el nido tour b

El Nido Tour B In Palawan: Pinagbuyutan Island & Entalula Beach

El Nido’s famous for having some of the finest island scenery in the Philippines, and the best way to see it is on a shared boat tour.

The island hopping tours in El Nido are split into 4 different areas of coverage: A , B, C , and D . In my opinion, there is no ‘best’ tour, because they’re all amazing!

This page covers El Nido Tour B and what you can expect to see there: Snake Island, Pinagbuyutan Island, Entalula Island, Cudugnon Cave, and Cathedral Cave.

El Nido Tour B – What To Expect

El Nido Tour B includes 5 scenic island stops, and you can expect to spend about 45-60 minutes at each major stop (with the exception of the Cathedral Cave).

It’s worth noting that your tour guide will probably tell you 30-45 minutes at each stop, but it usually ends up being closer to an hour at each stop because of stragglers (and that’s okay!).

The full tour runs from 9 AM to 4 PM (or later) since you also have to spend a couple hours on the boat riding between islands. No worries though, because even the transit bits are scenic and filled with good photo ops!

Free lunch on the boat is included in every tour, with a typical lineup of grilled fish, pork, chicken, veggies, rice, and plenty of fresh fruit like pineapple and watermelon.

All of the food was great. Some people worry about the hygiene / food prep safety on these boat tours, but in more than two dozen tours our stomachs never had any issues at all (and we ate like pigs)!

At the start of the tour, your guide will give a brief talk about some of the island hopping rules.

One of these is no picking up coral, sand, animals like starfish, etc. This is a good rule, of course, and it helps protect the islands from the hoards of tourists that come here every year.

Life jackets are required during boat travel, but they don't really enforce this except when the boat is leaving the harbor, because that's the only time the coast guard is likely to notice.

Plastic water bottles are technically not allowed on the boat tours, but again they don't enforce this and we saw lots of people bringing plastic. Just make sure you dispose of it properly when you get back to El Nido town!

Conservation Fee

There’s an obligatory conservation fee / tourist tax of 200 pesos ($4 USD) per person for island hopping in El Nido.

This is separate from the cost of your tours, but the ticket is good for 10 days so you’ll probably only need to pay it once. Just don't lose your ticket, or you'll have to buy another one!

Things To See – Tour B

• snake island.

This spot has a long sandbar connecting Vigan Island with mainland Palawan, and you can walk across it!

The nickname Snake Island comes from the snakelike shape of the sandbar when seen from above.

These pics were taken with a drone, but you can also get similar views by walking up the short trail to the top of the island.

• Pinagbuyutan Island

This gumdrop shaped island is one of my favorite spots in El Nido.

Sitting below the big rock walls is a semi-circular stretch of beach, a group of photogenic palm trees, and plenty of room to explore.

Pinagbuyutan island just seems like the perfect place to live remotely, and maybe that’s why a lot of tours take their lunch break here.

• Entalula Island

Continuing the list of amazing beaches on tour B, you’ll make a stop at a small one on Entalula Island.

This beach has perfect white sand, shady palms, and a free-standing rock that’s shaped like an Indian arrowhead.

Gotta love it!

• Cudugnon Cave / Beach

This is a neat limestone cave on mainland Palawan. You can walk inside and it has a high ceiling.

The cave itself is nice, but I thought the beach and surroundings were much better.

It’s an amazing spot for drone flying, if you have one!

• Cathedral Cave

This is a short (5-15 min) stop at a sea cave near Lagen Island.

Cathedral Cave has a high ceiling, but the entrance is too narrow for most of the tour boats to go inside.

Unless you’re in a small speedboat (private tour), your boat crew will park outside and let you take pictures of the cave from the outside.

Best El Nido Tour Packages

Klook has high rated El Nido boat tours for very competitive prices.

Their package for Tour B costs 1,300 pesos ($25 USD) and includes most of the usual stops: Snake Island, Pinagbuyutan Island, and both caves, although it substitutes Entalula Beach for another nice one called Papaya Beach. You also get free lunch and hotel pickup. This is a better price than many of the tour companies you’ll find on the street in El Nido town!

The other advantage of booking an online tour like this is that you can pay by credit card or Paypal, so you won’t have to run to the ATM constantly (and the ATMs in El Nido are not known for being very reliable in the first place).

Book Now: El Nido Tour B

More Palawan Travel Tips

Looking for more information on Palawan island in the Philippines?

Check out my full El Nido Travel Guide with free tips, photos, and more.

Palawan Island Hopping — Tour A | B | C | D | Coron

You can click the links above for more info on the other Palawan island hopping tours!

El Nido Hotels

Maligaya Beach Bungalows

El Nido Moringa Resort

Frendz Hostel El Nido

Karuna El Nido Villas

Where We Stayed

We stayed at David’s Guesthouse in El Nido town for 1,600 pesos ($31 USD) per night. This price got us a clean double bed with cold A/C and a private bathroom.

Keep in mind this is a relatively remote town in the Philippines, and the hotel scene in El Nido is still struggling to develop and catch up with rapid demand, so don’t expect luxury in this price range.

Even so, this is one of the best budget friendly hotel options we could find in town. The location was perfect -— just a 3 minute walk to the beach and all the best restaurants -- and the owner was very helpful in booking all of our island hopping tours!

Prices may fluctuate from time to time, so just keep an eye out for a good deal.

We stayed at this hotel in the center of El Nido town

El Nido Palawan Island Hopping Guide
Coron Palawan Island Hopping Guide
Coron vs El Nido - Which Is Better?
My Philippines Travel Guide – Tips, Info & Photos

El Nido Tour B

Enjoy a day of island hopping in some of the most beautiful spots of El Nido . With Tour B you’ll discover wonders of nature such as caves, coves and sandbar. Get ready to be amazed!

Alongside with Tour A and Tour C , El Nido Tour B is one of the popular way to discover the Bacuit Bay. On the course of one day, you’ll go island hopping in some of the most awesome places in El Nido. From Snake island to Pinagbuyutan , Cathedral Cove and Entalula Beach , this is a journey you’ll only experience once in a lifetime.

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Private El Nido Tour B

Speedboat Adventure Tour

Not Another Backpacker

El Nido Tour B Review: Caves, Beaches & More

Are you on vacation in El Nido and you’re looking for an island hopping tour with lots of different activities? Then you should definitely hop on El Nido Tour B, which is the most versatile tour in the area! On this tour, you won’t only get to see beautiful beaches, but also climb around a hidden cave in the limestone and visit an outstanding snorkeling spot. Pretty epic, right? Hell yeah!

This is why I decided to give you a little taste of what you can expect from this adventure!

In my El Nido Tour B review, you’ll find a detailed overview of the places you’ll get to see and helpful tips for booking this tour!

Note: Your trust is important to me. Therefore, I’d like to point out that this article contains referral links (also known as affiliate links). This means I get a small commission if you buy a product after clicking on one of the corresponding links, which are marked with a *. There are no extra costs for you, but it helps me keep this blog ad-free. Thank you!

El Nido Tour B Package

Let’s start this El Nido Tour B review by telling you which places you’ll be able to explore when participating in this tour:

Snake Island

Snake Island is a beautiful first stop for your island hopping tour in El Nido and one of my favorite places in the entire Bacuit Bay!

Picture a long sandbank connecting the mainland of Palawan to a small island (Vigan Island) in the bay. From above, the sandbank looks like a meandering snake – thus the name.

You can walk along the beautiful beach and swim in majestically clear and warm water or head to a viewpoint on Vigan Island. The trail is only a five-minute walk uphill, but you’ll get a beautiful view of your surroundings!

Entalula Beach

The next stop on El Nido Tour B will be a beach on Entalula Island. Unfortunately, a large part of the beach is privatized, but the smaller beach next to it is open to the public.

This little beach paradise features powder-white sand, beautiful limestone formations, and a wonderful snorkeling area with plenty of fish and corals!

Cudugnon Cave

Next, it’s time to head to Cudugnon Cave. First, you’ll stop at a small beach, from where you’ll have to climb through a narrow hole to get inside the cave – pretty adventurous!

Once you’re inside you’ll see the cave is not huge but big enough to walk and climb around in. Plus, the cave is open to the top, so you’ll get natural sunlight, and even a few birds are chirping and flying around!

By the way, Tour B is the only island hopping tour in El Nido that lets you explore the inside of a cave. Therefore, this tour is often being referred to as “The Cave Tour”.

Snorkeling Spot

Plenty of fish at a snorkeling site in El Nido

The last stop on Tour B will be a snorkeling site, where you can explore El Nido’s gorgeous underwater worlds. There are many snorkeling spots in Baquit Bay, so I can’t tell you exactly where you’ll be headed – this depends entirely on your tour guide!

But you should be in for a treat! The corals may not be quite as colorful as in other parts of the world, but I was always fascinated by the amount of fish and sea creatures I could find. There are more than 800 species of fish living in El Nido’s bay and if you’re really lucky, you may even spot a sea turtle!

Insider Tip

El Nido Tour B used to include Pinagbuyutan Island. Unfortunately, this island is now private and closed to tourists, which is why they took it off the El Nido Tour B package. However, if you ask your boatmen kindly, they may agree to include another stop in the area, so you’ll still get to see five spots instead of four!

How Much Does El Nido Tour B Cost?

If you’re traveling Southeast Asia on a budget but don’t want to miss out on seeing the famous islands around Palawan, hopping on El Nido Tour B is one of your best options! The tour costs 1300 PHP (appr. 26 USD), which is slightly cheaper than Tour A and Tour C . However, you should keep in mind that there’s a 200 PHP (appr. 4 USD) EDTF Fee (Eco-Tourism Fee) in place, which amounts to a total price of 1500 PHP (appr. 30 USD) .

Also, you should know that these are the costs per head on a group tour. If you book a private tour, which means no one else will be sharing the boat with you, the prices can vary. Usually, booking a private tour only makes sense if you’re traveling with a group of friends or family and you have enough people to fill one boat.

FYI: If you decide to participate in more than one island hopping tour within a 10-day period, you only have to pay EDTF once. Just hold on to your receipt!

Where Can I Book El Nido Tour B?

Island Hopping is the main attraction in El Nido. Therefore, you can book a ticket almost around every corner in town. There are plenty of travel agencies like Art Café , but you can also talk to the boatmen directly.

However, if you prefer to book your ticket online, you can check out GetYourGuide* . Just be aware that the tours are usually more expensive if you book them online, as most booking portals charge a service fee.

Note: You should book your El Nido boat tour at least one day in advance to secure a spot. Also, you should know that you need to bring your ID when booking the tour!

El Nido Tour B Review: Conclusion

El Nido Tour B is one of the most versatile island hopping tours in El Nido, as you won’t only get to swim at beautiful beaches but also hike around an impressive limestone cave and snorkel around the mind-blowing underwater worlds of El Nido!

Therefore, it’s the best El Nido tour package if you like to get active and want to explore different sides of the bay!

You’re still not sure whether El Nido Tour B is the right pick for you? Check out my overview of all four El Nido Island Hopping Tours to find out what the other boat tours have to offer!

Absolutely! On El Nido Tour B, you’ll get to explore gorgeous beaches, a hidden cave, and an exciting snorkeling spot! Therefore, Tour B is the best tour if you’re looking for an active day out! Plus, it’s usually not as crowded as Tour A and Tour C!

El Nido Tour B is particularly known for Snake Island (an incredible sandbank in the middle of Bacuit Bay) and Cudugnon Cave. Given the fact that El Nido Tour B is the only island hopping tour that includes a cave to climb around in, it is often being referred to as “The Cave Tour”.

If you decide to hop on El Nido Tour B you should bring swimwear, sunglasses, and plenty of sunscreen (and don’t forget to reapply!). Furthermore, you should ask your tour agency whether lunch and snorkels will be provided or if you need to bring your own. Usually, those items are included in the price, but it’s always better to double-check!

You are reading: El Nido Tour B Review: Caves, Beaches & More

Helpful Travel Resources for Your Trip

Do you still need to book your trip? Here, I’ll show you what resources I use:

TRANSPORTATION

Skyscanner *: I book (almost) all my flights through Skyscanner. This site scans the web for the best deals within the blink of an eye. Plus, it shows you prices for the whole month, which makes it easy to find the cheapest day to fly!
12GoAsia*: This site specializes in providing cheap tickets for planes, buses, and trains all over Asia!

ACCOMMODATION

Agoda *: Agoda usually has the best prices for accommodation and offers unbeatable 24-hour flash deals!
Booking*: Alternatively, you can also find good deals and a wide selection of hotels and guest houses on Booking.com.
Hostelworld*: If you’re looking specifically for a hostel, you’ll be amazed by the variety of options Hostelworld has to offer!

Unfortunately, I didn’t take good photos of Cudugnon Cave and the snorkeling stocks in El Nido myself. Therefore, I want to give credit to the photographers: Photo of Cudugnon Cave: https://www.shutterstock.com/de/image-photo/cudugnon-cave-el-nido-philippines-640275427 Photo of the snorkeling spot in El Nido: https://www.shutterstock.com/de/image-photo/group-colorful-tropical-fish-under-water-1917918440

Which is the best El Nido Tour? – A, B or C (a Photo Guide)

By: Author MC Miller

Posted on Last updated: September 23, 2020

Categories Philippines , Travel Blog Post

El Nido is a tropical paradise popular for romantic beach getaways in the Philippines and home to 45 stunning islands which can be reached on a boat tour.

Tour companies all over town advertise A, B & C island hopping tours. We had so many questions.

But which El Nido tour is the best? What are the best islands to visit in El Nido?

So we decided to stay in El Nido a little longer to do all the tours available.

Which El Nido Tour? – A, B or C (a Photo Guide)

We categorised the tours into the Iconic Lagoon Tour, the White Sand Beaches & Caves tour and the Snorkelling tour.

Read on to see what each tour has to offer (with lots of photos) so you can decide which tour to do first!

Or, jump straight to a tour here:

Tour A – Iconic Lagoon Tour
Tour B – White Sand Beaches & Caves
Tour C – Snorkelling Tour
Which El Nido Tour Operator?
Bonus: Save $20 off any El Nido Hotel

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Tour A – The Iconic Lagoons

When you think of El Nido you probably think of the iconic Lagoons – the big lagoon and the small lagoon. If this is what you are interested in, pick Tour A.

If we had time for only one tour in El Nido, this would be it. The landscapes & the lagoons are something unique to El Nido and something that you simply do not see elsewhere.

The tour costs 1200 PHP per person ($22 USD).

Tips for Tour A:

If you want to hire a go pro, save it for Tour C, there is not a lot of snorkeling on Tour A;
Hiring/buying reef shoes is a necessity. You can hire a pair for 100 PHP per person on the beach before you depart;
El Nido is an ocean friendly town so no plastic water bottles are allowed on the boat. Bring a reuseable water bottle for water.

Small Lagoon

The first destination on the El Nido Tour A is the Small Lagoon. An absolutely stunning turquoise lagoon.

Here, you have the choice of swimming into the Lagoon or kayaking (costs 300 PHP per kayak).

We highly recommend hiring a kayak as it would be extremely tiring swimming and you likely would not get to experience the full extent of the small lagoon.

Next stop was Big Lagoon – our favourite spot in El Nido and the most instagrammable place in El Nido in our opinion.

Like Small Lagoon, you have the choice of swimming into the Lagoon or kayaking (costs 300 PHP per kayak).

If you choose to swim you probably won’t have access to some of the best parts of the lagoon.

Secret Lagoon

After exploring the Big Lagoon, we got to visit the Secret Lagoon.

We loved that Tour A is action packed and includes lots of adventure activities such as crawling through a little hole to get to the beach on the other side.

The water at this lagoon was not as spectacular or impressive as the previous spots we had visited but we loved the adventure of accessing the lagoon.

Shimizu Island

After all this activity it is time for lunch on the beautiful Shimizu Island.

If you have a drone, Shimizu Island is the perfect place for a drone shot.

For lunch, we ate a delicious array of food prepared by the Umi Travel crew consisting of grilled fish, pork, prawns, vegetables and fruit. Yummo!

Seven Commando Beach

The final stop on Tour A is Seven Commando Beach.

