Puerto Princesa, Philippines Cruise Port Guide
Welcome to Puerto Princesa, the eco-tourism capital of the Philippines and gateway to some of Southeast Asia's most spectacular natural wonders.
Frequent visitors like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Celebrity Cruises bring travelers to this lush tropical paradise famed for its rich biodiversity and pristine coastlines.
Whether exploring underground caves or relaxing on white-sand shores, cruise passengers are treated to unforgettable island hospitality and scenic landscapes.
In This Guide
- Key Puerto Princesa Port Information
- • Top Attractions & Excursions
- • Nearby Cities & Attractions
- • Port Location
- • Local Currency
- • Safety Considerations
- • Weather & Climate
- • Getting Around
- • Shopping
- Shore Excursions & Tours
- Visiting Puerto Princesa Cruise Deals
- Upcoming Cruises to Puerto Princesa Cruise Deals
- Ships in Port Schedule
- Other Cruise Ports in Philippines
- Monthly Pricing
Key Puerto Princesa Port Information
Top Attractions & Excursions
The undisputed crown jewel of the region is the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, located about a 90-minute drive from the port, where visitors take guided paddleboat rides through magnificent underground limestone caves.
Adjacent to the park entrance lies Sabang Beach, an ideal spot for seaside dining and relaxation before returning to the ship.
For those preferring a shorter travel distance, island hopping in Honda Bay allows guests to visit pristine islets like Cowrie Island and Starfish Island, located just 45 minutes from the pier.
History enthusiasts can also visit Plaza Cuartel and the adjacent Immaculate Conception Cathedral, situated right within the city center.
Last updated on October 30, 2026
Nearby Cities & Attractions
Located roughly 45 minutes north of the pier, Honda Bay offers incredible snorkeling and beach-hopping opportunities across several idyllic islands.
The coastal village of Sabang, situated approximately 80 kilometers away, serves as the primary base for exploring both Sabang Beach and the subterranean river system.
En route to the northern coast, adventure seekers often stop at Ugong Rock, a massive karst mountain offering caving and ziplining experiences about 75 minutes from the port.
Last updated on October 30, 2026
Port Location
Cruise ships dock directly at the main pier along Puerto Princesa Bay, located adjacent to the downtown district.
Because the pier is situated just a short 5 to 10-minute ride from central shops and historic landmarks, reaching the heart of town is quick and straightforward.
While basic tourist services and information desks are available right at the pier, most dining, shopping, and tour departures meet just outside the port gates.
Last updated on October 30, 2026
Local Currency
The official currency used is the Philippine Peso (PHP).
US dollars are occasionally accepted by major tour operators, but local vendors, market stalls, and tricycle drivers require local currency.
ATMs and currency exchange counters are readily available in central shopping centers such as Robinsons Place Palawan.
Credit cards are accepted at larger establishments, though carrying cash is essential for smaller purchases and local transportation.
Last updated on October 30, 2026
Safety Considerations
Puerto Princesa is widely considered one of the safest urban destinations for international tourists in the Philippines.
Standard travel precautions apply, such as keeping personal belongings secure in crowded markets and utilizing licensed tour operators.
Independent exploration within the city center is safe and straightforward, though booking organized excursions is recommended for distant attractions like the subterranean river to guarantee a timely return before ship departure.
Last updated on October 30, 2026
Weather & Climate
Puerto Princesa experiences a warm tropical climate year-round, with typical temperatures ranging from 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F).
The dry season usually runs from November through May, coinciding with the main cruise season and offering sunny skies with calmer sea conditions.
Passengers should pack lightweight, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, swimwear, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a dry bag for water-based excursions.
Last updated on October 30, 2026
Getting Around
Motorized tricycles are the most common mode of short-distance transport around town, offering an accessible way to travel between the pier and city sights.
Jeepneys and air-conditioned vans operate along main routes, while organized tour vans are the primary method for reaching distant attractions.
Visitors can easily arrange a local tricycle city tour directly outside the port gate or pre-book private transport for day trips.
Last updated on October 30, 2026
Shopping
Popular local souvenirs include roasted cashew nuts, South Sea pearls, hand-woven textiles, and handcrafted wooden items.
Top shopping stops include Baker's Hill, famous for its local pastries and hopia, as well as the bustling Puerto Princesa Old Market for traditional crafts.
