Star Beach Matinloc
A secluded gem in El Nido, offering unparalleled snorkeling in crystal-clear waters amidst dramatic limestone karsts.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for clear water & marine life
Star Beach Matinloc
Best Time
Best for clear water & marine life
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A secluded gem in El Nido, offering unparalleled snorkeling in crystal-clear waters amidst dramatic limestone karsts.
"One of the best snorkeling spots. Crystal clear water and stunning panoramic view of limestones."
Tour C is Key
Most visitors access Star Beach via El Nido's Tour C. Book in advance!
Snorkel Gear Ready
Bring your own or rent gear for incredible underwater views. Turtles spotted!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Starfish Sightings
Shallow waters near the beach
Keep an eye out for colorful starfish in the shallow, clear waters. A magical sight for nature lovers!
Crystal Clear Snorkeling
Designated snorkeling areas
Immerse yourself in vibrant underwater worlds with abundant fish and marine life. A top snorkeling spot!
Panoramic Limestone Views
From the water
Marvel at the dramatic limestone cliffs surrounding the beach, creating a breathtaking natural panorama.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing Star Beach
Best Time for Snorkeling
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Tour C is Key
Most visitors access Star Beach via El Nido's Tour C. Book in advance!
Snorkel Gear Ready
Bring your own or rent gear for incredible underwater views. Turtles spotted!
Private Beach Access
The beach itself is private, but snorkeling nearby is permitted.
Capture the Views
The limestone formations and clear waters offer stunning photo opportunities.
Tips
from all over the internet
Tour C is Key
Most visitors access Star Beach via El Nido's Tour C. Book in advance!
Snorkel Gear Ready
Bring your own or rent gear for incredible underwater views. Turtles spotted!
Private Beach Access
The beach itself is private, but snorkeling nearby is permitted.
Capture the Views
The limestone formations and clear waters offer stunning photo opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Star Beach is highly praised for its exceptional snorkeling, with crystal-clear waters teeming with diverse marine life, including frequent turtle sightings. While the beach itself is private, the surrounding areas offer a breathtaking underwater experience and stunning panoramic views of limestone cliffs. Some visitors note the limitation of not being able to access the beach directly.
"One of the best snorkeling spots. Crystal clear water and stunning panoramic view of limestones.
You won’t be able to go to the beach because it’s a private property."
Jeremiah Adora
"What a stunning place. My boat tour stopped just next to Star beach to snorkel. It was amazing. A great number of fish and sea life. We also saw turtles. Best spot so far to snorkeling 🥰"
Micheli Mitsue Imada Minatelli
"This is a private beach but you can go snorkeling there as part of Tour C package. Still beautiful as compared to the nearby beaches ❤️😍"
Ron Serrano
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Star Beach is primarily accessible via El Nido's island-hopping tours, particularly Tour C. These tours depart from El Nido town and include stops at various islands and snorkeling spots. It's recommended to book your tour in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure availability.
Independent visits to Star Beach are generally not possible as it is a private property. Access is typically granted through organized boat tours that include snorkeling or swimming in the vicinity.
The most popular and recommended way to experience Star Beach is by joining an island-hopping tour that includes it as a snorkeling or swimming stop. This allows you to enjoy the surrounding waters and views.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You don't typically buy a separate ticket for Star Beach itself, as it's private property. Your entry is usually covered by the cost of the island-hopping tour you book, which includes access to snorkel or swim in the areas around the beach.
Yes, island-hopping tours in El Nido have associated costs that cover boat rental, guide fees, and sometimes lunch. Environmental fees are also usually collected separately for visiting protected areas in El Nido.
Island-hopping tours typically operate during daylight hours, usually starting in the morning and returning in the late afternoon. Specific timings can vary by tour operator.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
While the beach itself is private, the main activities are snorkeling and swimming in the crystal-clear waters surrounding it. You can also enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the limestone karsts.
Absolutely! Star Beach is highly praised for its excellent snorkeling opportunities. Visitors often report seeing a great number of fish, diverse sea life, and even turtles.
Expect to see a vibrant array of marine life, including various species of fish and potentially sea turtles. The clear waters make for fantastic underwater visibility.
Access to walk directly on the beach is restricted as it is private property. However, tours often stop nearby for snorkeling and swimming, allowing you to appreciate its beauty from the water.
The water at Star Beach is described as crystal clear, making it perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The calm conditions further enhance the experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo opportunities are from the boat, capturing the dramatic limestone cliffs meeting the clear turquoise water. Snorkeling shots underwater can also be spectacular.
While Star Beach itself might not be the primary sunset viewing spot due to its location and private access, the surrounding islands and waters offer beautiful light during sunset hours. Nearby beaches like Vanilla Beach are recommended for sunset. +1
A waterproof camera or action camera is ideal for capturing underwater snorkeling shots. For landscape photos, a wide-angle lens can help capture the dramatic limestone formations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a family-friendly tour that might offer slightly more relaxed timings or include lunch. Ensure your children have appropriate life vests for the boat ride and snorkeling. The excitement of spotting starfish and colorful fish can be a highlight for kids, creating lasting memories of their Palawan adventure.
🐠 Snorkel Enthusiasts
To maximize your snorkeling experience, consider joining a tour that dedicates ample time to this activity. Bringing your own high-quality snorkel gear can enhance comfort and performance. Look for tours that go slightly further from the main boat drop-off points, as these areas might offer even more pristine coral and marine life.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding El Nido Tour C
When embarking on Tour C, expect a full day of adventure. The boat rides between locations are part of the experience, with opportunities to witness the unique geology of the Bacuit Bay. While Star Beach itself is private, the tour allows for excellent snorkeling and swimming in its vicinity, showcasing the rich marine biodiversity of the area.
It's advisable to book your Tour C in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure you get a spot on your desired date. Many tour operators offer similar itineraries, so comparing prices and inclusions is a good idea. Remember to pack essentials like sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, and a waterproof bag for your belongings.
Snorkeling Paradise: What to Expect
Many visitors have reported sightings of sea turtles in the waters near Star Beach, adding an extra layer of excitement to the snorkeling adventure. The abundance and diversity of marine life make it a truly memorable experience. Even if you're not an experienced snorkeler, the calm and shallow areas make it accessible and enjoyable for most.
While the beach itself is private, the designated snorkeling areas are well-chosen to showcase the underwater beauty. Bringing your own snorkel gear can ensure a comfortable fit, but rental options are usually available through tour operators. Remember to practice responsible snorkeling by not touching the coral or marine life to help preserve this delicate environment.
Social
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