This beach is a stunning strip of sand dotted with little beach huts to relax in as well as vendors selling various cool beverages for you to enjoy.

It is possible to use your snorkel at seven commando beach.

Tour B – Outstanding Beaches & Caves

If you are staying a little longer in El Nido, we highly recommend taking Tour B with Umi Travel & Tours – the beaches & caves on Tour B are just outstanding!

If you want to witness beautiful beaches, pick Tour B.

The tour costs 1300 PHP per person ($24 USD).

*** Note: Same Tips for Tour A (above) apply to Tour B.

Entalula Island

The first stop of the day was Entalula Island.

They don’t call Tour B ‘The Beach Tour’ for no reason. Entalula Island is the most beautiful beach with crystal clear water and white sand.

There is also super cool large rock formations on this island.

Snorkeling at Popolkan Island

Tour B is not considered ‘The Snorkeling Tour’ however, we did experience some great snorkeling at our next stop – Popolkan Island.

Snorkeling is absolutely fabulous all over the Philippines – the coral is vibrantly coloured and the fish are plentiful.

Snake Island

After a refreshing snorkel, the next stop of the day is Snake Island.

Luckily, snake island is not called snake island due to the snakes that live on the island but due to the snake shaped sandbar that joins one end of the island to the other.

We were very excited to visit snake island to get a drone shot of the sand bar however, it was high tide when we visited. Regardless, snake island was absolutely stunning and we got to see many orange starfish lining the beach.

A delicious lunch (same as Tour A) is served at snake island.

Cudugnon Cave

We love adventuring so we were happy to hear Tour B included a secret cave – Cudugnon Cave.

The cave involved entering through a tight hole and climbing. The guides at Umi Travel & Tours were quite helpful in this regard and helped us every step of the way through the cave.

An interesting fact about the cave is it was used by the Japanese during WWII to store treasure and was only discovered just recently.

The beach directly next to the cave is beautiful too. The good thing about Tour B is that it is less popular than Tours A & C so fewer people are at each destination.

Pinabuyutan Island

This was our favourite island of the day. It was so picture perfect.

At one end of the island is a palm tree lined beach and the other end of the island is the cutest Instagram-worthy house where a local family live.

If you feel like a drink, vendors kayak to the island to sell beer, soft drinks and ice cream.

Tour C – The Snorkeling Tour

If you love to snorkel then Tour C is the Tour for you. Many debate whether Tour A or C is better in El Nido as these are the two most popular Tours.

We preferred Tour A at a pinch (for the iconic factor) but Tour C proved pretty awesome too! If you have the time we strongly encourage you to do both!

The fish & marine life we saw on Tour C was world class.

The tour costs 1400 PHP per person ($22 USD). The boat travels the furthest away from El Nido on Tour C and hence it is the most expensive tour.

Tips for Tour C:

If you want to hire/bring a go pro, this is your tour!
Hiring/buying reef shoes is a necessity. You can hire them for 100 PHP per person.

Matinloc Shrine

Matinloc Shrine is usually a stop on Tour C but the team at Umi Travel & Tours were fabulous – they gave the day trippers the choice whether to visit the shrine or go snorkeling.

The people on the boat choose to skip the shrine and go snorkeling instead. A decision well made as the snorkeling was absolutely unbelievable in this area.

It is also a great place for epic photos on the front of the boat. The crew was very happy to oblige with some ‘couple goal’ shots for us.

Hidden Beach

Hidden Beach was one of the coolest places we saw on Tour C. If you have a drone, get it ready for hidden beach, the shot is most certainly a winner.

From where the boat docks, you must swim in to find the hidden beach located within.

As it was low tide when we arrived it was quite easy and we were able to walk most of the way in to hidden beach.

Helicopter Island

Another fabulous view from the sky is Helicopter Island.

Helicopter Island is also a nice place to go snorkeling off the beach. The best spots for snorkeling were at both ends of the island.

Talisay Beach

During Tour C, lunch was served at Talisay Beach. It wasn’t our favourite beach of the day.

However, it was a very relaxing place to enjoy the delicious lunch prepared.

Secret Beach

Another awesome place to visit during Tour C is secret beach. This would also be an epic drone shot as from the sky it vaguely resembles a love heart. Unfortunately our drone had lost power by this time of the day – bring extra batteries!

Much like Secret Lagoon, you are required to jump out of the boat and access Secret Beach through a little hole.

At high tide, it can be a little more difficult to access and you must dive underwater to enter.

Fortunately we arrived during low tide and accessing the secret beach was relatively easy.

So which is the best El Nido Tour?

That’s a hard question because we loved them all. We definitely recommend doing all three if you have the time but if you have ONLY enough time for one tour we would personally recommend Tour A.

Our Tour Company – Umi Travel & Tours

For all three of our El Nido Tours we went with Umi Travel & Tours. The staff were fun, professional and made sure we were safe the entire time during the 3 day adventure.

We met Sheen from Umi Travel & Tours who informed us that we would really be missing out to choose just one tour. And she was right! All three of the Tours in El Nido are equally fabulous and have different benefits to offer.

We also appreciate that they serve an absolutely delicious lunch consisting of grilled fish, chicken, pork, prawns, grilled vegetables, rich & fruit.

We would highly recommend this company for a tour in El Nido.

Umi Travel and Tours Hama Street, Barangay Masagana Zone 3 El Nido, Palawan, Philippines

You can find more information at Umi Travel and Tours website . You can also them on Facebook & Twitter , and Instagram .

Where to Stay in El Nido?

We stayed at Sea Cocoon during our time in El Nido and loved it. You can read more about our stay and see pictures here !

There are so many fabulous places to stay in El Nido. Search & book with this Booking.com discount link and save $20 off your stay!

We hope this helped you plan your El Nido island tour! If you have anything to add or need some advice, leave a comment below!

Save this ‘El Nido Tour Guide’ to Pinterest so you can find it again later!

We were guests of Umi Travel & Tours. However, that does not impact our opinion. As always, all opinions are own own.

MC Miller is a travel blogger and writer who has travelled America extensively and abroad to over 80 countries. He founded Couple Travel The World in 2017. Since then, he has spent over 6 years on the road as a full time travel couple. When he not traveling he likes to spend quality time with his partner Bett, planning our their next date or romantic getaway!

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El Nido Island Hopping – Guide To The Best Tours

Posted on Last updated: June 4, 2023

El Nido is a small, beachside town on the northern tip of Palawan island, which has become increasingly popular over the last few years.

It’s mostly used as a base for exploring the incredible natural splendour of the surrounding archipelago.

Known as the Bacuit Archipelago, the area is home to some of the most beautiful islands, lagoons, and beaches in the world. There’s stunning scenery everywhere you look.

The waters are incredibly clear and the sand is always brilliant white. Striking limestone rock formations pepper the sea, with tropical trees and coconuts in abundance.

Enjoying the untouched beaches of El Nido

I was lucky enough to explore the area with some island hopping tours during my trip through the Philippines , and I’m here to tell you how to do the same. A bit of island hopping is a must on any El Nido itinerary .

In this guide, I break down everything you need to know about going island hopping in El Nido, and share some tips on how to make the most of your visit.

If you’re looking to spend some incredible days in paradise island hopping amongst pristine beaches and clear water, El Nido is the place for you!

You might just be unsure about what tour to do, which is where this El Nido tours overview comes in!

2 My El Nido, Palawan island hopping experience
3.1.1 Pinagbuyutan Island
3.1.2 Snake Island, El Nido
3.1.3 Entalula Beach
3.1.4 Seven Commandos Beach
3.2.1 Paradise Beach
3.2.2 Pasandigan Beach
3.2.3 Helicopter Island, El Nido
3.2.4 Cadlao Lagoon
4.1 The El Nido lagoons on Tour A
4.2 The caves on Tour B
5 Where to stay in El Nido

Snorkelling in El Nido

A brief run down of the El Nido standard tours

Taking a Palawan island hopping tour is without a doubt the best and most popular way to experience the area. There are four main El Nido island hopping tours. Named simply A, B, C, and D.

Tour A is the most popular of the bunch, meaning it’s also generally the most crowded. But it’s a favourite for good reason, boasting some of the most epic islands and stunning lagoons.

It makes stops at Small Lagoon, 7 Commando Beach, Secret Lagoon, Big Lagoon, and Shimizu Island.

Check out prices & availability for your El Nido Tour A on GetYourGuide , Klook , or in the calendar below!

Exploring Seven Commandos Beach in El Nido

Tour B is less popular and more laid back than Tour A. This makes for an amazing day of adventure and sightseeing without as many tourists.

Tour B’s stops include Pinagbuyutan Island, Vigan Island, Cathedral Cave, Cudugnon Cave, and Entalula Beach.

Check out prices & availability for your El Nido island hopping Tour B on Klook , GetYourGuide , or the calendar below!

Me and my friends @solarpoweredblonde and @offgoesannie chilling on the beach at Pinagbuyutan Island. Drone shot by @solarpoweredblonde

Tour C is a strong contender for the most popular tour and is often considered the best one. This, of course, means that it can also get quite busy.

But it stops at some incredible destinations, including Helicopter Island, Secret Beach, Mantiloc Shrine, Hidden Beach, and Star Beach.

Check out prices & availability for your Tour C in El Nido on Klook , GetYourGuide , or the calendar below!

The turquoise water of El Nido, Philippines

Tour D explores the path less-travelled. It’s the quietest of the four and avoids most of the ‘must-see’ attractions.

But it stops at some hidden gems: Ipil Beach, Paradise Beach, Cadlao Lagoon, Pasandigan Beach, Bukal Beach, and Natnat Beach.

Click here to book your spot on El Nido Tour D , or check out prices & availability in the calendar below!

Some of the beautiful corals you will see when snorkelling on your El Nido island hopping tours

My El Nido, Palawan island hopping experience

Most travellers here just pick one or two of the four classic El Nido boat tours and follow the crowd. But island hopping in the area has become incredibly popular. So the standard tours can get quite crowded and feel overly ‘touristy’.

Fortunately, there are other ways to do it. We organised all of our El Nido island tours through Outpost Beach Hostel , and I’m really glad that we did.

The tours we took allowed us to see the best bits of all the classic tours with a great group of people. All while avoiding the crowds.

| READ MORE: 15 BREATHTAKINGLY BEAUTIFUL PLACES IN THE PHILIPPINES |

The sunset view from Outpost Beach Hostel in El Nido, Palawan

The Hostel is set right on a stunning beach, just outside of El Nido town. The crowd is young, vibrant, and interesting. And this atmosphere certainly carries over to the tours.

Unlike most El Nido island hopping boats, the hostel’s boats are occupied only by people who have booked directly with Outpost Beach Hostel, which means the typical hostel crowd. All the passengers are laid-back backpackers.

There aren’t any families or older couples on board. This creates a really cool atmosphere for enthusiastic, adventurous travellers and makes for plenty of great conversation. We couldn’t have asked for more!

Click here to book your stay at Outpost Beach Hostel (you can book the boat tours once there!)

Making friends on one of the Outpost Beach Hostel island hopping tours of El Nido

The Outpost Hostel’s El Nido Tours

Outpost Beach Hostel only offers two tours which they alternate between on a daily basis. One day is a combination of tours A and B and the next day is a combination of tours C and D.

These tours can be organised with the hostel directly when you arrive. The combo tours are great because they each blend a popular tour with a less popular tour, allowing you to get the best of both worlds.

They stop by at most of the main highlights of the standard tours. But they do so in the opposite direction – for the sake of avoiding the crowds. It’s a simple trick that makes a world of difference.

Docking in the beautiful clear water of the islands around El Nido

We genuinely felt like we were visiting private beaches most of the time. Both of the hostel’s island hopping tours are the usual all-inclusive fare, each stopping for lunch along the way.

And so far as lunches go, the one they offer is pretty amazing. They cooked up some delicious barbecued fish which we ate on the beach. And there’s free-flowing rum on the cruise back at sunset!

A lovely grilled fish lunch served on the beach during our Coron ultimate tour

A lovely grilled fish lunch served on the beach during our island hopping days

The tours are a fixed price of 1,500 pesos per person. Just a little more expensive than each of the classic tours (which go for around 1,300 pesos on average).

But each of the combo tours offers highlights from two classic tours, so they could be seen as more affordable.

Each of the combo tours offers a unique experience, and I’m really happy we ended up doing both. Here’s a breakdown of each tour, with some more detailed information on my favourite stops.

Click here to book your stay at Outpost Beach Hostel!

A big table and buffet with grilled fish, pork, noodles and rice served on the beach in El Nido

Grilled fish and pork buffet lunches on the beach… I could get used to this!

El Nido Tour A and B Combo

The stops include:

– Pinagbuyutan Island

– Snake island

– Pupolcan island

– Entalula island

– Seven commandos beach

Pinagbuyutan Island

A narrow strip of white sand and coconut trees line the shores of Panagbuyutan, with rugged rocky cliffs towering up above. It’s an impressively dramatic island that juts boldly out of the sea.

The main destination here is Ipil beach, where visitors can relax, swim, and explore. There’s a distinctly desert island type atmosphere, with very little evidence of human presence.

And being a Tour B stop, it’s not particularly popular, meaning it’s usually really quiet. It’s worth venturing beyond the beach if time allows. There are a bunch of little secret coves and pockets tucked away.

Snorkelling with millions of fish during our boat trip in El Nido

Snake Island, El Nido

Vigan Island, or as it’s more commonly known, Snake Island, is a tiny island just off of mainland Palawan.

It earned the name Snake Island thanks to the long, winding sandbar that connects it to the mainland (not for actual snakes – you can relax).

The sandbar is usually covered in roughly half a meter of water. Most visitors spend their time walking through the water and soaking up the breathtaking scenery.

There is also a little viewpoint from which you can see the sand bar from above.

The view of the sandbar of Snake Island from the viewpoint

Entalula Beach

Entalula Beach is a textbook paradise. The water is impossibly clear, the sand is dazzlingly white, and the rock formations are truly stunning.

It’s almost entirely undisturbed wilderness, with a series of tiny bays and coves to explore. Each one peppered with tropical vegetation.

A stop here will likely entail a lot of swimming and splashing in the warm waters, relaxing on the pristine beach, and admiring the unreal natural beauty.

As a tour B stop, it’s usually pretty quiet, so there won’t be hoards of tourists to detract from the magic.

Enjoying those island hopping days in El Nido, Palawan, shot with a GoPro dome to get the 50/50 over/under effect

Seven Commandos Beach

Seven Commandos Beach is a little bigger and more popular than many of the others. So while there are usually quite a few other people, the beach is big enough to share.

It remains almost entirely undeveloped, with the exception of a few huts and shelters. The palm-lined beachfront is a prime spot to relax and have a few dips in the water.

It’s also a popular spot to do a bit of snorkelling. You may even spot a sea turtle or two while exploring the beach’s underwater world.

Drone shot of Seven Commandos Beach by my friend @solarpoweredblonde

El Nido Tour C and D Combo

– Paradise beach

– Bukal Island

– Pasandigan beach

– Cadlao Lagoon

– Helicopter Island

Here are some of the best bits in detail.

Paradise Beach

Paradise Beach is certainly one of the lesser-known gems of El Nido. It’s a stop on Tour D, so it’s often less busy than the better-known islands.

The beach certainly lives up to its name, with a small white-sand shorefront, palm trees, and crystal waters. While there isn’t much to do other than admire it, hang out, and swim, it’s a great little beach with a charming remote-island vibe.

Island hopping in El Nido, Philippines

Pasandigan Beach

It might not be called Paradise Beach but Pasandigan Beach comes second to none when it comes to natural beauty. Fine white sand, clear turquoise water, palm trees lining the edge of it and sheer cliffs in the backdrop.

Even if you may soon get used to these beautiful scenarios while island hopping in the Philippines, trust me when I say it never gets less impressive. This is a fun beach for chilling, tanning and swimming.

Drone shot by my friend @solarpoweredblonde of one of the beaches during our island hopping tour in El Nido

Helicopter Island, El Nido

As a Tour C stop, Helicopter Island is one of the most popular in El Nido and can be busier than other stops. But there’s a good amount of space, so it doesn’t feel overly crowded.