For modern retail, passengers can visit Robinsons Place Palawan or NCCC Mall, where fixed prices apply, though friendly bargaining is expected at market stalls.
Last updated on October 30, 2026
Shore Excursions & Tours
Private Underground River Tour In Puerto Princesa
This whole-day tour travels from Puerto Princesa to Sabang to visit the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. En route, guests stop at other natural attractions like Elephant Mountain, a filming location for Amazing Race Asia.
Private Underground River Tour
This private tour to the Underground River, the world's longest navigable underground river and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, includes private AC transportation and motorized boat transfers. Guests will explore limestone formations that have developed over thousands of years.
Puerto Princesa: UNESCO Underground River Day Tour
Visit one of the world's longest navigable underground rivers with a guide to learn about Puerto Princesa's unique flora and fauna. The tour includes hotel pickup within 15 kilometers of the airport, with the exact time provided before 7 PM the night before.
Puerto Princesa half day City tour a sightseeing excursion
These small-group tours offer unique, off-the-beaten-path city itineraries and historical insights into hidden gems not covered by mainstream operators. The expert-led experience ensures a comfortable, engaging connection with the guide and fellow travelers.
Puerto Princesa Underground River Day Tour a UNESCO heritage site
Celebrated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site inscribed on December 4, 1999, the Puerto Princesa City Subterranean River National Park is one of the World's 7 Wonders of Nature. This primary tour destination features the world's longest navigable underground river.
Private Puerto Princesa Palawan Underground River
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site inscribed in 1999 and one of the 7 Wonders of Nature. As the world's longest navigable underground river, it features spectacular stalactite and stalagmite rock formations.
Half-day Puerto Princesa City Tour
Visit eight local spots including Plaza Cuartel, Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Baywalk, Crocodile Farm, Rancho Sta. Monica, Baker's Hill, Pasalubong Center, and Binuatan Creations Weaving Center. Enjoy local hopia pastries while discovering the places and lifestyle that make living in this city a blessing.
Puerto Princesa Jungle River Firefly Watching
Experience a night viewing hundreds of fireflies in their natural habitat with hotel pickup and drop-off included for guests within 5 kilometers of the Puerto Princesa City airport. A delicious dinner at an off-site restaurant is also part of the tour.
Private Puerto Princesa Underground River, Ugong Cave & zipline
This visit to the Puerto Princesa City Subterranean River National Park explores a UNESCO World Heritage Site, RAMSAR site, and one of the 7 Wonders of Nature. It features the world's longest navigable underground river with spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations.
Shore excursion: Puerto Princesa Island Hopping Tour
Explore Honda Bay's white sand beaches for swimming and snorkeling on a boat tour located 45 minutes north of the city with no hidden or wharf-collected fees. Shared tours are provided via shared vans for trips to these islands on the mid-eastern coast.
Puerto Princesa City Underground River Palawan UNESCO
Part of a sustainable tourism program, this tour visits the St. Paul Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage, RAMSAR site, and one of the 7 Wonders of Nature. Enjoy a paddleboat ride through the underground river located in the St. Paul mountain range on the west coast.
Private Puerto Princesa Luli, starfish, cowrie island excursion
This 100% private tour for your group avoids the stress, delays, and uncomfortable moments of shared tours by eliminating multiple hotel pickups. Focus entirely on relaxing and enjoying the beach with an experience that involves no strangers, no waiting, and no compromises.
Puerto Princesa Underground river tour shore excursion UNESCO
Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 and recognized as a RAMSAR site, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River is one of the 7 Wonders of Nature and the world's longest navigable underground river. The tour highlights spectacular rock stalactite and stalagmite formations.
Puerto Princesa Underground River Day Tour
Explore the Puerto Princesa Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, by navigating its limestone cave system. This tour offers the chance to see unique wildlife, caverns, and rock formations while gliding along one of the world's longest underground rivers.
Visiting Puerto Princesa Cruise Deals
Upcoming Cruises to Puerto Princesa Cruise Deals
Ships in Port Schedule
Showing 1 ship in the area
No ships scheduled in port today.
Monthly Pricing - Cruises visiting Puerto Princesa
On average cruises that visit Puerto Princesa are rather expensive compared to other itineraries. Cruises visiting Puerto Princesa during the the peak season of fall are significantly more expensive than the the low season of winter. Take a look at the chart below for the average cost per day by month.
