Palawan Small Group Boat Tours & Marine Wildlife Experiences
Whale Shark Swimming & Dolphin Watching in Puerto Princesa · Port Barton Island Hopping
Our Palawan Small Group Tours
Port Barton Island Hopping
(Small Group & Counter-Clockwise Route)
Experience Port Barton island hopping the peaceful way. Our small-group tour follows a unique counter-clockwise route to avoid congestion, using a spacious traditional bangka limited to just 18 guests. Enjoy crystal-clear snorkeling, quiet beaches, and a premium all-inclusive lunch — with no hidden fees.
- Counter-clockwise itinerary to avoid crowded stops
- Large licensed bangka limited to 18 guests
- Snorkeling, secluded sandbars & turtle areas
- All fees, eco-taxes & lunch included
👉 View Port Barton Island Hopping Tour
Whale Shark Swimming in Puerto Princesa (100% Ethical & Wild)
Swim with whale sharks in Puerto Princesa in their natural open-ocean environment. Unlike feeding-based encounters elsewhere, our tours involve no baiting, no manipulation, and small groups of just 12 guests maximum. This is a quiet, ethical, and unforgettable meeting with the ocean’s gentle giants.
- No feeding, no baiting — fully wild encounters
- Small groups limited to 12 guests
- Precision speedboat for animal safety
- Low-noise engines & eco-conscious technology
👉 Explore Whale Shark Swimming in Puerto Princesa
Dolphin Watching in Puerto Princesa (Small Group & Respectful)
Witness dolphins up close in Puerto Princesa with a quiet, respectful approach that puts animal welfare first. Our low-profile speedboat offers unobstructed 360° views, allowing pods to approach naturally — often just meters from the boat.
- Low-noise engines for longer interactions
- Fast pod-locating speedboat
- Arm’s-length viewing without disturbance
- Clear 360° visibility from the deck
👉 Discover Dolphin Watching Tours
Why Choose Tour Z in Palawan
Small Groups, Never Crowded
We intentionally limit the number of guests on every tour to preserve comfort, safety, and authentic wildlife encounters. Smaller groups mean more space on the boat, quieter moments in the water, and a far more personal experience overall.
Ethical Wildlife Encounters
Our marine wildlife tours are designed around respect for animals and their natural behavior. We never feed, bait, or manipulate wildlife, and we operate in a way that minimizes stress on marine ecosystems and protected areas.
Modern Boats Built for Safety & Precision
We use carefully selected boats that allow for precise maneuvering, low noise levels, and unobstructed visibility. This is essential for safe whale shark swimming, respectful dolphin watching, and relaxed island hopping experiences.
Local Guides & Truly All-Inclusive Tours
Our tours are led by experienced local guides who know Palawan’s waters intimately. Pricing is transparent and all-inclusive, with no surprise fees at the pier — just well-planned experiences from start to finish.
Where Our Tours Operate
Port Barton, Palawan
Port Barton is a quiet coastal village in northern Palawan, known for its relaxed atmosphere, calm waters, and pristine marine life. This is where we operate our small group island hopping tours, visiting secluded beaches, snorkeling reefs, and protected marine areas away from mass tourism.
Puerto Princesa, Palawan
Puerto Princesa is the gateway city to Palawan and a prime location for marine wildlife encounters. From here, we operate ethical whale shark swimming and dolphin watching tours in open water, focusing on small groups, respectful approaches, and natural animal behavior.
👉 Whale Shark in Puerto Princesa vs Oslob
👉 Dolphin Watching in Puerto Princesa
FAQs About Our Palawan Tours
Are your tours suitable for beginners?
Yes. Our tours are designed for travelers of all experience levels. Snorkeling is optional, safety briefings are provided, and our guides are always available to assist in the water and on the boat.
What is included in your Palawan tours?
All of our tours are all-inclusive. This typically includes boat transportation, local guide services, snorkeling equipment when applicable, entrance fees, eco-taxes, and meals.
Do you feed whale sharks or dolphins?
No. We do not feed, bait, or manipulate marine wildlife in any way. All whale shark and dolphin encounters take place in open water and follow ethical, wildlife-first practices.
How many people join each tour?
Group sizes vary by tour but are always intentionally limited. Port Barton island hopping tours are capped at 18 guests on a large Bangka, while whale shark and dolphin tours are limited to smaller groups of 12 for safety and comfort.
What is the best time of year to join your tours?
Our tours operate year-round, but conditions vary by activity. Dolphin watching and Port Barton island hopping are available throughout the year, while whale shark swimming in Puerto Princesa is seasonal and typically takes place from around April to October, depending on sea conditions and wildlife presence.
Where do your tours start from?
Tour starting points depend on the activity. Port Barton island hopping tours depart directly from Port Barton beach, while whale shark swimming and dolphin watching tours operate from Puerto Princesa and we usually depart from Bay Walk.
Do I need prior snorkeling or swimming experience?
No prior snorkeling or swimming experience is required. Life vests are provided when needed, snorkeling is optional, and our guides are always available to assist both in the water and on the boat.
Are your tours suitable for children?
Yes, many of our tours are suitable for families with children, depending on weather and sea conditions. For whale shark tours in puerto princesa, minimum age (8 years old) and safety requirements may apply, and our team is happy to advise before booking.
What should I bring on the tour?
We recommend bringing swimwear, sunscreen (ocean friendly), a towel, a reusable water bottle, and a dry bag if you have one. Snorkeling equipment and other essentials are provided depending on the tour but feel free to bring yours.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Safety always comes first. If sea or weather conditions are not suitable, tours may be rescheduled or adjusted. Our team will always communicate clearly and offer the best possible alternative when needed.
Still have a question?
What Our Guests Say
The Port Barton island hopping tour was exactly what we hoped for. Plenty of space on the boat, quiet snorkeling spots, and no rushing from place to place. The counter-clockwise route really made a difference, and the lunch was one of the best meals we had in Palawan.
Anna, Germany
We chose Tour Z specifically because there was no feeding involved, and we’re so glad we did. The encounter felt natural and respectful, with only a small group in the water. Seeing a whale shark swim freely in the open ocean was unforgettable.
James, United Kingdom
The dolphin watching tour exceeded our expectations. The boat was quiet and low to the water, and dolphins came incredibly close without being chased. We had clear views the entire time and never felt rushed or crowded.
Sophie, France
Tour Z stood out for how well everything was organized and explained. Small groups, transparent pricing, and guides who clearly care about the ocean. We joined more than one tour and felt safe and well looked after throughout.
Mark & Elena, Canada