Believe it or not, the island actually resembles a helicopter from certain aerial angles. Hence the rather obscure name. It’s a great place to relax and swim, but it also offers some fantastic snorkelling.

The waters by the shore are home to a stunning variety of underwater life. So be sure to put on a mask and dive under the surface for an otherworldly experience.

Helicopter Island - an island famously known for being shaped like a helicopter which most El Nido island hopping tours visit

Cruising towards Helicopter Island… can you see the helicopter?

Playing on the beach of Helicopter Island

Cadlao Lagoon

Cadlao Lagoon is the only lagoon that the Outpost Beach Hostel tours visit. The standard island hopping tours go to more famous lagoons, which ultimately are always incredibly busy.

During the tour C and D combo we visited Cadlao Lagoon which was a perfect in between experience.

We still got to see the stunning scenery of the clear turquoise water surrounded by the steep limestone cliffs, with only a few other boats around.

Trees and dramatic rock formations hang over turquoise waters at Cadlao Lagoon. It’s a little pocket of heaven on Tour D that immerses you fully in an incredible landscape.

The rocky walls that surround it are sheer, with plants growing from the cracks. And the water is perfect for a swim.

Here the hostel boat put some kayaks in the water for us to explore the lagoon with. You should also grab a mask and snorkel and swim close to the cliffs, the underwater views are so different from those of a beach!

Two boys kayaking in a lagoon in El Nido, with clear turquoise water and limestone cliffs behind them

Kayaking in El Nido

The Classic El Nido, Palawan tours attractions

While the hostel’s tours hit most of the top attractions, there are a few that they miss out. The following are some of the best attractions that are offered on the classic tours.

The El Nido lagoons on Tour A

The main element that’s lacking in Outpost Hostel’s tours is a focus on lagoons . They revolve more around the beaches, which are great. But there are some amazing lagoon stops on Tour A which the hotel leaves out.

El Nido is famous for its stunning lagoons, with Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon being two of the most popular. They’re basically isolated little pockets of seawater, surrounded by stunning cliff faces, vegetation, and rock formations.

The lagoons are almost the opposite of an island; water surrounded by land rather than the other way around. So they can be a refreshing change.

The tour boats tend to be too big to access the lagoons, due to shallow sections and small entrances. So you can usually rent a kayak to explore them or brave the waters and opt to swim.

Island hopping in El Nido

The caves on Tour B

The caves of El Nido may not have the same tropical charm as its beaches and lagoons. But they certainly make for an interesting and memorable experience.

Cathedral Cave and Cudugnon Cave are two of the most popular, both of which can be explored on tour B. Cudugnon Cave is accessed by climbing through a small hole in a cliff face.

Once inside, it opens up to reveal steep, jagged ceiling and rocky walls. There are holes overhead, pouring in golden sunlight and creating an ethereal vibe.

Cathedral Cave is larger and less closed off. And it’s a pretty amazing space. The boat anchors nearby and you can swim or kayak inside.

Some of the fish you can see when island hopping tours in El Nido

Where to stay in El Nido

As you may have guessed from this post I stayed at Outpost Beach Hostel , and I loved it. Besides the epic island hopping tours, Outpost is possibly one of the best hostels I’ve ever stayed at.

The hostel itself is very cool, located right on the beach with spacious communal areas. They have a great restaurant and bar, with fun social events on every night.

They also have a 10:30PM curfew time so you can get drunk and socialise, but if you want to go to bed early you don’t have to cope with loud party travellers.

Click here to see the latest prices and availability at Outpost Beach Hostel!

Sunset views from Outpost Beach Hostel in El Nido

The dorms all have aircon, with big and spacious beds and big drawers under the bunkbeds to lock up your belongings.

If you don’t want to stay in a hostel there are a few guest houses and boutique hotels next to it along the beach, where you can get a private room.

That way you can have your own room but still go to Outpost in evenings, bond with the hostel crowd and join their island hopping tours.

However Outpost is around a 5-minute tuk-tuk journey out of El Nido town centre. If you prefer to be central a couple good options are either El Nido Garden Resort or El Nido Beach Hotel .

Click here to see other accommodation options in El Nido!

Chilling on the beach at Pinagbuyutan Island during our tour A&B combo in El Nido

Final Thoughts about island hopping in El Nido

The island hopping tours that are available in El Nido offer a range of fantastic experiences to suit a variety of tastes and preferences. Outpost Hostel’s tours are a great option, but everyone’s different, and some may choose to stick with the standard tours.

If the classic tours sound more appealing to you, you can book them ahead of time online. I’ve listed them below with a recap.

Tour A – The most popular one that hits all the main highlights, but also the busiest one

Tour B – Goes off the beaten track to spots without as many crowds

Tour C – Great snorkelling and caves, second most popular and contender with tour A for the title of best tour in El Nido

Tour D – Visits the hidden gems the other tours don’t go to.

This is also a good option for those who want to have everything booked and sorted before travelling.

The incredibly turquoise water of El Nido

Whichever tours you choose, you’re bound to have an unforgettable adventure! Just be sure to pack wisely for your trip .

Island hopping in El Nido was one of the most magical things I’ve experienced. We went island hopping also in Siargao and in Coron , but the boat trips in El Nido were simply way more fun.

With so many incredible sights, perfect-temperature water, amazing island vibes, and wonderful weather, the area is nothing short of paradise.

I hope you find this El Nido island hopping guide useful in deciding what tour to do, and in planning your own time in El Nido!

Looking for more Philippines travel tips? Check out these guides!

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Collage of beautiful beaches in El Nido with text overlay saying

A Guide to El Nido Island Hopping Tours

Experience the best of bacuit bay with tour island hopping tours.

El Nido Island Hopping Tours offer a unique and unforgettable experience to explore the stunning landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and hidden gems of the islands of Bacuit Bay, Palawan. Tour A, B, C, and D are the most popular island hopping tours in Bacuit Bay, Palawan. Tour A takes you to the lagoons and beaches of Miniloc Island, Tour B to the caves and beautiful beaches, Tour C to the hidden coves and beaches of Matinloc Island, and Tour D to the lesser known lesser known beaches of Cadlao Island. Let's explore the different individual tours and determine which one best suits your needs.

Come to Palawan!

El nido island hopping tours, el nido tour a.

Departure Time: between 8.30-9.00am
Departure point: El Nido town
Attractions: Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Seven Commandos Beach
Duration: 6 hours
Tour A is offered daily and can be booked as a shared or private boat tour
Bangka outrigger boat can fit 12, 15, or 25 passengers, depending on availability.
Kayak rentals are available for both the entire tour or just for the Big Lagoon

El Nido’s Big Lagoon is a stunning natural wonder surrounded by towering limestone cliffs , making it the most photographed attraction in Bacuit Bay. If you’re planning a trip to El Nido, the Big Lagoon is a must-visit destination that should not be missed.

Access to the Big Lagoon is via a shallow but large channel, which can accommodate several outrigger boats at the same time. During low tide, visitors can walk or kayak through the channel. Once inside the lagoon, visitors can enjoy a natural swimming hole with emerald green waters, surrounded by massive and towering karst walls.

It’s important to note that access to the Big Lagoon is limited to a certain number of visitors per day. To secure your slot to the Big Lagoon, it’s recommended to Book Tour A in advance.

Secret Lagoon

The Secret Lagoon of Miniloc Island may not be a secret anymore, but it remains one of the most popular attractions in El Nido. Concealed behind karst limestone cliffs , the Secret Lagoon offers a hidden world waiting to be explored.

To access the Secret Lagoon, visitors must scramble or swim through a tiny crevice on the rock’s face, depending on the tide. Once inside, visitors are treated to stunning views of emerald shallow waters and unique rock formations that make for perfect photo opportunities.

Shimizu Island

Shimizu Island is renowned for being one of the top snorkeling spots in El Nido, thanks to the diverse range of corals and marine life that can be found here. With its towering limestone rock walls and pristine white sandy beach, Shimizu Island is the perfect place to stop for a picnic lunch during your island-hopping adventure.

Named after a Japanese diver who lost his life while exploring an underwater cave here, Shimizu Island has become a popular stopover for boats doing the Tour A circuit around Miniloc Island.

7 Commandos Beach

Seven Commandos Beach is the ultimate beach paradise in El Nido, with its high cliffs sheltering the whitest sand and crystal-clear water that you can imagine. The sunsets here are breathtaking and are not to be missed.

Although this isolated beach is located on the mainland, it can only be accessed by boat due to the mountainous terrain. It has become a popular stop on island hopping Tour A , and is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to El Nido.

Named after a stranded fishing vessel, Seven Commandos Beach has a fascinating history. When the vessel was repaired and left the beach, locals discovered a huge stone engraved with the words “7 Commandos,” which they believed was the name of the vessel

El Nido Tour A by Shared Boat

Day trip to El Nido's Big Lagoon with private boat

El Nido Tour A by Private Boat

El nido tour b.

Attractions: Snake Island Sandbar, Cudugnon and Cathedral Caves, Entaluala Island and Popolkan Island
Tour B is offered daily and can be booked as a shared or private boat tour

Snake Island

Snake Island, also known as Vigan Island, is one of the must-visit destinations on El Nido’s Island Hopping Tour B. The island gets its name from its S-shaped sandbar , which connects it to the mainland.

The unique shape of the sandbar allows visitors to walk through it during low tide, making for a memorable experience. You can also splash around in the shallow waters on both sides of the sandbar.

For those who love a good hike, Snake Island also offers a trek to a stunning viewing point at the top. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the white sand stretching out like a long tongue, winding its way along the island.

Cudugnon Cave

Cudugnon Cave is another popular attraction on Island Hopping Tour B in El Nido. This cave is believed to have been a burial site during the Neolithic period, and artifacts and human bones have been discovered inside.

To enter the cave, you’ll need to squeeze through a small rocky hole, but once inside, you’ll be captivated by the breathtaking rock formations and high ceilings. The cave roof’s crevices are home to swiftlets (known as Balinsasayaw) and bats.

Just a few steps away from the cave’s entrance, you’ll find a secluded white sand beach where you can relax in a peaceful environment after exploring the cave.

Cathedral Cave

El Nido is not just famous for its stunning beaches and lagoons but also boasts some amazing caves that are often overlooked by tourists. One of the most awe-inspiring caves is the Cathedral Cave, located on Pinasil Island, just a boat ride away from Cudugnon Cave.

Although it may not look impressive from afar, as you get closer, you’ll be amazed by the huge cavern with an opening even higher than the Underground River . The cave is navigable by boat and has spectacular rock formations and a high ceiling that resembles a cathedral.

The cave is also an important nesting site for the Cave Swallow, whose nests made of dried saliva are the main ingredient in the exotic bird’s nest soup.

While the crystal-clear emerald water inside the cave looks inviting, it’s too risky for swimming since it’s the habitat of venomous sea snakes.

Entalula Island

Entalula Island is a pristine and beautiful spot that offers visitors a serene and private island experience. The island’s crystal-clear waters and colorful coral reefs make it an ideal place to snorkel and discover the vibrant marine life beneath the surface. The island’s lush vegetation and rocky cliffs provide a beautiful backdrop for its pristine beaches.

Popolkan Island

Popolkan Island is a fantastic snorkeling spot that offers an excellent experience for underwater enthusiasts.

El Nido Tour B by Shared Boat

A group of friends on a day trip to snake island

El Nido Tour B by Private Boat

El nido tour c.

Attractions: Matinloc Island, Secret Beach, Hidden Beach Helicopter Island and Tapiutan Island.
Duration: 7 hours
Tour C is offered daily and can be booked as a shared or private boat tour

Helicopter Island

A deserted beach in El Nido's Helicoter Island

Helicopter Island, also known as Dilumacad Island, is a stunning destination in Bacuit Bay. Its towering limestone cliffs covered in lush vegetation and pristine beaches are typical of the area’s stunning islands.

Helicopter Island gets its name from its cliffs’ resemblance to a helicopter’s shape when viewed from a distance, although some visitors may find it challenging to see the similarity.

The island boasts excellent snorkeling spots and underwater tunnels that advanced divers will appreciate. Besides water sports, Helicopter Island is also an ideal spot for relaxation and rejuvenation. Its 300 meters of beach is perfect for picnicking during island hopping trips or basking in the sun.

Secret Beach

The Secret Beach is a must-see attraction. Situated on the edge of Matinloc Island, Secret Beach is a pocket of fine white sand encircled by towering rock walls . Accessing the Secret Beach can be a challenge as visitors must swim through a narrow crevice in a rock wall. During rough seas, even experienced swimmers may find it difficult to enter. However, the reward for reaching this secluded location is a pristine beach with crystal-clear waters.

Local lore suggests that Alex Garland, author of the novel-turned-film The Beach, lived and wrote his bestseller in El Nido, likely inspired by the Secret Beach’s beauty. Take a visit to the Secret Beach and experience the allure that captivated Garland and countless others.

Hidden Beach

Tucked away in the nooks and crannies of the islands, the Hidden Beach is a small paradisiac cove concealed by limestone rock and impossible to see from the open sea . The beauty of this beach is created by towering limestone cliffs and mystical rock formations.

Part of El Nido’s Tour C, the Hidden Beach is a popular stop and a must-visit destination. With its white sands and crystal clear water, this beach is perfect to visit during high tide when the water is calm, making it an ideal spot to take perfect photos. To access Hidden Beach, visitors have to swim to get there, which may be challenging due to the current.

The Hidden Beach is also a great spot for snorkeling, where you can easily see various species of corals and fishes. Its secluded location provides a tranquil atmosphere, making it an excellent place to relax and unwind.

Matinloc Shrine

Matinloc Shrine, formally known as the Shrine of Our Lady of Matinloc, is a hidden abandoned site located at the foot of towering karst cliffs on the western coast of Matinloc Island in El Nido. This shrine was built in 1982 but has since been neglected and run down. Nevertheless, visitors are still permitted to visit the area and explore the ruins.

While some may consider this place as a spiritual haven, many visitors come to Matinloc Shrine for the breathtaking panoramic view it offers. To reach the viewpoint, you need to climb a small limestone hill located close to the shrine. From there, you can enjoy an awe-inspiring view of Tapiutan Island, which lies opposite Matinloc.

Aerial view of Talisay Beach, El Nido Palawan, bacuit bay, Philippines

Located in Tapiutan Island, Star Beach is a must-visit destination that offers a breathtaking view of the neighboring Matinloc Island. This beautiful beach is known for its crystal-clear waters and white sand, making it perfect for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and even enjoying lunch.

The beach is aptly named Star Beach as it is home to numerous harmless starfishes that can be found resting on the seabed. Whether you’re an experienced snorkeler or a first-time visitor, the underwater world of Star Beach is a sight to behold.

El Nido Tour C by Shared Boat

Day trip to El Nido's Bacuit Bay with private boat

El Nido Tour C by Private Boat

El nido tour d.

Attractions: Cadlao Island and Small Lagoon
Tour D is offered daily and can be booked as a shared or private boat tour
Kayak rentals are available for both the entire tour or just for the Small Lagoon

Small Lagoon

Small Lagoon, located on the picturesque Miniloc Island, is one of the most fascinating and popular destinations to explore in El Nido, Palawan. It is considered an iconic spot and is frequently photographed alongside the Big Lagoon.

To enter Small Lagoon, visitors can either swim through a small hole in a rock wall or paddle through in a kayak during low tide. Once inside, a hidden world awaits, waiting to be explored by kayaking or swimming. The crystal-clear waters of the lagoon are surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs that provide a stunning and memorable view.

Cadlao Lagoon

Cadlao Island, the largest island in El Nido’s archipelago, is a picturesque paradise that resembles a “ mini-Tahiti “. The island’s lush landscapes, including a conspicuous peak towering 640 meters above sea level, offer a breathtaking view to visitors.

One of the most spectacular natural wonders on Cadlao Island is the Cadlao Lagoon. Its emerald waters surrounded by towering limestone cliffs create a breathtaking view that will take your breath away. This lagoon also offers an excellent spot for snorkeling, where you can explore the shallow coral gardens just off the beach.

Kayaking in Cadlao Lagoon is an unforgettable experience that allows you to fully immerse yourself in the island’s natural beauty.

