100 Island Pangasinan Tour Review (2025): What to Know

You know, when you first hear about a place called ‘Hundred Islands’, your mind kind of goes wild with expectations. As a matter of fact, I pictured a huge collection of tiny green spots scattered across the blue water. Well, seeing it for real in Pangasinan is, frankly, something else entirely. It’s actually a national park with 124 islands at low tide and 123 at high tide, so, they aren’t kidding about the number. My recent visit was just filled with sun, salt, and, honestly, a lot of boat rides. So, this is pretty much my take on the 2025 tour, sharing some stuff I figured out along the way that you might find helpful for your own trip. At the end of the day, planning a little can make a huge difference.

First Steps: Getting to Alaminos and Kicking Off Your Island Adventure

Basically, your whole island-hopping experience starts in Alaminos City, specifically at the Lucap Wharf. It’s really the main hub where all the action is. To be honest, you’ll find the tourism office right there, and that is where you sort out your boat rental and all the required fees. We found that the prices for boats are standardized, which is pretty good because it removes any haggling. Anyway, these boats can typically fit a small group, so you might want to team up with others if you’re traveling solo to split the cost. The boat is literally yours for the day, so you can pretty much choose your own path around the islands, which is a really nice bit of freedom.

Now, let’s talk about what to bring, you know, to make your day smooth. Seriously, don’t forget your sun protection; the sun out on the water is just incredibly strong. You will also definitely want a waterproof bag to keep your phone and wallet safe from splashes. In fact, bringing your own snacks and drinks is a very good idea, as things can be a little pricey on the main islands. And so on, if you have your own snorkel gear, you should totally bring it. Well, you can rent some there, but having your own is just sort of more comfortable and cleaner, right? Okay, so that’s basically the pre-trip stuff you’ll want to think about.

The Famous Three: Governor’s, Quezon, and Pilgrimage Islands

Alright, so with over a hundred islands, you clearly aren’t going to see them all in one day. Most tours, as a matter of fact, focus on a few key spots. Governor’s Island is arguably the star of the show for a lot of people. It’s a bit of a climb up some stairs, but honestly, the view from the top is what you came for. You can literally see a huge spread of the islands from up there, like little green mushrooms floating in the sea. This is also where you’ll find a zipline that connects to another island, which looks, you know, kind of thrilling if you’re into that sort of thing.

Next, you will almost certainly stop at Quezon Island. Basically, this one is like the activity center of the park. It’s a bit more developed and sometimes a little crowded, to be honest. This is where you can find spots for grilling, picnic tables, and more accessible swimming areas. There’s also some fun stuff like wall climbing and a floating bridge, so it’s a pretty good stop if you’re with family or friends who want more than just swimming. We found the snorkeling here to be just okay, but it’s a great spot to have lunch and just kind of relax for a bit before heading to the next island.

A Different Vibe at Pilgrimage Island

In other words, for a change of pace, you might want to visit Pilgrimage Island. It’s really different from the others because of the giant statue of Jesus on top of the hill. It’s kind of a spiritual spot, and you’ll see people walking up the path for reflection. Obviously, even if you’re not religious, the walk up is very calming and the views are, frankly, just as stunning as from Governor’s Island, but from a different angle. It tends to be a bit quieter here, so it’s a nice place to escape the more active crowds you find at Quezon. We thought it added a nice, more or less, peaceful moment to our day trip.

More Than Just Swimming: Fun Activities To Try

Obviously, the main draw here is the water, right? You can spend the entire day just jumping off the boat and swimming in the clear, salty sea. We found some really great snorkeling spots near the smaller, less-visited islands. For example, just ask your boatman to take you somewhere a little more secluded, and he usually knows a good place. The coral gardens near Marcos Island were actually pretty impressive. It’s pretty much just you and the fish in some of those spots, which is a really amazing feeling.

For those looking for a little more adventure, there are some extra things you can do. Kayaking is a really cool way to explore the little coves and shorelines up close, unlike being on the bigger tour boat. You can just sort of paddle at your own pace. And, as I was saying, there’s that zipline at Governor’s Island. It’s a fairly quick ride, but flying over the water from one island to another is, you know, an experience you’ll probably talk about later. In that case, remember that these activities usually have separate fees, so it’s a good idea to bring some extra cash with you.

I mean, the best plan is sometimes no plan at all. Just tell your boat driver you want to find a quiet spot to swim, and honestly, they usually deliver the most amazing experiences away from everyone else.

Some Real Talk: Tips for Your 2025 Visit

Okay, so let’s get into some tips that might actually help. First, if you can, try to go on a weekday. The park gets really, really busy on weekends and holidays, and honestly, it can affect the vibe. A quieter park means you get more space and better photos, and stuff. We went on a Tuesday and it was absolutely perfect. Also, a little planning on which islands you want to see can be a big help. You might want to tell your boatman your must-visit spots first, so you don’t run out of time at the end of the day.

Another thing is the food situation. While you can buy food on Quezon Island, a more popular and, frankly, better option is to buy fresh seafood and meat at the market near Lucap Wharf before you leave. For a small fee, you can have your boatman or a local on the island grill it for you. There is seriously nothing like eating freshly grilled fish on a beach. Finally, just be a responsible visitor. The rule is CLAYGO—Clean As You Go. Basically, take all your trash with you to help keep this beautiful place clean for years to come. At the end of the day, it’s everyone’s job to look after it.

Read our full review: [100 Island Pangasinan Tour Full Review and Details]
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