What are the Best Things to Do in San Vicente?
San Vicente is a municipality in the province of Palawan. It is in the northwest of the island. In addition to the beautiful beaches and gorgeous sunsets, the town also offers nearby tropical forests that are home to a variety of endemic flora and fauna, making it a perfect place to explore San Vicente.
The hidden gem with authentic Filipino hospitality offers a tranquil retreat away from the crowds. Whether for relaxation under swaying palm trees, exciting outdoor adventures or cultural exploration, San Vicente promises an unforgettable escape to paradise.
1. Island Hopping
One of the best activities you can do in San Vicente is definitely island hopping. There are lots of islands and snorkeling stops off the coast that are just waiting to be explored by you. We booked a tour directly through our accommodation and set off straight from San Vicente. However, there are also various tours that start from Port Barton.
You can book the tours directly on site. There is usually tourist information at the port.
With an Island Hopping tour you will can make the following stops:
Maxima Island is a good snorkeling spot for spotting turtles. When we stopped there, we saw several of them.
Exotic Island is located right next to Maxima Island. The two islands are connected by a small sandbank. It has a beautiful little beach where the tour guides will prepare an excellent lunch for you. In addition to fresh fish, meat and rice, there is also delicious fruit.
Tip: In most cases, snorkeling equipment is already included in the tour. If you prefer to bring your own snorkeling mask, this is the perfect opportunity to unpack it.
A further beautiful stop is Paradise Island, known for its idyllic location and inviting waters.
The Twin Reef is another good place for snorkeling. Here you can see lots of colorful corals and fish.
Starfish Sandbar is – as the name suggests – home to many starfish. Depending on the tide, there is a small island in the middle of the sandbar. Around it is a lot of very shallow water in which you can see many starfish.
Finally, you will make a stop in Port Barton. Here you can use the time to stroll along the promenade, enjoy the sun on the beach or drink a fresh coconut.
Afterwards, you take the boat back to San Vicente.
Tip: It’s best to book your tour a day in advance to ensure you can start early and get the most out of the day.
2. Relax on Long Beach
There are many stretches of beautiful beaches around San Vicente that invite you to linger. One of the most famous beaches in the area is Long Beach. With around 14 km of fine white sand, it is the longest beach in the Philippines.
Relaxing on Long beach is pure serenity in San Vicente: soft sand, gentle waves and a calming breeze create the perfect backdrop for unwinding.
The beach offers a natural escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, inviting you to let go of your worries and immerse yourself in the present moment. Whether with a good book or a relaxing walk on the beach. San Vicente definitely invites you to spend some time on one of the beautiful stretches of beach.
Another great beach to visit is Alimanguan Beach, known for its emerging surf spots and scenic views.
Tip: Make sure you are well moisturized and wear a hat. As everywhere in the Philippines, the sun’s rays are very intense in San Vicente.
3. Visit Bato ni Ningning
North of Santo Nino is Bato ni Ningning. From here you can see the beach and get immersed in the natural beauty of this coastal town. Apart from the views, Bato ni Ningning also offers adventure and exploration. The more adventurous can hike through the local flora and fauna. For those who want to take it easy, it’s a great spot for picnics, meditation or just enjoying the view.
We didn’t have time to visit the viewpoint but have heard good things about it.
Tip: Come in the late afternoon and watch the sunset.
4. Try local restaurants
Get a taste of San Vicente in the Philippines by trying the town’s small restaurants. These little hidden gems offer a taste of local culture and hospitality – from seaside fish stalls serving fresh catch to quaint restaurants serving Filipino dishes.
Trying local restaurants is a chance to get off the tourist trail and try home cooked meals that can’t be found anywhere else. It’s a chance to meet passionate chefs and warm hosts who are happy to share their food with visitors from near and far. From street food stalls serving snacks to family run bistros, local restaurants are a treasure trove of foodie delights.
5. Port Barton
Visiting Port Barton is like finding a hidden treasure on the Palawan coast. Away from the touristy areas, this little fishing village is peaceful and untouched. The small coastal town with its beachside walkway will make you want to stay.
The main attraction of Port Barton is its natural surroundings. Surrounded by white sand beaches and crystal clear waters full of marine life, the village is the jump off to a snorkeling, diving and island hopping paradise. Find secluded bays, vibrant coral reefs and hidden lagoons and get immersed in the underwater world of Palawan.
At night, Port Barton is alive with the smell of fresh seafood grilling on the barbecue and live music.
Day or night, you will love Port Barton. Depending on where you stay, the best way to get to Port Barton is by ferry or scooter.
6. Watch the beautiful sunsets
Like many places in the Philippines, San Vicente has beautiful sunsets too. Definitely take time every evening to watch the sunset.