Pasandigan Cove

Pasandigan Cove is a hidden gem located in the stunning Cadlao Island. With its inviting stretch of white sand and bright blue waters flanked by towering limestone cliffs, it’s a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the pristine nature .

Unlike other crowded beaches in El Nido, Pasandigan Cove is a well off-the-beaten-track destination, allowing travelers to discover a tropical paradise without the usual crowds. It’s a great place to unwind, sunbathe, and swim in the crystal-clear waters.

Nat Nat Beach

Nat Nat Beach is a hidden gem in Cadlao Island, offering visitors a secluded paradise away from the crowds. Its soft white sand and calm turquoise waters are sheltered by sheer limestone cliffs, adding to its raw and untouched beauty.

One of the best things about Nat Nat Beach is its lack of commercialization. It’s a peaceful and unspoiled destination that few tourists know about. This means that you can have the entire beach to yourself, allowing you to relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

Paradise Beach

Paradise Beach on Cadlao Island is a true tropical gem and a must-see attraction on Tour D . This secluded beach boasts powdery white sand and emerald waters, living up to its name as a true paradise.

For a truly memorable experience, kayaking is the perfect way to explore the beach and surrounding area. Alternatively, you can simply unwind with a good book or capture stunning photos of the breathtaking scenery.

With no crowds to disrupt your peace, Paradise Beach is the perfect escape for those seeking a serene and tranquil retreat.

Bucal Island

Bucal Island is a hidden gem in El Nido, boasting a small but beautiful white sand beach perfect for a relaxing getaway. This peaceful oasis is an ideal spot for a quiet picnic or a refreshing swim in its crystal-clear waters.

The island’s shallow and transparent waters are also perfect for snorkeling, offering a chance to explore the vibrant marine life teeming with colorful fishes and corals.

El Nido Tour D by Shared Boat

El Nido Tour D by Private Boat

El Nido Island Hopping: A Full Guide to Tours A-D

Island Hopping in El Nido is an absolute must-do in the Philippines. Take a boat tour along the stunning lagoons and paradise islands in Bacuit Bay. The protected bay hosts 45 islands that belong to the most beautiful destination in the world. There are four El Nido island hopping tours that all take you along different islands. Read everything you need to know about the El Nido Tours.

El Nido Island Hopping Tours A-D

All well-rated island hopping tours include drinking water, snorkel gear, a kayak, the new (2019) environmental tax, and a delicious lunch on the beach. The lunch usually consists of fish & chicken, rice, eggplant salad, and freshly cut fruits. You can sometimes request collection from your hotel, too.

Here are all your hotel options in El Nido.

El Nido Tour A

Island Hopping Tour A takes you around Miniloc Island. Discover Secret Lagoon, kayak in the stunning and popular Big Lagoon, lunch at Shimizu Island, and experience sunset at 7-Commando Beach. Costs: 1200 – 2200 PHP/Pax. (~ 23 – 42 USD)

See tickets and availability for this tour

Please note: You can’t bring any plastic bottles on the El Nido island hopping tours with you. Read more tips on how to reduce plastic while traveling .

El Nido Tour B

Sail to the white sandbank called Snake Island, Entalula Island, movie-like Pinagbuyutan Island, and the Cathedral & Cudugnon Caves. Costs: 1200 – 1600 PHP/Pax. (~ 23 – 31 USD)

Book El Nido Tour B online

Good to know: Due to a new environmental policy, all combination and party boat tours are banned.

El Nido Tour C

Discover Hidden and Secret Beach, snorkel at Matinloc Shrine, and explore stunning Tapiutan and Helicopter Island. There is a big chance to see turtles on this tour in the Philippines . Costs: 1200 – 1700 PHP/Pax. (~ 23 – 33 USD)

Pre-book your island hopping tour C here

Please note: Smoking on the El Nido island hopping tours is prohibited.

El Nido Tour D

Swim in the popular Small Lagoon, go beach hopping around Cadlao Island (for good snorkeling) and visit Pasandigan Cove, Nat Nat Beach, and Bukal island. Costs: 1200 – 1500 PHP/Pax. (~ 23 – 30 USD)

See availability for El Nido Tour D here

Private island hopping tours in El Nido

The absolute best way to experience El Nido’s Bacuit Bay is by private boat. This way, you can avoid all tourists, combine the above locations, and create your own tour. This does have a price tag, but will be 100% worth your money. Book a private tour at ArtCafe .

Best Island Hopping Tour in El Nido

Which of these El Nido tours should you book? A few years ago, tour A and tour C were the most popular. However, due to recent changes to put less pressure on the environment, all tours are equally very impressive. We personally would recommend adding tours A, B, or D to your Philippines Travel Guide .

Where to book an El Nido Island Hopping Tour?

Since the new regulations in 2019, there is a limited amount of people per day that may enter Bacuit Bay. We recommend you book at least two days ahead to be sure you have a spot. There are a few things to keep an eye on while booking an El Nido boat tour. Book a tour online or in town at ArtCafe .

Don’t go for the lowest price! The lowest-priced tours will mix you with another group, so they get a full boat. The quality of these tours can’t be guaranteed.
Make sure drinking water is included because you are not allowed to take plastic bottles.
Check if the tour includes the environmental tax. (200PHP) – Feb 2019
Check if snorkeling gear & kayak are included.
Try checking the company’s reviews on TripAdvisor.

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My family of 5 decided to do tour A using a private speed boat. How much do you suggest we tip the workers?

Hey! We’d usually opt for 10% of the total price but try to pay the workers directly and not the operator. 😊

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El Nido Tour B: Is It Worth It?

05/12/2019 by Kristin Addis 2 Comments

If you landed here you must already know about El Nido’s gorgeous islands, forming a fringe of adventures ringing around the town, ripe for day trips.

El Nido’s popular island hopping excursions are organized through a popular series of tours that have fixed routes, named A through D. During my time in El Nido, I wanted to experience the more popular side of it, yet attempt to get away from the crowds, if and when possible. El Nido’s Tour B isn’t quite as popular as A or C, which precisely makes it so great.

Here’s what to expect if you do Tour B, both as a private or organized island hopping tour:

Table of Contents

The Stops on Tour B

Entalula beach.

Though parts of this beach have been privatized by a resort, you can still enjoy a small cove of white sand with a free-standing diamond shaped rock. There’s also great snorkeling here, particularly the farther out you go. Just make sure you’re keeping an eye on your distance from the shore and current strength.

Snake Island

Typically the lunch stop on this tour, Snake Island is named for the long sandbar that stretches from the island clear across to another. Though these shots are with a drone, you can hike up to the top of Snake Island and get a pretty good vantage point of the crystal clear water.

As a sandbar enthusiast, this stop is what made me want to do Tour B. I wasn’t disappointed! Even at high tide, this one is gorgeous.

Cudugnon Cave

Tour B is known as the ‘cave’ tour since it includes this cave and the next one on the list. It’s not a tight, enclosed caving experience but rather an open, well-lit cave that isn’t particularly big.

If you’ve been to Black Island in Coron this one doesn’t boast that awesome swimming hole, but it’s still cool to check out the inside of these limestone cliffs and get a different point of view of El Nido’s islands. There’s also a nice beach on this island worth spending some time enjoying.

Cathedral Cave

This is a short stop just to look up into the cavern-like cave formed in the cliffside of one of the islands. The only way to visit it is by boat, though most of the tour boats are too big to venture very far inside. We spent about 5 minutes here – just long enough for a few photos while our guides struggled to hold onto the ropes on the cave’s walls to keep the boat from hitting the rock.

I’m unsure if they can anchor and let you swim inside, but it could be worth asking if you book a private tour what the options are.

Pinagbuyutan Island

I loved the unique shape of this island, and the fact that when we went in the morning, there wasn’t anybody else there. Most tours end here, but if you do a private tour and go in reverse, it’s possible to head here first and get it all to yourself, as I did. The current was strong when I was there but it does have a reef you can snorkel if you have better conditions.

It’s worth noting that overall, this is less of a snorkeling tour and more of a cave/sandbar tour than Tours A and C.

Costs of Tour B

These days all tour prices are fixed in El Nido for group tours, with Tour B priced at 1300 pesos per person. There’s also a 200 PHP environmental fee required for doing any island hopping tour in El Nido, which is good for 10 days. If you’ve already paid it for another tour, you’re good to go.

I also did Tour B as a private tour after a crowded Tour A the previous day in hopes of having a more secluded experience (more on that later). I paid 5000 PHP, without lunch, for the tour. You may read reviews online or on message boards discussing prices and the possibility of negotiating directly with boat owners. However after asking at about 15 places in town it’s clear to me that prices have doubled from just 2 years ago for private tours, and you won’t be finding them in the 3k or 4k range anymore. The best way to save money is to bring your own lunch, which cuts out 1500 pesos of the tour fee. That’s how I got the private boat for 5k. I booked at my accommodation, El Nido Overlooking , which had the cheapest price out of everywhere I looked. The rooms are great there too with an amazing view!

Where to Book

First Name:

Since everyone seems to make calls to agencies rather than owning their own boats (unless you’re staying at a hotel that has its own), it doesn’t really matter who you book with. I found that Klook actually has lower prices and great reviews, so if I had done a group tour, I would have gone that route. You can book Tour B here .

Is a Group or Private Tour B Better?

I’m sorry to say that I didn’t have the absolute best experience with guides in El Nido. Since you’re required to have one, it wasn’t as simple as rocking up to the shore and negotiating directly with a boat owner and going where we pleased, like I could do in Romblon .

In my review of Tour A , you’ll notice the guide tried to cut out two stops, and despite my best efforts to connect and be friendly, he just didn’t seem like he wanted to be there. I get it, everyone is going through their own stuff, but it was my worst experience with boat guides and captains in the Philippines to date. That said, you never know what you’re going to get since who you book with probably doesn’t own the boats and by the time you’re face to face with the guide, you’re probably 2-3 people removed from who you originally booked with. This presented some issues like what was and wasn’t included, such as snorkeling gear and transport, but overall I would still do the private tour since it gave me much more solitude, and allowed me to have some time at the caves, beaches, and islands to myself. That’s just not possible on a group tour.

For me, it boils down to what you can afford. Tour B is less crowded in general, so doing the itinerary in reverse from what the tour boats do could afford you some alone time in an otherwise very touristy El Nido. It just depends on how many people you’re splitting with and if the extra cost is worth it to you! You can also customize the stops a bit more, if you’d like to switch out some things for others from different tours.

What to Bring

Most group tours will include lunch and water, though you may want to double check that they will have water for you to refill your bottles with. In theory El Nido is trying to cut down on single use plastic, but not every tour provides water.

You’ll also want to bring along snorkeling gear, which you can rent for 150 pesos for a mask and snorkel and 150 for a set of fins. I brought my own mask from home and would suggest you do the same. You can be more sure of the quality and won’t have to pay the equivalent of 3 US dollars every single day that you go island hopping. I didn’t use fins during my El Nido experience and didn’t really feel they were necessary, but I would base your decision on that on how strong of a swimmer you are without them. There are plenty of places in town where you can rent, or most of the tour operators will have gear as well.

It can also be a good idea to bring along a dry bag ( I use this one ) if you want to be able to take photos, especially if kayaking in the lagoons. All of these photos were shot with a GoPro HERO7 Black , and my DJI Mavic 2 Pro . You can read more about my camera gear here .

Also be sure to bring along sunscreen , as you’ll have your back to the sun often on this trip. It’s also helpful to bring along your own beach towel.

Overall, Tour B was a less crowded, more secluded experience than Tour A, with beaches and islands that were just as amazing, if not more so. That said, I’d still spend another day in El Nido on either Tour A or C, or both, for a chance to do more snorkeling and to see the Big Lagoon.

Should you join the El Nido Tour B to see the islands of El Nido, Palawan in the Philippines? Click to read a complete guide and an honest review now to help you plan the best holiday! #ElNido

To read more about the other tours in El Nido, click here

About kristin addis.

Kristin Addis is the founder and CEO of Be My Travel Muse, a resource for female travelers all around the world since 2012. She's traveled solo to over 65 countries and has brought over 150 women on her all-female adventure tours from Botswana to the Alaskan tundra.

El Nido Tours A, B, C, D: Which Island Hopping Tour in El Nido Is the Best?

September 23, 2023

With its pristine waters, the backdrop of majestic jagged karst, and booming nightlife, El Nido definitely cemented Palawan on the international travel map. It has become a melting pot of peoples and cultures.

El Nido is a first-class municipality in the province of Palawan. It is located north of Puerto Princesa and the northernmost part of mainland Palawan. A direct flight to El Nido is only hosted by AirSwift which has its own private airport. Its flights can be a bit pricey.

People mostly travel by plane to Puerto Princesa, Palawan’s capital, and take a 4-5 hour car ride to El Nido. Heads up, if you’re prone to get car sick, this might be a challenge so prepare the bags and motion sickness medications.

Traveling around the town of El Nido is usually done by tricycle, an improvised motorcycle with three wheels and a passenger cab, the same as the former just with a bicycle instead of the motorized counterpart. If you have a license, you can also rent mopeds or scooters, but if you stay in downtown El Nido, establishments are just a walking distance, especially the party hub. Plus, the majestic and towering backdrop of the limestone cliffs makes the walks scenic.

Just like most destinations in the Philippines, island tours are a pretty standard and convenient way to experience El Nido. It is recommended to book online, but you can also book from the local tour groups upon reaching the town. Tours in El Nido are definitely more pricey compared to the usual tours in Palawan; that’s partly because of the tourism demand, but it’s definitely worth it.

El Nido and the nearby attractions are open all year round, as are most places in Palawan, but it’s best to visit from late November until May, with the peak travel season falling between the warm months of March and May.

There are four Island Hopping Tours in El Nido: Tour A, B, C, and D. They have different destinations but pretty much follow the same schedule. The coast guard office opens at 8 AM so big tour boats only start around 9 AM, departing one by one. This is a well-known and sought-after island destination so expect a huge crown. There will be 15-20 people for each boat and about 20 other boats in the lagoon. They will offer you snorkel gear and aqua shoes for rent if you don’t have them – we recommend bringing your own or renting because many beaches are riddled with awash corals and some attractions require you to traverse slippery and slightly sharp rocks. As always, the option to book a private tour is available, but it’s pricey, and they won’t take you to off-the-beaten tracks unless pre-screened and approved by the Coast Guard.

WHAT'S IN THIS POST?

1. Tour A – The Most Popular El Nido Tour

Cost: 1200 – 2200 PHP per person
Destination: Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Secret Lagoon, and 7 Commando Beach
Activities: island hopping, snorkeling, kayaking, volleyball

Tour A is the most popular and will also be the most crowded of all tours, but there’s a reason for that.

Big Lagoon

The Big Lagoon is located east side of Miniloc Island. Tour boats only take you to the deeper end of the waters, from there you will need to rent a kayak to fully enjoy the ethereal beauty of the Big Lagoon. Tour guides will offer you the crystal kayak for a higher price, which gives you better photos and underwater views, but the regular ones are fine.

Paddling your way to the shallow entrance allows you to enjoy the dark pacific blue waters and the towering gray limestone cliffs. You can continue to paddle through the shallow aquamarine waters, swim, or even walk if it’s low tide, then get back on the kayak (with a bit of effort) and tour the Big Lagoon. You can even paddle through a tiny cave tunnel for fun.

The Big Lagoon is one of the most iconic attractions in El Nido, and honestly, there are absolutely not enough words to describe its beauty. Even photos online can’t begin to show the feeling of awe and wonder you’ll get when standing in the cold, refreshing waters with the huge karst surrounding. You simply have to see it for yourself.

Shimizu Island

Your lunch buffet, usually a spread of delicious bounty lined up on a banana leaf, will be served on this island. The luscious green colors of trees pop out against the gray limestone, the turquoise waters, and the bright blue sky – making this site the best place to chill and feast. The cliff and the trees also provide the needed shade while you sip on a coconut or cool down with ice cream sold by boat vendors (Yes! Vendors on a boat with coolers.)

Secret Lagoon

El Nido’s secret isn’t so secret anymore.

The boat will dock on the sand-coral beach, and you’ll have to walk to the left side of the island. This is where the aqua shoes will make sense – the rocks are slippery and a bit sharp if you walk on foot. Your flip-flops might work, but you wouldn’t want to risk them getting ripped or slipping.

