Zambales Boat Tours – Beach Hopping Philippines 2025
Zambales Beach Hopping is an amazing getaway from Manila, located just a 3-hour ride away.
The boat tours starting from Pundaquit in Zambales take you to a hidden paradise of beaches and islands, featuring turquoise water, white sand, and lush vegetation, typically visited only by local tourists. This place is completely off the beaten path for international travelers and promises a unique and unforgettable experience.
This guide provides everything you need to know, from how to get there to where to stay, along with details about the boat tours in Zambales.
Where is Zambales Located?
Zambales is a province in the Philippines located on the western coast of Luzon Island, west of Manila. Pundaquit, a coastal village near San Antonio, serves as the starting point for the boat tours described in this blog.
Top 3 Hotels in Zambales
- Budget ($): Balai Subik Hotel
- Mid-range ($$): Charm’s Place
- Luxury ($$$): Moonbay Marina the Villas
Pundaquit in Zambales on the Map
Best Time to Visit Zambales
The best time to visit Zambales is during the dry season, from November to April. This period offers sunny weather with minimal rainfall, making it ideal for water activities and boat trips.
However, it’s worth noting that Zambales can still be visited during the wet season (May to October), but expect occasional rain showers and higher humidity during this time.
If you avoid weekends and public holidays when local tourists visit, you can enjoy the beaches and islands on the boat tour all to yourself.
How to Get to Pundaquit in Zambales
Pundaquit in Zambales is easily accessible by car or motorbike if you’re driving your own vehicle.
If you’re traveling by public transportation like us, we recommend starting from Manila, where you can take a Victory Liner bus to Olongapo. Victory Liner is a bus company we highly recommend after multiple trips around Luzon with them. You can easily book this 2-3 hour journey on 12go.com.
From the Olongapo Bus Station, you can take a local bus to San Antonio, which takes less than 2 hours. From San Antonio, take a 10-minute tricycle ride for 70 pesos per person to Pundaquit Beach, where the Zambales boat tours start.
Boat Tours in Zambales from Pundaquit
Popular beach destinations in Zambales near Pundaquit include Capones Island, Camara Island, Anawangin Cove, Talisayen Cove and Nagsasa Beach. We enjoyed island and beach hopping, as each destination offered a unique experience. Activities include swimming, snorkeling, hiking to viewpoints and beach picnics.
Prices are per boat, as the tours are private and flexible. You can customize your tour by selecting between half-day and full-day options and choosing different destinations and activities. The cost per person depends on the number of people in the group, the duration and the chosen destinations.
A half-day tour to either Anawangin Cove, Capones and Camara OR Anawangin Cove, Talisayen Cove, and Nagsasa Beach costs 2,000 PHP. For visits to more than three destinations or for longer durations than half a day, costs start at 3,000 PHP.
Our favorite part of the tour was hiking to the Anawangin Viewpoint, which offered a breathtaking view of the bay. We highly recommend not missing this.
Additionally, we were glad to have planned ahead and brought takeaway food from an eatery located near the beach. We had a delicious picnic with an unbeatable view.
Where to Stay in Zambales
There are not many accommodation options in this area. We recommend checking hotels in San Antonio, Pundaquit and Olongapo. We chose to stay in Olongapo for more food options. However, from Olongapo, you’ll need to take a bus in the morning, as early as possible, with a 2-hour journey ahead of you.
Best Hotels in Manila
- Budget ($): New Manila Suites
- Mid-range ($$): The Belamy House
- Luxury ($$$): Makati Diamond Residences
Best Hotels in Olongapo
- Budget ($): Balai Subik Hotel
- Mid-range ($$): Charm’s Place
- Luxury ($$$): Moonbay Marina the Villas
Best Hotels in San Antonio & Pundaquit
- Mid-range ($$): Monty’s Riverside View Resort
- Mid-range ($$): Playa Alba Beach Front
What to Bring on Boat Tours in Zambales
We recommend bringing food for a picnic and enough drinks, especially water. Also, don’t forget to pack sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. If you plan to snorkel, consider bringing your own snorkeling gear. On days like this, we love keeping all our valuables and electronic devices in a waterproof bag.
Where to Go After Zambales
After a boat tour in Zambales, we recommend booking a tour to visit the stunning Mount Pinatubo volcano, either from Manila or Angeles City. Make sure to book in advance, as the tours sell out quickly.
Conclusion
Pundaquit is renowned for its captivating boat tours to the pristine beaches and stunning islands of Zambales. This hidden gem is popular among locals on weekends but remains completely empty during weekdays.
What do you think of these breathtaking coastal panoramas with crystal-clear waters? Let us know your questions and experiences in the comments or DM us on Instagram.