How to get to San Vicente?
By Air: San Vicente has its own airport which is 20 minutes away from the town proper. Perfect for those who will be visiting San Vicente. Sunlight Air is the airline that serves the airport and has direct flights from Manila. However, flights are very limited and only with short notice and can only be booked in advance.
Better to travel from Puerto Princesa. You can fly from Philippine airports like Manila or Cebu to the capital of Palawan. You can choose from airlines like Air Aisa, Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific. After landing, many local van and cab drivers will be waiting outside the airport exit to take you from Puerto Princesa to San Vicente. You will arrive at your accommodation in 3-4 hours.
By Land: If you are coming from El Nido to San Vicente or from other cities in Palawan, you can also take a van or cab, same as the trip from Puerto Princesa. This is the preferred mode of transportation on the island for long distances with luggage. You will usually find departure points in the city center where you can also ask about schedules and fares. Best to ask about schedules at least a day in advance as there are only 1-2 vans or buses per day. You can also take public transportation from Puerto Princesa to San Vicente.
By Sea: If you are coming from Port Barton to San Vicente, you can also take a ferry. Ask about transfer options at the port. The ferry might have been cancelled already but you can always take a private boat if needed.
When in San Vicente, note that the area is still undeveloped, very few commercial buildings and a few resorts and restaurants.
Where to stay?
San Vicente offers a wide range of beautiful accommodation. We opted for the Marina 4Rooms in San Vicente. The town is relatively small, but has a good selection of apartments. For a budget-friendly option with beachfront access, consider staying at Victoria Beach House, which offers picturesque sunset views and a relaxing atmosphere. As San Vicente is very quiet, you can also stay in Port Barton for a bit more hustle and bustle. There is a larger promenade here and it is generally busier.
How many days should you stay in San Vicente?
You should plan about 2-3 days in San Vicente. It is a beautiful place to explore and linger, but you will have seen most of it in just a short time. So if you have other stops on your trip to the Philippines, this duration will be enough. It is an ideal stop if you are traveling from Puerto Princesa to El Nido. You can make a good stopover on the rather long journey before continuing from San Vicente to El Nido.
Sample Itinerary
Here’s a 4 day sample itinerary for San Vicente:
Day 1: Arrival and Long Beach
- Arrive San Vicente Airport
- Check in
- Spend the day at Long Beach, the longest white sand beach in the Philippines
Day 2: Island Hopping and Port Barton
- Island Hopping tour to German Island and Exotic Island
- Port Barton, a fishing village with a beautiful beach
Day 3: Snorkeling and Swimming
- Snorkeling trip to the coral reefs and marine life
- Swimming and beach time
Day 4: Departure
- Check out
- Depart San Vicente Airport and back home
This is the ultimate combo of adventure and chill!
Best time to visit
The best months to travel to San Vicente are December to April. This is the dry season on Palawan and you will catch the months with the most days of sunshine.
However, due to its location in the west of Palawan, San Vicente is also less affected by typhoons in the other months, as these mainly occur in the eastern part of the country.
Cash & ATMs
There are a few ATMs in San Vicente. As everywhere in the Philippines, there is a risk of ATMs running out of cash, especially during the high season. It is therefore best to make sure that you always have enough cash and don’t only visit an ATM when you are really out of money.
Most transactions here are also primarily carried out in cash. Occasionally you can also pay by card, but this is rarely the case.
Health & Safety
San Vicente, like most rural areas in the Philippines, has limited medical facilities. Bring a basic first aid kit and your meds.
We thought San Vicente was a safe place. Use your head and be cautious especially in crowded areas and tourist spots. Be mindful of your belongings, don’t show off your valuables and be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas.
Also practice good hygiene and be cautious when eating and drinking to prevent stomach illnesses. Stick to bottled or purified water and opt for hot meals from reputable restaurants. Avoid raw or undercooked food and wash your hands frequently especially before eating.
As mentioned earlier, the tropical climate in San Vicente means intense sunlight which can cause sunburn and heatstroke. Wear sunscreen with high SPF, protective clothing and sunglasses to protect yourself from the UV rays. Drink plenty of fluids especially during outdoor activities.
San Vicente, like other coastal areas in the Philippines, is prone to natural disasters like typhoons and earthquakes. Stay informed of weather forecasts and follow advisories or evacuation orders from local authorities.
Internet & Electricity
Internet: Internet in San Vicente is good. Most accommodations and restaurants have wifi. If you want to be wifi independent, you can get a local SIM for your stay in the Philippines.
Electricity: Palawan’s power grid is generally reliable. Of course there can be power outages. But these are usually only for a few hours or covered by a generator.