You’d know you’re almost there if you see a line of other tourists waiting to be catered across a narrow rock opening. Here, you’ll need whatever core or upper body muscles you can muster to get to the lagoon. The Secret Lagoon is a pool of seafoam green water hidden inside the gigantic walls of calcareous cliffs. The place is enchanting, but it’ll be so much better if you’re the first to get there. The waters are shallow and tend to get murky as more people wade their way in.

Seven Commandos Beach

This going to be the last stop of Island Tour A and the best place to make friends and bond. The Seven Commandos Beach is lined with coconut and other trees, has a long stretch of sandy-coral beach, and, of course, pristine and calm waters. The place is packed with tourists and locals either chilling, getting their tans, snorkeling, getting snacks, or even better – sharing a game or two of volleyball. There are two rudimentary volleyball courts and when we say everyone, we mean everyone gets to play.

The island gets quite hot and bright though so pack your sunglasses, sunscreen, and everything else to keep your skin safe. Also, pack a beach mat because there’s so much space for sitting back and relaxing, and maybe grab a couple of beers, too.

2. Tour B – The Best Beaches and Caves

Cost: 1200 – 1600 PHP per person
Destination: Snake Island, Pinagbuyutan Island, Cudugnon Cave, Cathedral Cave, Entalula Beach, and sometimes, Papaya Beach
Activities: island hopping, kayaking, cave viewing, strolling

This tour gives you an exciting but balanced tour of earth and sea.

Snake Island

Why would you go to an island full of snakes?! Well, you don’t. The island is actually called Vigan Island but was locally nicknamed after its shape, especially with its sandbar resembling a long and winding tail. Snake Island is part of the Bacuit archipelago, and on a fairly low tide, you can simply walk on the sandbar that connects it to mainland Palawan.

Pinagbuyutan Island

Pinagbuyutan Island, also called Ellis Island, is a cute gumdrop-shaped rocky island with a semi-circular stretch of beach lined with coconut trees. This looks like the kind of island you’d think of when people ask questions that start with “If you’re stuck on an island.” A large chunk of it is really just limestone, but the beach is perfectly remote and has lots of shade that’s why it’s the best place to share a lunch feast. Here you can chill on the beach, swim, or snorkel.

Entalula Island

Be ready with your best high-fashion pose because this island has an iconic rock structure that looks like a giant gemstone just lazily sitting on the sand. Entalula Beach is located north of El Nido. It has every island’s must-haves: a long white beach, a backdrop of jagged limestone, tropical vegetation, and of course, a calm and inviting sea full of life.

Cudugnon Cave

The Cudugnon Cave is an archaeological landmark where pottery and artifacts dating from the Sung Dynasty (960-1279) have been discovered. This also served as a sanctuary for the locals during World War II, to hide from the Japanese invaders. Depending on the tides, a local guide could accompany you inside the cave to admire the stalagmite and stalactite formations and of course, tell a story or two.

Cathedral Cave

Just as you’d imagine what a cathedral looks like, Cathedral Cave has a high ceiling decorated by large stalagmite structures. Instead of marble floors, you will paddle on deep navy blue waters teeming with marine life. The cave is a short (5-15 min) stop near Lagen Island, and unless you’re in a small boat, your boat will park outside and let you take pictures of the cave from the outside.

The entrance is too narrow for most tour boats to go inside so some tourists decide to swim or kayak their way in. Local guides may give you a warning to be careful though, sea snakes are thought to explore the cave waters, too.

Unlike Tour A, the last leg of your tour is spent at sea. This is the perfect time for snorkeling and swimming with the abundant marine ecosystem. Be prepared to hold your breath long enough so you can enjoy the full panoramic view of El Nido’s ocean life, and if you’re lucky, you might even see a sea turtle or two.

Cathedral Cave in El Nido Palawan - El Nido Tours

Papaya Beach

This stunning little cove is like a well-kept secret, especially for kayakers. Located only adjacent to Seven Commandos Beach, this is not accessible by foot, and not every Island Tour B will bring you here, but it’s a great plus if you visit this isolated paradise. Papaya Beach boasts near-perfect powdery white sand, a dramatic backdrop of jagged limestone cliffs, and blue crystal waters. It features photogenic and Insta-worthy swings that hang from coconut trees and a dainty nipa hut that sells drinks and snacks.

Tour C – Hidden Beach and Shrines

Cost: 1200 – 1700 PHP per person
Destination: Helicopter Island, Matinloc Shrine, Secret Beach, Tapiutan Island, and Hidden Beach
Activities: island hopping, snorkeling, scuba diving

This is the longest tour of the four, and it takes you the farthest from El Nido town. This also means you get to see some places less traveled including massive dinosaur-shaped islands and exotic limestone coves.

Helicopter Island

If you haven’t figured it out by now, the people of El Nido have a knack for nicknaming islands based on their shapes. The Helicopter Island, also officially named Dilumacad Island, looks like the aerial transport that landed on water. Lay down your mat on the cream-colored beach and enjoy the seaside scenery, or dive into the colorful world of tropical fishes, corals, and other marine creatures. During summer, the seabed even grows out seagrass, which makes it the perfect feeding area for sea turtles.

Matinloc Shrine

The Matinloc Shrine, or the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is the high point of Island Tour C, both literally and figuratively. It is home to an old, rustic, and abandoned religious shrine and convent where locals continue to conduct pilgrimage. Aside from the natural and expected beauty of El Nido attractions, the Matinloc Shrine holds a unique mystery involving hidden treasures from World War II.

On top of the cliff is a small natural view deck with a panoramic and magnificent view of some parts of Matinloc Island and other nearby islands and beaches. Just be careful in the climb because it might be short, but the cliffs are also steep, and the rocks are sharp.

Secret Beach

Have you watched, or at least heard, of the book (later turned into a movie) by Alex Garland entitled “The Beach”? The Secret Beach is one of the inspirations for that, along with the rest of the islands of Palawan. This beach is a piece of secret paradise or a plot to a horror flick, whichever tickles your fancy the most. The beach is on the edge of Matinloc Island and is surrounded by towering and majestic jagged limestone, only accessible by a single and narrow crevice.

You’ll have to swim through the narrow opening to reach the untouched beauty of this secret beach. Once inside, it’s easy to get lost in awe, and the place honestly feels hypnotic. Snorkeling here feels otherworldly. Pro-tip: bring an underwater or waterproof camera, or you might miss out on bringing proof that you’ve been here, remember, photos or it didn’t happen!

Tapiutan Island

Tapiutan Island is the farthest of all islands included in the Island Tour C and an amazing spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. You simply can’t help but admire the unspoiled and spacious white sand and the rich diversity of colorful corals and marine creatures. The water gradients from emerald green to sapphire and turquoise.

Hidden Beach

Still in Matinloc Island, the Hidden Beach is not just an enchanting sight to see, sitting on the beach and watching the horizon through a narrow passage feels surreal. It’s the kind where you watch the tides rush in and radiate into calmer waves. Imagine that view, the background of ethereal rocks, the shades of blue running from the sea to the sky, plus the solace of having very few people on the same side of El Nido – the experience is one for the books.

Tour D – Beaches and More Lagoons

Cost: 1200 – 1500 PHP per person
Destination: Paradise Beach, Natnat Beach, Pasandigan Cove, Cadlao Lagoon, and Small Lagoon
Activities: island hopping, swimming, strolling, kayaking, hiking, cliff jumping

This Palawan tour is so underrated and even has fewer crowds than Tour C. Most people take this tour after they’ve done all other tours and unfortunately, not everyone gets to stay in El Nido to finish all four tours. However, if you can, or you’re looking for a destination where you can simply chill, wade in the waters, or get a tan, this is for you. It is as amazing as expected of the gorgeous El Nido but with fewer people so you can really unwind.

Take note, though that due to the few people who take this tour, it may not always be offered so book it ahead of time, or you can opt to take a private boat tour.

Paradise Beach, Natnat Beach, and Pasandigan Cove

A wide stretch of powdery white sand meets the emerald clear water against the iron-gray colored limestone – that’s what’s waiting for you in these paradise destinations. It’s got sufficient space for a stroll, lined with coconuts to give you shade. The rawness of it’s beauty allows you to connect with the healing and calming beauty of nature. Here, you can simply watch the waves and stare into the horizon.

Cadlao Lagoon

The Cadlao Lagoon is an adventure hub if you have the knack for it. It has a small beach space where you can laze around, or if somehow you wanna shake things up, you can either snorkel, kayak, or rock climb the jagged limestone mountain for ten minutes. It’s not as hard as you think, but you do need to be careful because the rocks are sharp. If you feel like you might take a shot at this, even just a small chance, wear shoes. Fliptops will work, but shoes are better.

Small Lagoon

Compared to the Big Lagoon in Tour A which is accessible through a wide and open channel, the Small Lagoon is a bit hidden. It can only be entered through a small crevice in the limestone rock wall. You can swim through it, but that’ll mess up the whole “chill only” vibe. You will need to kayak anyway to get close to the entrance because big boats will have to stay on the deeper end.

The Small Lagoon is a pool of turquoise blue water surrounded by El Nido’s signature jagged karst. And if somehow all the chillin’ and relaxing challenged you to do one crazy adventure for the day, the Small Lagoon is a great spot for cliff diving, too. Check with your tour guide, of course, and make sure that you’re jumping off and onto the right spots.

To conclude, there is a perfect tour for everyone, and there is absolutely no wrong choice. Just a few reminders on your way. Absolutely do not pick up coral, sand, and other sea creatures out of the water. Bring cash, a lot of it. Always secure your own bottled water and when dining out, make sure the ice and drinks are served and made only with filtered water. The internet connection in El Nido is extra slow and bring a book or something to keep you busy when it rains because there’s not much to do when that happens. Also, do not limit your experience, go to Nacpan, hike Taraw Peak, take the Canopy walk, and see the nightlife.

It’s a dream to complete all tours but even if you don’t, and regardless of which one you choose, El Nido is a place of dream and wonder you can take home with you.

Note: Entrance and environmental fees to some locations vary between 200 – 400 PHP but are usually already included in the tours. Prices and inclusions may change depending on the tour provider so make sure to review their itinerary and tour details.

Triskaideka Travels by Marsu

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Coron Super Ultimate Tour 2023: Barracuda Lake, Coral Garden, Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, and More!

November 29, 2023

El Nido Island Hopping Tour A: Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Seven Commandos Beach

November 27, 2023

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Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour 2023: Your Guide to World’s Longest Underground River

October 28, 2023

DESTINATIONS

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El Nido Tour B

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This fun island tour is more diverse than the others, featuring caves, coves, historic sites, and wild forests—all set in stunning limestone islands! Entalula, Pinagbuyutan, and Snake Islands have beautiful rocky sceneries and virgin forests teeming with wildlife. If you’re up for an adventure, hike to the summit of Snake Island and see awesome views of Bacuit Bay!

The astonishing Cudugnon Cave is where pottery and jewelry from the Sung Dynasty was found. Travelers from Borneo used to cross the ancient land bridge that once connected Borneo to Palawan. Cathedral Cave, on the hand, features a huge cavern that resembles a cathedral, hence the name. Don’t miss the chance to access this using a kayak!

Tour Information

Discover El Nido

Meeting Point

8:30 am at Discover El Nido Office in Calle Amboy, El Nido ( see map ). For hotel pick-up within the town proper, please contact the tour operator. The phone number is on your receipt upon booking.

Boat and crew Local tour guide All entrance fees Picnic lunch Mineral water Mask and snorkel

The Eco-Tourism Development Fee of P200 per person is not included. This is a mandatory fee, valid for all tours occurring within a 10-day period in El Nido. If you have already availed the mandatory Eco-Tourism Development Fee, please bring it with you.

Participant Guidelines

Please present your printed or mobile voucher. The voucher is valid only on the tour date and time specified.

We recommend to bring the following items: comfortable swimming attire, sunblock, towel, and camera.

Single-use plastic bottles are prohibited in all tours.

OUR TWO CENTS

Walk around Snake Island and hike up the small hill for an added adventure.
Kayak and snorkel through Cathedral Cave.
Take a nap under a coconut tree at Pinagbuyutan Island.

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El Nido Island Hopping Ultimate Guide: Which Tour To Choose A,B,C or D

Jackson Groves

Posted on Last updated: August 10, 2023

Categories PHILIPPINES

El Nido Island Hopping Ultimate Guide: Which Tour To Choose A,B,C or D

El Nido, Palawan is the gem of the Philippines , with mind-blowing scenery matched with a small island town atmosphere is why this location is so popular.

El Nido island hopping is the number one attraction here and with good reason, it is freaking amazing.

What to pack for the Philippines?: After four trips to the Philippines, there are some items you NEED to pack . You can Click Here to view my recommended Philippines Packing List.

Table of Contents

ISLAND HOPPING IN EL NIDO, PALAWAN

I was lucky enough to experience Tour A , Tour B and Tour C , but have not yet made it on Tour D. However, even the day I paddled out on a kayak was amazing so don’t stress about which ‘letter tour’ will be the best. It’s El Nido, you are going to be visiting lagoons and beaches that will blow your mind no matter what tour you are on.

To book your EL NIDO ISLAND HOPPING A TOUR you can Click Here to check the availability and book online (It’s just $18 USD)

It includes Three Lagoons at Miniloc Island, Shimizu Island, Snorkel with turtles at Seven Commando Beach, BBQ Lunch

To book your EL NIDO ISLAND HOPPING B TOUR you can Click Here to check the availability and book online (It’s just $18 USD)

It includes Snake Island, Pinagbuyutan Island, Cudugnon Cave, BBQ Lunch

To book your EL NIDO ISLAND HOPPING C TOUR you can Click Here to check the availability and book online (It’s just $18 USD)

It includes Helicopter Island, Secret Beach, Matinloc Shrine, Talisay Beach, BBQ Lunch

To book your EL NIDO ISLAND HOPPING D TOUR you can Click Here to check the availability and book online (It’s just $18 USD)

It includes Cadlao Island, Pasandingan Beach, Small Lagoon, Natnat Beach, BBQ Lunch

Below I will show you what each tour looks like and describe the locations you will visit so that you can decide which tour you are keen for.

Tour A : Most popular and includes big and small Lagoon. Key attractions but can get crowded. Awesome day!

Tour B: A more relaxed day with off-beat island locations, hardly any crowds, epic landscapes.

Tour C: Second most popular, great snorkeling and the secret lagoons and beaches are amazing.

Tour D: Shorter tour much closer to El Nido, underrated and less crowded.

SEVEN COMMANDO BEACH

Coconut trees lined Seven Commando beach and we, of course, sipped on a few after a quick snorkel. Our boat docked here for a 45-minute chill/exploration session. Many people snorkeled but we just hung out on the beach and had a swim.

The rocks in El Nido are incredibly sharp, Seven Commando Beach was no exception. Wear shoes if you are planning on exploring in caves and on rocks like us.

On my second visit to Seven Commando Beach, I also did a beach clean-up. El Nido is making great changes but trash on the islands still remains prevalent.

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BIG LAGOON EL NIDO

Cruising up the lagoon was our first real look at how dramatic the cliffs and landscape was in El Nido. The lagoon has a narrow and the boats manage to navigate alongside each other as everyone on board arches their necks checking out the intense cliffs. The boat glides across the glassy water, almost crystal as the narrow entrance finally opens up into a giant lagoon . The boat did a slow circle in the lagoon letting us take in the sights before heading back out the narrow stretch.

LUNCH AT SHIMIZU ISLAND EL NIDO

Our guides had been cooking on the grill all morning as we cruised around from island to island. It was time to see what they had produced. It was an absolute feast.

I’ll be honest I’ve been on some tours where you get a cruddy sandwich and a bag of chips. This blew it out of the water. Grilled pork and chicken, fresh grilled fish and fruits and of course an abundance of rice.

There was plenty for everyone as we sat around on the logs watching monitor lizards amongst the trees. A bit of exploration post-lunch never hurts and we found a very shallow spot for a couple of jumps.

