About the Port
Puerto Princesa serves as the capital of Palawan, a long, slender island province in the western Philippines prized for its clear waters and forested interior. The city itself is a low-key base with a laid-back waterfront and markets selling local produce and seafood, but its main draw lies beyond the port: the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where a navigable underground river winds through limestone caves before reaching the sea.
Travelers typically use the city as a launch point for excursions into Palawan's karst landscapes, mangrove estuaries, and offshore reefs. The national park sits a couple of hours from the pier by road and boat, making early departures worthwhile for those wanting ample time inside the cave system. Closer to town, botanical gardens and small museums offer a gentler introduction to the region's biodiversity and Indigenous heritage.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Puerto Princesa.
Underground River Boat Ride
Paddle through the limestone cave system of the Subterranean River, spotting stalactites and swiftlet colonies over roughly an hour. Arrange the required permit and boat slot well ahead, since a two-hour transfer each way eats into port time.
Honda Bay Island Hopping
Small bancas shuttle out to sandbars and reefs like Starfish Island and Luli Island for swimming and snorkeling in calm turquoise shallows. It's a lighter-effort alternative closer to the pier when the underground river's transfer time is too long.
Explore the Baywalk and Market
Wander the palm-lined waterfront promenade near the pier, then browse the public market for fresh seafood and tropical produce. A relaxed way to get a feel for local life without a lengthy excursion.
Cruise Lines That Call Here
Cruises That Visit Puerto Princesa
| Departs | Cruise Line | Ship | Itinerary | Nights | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 6, 2026 | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Jade | 17 | $4,158 | |
| Dec 9, 2026 | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Jade | 14 | $3,039 | |
| Dec 20, 2026 | Holland America | Westerdam | 42 | $6,904 | |
| Dec 21, 2026 | Oceania | Oceania Nautica | 15 | $6,549 | |
| Dec 21, 2026 | Oceania | Oceania Nautica | 27 | $9,799 | |
| Jan 3, 2027 | Silversea | Silver Muse | 14 | $9,900 | |
| Jan 3, 2027 | Holland America | Westerdam | 28 | $4,599 | |
| Jan 6, 2027 | Oceania | Oceania Vista | 180 | $87,099 | |
| Jan 6, 2027 | Oceania | Oceania Vista | 244 | $123,249 | |
| Jan 10, 2027 | Cunard | Queen Victoria | 110 | $17,209 | |
| Jan 10, 2027 | Cunard | Queen Victoria | 112 | $19,539 | |
| Jan 19, 2027 | Cunard | Queen Victoria | 101 | $18,259 | |
| Jan 31, 2027 | Silversea | Silver Muse | 14 | $9,680 | |
| Jan 31, 2027 | Oceania | Oceania Nautica | 11 | $3,960 | |
| Feb 5, 2027 | Cunard | Queen Victoria | 84 | $13,399 | |
| Feb 24, 2027 | Cunard | Queen Victoria | 65 | $12,989 | |
| Feb 24, 2027 | Cunard | Queen Victoria | 26 | $4,969 | |
| Feb 24, 2027 | Cunard | Queen Victoria | 19 | $4,279 | |
| Feb 24, 2027 | Cunard | Queen Victoria | 67 | $11,799 | |
| Feb 26, 2027 | Oceania | Oceania Vista | 58 | $30,749 |
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