artisans during your limited port time.

5

Trek Through Mangrove Forests & Wildlife

Experience guided kayaking or walking tours through Puerto Princesa's protected mangrove ecosystems, home to endemic bird species and saltwater crocodiles. Spot Philippine eagles, monitor lizards, and vibrant birdlife in their natural habitat. This eco-adventure reveals the region's ecological importance and pristine natural environment beyond the beaches.

Cruise Lines at El Nido/Puerto Princesa

Cruises Departing From El Nido/Puerto Princesa

Cruises Visiting El Nido/Puerto Princesa

Ship Schedule at El Nido/Puerto Princesa

El Nido/Puerto Princesa Location

Other Cruise Ports in Philippines

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit El Nido?

The dry season from November to May offers sunny days and calm seas.

What activities are must-do in El Nido?

Island hopping to Bacuit Bay, snorkeling, kayaking, and sunset viewpoints.

How do I reach El Nido from Manila or Puerto Princesa?

Fly to Puerto Princesa or El Nido; road or domestic flights connect to nearby airports.

Are there family-friendly beaches in El Nido?

Yes, several beaches around Bacuit Bay have calm waters and shallow reefs.