SECRET LAGOON EL NIDO

This spot was amazing but probably my least favorite as there were more than fifty tourists crammed into a tiny lagoon at once. We had to swim to a small hole and clamber through. One through sun shone down into a tennis court-sized lagoon, totally enclosed by sharp cliffs. It was a great spot but a little bit of an anti-climax.

However, the beach around the corner once back out of the lagoon was really cool. The landscape here was by far my favorite spot of the day and I camped on my favorite spot at the front of the tour boat as we left snapping a few shots to capture the entire scene. I have never seen anything like it before in my life.

The second time I visited Secret Lagoon in El Nido on Tour A , I was armed with a drone. It gave me a whole new perspective on the lagoon and the scale of the beach. I’ve added those photos below.

SMALL LAGOON EL NIDO

Our last stop of the day would be the small lagoon. By now I had become a bit desensitized to the majestic beauty all around me. But the small lagoon hit another chord.

We were offered kayaks as we arrived but also given the option to swim. Being the cheap guys Jorden and I were of course we swam. It wasn’t too far just a few hundred yards both ways.

Swimming through this lagoon was beautiful, calming and a great way to end the day. We went as far in as we could and just spend a while floating on our backs taking in everything around us.

The second time I visited Small Lagoon was actually with the Red Bull Cliff Diving team, which was a whole new experience. They had set up ladders to a platform and were jumping from 21m and 27m for their competition. I’ve put the video below about this epic experience.

PINAGBUYUTAN ISLAND

Pinagbuyutan Island is probably my favorite island in El Nido. It has huge towering cliffs that shoot straight down dramatically over the small stretches of the beach below. There’s nothing more than a shack and coconut trees on this desolate island.

When we rolled in there was just one local selling coconuts and no other tourists. It stayed that way for most of our visit.

We walked around the edges of the island in between the tall grass and scattered palms. This is how island hopping is supposed to be. Quiet, relaxing and away from the crowds. Luckily for us, we were in no rush and actually spent several hours at Pinagbuyutan Island.

There are also some great snorkeling spots just off the shore with beautiful reefs waiting to be discovered below the surface.

ENTALULUA BEACH OR PAPAYA BEACH

One of the stops on Tour B in El Nido will be Entalula or Papaya Beach. Both are awesome and we hung out at Papaya Beach. It is quite similar to Seven Commando Beach, which you will find on Tour A. Beautiful clear water, a nice sandy beach with a backdrop of coconut trees.

This is a great stop to relax and chill on the beach with your friends. There aren’t too many activities here other than just hanging out and maybe sipping on a coconut from the local stand.

We did a beach clean-up at this stop and collected several large bags of trash. El Nido is making great changes but trash on the islands still remains prevalent. I have posted the video of the cleanup below.

SNAKE ISLAND

Snake Island is an epic spot, one I didn’t even know about until we arrived. So often in El Nido, all of the focus is on lagoons and secret beaches that anything else is almost pushed to the side. Anywhere else in the world and Snake Island would be the number one attraction.

This beautiful island arcs out into a sandbar that connects to the mainland at low tide. This area reminded me of a mini French Polynesia with the steep, green hills as a backdrop to the cerulean blue water.

I really enjoyed this spot and flying the drone here was so much fun with something to look at in all directions. Snake Island was a great surprise and not a spot I had seen before so it was great to be exploring something a little different in El Nido on Tour B.

CUDUGNON CAVE

On Tour B there are two caving opportunities. The first cave is Cudugnon Cave, which was actually super cool. The boat parks on the beach and then you crawl through a little hole into a hidden area inside the cliffs.

Here there are amazing rock formations and you can actually keep climbing up pretty high. It was remarkable that this cave exists hidden inside the cliff walls, out of view from passing boats.

CATHEDRAL CAVE

The second cave was pretty wild. Cathedral Cave was incredible and one of my favorite caves I’ve visited in the Philippines.

You jump off the boat and either swim or kayak in. We swam inside despite our guide saying there were snakes. I’m still not sure if he was serious or not!

Inside huge stalagmites and stalactites hang from the roof and grow from the floor. It is mindblowing to look around at the rock formations inside this sea cave. Under the surface, the water has a luminescent glow so definitely bring your snorkel to enjoy this cave.

We explored it all the way to the back where things get quite creepy and gross but it is here that you can see the luminescent glow of the blue water on the walls. Make sure you go all the way to the back of the cave to look back towards the entrance to check that out.

HELICOPTER ISLAND

The first island on the itinerary of Tour C in El Nido is the famous Helicopter Island. It isn’t hard to figure out how this island earned it’s name with a distinctive helicopter shape, visible from a side profile. It is incredibly busy… always but you can still have a great time here. You can hang out here on the beach or go for a bit of a walk but the best way to explore Helicopter Island is with your snorkel and mask.

When your boat docks walk down towards the left (while facing the island) and then snorkel around the corner. Here you will get away from the crowds and be able to explore some beautiful coral. There are also some unique shelves and rock formations under the cliffs if you go far enough. I embedded a video from my underwater exploration at Helicopter Island below.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jackson Groves (@jackson.groves) on Apr 10, 2019 at 6:14am PDT

MATINLOC SHRINE (OR NEARBY BEACHES)

Matinloc Shrine is a bit of a weird stop on an island hopping tour and it is probably the least impressive thing to do on Tour C. It is essentially an abandoned shrine.

Your captain will likely ask if you do indeed want to visit or just go snorkeling/visit another beach. I believe it costs extra to visit as well. All you do is get off and go look inside the abandoned building. Bit of a waste of time when there are beautiful beaches, reefs, and turtles nearby!

We chose to visit a nearby beach instead (no extra fee) and went snorkeling and exploring. The beauty of the area near Matinloc Shrine is that there are lots of different beaches, coves, and snorkel spots so your captain should be able to pick a spot that isn’t crazy crowded!

Our captain took us to an amazing snorkel spot and beach but we just hung out on the boat and ate there. We snorkeled after but there was no need to get out and unpack the food we just ate it straight on the boat. I can’t remember the name of this spot for the life of me but most of the tours will choose lunch at one of a few spots.

HIDDEN BEACH

Hidden Beach is a cool little cove hiding behind the karst limestone cliffs. Your boat will drop you at the entrance and you swim/wade through the water until you make your way into the cove after about 200m. It is usually very crowded in here although it is incredibly beautiful. If this cove was empty it would be one of my favorite places in El Nido but both times it has been full of life jackets and hundreds of people so it is often a bit more manic than magic.

Nonetheless, I’ve always enjoyed sitting on the sand here and admiring the jagged cliffs and the beautiful scenery.

On my second visit to Hidden Beach, we did a cleanup and carried out 1.5 bags of trash and even swam out with it. It’s great to leave places better than when you found them and added a challenge to our Hidden Beach experience.

SNORKEL SPOT (TURTLES!)

Our final stop of the day was right next to Matinloc Shrine again where our captain told us there was a great reef. He wasn’t wrong and our guides even spotted a couple of turtles for us to swim with. There was a huge drop-off and it was an epic spot for free-diving and getting a closer look at the coral below.

There were some really cool table corals and lots of fish in this area. We were the only tourists enjoying this spot, which is what I liked about Tour C in El Nido. It seemed a bit more flexible than Tour A, which was all about the lagoons. Tour C was a bit easier to change depending on what you were interested in.

MAP OF EL NIDO PALAWAN

WHERE TO STAY IN EL NIDO

(Value) Spin Designer Hostel : Let’s go for Spin! This rad hostel is located at the bustling town of El Nido. This property is highly recommended by many travelers as the service is superb. Spin Designer Hostel also provides a shared kitchen with a barbecue facility. It is value for money and very close to shops and beach.

If you stay here you will make friends with like-minded strangers and be in the prime location for the nightlife, island hopping and hiking Taraw Peak . The beach literally steps away.

(Most Insta-worthy) Panorama Resort : Panorama Resort is an exotic boutique resort tucked between Corong-Corong Beach and Maremigmeg Beach, is a 3-star property that features a panoramic view of the mountains in El Nido. The resort is very insta-worthy and has a lot of amenities including a private beach, outdoor and indoor swimming pool, and free WiFi. It offers an amazing sunset view and chill vibe to guests.

(Luxury Resort) Las Cabanas Beach Resort : This incredible beach resort is situated perfectly on the shore of Las Cabanas beach in El Nido. It offers a peaceful sanctuary from the harsh realities of the outside world. The resort is picturesque and provides easy access to island hopping and other activities. It has rooms with sea and garden views, and the beachfront cottages are single standalone units.

ARE YOU KEEPING UP WITH MY EL NIDO SERIES?

You want to go island-hopping in El Nido but aren’t sure whether TOUR A,B,C or D will be better? Take a look at my El Nido Island Hopping Guide that compares all of the four tours to help you pick the best one for you.

Wondering what there is to do in El Nido? I’ve been twice and spent almost 30 days in El Nido so I’ve got some great recommendations for you in my Travel Guide to El Nido: 20 Awesome Things To Do

Which region will you choose for your accommodation in El Nido? I’ve broken each region down and given you suggestions for budget, value and luxury in El Nido Town, Lio Beach and Las Cabanas Beach in this guide: Where to stay in El Nido

My Review and photos of: Tour A

My Review and photos of: Tour B

My Review and photos of: Tour C

The most epic activity you can do in El Nido on the land is to hike up Taraw Peak and I share the photos and tell you how you can use the same local guide as me in this blog post: Hiking up Taraw Peak – What You Need to Know

Sunday 9th of October 2022

Hi we were going to el nido this coming nov21-24 with group of 12pax any suggestion for accomodation that fits us all in a room? We are in a budget friendly only heheh and we want to avail the tour A . is it recommended for first timers in el nido ? 😊

Laura Ann Demovich

Thursday 6th of October 2022

Please Help me make a decision..... Have you been to Terra Nova Resort? It is a very small private all-inclusive resort... all I know is it near or on Bay of Cataban which I read, and about 45 minutes south of town of El Nido. The owner wants me to come and help him. He said that I need to come on my own. I am a chef, diver, and surfer. He said he will give me a salary according to who comes to the Resort. I will be attending to breakfast, lunch, dinner. The resort has no pool, but on the beach. There are trips to the caves included. Snorkeling, tours. He has only 4 villas. As I understand my salary will be according to how many tourist will be coming. 3% per person is what I will be receiving per person, each month. His villa rates per day ranges from $500.00 to $559.00 for any one of the villas. I need to let you know that I gross over $10,000.00 a month on private yatchs. I am a freelance chef and can travel any time to work anywhere, or just hang out. Question: Should I just come to the Philippines and travel around or go to work for this individual. He claims I will not regret it because I can take over his business. But as I understand he has made his business a Foundation. After looking at your wonderful pictures of all the areas I wonder if this is what I should do.

Tuesday 22nd of October 2019

Hey, your description of the tours is really helpful! Tour B sounds very appealing to me and I’m wondering which company you chose to do this with? I’ll be in El Nido in a few days and I’m sure the amount of offers will be overwhelming... Thank you!

Monday 9th of September 2019

Hey Jackson. I've read some posts on the internet where people say their drones were confiscated at the airport upon entering the Phillippines. Do you have any tips on how to safely get the drone in? Thanks!

Philippines Itinerary: 3 Epic Weeks In The Philippines

Monday 5th of August 2019

[…] On this tour, you’ll discover Snake Island, which is known for its unique sandbar in the middle of the sea. You’ll get the chance to do some snorkelling in a unique location, before visiting historical caves that played a significant role in World War II. You’ll also do some fun stops at beautiful beaches where you can swim, snorkel or just sit and sunbathe. With so many boat tours and limited time in El Nido I know it can get a bit overwhelming deciding which one you want to do, if you need help figuring out which one is right for you check out this El Nido island hopping guide. […]

EL NIDO TOURS

ISLAND HOPPING EXPEDITIONS TRANSFERS DIVING TIPS

ISLAND HOPPING

TOURS 1 DAY

PRIVATE SUNSET CRUISE EL NIDO

GROUP EXPEDITIONS EL NIDO CORON

PRIVATE EXPEDITIONS EL NIDO CORON

PRIVATE BOAT TOURS EL NIDO

SCUBA DIVING EL NIDO

SUNSET BOAT PARTY

PRIVATE CAR TRANSFER

EL NIDO TIPS

EL NIDO TOURS

El Nido, situated in Palawan, Philippines, is renowned for its spectacular boat tours and island-hopping adventures. You can choose from group island-hopping tours or opt for a private boat tour for a more personalized experience.

El Nido Island Hopping: El Nido offers four main island-hopping tours: A, B, C, and D. Each tour has its own unique attractions, such as hidden lagoons, pristine beaches, and underwater caves. These group tours are popular for meeting fellow travelers and are usually more budget-friendly.

Private boat Tours: For a more exclusive and tailored experience, private boat tours are a fantastic option. You can customize your itinerary and visit the specific spots you desire. This is ideal for couples, families, or groups of friends looking for privacy and flexibility.

Expeditions El Nido Coron Palawan: If you're seeking a grand adventure, consider embarking on an expedition from El Nido to Coron. This journey takes you through some of the most pristine and remote areas in Palawan. It's a longer and more adventurous route, perfect for those who want to explore the less-visited gems of the region.

Scuba diving in El Nido: Philippines, is an exhilarating adventure that unveils the mesmerizing underwater world of this tropical paradise. Nestled within the enchanting Bacuit Bay, El Nido offers a diverse marine ecosystem and a vibrant coral kingdom waiting to be explored. Divers in El Nido can expect to encounter a wide array of marine creatures, including colorful reef fish, sea turtles, sharks, and even the occasional manta ray.

EL NIDO ISLAND HOPPING TOURS- DETAILS & PRICING

El Nido island hopping tours are a highlight of any visit to this tropical paradise in Palawan, Philippines. These tours, labeled A, B, C, and D, offer an unforgettable exploration of the region's stunning landscapes.

Tour A : This tour is famous for its Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon, where you can kayak through crystal-clear waters surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. You'll also visit Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and 7 Commando Beach.

Tour B : Tour B takes you to some of the most beautiful beaches in El Nido, including Snake Island, Pinagbuyutan Island, Cudugnon Cave, and Entalula Beach. The pristine shores and crystal waters make it a favorite among travelers.

Tour C : This tour explores hidden beaches, coves, and lagoons, including Matinloc Shrine, Helicopter Island, Secret Beach, and Star Beach. The dramatic rock formations and turquoise waters are truly breathtaking.

Tour D : Tour D showcases the underwater wonders of El Nido with stops at Small Lagoon, Cadlao Lagoon, Paradise Beach, and Natnat Beach. It's a snorkeler's paradise with vibrant marine life.

Each El Nido island hopping tour offers its unique charm, so you can choose the one that aligns with your preferences, or take multiple tours to experience a wide range of El Nido's natural beauty. It's an opportunity to immerse yourself in the splendor of this tropical paradise.

EL NIDO PRIVATE TOURS- DETAILS & PRICING

El Nido private boat tours provide a more exclusive and personalized experience for visitors looking to explore the stunning beauty of Palawan at their own pace. Here are some key points about private tours in El Nido:

Customized Itinerary: One of the main advantages of a private boat tour is the ability to create a customized itinerary. You can work with the tour operator to design your ideal route, including specific islands, beaches, and snorkeling spots you want to visit. This flexibility allows you to make the most of your time in El Nido.

Privacy and Comfort: Private tours are perfect for couples, families, or groups of friends who seek privacy and comfort. You won't have to share the boat with strangers, and you can enjoy the company of your own group.

Avoid Crowds: El Nido's group tours can get crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons. Private tours offer a more intimate and peaceful experience, allowing you to explore popular attractions without the hustle and bustle of large groups.

More Time at Each Stop: With a private tour, you have the luxury of spending as much time as you like at each destination. Whether you want to swim, snorkel, relax on the beach, or take in the scenery, you're not rushed.

Few private boats to choose from: 36ft boat, 92ft boat, speedboat, catamaran.

While private tours may be more expensive than group tours, the experience of having the stunning landscapes of El Nido all to yourself is well worth it for those looking for a truly exclusive and memorable adventure.

BOAT EXPEDITIONS EL NIDO COR ON- DETAILS & PRICING

Embarking on a boat expedition between El Nido and Coron, Palawan, is an extraordinary adventure. These expeditions, lasting 3 or 5 days, allow you to immerse yourself in some of the most unspoilt and breathtaking scenery in the Philippines.

