Beyond the Mainland: Taytay Island Hopping and Their Natural Wonders

In the shadow of the bustling Bacuit Bay lies the lesser-known gem of Palawan: Taytay Bay. Just a short trip south from the renowned El Nido, Taytay island hopping offers a serene respite from the din of popular tourist havens. According to the Department of Tourism, El Nido attracted a staggering 294,065 tourists in the first half of 2023, while Taytay, with its equally captivating islands, beaches, and lagoons, welcomed a very modest 5,399. For those seeking the beauty of Palawan without the constant hum of tourism, Taytay island hopping stands as a serene alternative, offering the essence of the archipelago’s charm in its purest form.

Taytay Bay’s tranquil beauty beckons visitors to explore its enchanting island-hopping tours, each delivering a distinctive adventure. Discover Amianan Beach Adventures, Pawikan Escapade, and Southeast Taytay Bay Lagoon, Reef, and Island Escapade. Immerse yourself in pristine beaches, vibrant marine sanctuaries, and untouched natural wonders. Delve into the details below and embark on an unforgettable journey through Taytay’s captivating islands.

​​Amianan Beach Adventures

• Talacanen Island- Talacanen Island spans 11 hectares, serving as both the private island paradise of Floral Island Resort and an integral part of a marine sanctuary. This sanctuary actively supports the conservation efforts of the Coral Triangle, preserving its natural wonders and nurturing its fragile ecosystem. Non-resort guests will have access to the west beach of the island. Great Taytay Island Hopping.
• Isla Blanca (Imbaludan)- A shoreline of powdery-white sand beach clashing against crystal-clear turquoise waters, Imbaludan Island (Isla Blanca) is paradise. The site is popular for beginner diving and perfect for snorkeling.
• Lopez Reef- Lopez Reef features a vast coral garden and a white sandbar used for private sunset dinners and special occasions for the nearby NoaNoa Island Hotel.
• Cuyo- The 300m long Cuyo Beach is located on the mainland of Taytay, just northwest of Imbaludan Island in the village of Silanga. With white to golden sand, it is among the least-known beaches in Taytay and is perfect for secluded excursions away from the crowd.

Pawikan Escapade

• Nabat Island- Nabat Island boasts an enchanting dive site adorned with a vibrant reef wall and shallow fringing reefs where you’ll often encounter schools of fish and spot graceful sea turtles. This limestone outcrop majestically emerges from the depths, encompassed by deep waters that reach 50 meters on the island’s eastern side.
• Dinet Island- a popular snorkeling site and a marine reserve with an abundance of coral reefs
• Dadaliten Island – Dadaliten Island is a narrow and elongated island located west of Debangan Island. It has fringing reefs frequented by baby black-tip sharks. The island and its beaches are uninhabited, with the occasional gleaners visiting its shores.
• Debangan Island- Debangan Island boasts crystal-clear waters, teeming coral reefs, and expansive beaches of powder-white sand, home to a plentiful population of magnificent  Green sea turtles. This is also one of the best islands in Taytay Bay to watch the sunset.

Southeast Taytay Island Hopping- Bay Lagoon, Reef, and Island Escapade

Beton Island Group

The Beton Island group encompasses a collection of stunning destinations, including Calabadian Island, Dinamayan, Icaduangbanua, and the captivating twin islands of Pabellon. These idyllic islands boast crystal-clear waters, making them perfect for leisurely snorkeling amidst vibrant reef fish and pristine coral reefs. Exploring the islands by kayak is a popular choice, allowing you to discover the hidden beauty of Icaduangbanua Island’s lush mangrove forest, which serves as a sanctuary for a colony of magnificent giant flying foxes that gracefully perch on the branches of these mangroves.

Pabellon Grande and Pabellon Piqueňo 

The Pabellon Islands are a pair of limestone islands in Taytay Bay. Both Peete Grande (aka Elephant Island) and Pabellon Piquenio (aka Castle Island) provide picturesque white sand beaches, pristine coral reefs, caves, and lagoons. They are also gathering sites for premium edible-nest swiftlets by local “boceadores.” The surrounding reefs are perfect for scuba diving, snorkeling, and free diving.

Calabadian Island

Above the water, Calabadian Island offers breathtaking views of Taytay Bay’s limestone cliffs; below is a snorkeler’s paradise. The island’s eastern reefs are home to corals, sea turtles, and vibrant tropical fish. An added attraction is a shipwreck that dates back six decades ago and is visible while snorkeling.

Dinamayan Island

Part of the Beton Island mini-archipelago, Dinamayan Island boasts a white sand beach lined with coconut trees. The island’s white sandbar exudes a tropical holiday ambiance and provides a unique experience. The space provides a private island experience and the opportunity for overnight camping.

Itinerary Schedule

For inclusions and a detailed schedule, check out our guide here.

Tour Schedule:

8:00 AM: Meet-up at Taytay Seaport.

8:20-9:20 AM: Journey to Pabellon Grande Island.

9:20 AM: Crew prepares lunch on Pabellon Grande Island.

9:45 AM: Transfer to Castle Island for snorkeling and beach exploration.

11:15 AM: Head to Pabellon Grande Lagoon. Guests can swim in the Heart Lagoon while lunch is being prepared.

12:00-1:30 PM: Lunchtime.

1:45 PM: Move to Calabadian Island for a photo session and exploration.

2:00 PM: Proceed to Dinamayan Island.

2:30 PM: Relax on the white sands of Dinamayan Island.

3:15 PM: Enjoy afternoon snacks.

3:30 PM: Return journey to Taytay Port.

5:00 PM: Tour concludes.

Package Inclusions:

• Buffet-style lunch featuring seafood, meats, and seasonal fruits.
• Refreshing buko juice.
• Bottled water.
• Masks and snorkels.
• Towels.
• Expert tour guide.
• Morning and afternoon snacks.
• Conservation fee.
• Exclusive boat transportation.
• Bonus: Experience the luxury of seclusion as many of the islands on this tour are not frequently visited by tourists.

For more information onTaytay Island Hopping reach out to the Taytay tourism office.

Those looking for an out-the-beaten-path destination will enjoy the East Coast.