Boarding a trusty Philippine bangka and tooling around from island to island is a quintessential Palawan experience. Known as the jeepneys of the sea, these are wooden or fiberglass boats with two bamboo outriggers. They come in various sizes and styles – from simple six-person affairs at the mercy of the elements to elaborate multideck party cruisers.

Bangkas tend to ply the set routes that constitute El Nido’s famous ‘alphabet’ tours (i.e., A, B, C, and D). A private bangka costs only marginally less than a speedboat, but generally has more passenger capacity. Group bangka tours (“joiner” tours) offer the opportunity to meet new friends and are the most economical way of experiencing Bacuit Bay.

All bangka tours include lunch and stops to kayak into lagoons, relax on white-sand beaches, and snorkel. Bearcat Travel provides towels and snorkeling gear for any private trips, but you should bring your own or rent these items for the joiner tours.