3 Day Expedition: The 3 Day Expedition is a whirlwind of adventure in pristine waters, taking you to remote islands and hidden gems. You can explore Linapacan, famous for its crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches, or Culion Island, a former leper colony with a rich history. This trip combines exploration with relaxation, offering the chance to snorkel coral reefs and relax on tranquil beaches.

5-day expedition: The 5-day expedition offers a more immersive experience. You'll have more time to visit less-visited areas and soak up the tranquillity of the journey. Stops can include Calauit Safari Park, home to a variety of wildlife, and remote islands such as North Cay and Pass Island. Other water-based activities such as kayaking and paddle boarding await, as well as interactions with local communities to immerse you in their culture.

Choose between group expeditions for a shared adventure and a cost-effective option, or private expeditions for an exclusive and personalised experience. Discover secluded beaches, hidden lagoons and vibrant coral reefs as you sail through the spellbinding landscapes that define Palawan's natural beauty.

EL NIDO SCU BA DIVING- DETAILS & PRICING

Experience the enchanting underwater world of El Nido like never before with scuba diving . Dive into the crystal-clear waters of this tropical paradise and discover a thriving ecosystem teeming with vibrant coral reefs and an array of marine life.

El Nido, nestled in the Philippines, is renowned for its stunning limestone karsts and hidden lagoons. But beneath the surface lies a secret world waiting to be explored. Scuba diving in El Nido offers a unique opportunity to witness the diverse marine life that calls these waters home.

As you descend into the depths, you'll be greeted by a mesmerizing palette of colors – schools of fish in every shape and size, from playful clownfish to majestic sea turtles, all navigating through the intricate coral formations. The vibrant coral gardens create an enchanting backdrop for your adventure, as you swim alongside iridescent angelfish and camouflaged seahorses.

El Nido is also famous for its underwater caves, adding an element of mystery to your dive. Exploring these subterranean chambers, you'll feel like an explorer on an underwater expedition.

Whether you're a seasoned diver or a beginner, El Nido's dive sites offer something for everyone. Certified divers can delve into the deeper realms, while beginners can opt for introductory dives, guided by experienced instructors.

So, if you're seeking an unforgettable adventure that immerses you in the wonders of the ocean, scuba diving in El Nido is an experience you won't want to miss. Explore, discover, and be captivated by the hidden treasures that lie beneath the surface of this breathtaking destination.

The Best El Nido Tour: A, B, C or D? – Island Hopping in El Nido

If you’re scratching your head over which is the best El Nido tour, don’t worry. Everyone who has been island hopping in El Nido has had the same dilemma. “A, B, C or D?” is the first question on everyone’s tongues.

Located in an area in the northern part of the Palawan archipelago in the Philippines, El Nido is renowned for its island hopping tours.

Why? The traditional bangka boats can access huge kart limestone lagoons with emerald water. There are white-sand beaches on almost every island, and most of the time they are backed by towering limestone cliffs or rows of palm trees.

On top of that, the best El Nido island hopping tours often visit fully or partially hidden beaches concealed behind limestone rocks. There are caves, coral reefs, and the list goes on…

To help you decide, I’ve set out exactly what is involved in each island hopping tour in El Nido and the best El Nido tour for every individual (including less-crowded options and luxury tours).

I’ve also explained the difference between the El Nido private and group tours and the benefits of each, as well as practical details on how to prepare for island hopping and where to get lunch.

Table of Contents

Where is El Nido?

Sharp limestone rocks above El Nido town at the Taraw Cliffs.

El Nido is an area in the northernmost part of Palawan, an archipelago in the Philippines. It is also the name of El Nido town proper, from which the best El Nido island hopping tours depart.

The town is located in Bacuit Bay, approximately 15 minutes’ drive south of El Nido Airport.

El Nido is a five-hour ferry ride away from Coron, another island popular for island hopping in Palawan – for that, see my guide to the best Coron island hopping tours .

The capital of Palawan, Puerto Princesa (home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site thePuerto Princesa Subterranean Underground River) is a five- or six-hour drive south down the same island.

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Is El Nido worth visiting?

Aerial view of Bacuit Bay in El Nido, lined with boats and houses.

El Nido is the most popular tourist destination in Palawan, without a doubt. Its island hopping tours are immensely impressive.

The islands in El Nido are practically spilling over with stunning landscapes, like lagoons, sandbars, caves, limestone cliffs, hills, and hidden beaches.

There are coral reefs and diving sites too, frequented by turtles, seahorses, nudibranch, reef sharks, and if you’re lucky enough to see them, eagle rays.

It’s not just island hopping that awaits in El Nido, however. The Taraw Cliffs, a series of jagged limestone cliffs which look almost like knives, tower over the town.

In the past few years, locals have built a safe but rickety boardwalk to the cliffs, where there is a viewpoint over the town and bay.

Since I first visited El Nido town in 2018, it has expanded significantly. What was once a small town with just a few accommodation options and one or two go-to bars is now a thriving tourist destination with restaurants and guesthouses by the dozens.

El Nido is also very well-known for its unique island resorts, especially the Cauayan Island Resort and Spa and Matinloc Resort .

How many days is enough for El Nido ?

A limestone island with a white-sand beach and tall cliffs.

The best amount of time to spend in El Nido is between three days and one week .

There are four main island hopping tours in El Nido. If you want to give yourself time to do all four tours, you need at least four or five days.

If you only want to do Tour A and Tour C, the two most popular tours, you should visit El Nido for at least two or three days.

The tours run from 8pm to 4pm, taking up eight hours of the day.

Most of them involve vigorous activities such as swimming, snorkelling, and scrambling over rocks. Therefore, you may also need to put aside a day or two to rest and relax, as they can be physically demanding.

If you want to climb the Taraw Cliffs, put aside another full day because the opening times (8am to 5pm) coincide with the timing of the tours.

How to get to El Nido

Kayakers on turquoise water on Big Lagoon in El Nido, surrounded by limestone cliffs.

There are several ways to get to El Nido. The best way to get to El Nido depends upon your full plan for travelling Palawan.

Most people start their Palawan itinerary in either Coron or Puerto Princesa.

If they start in Coron, they usually visit Coron, El Nido and Puerto Princesa in that order. If they start in Puerto Princesa, they do the opposite: Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and finally Coron.

Another option is to skip Puerto Princesa entirely, which means you can fly directly to El Nido airport. You won’t get a chance to visit the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River. Your flight will also be more expensive because the cheapest flights in and out of Palawan are from the main airport in Puerto Princesa.

1. How to get to El Nido from Coron

There are two ways to get to El Nido from Coron. The first and quickest method is to take the ferry, which takes approximately four or five hours and costs approximately 2,600 PHP (£35).

This is also the cheapest way.

However, the ferry is notoriously uncomfortable. Most passengers get very sea sick because the crossing has choppy waters. The ferries also leave early at 6am.

The second and more adventurous route is to go island hopping from El Nido to Coron. I have done this twice and count both times as some of my favourite travel experiences in southeast Asia.

Sleeping in handmade wooden huts on remote islands, you’ll spend the days snorkelling over some of Palawan’s best corals, as they haven’t been damaged by hordes of boats and tourists.

It’s also a chance to visit completely uninhabited beaches and islands, as well as the few island-based villages in the area. This area has incredible sunsets and sunrises too.

The tours usually last between three and five days. I have done the tour twice with Tao Philippines , who give back to the island communities by teaching them sustainable farming methods and providing them employment – a good cause. They are, however, expensive in comparison with the ferry.

2. How to get to El Nido from Puerto Princesa

To get to El Nido from Puerto Princesa, you will need to take an air-conditioned minivan transfer between El Nido and Puerto Princesa . There are no local bus services.

The vans are cramped but comfortable. The roads can be windy, so take road sickness tablets.

The journey takes approximately five hours dependent upon traffic and costs approximately 900 PHP (£12).

3. How to get to El Nido by air (from Manila)

There are flights from Manila to El Nido airport, a small airport 15 minutes’ drive from El Nido town proper.

Tricycle taxis can take you to or from the airport. They should cost around 200 PHP (£2.80) one way.

The Best El Nido Tour: The Types Of Tours in El Nido

1. private island hopping tour in el nido.

A private island hopping tour involves renting a private boat.

The private tours visit routes A, B, C or D, the same destinations covered by the group tours.

The tour is set on a traditional bangka boat, suitable for up to three guests, and the total cost of the tour is split between all three guests.

A private tour is ideal if you want to go island hopping as a family or as a group of friends. You don’t need to feel rushed or crowded. You also have more agency over the itinerary.

For example, you could ask your tour guide to skip one stop in favour of spending longer in a different destination.

2. Group island hopping tour in El Nido

A group island hopping tour is the most budget-friendly tour type in El Nido. They cover routes A, B, C and D.

The group tours accommodate up to 25 people, depending upon the size of the boat. The whole experience is more crowded and noisier.

However, it’s also easier to make friends with other travellers and adds a friendly, sociable atmosphere to the tour.

3. Island hopping by speedboat

Aerial view of Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon surrounded by limestone and karst peaks.

The quickest and most luxurious tours in El Nido are the island hopping tours by yacht or speedboat.

The main benefit of taking a speedboat is that they are quicker, making it possible to beat the crowds to the best attractions. This is the most expensive but equally the most luxurious type of tour.

Most speedboat tours are three to five hours long, meaning that you can make the most of your day back in the town or catch a bus or flight later in the day.

Premium three-hour speedboat tour of popular routes : Approximately 3500 PHP (£50) per person.
Private five-hour speedboat tour of Bacuit Bay : 24,700 PHP (£350) for two people.

Entry fees for the El Nido island hopping tours

On top of the raw cost of island hopping in El Nido, you will need to pay an eco-tourism development fee of 200 PHP and entrance fees for the attractions you visit on the tour.

Usually, these are not included in the tour price, but check before you book to be sure.

The El Nido eco-tourism development fee is 200 PHP (£2.80). The fee goes directly towards sustaining the environment and isn’t kept by your tour provider.

Most entry fees, including for Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon, are 200 PHP (£2.80).

They must be paid to your tour guide at the beginning of the trip.

How much does island hopping in El Nido cost?

Island hopping tours can cost up to 17,670 PHP (£250) for a private tour for three people or up to 3500 PHP (£50) for a group tour for one person.

This is once you take into account the additional costs of buying lunch, entry fees, and gear hire.

Let me break it down for you:

A group island hopping tour on its own costs around 2100 PHP (£30) per person.

A private island hopping tour typically costs around 14,200 PHP (£200) for a group of three people. Split between three, this amounts to approximately 4730 PHP (£66) each.

On top of the raw tour costs, a typical day of entry fees will include the 200 PHP (£2.80) eco-tourism development fee and 200 – 400 PHP (£2.80 – £5.60) of entry fees.

For any lagoon tours, you will need to hire a kayak for around 250 PHP (£3.50) and/or a snorkelling mask for 150 PHP (£2).

Lunch is no longer included in the tour price, as of June 30th 2023, so you will also need to account for buying your own packed lunch from one of the restaurants in the town.

This will cost around 200 – 400 PHP (£2.80 – £5.60) for a large budget-friendly meal.

The Best El Nido Tour: How to Prepare for Island Hopping in El Nido

Island hopping El Nido requires some preparation.

1. Choose what to pack and wear for the best El Nido tour

The most important thing you need is a dry bag to protect your belongings from the water.

This can be purchased from market stalls in El Nido town if you don’t have your own.

The second most important thing, in my opinion, are reef shoes . On most of the tours, you will be walking over rocks or sand which might hide sea urchins or lion fish.

Again, sea shoes can be purchased in El Nido town if you don’t have any of your own.

Other items you should pack include:

A reusable water bottle with water – all plastics are banned on El Nido island tours to protect the environment.
A quick-dry beach towel.
Change of clothes.
Cash – you will need to pay by cash for any extras such as tourist fees, snorkelling or kayaking gear, and food and drinks from kayak vendors.

For a full list of what to wear in Palawan , along with a free packing list and what to wear island hopping, I have a separate guide.

2. Allow time for your journey

The meeting place for most of the best El Nido tours are either on El Nido beach directly next to the town, where the island hopping boats are docked, or at one of the restaurants next to the beach.

It may take you around 20 minutes of walking to reach your meeting place if you’re staying within the town.

If you’re staying on the outskirts of the town or in the Napcan beach area, you may need to account for a tricycle ride to the beach and possible traffic.

Leave plenty of time for breakfast, travel, and finding the meeting point.

Also, don’t skip breakfast. You will need the energy for the day’s activities. Just remember that you’re going to be on a boat all day, and don’t make my mistake of having a huge breakfast before sitting on a stationary boat in the windy bay for half an hour directly afterwards.

What To Expect on the Best El Nido tour

1. an early start.

The best El Nido tour will start early to beat the crowds.

Most of the tours depart El Nido Beach before 8:45 AM. Any later, and you may ‘miss the boat’, as the saying goes.

2. A few crowds

El Nido is one of the most crowded destinations in Palawan (and in the Philippines as a whole). Where there’s natural beauty, there are crowds.

If you’re trying to avoid crowds, I’d suggest taking a speedboat tour to beat the crowds to the most popular spots. Tour B and D are also less crowded than Tour A and C.

The coral reefs in El Nido aren’t the best I’ve seen in Palawan. Some of the coral is dead because of over-tourism and unsustainable boating practices. I saw way too many boat anchors buried in the dead coral in El Nido.

There are still some thriving coral gardens, but if you’re looking for slightly more colourful corals and diverse sea life, you can see that island hopping between El Nido or Coron or on an island hopping tour from Coron.

4. No buffet lunch

The buffet lunches were always a well-awaited part of the El Nido tours for me. However, since July 1st 2023 and under the direction of the Mayor of El Nido, meals are no longer included in island hopping tours.

Therefore, you will need to purchase your own meal from the restaurants in the town before going on the tour.

5. Changes of plans

Even on the best El Nido tour, you may need to change your plans.

Entry to attractions like the Big Lagoon are limited to a certain number of people. Tour guides will take you to a different nearby spot if they are turned away.

Sometimes, the schedule doesn’t always run to plan too. For example, I took tour C, excited to visit Matinloc Shrine, but the tour ran out of time and couldn’t stop there.

The Best El Nido Tour: A, B, C or D?

In an ideal world, you’ll have enough time to go on all four El Nido island hopping tours.

However, if you don’t, you will want to make the most of the time you have.

The most popular El Nido tours are Tour A and Tour C . They are also the most crowded.

Tour A is popular because it visits Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon. Big Lagoon is considered the most impressive destination in El Nido.

Tour C is popular because it visits Hidden Beach and Secret Beach, two fully or partially concealed beaches with an added surprise factor. It also visits Matinloc Shrine, a spiritual site among the islands.

Tour B visits some of the best and less-crowded beaches in El Nido, while Tour D visits pristine beaches and Small Lagoon, a smaller-sized and therefore more intimate lagoon.

Let the following breakdowns help you to choose.

Tour A: The Best El Nido Tour for Kayaking in Limestone Lagoons

Secret Lagoon
Seven Commandos Beach
Shimizu Island
Corong Corong Beach

1. Big Lagoon

Tour A is considered to be the best tour in El Nido by many locals because it is the only tour which visits Big Lagoon, a huge limestone karst lagoon with shallow, green water.

Kayakers on the best tour in El Nido kayaking through Big Lagoon.

Kayaking through Big Lagoon is a huge bucket-list activity in El Nido, and this is the only route covering the attraction unless you take a speedboat tour.

Limestone rock formations at Big Lagoon in El Nido

While kayaking through around the lagoon is by far the best part of visiting Big Lagoon, there are also shallow areas of waters (almost like a beach) where you can leave your kayak and float in the shallows.

If you continue kayaking far enough into the lagoon, you’ll also come across areas with reeds and sea urchins.

Round to the left, near the back of the lagoon, you can also find narrow grooves in the rocks just big enough for kayaks to pass through. Ask your guides the way if you can’t find them on your own.

Small cave-like alleyways through Big Lagoon in El Nido.

2. Secret Lagoon

Girl looks up at the limestone rocks in Hidden Lagoon.

Crawling on all fours through a small cave and emerging into a circular lagoon enclosed by sky-high limestone is bound to be a memorable moment in your Palawan trip.

Secret Lagoon is one of many places in El Nido which is hidden by rocks from the outside

You definitely don’t need a kayak for Secret Lagoon, as it’ll only take you two or three minutes to take a swim around the circumference. The rest of the time you can spend admiring the rockfaces.

3. Seven Commandos Beach

Seven Commandos Beach is one of the closest beaches to El Nido town.

Lined with palm trees and a few swings erected by locals, it is a great place to chill out and snorkel (the corals are on the right-hand side of the beach when you’re facing the ocean).

Seven Commandos Beach got its name from a rumour that seven World War II soldiers became stranded on the beach. Another rumour is that a fishing vessel was stranded on the beach and passengers set up camp there before repairing and sailing their boat away.

The former story is the most popular, because it’s said that locals found a rock carved with ‘Seven Commandos’ on the beach when it was first discovered.

4. Shimizu Island

Shimizu Island is usually the lunch stop on Tour A. The sheer limestone rocks barely make room for the it small, white beaches, and that’s exactly why it’s so beautiful.

Tour B: The Best El Nido Tour for Visiting Less-Crowded Beaches and Caves

Popolkan Island
Snake Island
Cudugnon Cave
Cathedral Cave
Pinagbuyutan Island

Tour B is a wise choice for anyone who wants to avoid the main tourist crowds. It shows you island hopping as it should be: wild, free, and stunning.

The beaches have some of the most fascinating formations in Palawan, especially Snake Island with its slithery, shifting sandbars.

1. Popolkan Island

Small but sweet, Popolkan Island is one of the most popular snorkelling and diving destinations in El Nido. The great corals are what makes it the first stop on Tour B in El Nido.

2. Snake Island

Snake Island is definitely one of the most impressive islands in El Nido.

The main reason for this is that it has a sandbar, which emerges at low tide only. You can walk the three kilometres along the sandbar to get between the two islands.

Three-kilometre sandbar with several boats on Snake Island in El Nido.

Mangroves and thick palm trees (with the occasional monkey) rest alongside the beach.

If you have enough time, which is more likely on a private tour rather than on a group tour, locals can also show you how to climb to the shed at the top of the island.

Three people wade over the sand bar at Snake Island in El Nido.

3. Cudugnon Cave

The caves are what really set apart Tour B from the other island hopping tours in El Nido.

Cudugnon Cave is tucked underneath a hill on Lagen Island, miles away from the civilisation of El Nido town. Yet, it still has plenty of history.

The cave is a neolithic burial site for Palawan residents and people who settled in Palawan from Borneo, as part of an ancient practice to return humans to nature. Human bones have been found from as far back as 960 A.D. in the cave.

It’s also thought that Japanese soldiers hid in the cave during the invasion in World War II.

Even without all of the history attached to it, the cave is spectacular, as it is filled with limestone karst formations, stalactites, bats, and swallows. Access to the cave is during low tide only through a small opening.

4. Cathedral Cave

Cathedral Cave earned its name because of its limestone passageway in the shape of a cathedral. Cathedral Cave is more of a drive-by destination rather than anything else, because venomous snakes live inside the cave.

5. Pinagbuyutan Island

Pinagbuyutan Island is one of the closest islands to El Nido town proper, around half an hour’s sailing from the town.

It’s a wild, desolate island, making it an ideal place to relax and snorkel over the beach’s corals without crowds interfering.

Tour C: The Best El Nido Tour for Visiting Secret Beaches

Hidden Beach
Secret Beach
Helicopter Island
Tapiutan Beach
Matinloc Shrine.

Tour C has the adventure factor every island hopper wants. Discovering secret beaches never gets old, and that’s exactly what makes it one of the best island hopping tours for exploring ‘hidden’ or ‘secret’ spots.

Tour C is very popular, so I can’t say that the beaches are exactly a ‘secret’ anymore. Still, you’d have no idea they were there if it wasn’t for the tour guides.

Matinloc Shrine is also another reason why many like this tour, as the abandoned Virgin Mary shrine is an unusual sight among the miles of deserted islands and limestone rocks.

1. Hidden Beach

On the approach to Hidden Beach, you’ll see nothing but a wall of El Nido limestone. As you get closer, however, you’ll notice a slither of sand through an alley behind one limestone islet.

There couldn’t be a better tropical optical illusion.

White-sand Hidden Beach partially concealed behind jagged limestone cliffs, a stop on the best El Nido tour.

The bangka boats park in the deeper water a distance away from the rocks, as they can’t sail through. Then, you’ll need to clamber over the rocks through knee to thigh-high water to reach the beach.

The clamber is harder than it looks because it’s easy to lose your balance, so hold onto a partner if you can. Reef shoes are an essential.

In the shallow passage of water leading to the main secret beach, I was lucky enough to be joined by a tiny family of tiny reef sharks, who peacefully took a length or two of the water before exiting.

The beach itself is a small trip of white sand, so the most fun part is paddling around the shallow water and spotting marine creatures.

2. Secret Beach

Limestone rocks conceal Secret Beach in El Nido.

You could say that Secret Beach is Hidden Beach’s more elaborate sibling.

Unlike Hidden Beach, it is fully concealed by limestone rocks and entry is by jumping into deep water and swimming through a narrow passageway into a secret limestone crevice with a beach.

Wear your reef shoes, because once you’ve squeezed through, you still have a small clamber to reach the sand.

Blonde woman in a black bikini on the best tour in El Nido bangka boat in front of Secret Beach in El Nido.

With limestone on all sides, Secret Beach is a special place.

3. Helicopter Island

If you were to fly above Helicopter Island, you’d see why it got its name. Even on the approach, you can tell that the island is shaped vaguely like a helicopter.

Tall, winding and covered in tufts of green, the island has a gorgeous white-sand beach overlooked by towering cliffs.

Views of distant mountains in Helicopter Island in El Nido.

Helicopter Island, in my opinion, was by far the most scenic beach on all of the El Nido island hopping tours.

First thing in the morning, the beach was pretty busy. However, it is still large enough that you can walk until there are no people around. The farthest ends of the beach are mostly deserted.

Helicopter Island's sandy beach, a stop on the best El Nido tour.

The beach is also lined with pretty decent corals. You hardly have to go far to find them: just swim a couple of strokes from the beach and you’ll find that the sand very quickly drops down onto a shallow coral reef with lots of rainbow fish.

4. Tapiutan Beach

Positioned alongside Matinloc Island, Tapiutan Beach is a popular stop for lunch, just through a narrow limestone pass and with yet more white sand and corals.

5. Matinloc Shrine

Matinloc Shrine is saved for last. It is a large, white shrine dedicated to Virgin Mary.

It looks rather out of place on Matinloc Island. However, it has been there since 1982, having been supposedly set up by adventurers who found treasure from World War II on the island and built the shrine to cover up their mischievous digging.

The shrine has fell to ruins since they left with their treasures, and a beachfront mansion has met the same fate.

Tour D: The Best El Nido Tour for Snorkelling and Visiting Small Lagoons

Small Lagoon
Cadlao Island
Pasandigan Beach
Nat Nat Beach
Paradise Beach
Bukal Island

If want to experience smaller, quieter lagoons typical of El Nido and ‘hidden’ beaches with fewer crowds, this is the tour for you. Its best and first destination is what looks like a miniature version of Big Lagoon.

This is also another of the least-crowded island hopping routes in El Nido, so it’s a tour where you can really tune into the peaceful landscape.

1. Small Lagoon

Aerial view of bangka boats and yellow kayaks in Small Lagoon in El Nido.

Exploring Small Lagoon by kayak is more intimate than kayaking Big Lagoon, and there’s no way that you will leave feeling like you didn’t have time to see and experience everything.

Because it’s so much smaller, you can really take the time to soak up the scenery and look for marine life too.

Coloured a deep sea green, the lagoon has several cliff jumping spots and deep areas suitable for swimming. There are a few small caves which indent the limestone cliffs.

2. Cadlao Island

Cadlao Island has yet another lagoon. This one is set on an impressive green island with a 609-metre hill. It’s also one of the largest islands that you’ll encounter while island hopping in El Nido.

Because Cadlao Island is so close to El Nido, adventurous tourists can kayak out to Cadlao Island directly from the town.

The island has limestone karsts and there are coral reefs at the end of the bay, but the lagoon is by far the prettiest place (and a great place to snorkel, too).

3. Pasandigan Beach, Nat Nat Beach and Paradise Beach

Pasandigan Beach, Nat Nat Beach, and Paradise Beach are three beautiful beaches with shallow waters and fab marine life. If you’ve been wanting to snorkel, these are the spots to do so.

Pasandigan Beach is particularly known for its turtles and isolated vibe. You can swim directly to the corals on Paradise Beach from the silkily soft sand.

4. Bukal Island

Bukal Island is just about the cherry on top for Tour D. It has calm, family-friendly shallows, ideal for relaxing. The island is smaller than Cadlao Island, and has a far wilder appeal.

The Best El Nido Tour for Luxury

Bangka boats in the ocean next to a white-sand beach in El Nido.

If you you’re looking for luxury, you’re in luck. There are a number of luxury boat tours that run from El Nido.

By far the most extensive luxury tour is the two-day private cruise on a 42-foot luxury sailing yacht .

The cruise involves sleeping in two private cabins on the yacht and visiting places far away from the typical tourist routes.

The yacht will take you to Malapacao Island for snorkelling, followed by a deserted sandbank at Lagen Island, and finally Dibuluan Island where the Survivor TV show was shot.

If you want a shorter luxury tour, you can take a day cruise on a private 43-foot Beneteau Oceanis 430 yacht . This tour also takes you away from the tourist sites to Dibuluan Island and Lagen Island.

There is another popular group luxury tour aboard a 50-foot sailing catamaran , which is more affordable because the boat can be shared with a minimum of six other guests. The catamaran visits some of the best spots on the Tour A, B, C, D routes.

The Best El Nido Tour Inland

Aside from island hopping, there are plenty of places to explore inland on the main island.

You can rent your own scooter to explore inland on your own but the easiest option is to take the Beyond El Nido jeepney tour .

Jeepneys are a traditional vehicle in the Philippines and an artistic symbol. The buses were converted from jeeps left behind by invaders in World War II.

This particular jeepney tour will take you to Lio Beach, a wide, windswept sandy bay with a long pier. I stayed in a resort next to the beach in 2018 and was blown away by the size of the beach.

The tour also passes through the El Nido countryside, taking you on a guided trek to the Bulalacao Waterfalls where you can swim or go cliff jumping.

The final stop is Napcan Beach for sunset with free unlimited cocktails at a beach bar. So, if you want to party, this is your chance. It’s a popular tour for the hostel crowd.

How to Avoid Crowds in El Nido

Crowds are the one thing that can turn the best El Nido tours into the worst. However, they are avoidable with a little planning.

1. Take a speedboat tour

By far the best way to beat the crowds is to take a speedboat tour. Speedboat tours travel at almost double the speed of the bangka boats used for the normal boat tours in El Nido.

Speedboat pulled up alongside a resort in El Nido.

This gives you the chance to arrive at popular spots before other boats get there. You can also visit the destinations in a different order to the island tours when they are most likely to be less busy.

2. Depart early

Book a tour that departs early. Most tours leave by 8.45am. If you’re on a tour that’s leaving late or seems disorganised, you’re not on the best El Nido tour.

I find that tours booked online were far more prompt than tours booked through a hotel or hostel, as they depend upon positive online reviews for customers.

You can find tours on GetYourGuide or Klook .

3. Visit El Nido during the low season

Visiting El Nido during the low season is the biggest power move.

Accommodation is cheaper. Island tours are less crowded. It’s a win-win, as long as the weather forecast holds out.

Where to Stay in El Nido

One of the great things about El Nido is that it has a good range of value, mid-budget, and luxury places to stay.

There are two main backpacker hostels: Spin Designer Hostel and Frendz Hostel.

Spin Designer Hostel is by far the most bougie of the two, with activities like free margarita nights and free popcorn. Frendz Hostel is where I stayed. It has a rooftop pool with views over the town and sea. It’s one of the most social hostels I’ve stayed at.

If you’re on a luxury holiday, you absolutely must look at the private island resorts which surround El Nido. I was blown away by a visit to the Cauayan Island Resort and Spa in 2018. Matinloc Resort is also beautiful island resort.

In El Nido town, the most popular luxury resort is the El Nido Garden Resort .

If you want a mid-budget option instead, try the following hotels, but be aware that they book up fast:

The Funny Lion
SANSE Boutique Hotel
H Hotel (vegetarian and vegan hotel)

You can also consider staying in the Las Cabañas Beach area, only a short tuk-tuk ride from the town proper. There are beachfront holiday apartments there.

Things to Do in El Nido

1. get a massage..

There’s a massage parlour on the main road in El Nido called The Organic Spa El Nido, which honestly gives the best hilot massage I’ve had in the space of nearly two months in the Philippines.

2. Climb the Taraw Cliffs

Tourists have their photo taken by a guide on the Taraw Cliffs boardwalk.

Before the canopy walk existed, people used to scramble up the Taraw Cliffs to get photos of the bay from the precarious limestone ledges. Some people still do, illegally I might say, as it has been banned.

Now, locals have erected a canopy walk (the Taraw Via Ferrata) consisting of boardwalks which will take you safely to the top of the cliffs in a harness.

I can’t really compare the health and safety standards to those in Australia or Britain, but it seems sturdy enough, and it’s a wonderful way to take in the views. Plus, the climb only takes 20 minutes.

You’ll need to book a ticket either at the office in town or online: get your Taraw Via Ferrata ticket .

3. Take the Las Cabañas Beach zipwire

Person glides down a zipwire over Las Cabanas Beach near El Nido.

El Nido Beach isn’t suitable for a beach day because of all of the boats docked or coming and going.

The best place is Las Cabañas Beach, which is approximately a 20-minute tuk-tuk ride from the town.

The area is fairly built up. To reach the beach, you must walk through a small outdoor mall with a gym, bougie restaurants and coffee shops.

The beach is usually fairly empty, as aside from the residents of the small strip of holiday apartments alongside the beach, not many people visit from the town.

One of the best attractions at the beach is the zipwire, which travels from a slope over the beach to an islet adjoined to Las Cabañas by a sandbar.

To reach the zipwire, you’ll need to walk up a very steep hill or rent a scooter driver to drive you up there (it’s around 20 minutes’ walk from the mall).

4. Go waterfall trekking

The Bulalacao Waterfalls are part of the Beyond El Nido jeepney tour , but you can also rent a tricycle driver to take you there and wait for you for several hours. Otherwise, rent a scooter from the town.

There are two waterfalls – one big and one small. Both have swimming holes where you can take a dip. It’s a gorgeous two-hour hike through the jungle to and from the largest waterfall.

Where to Visit After El Nido

1. napcan beach.

Napcan Beach can be visited on a day trip from El Nido, as I did. The four-kilometre beach is perhaps one of the best in Palawan, lined with palm trees.

The incredibly soft sand merges into very safe, shallow, and warm water, making it a great place to swim.

However, you may want to stay the night (or two) because Napcan Beach is best known for the Napcan Beach Glamping site, which is quickly turning into a Palawan rite of passage.

It’s so popular that it books up months in advance. No wonder why, as it is a pretty once-in-a-lifetime experience to stay in a luxury bell tent on a tropical beach surrounded by palm trees and with a beach sunset to look forward to every evening.

You can book a transfer to and from El Nido and Napcan Beach online.

2. Port Barton

Bangka boats in Port Barton, lined with palm trees.

Port Barton is sometimes overlooked on a Palawan itinerary. However, the small village and its peaceful beaches are a gentle reprieve after the lively tourist town of El Nido. It is a three-hour drive south of El Nido.

Port Barton is also an island-hopping destination.

If you didn’t get lucky enough to spot a turtle in El Nido, this might be your chance, as Port Barton island hopping tours visit Turtle Spot, where they are frequently spotted.

The reefs in Port Barton are less busy than those in El Nido, and thought to be of better quality.

3. Puerto Princesa

Boat full of tourists glides into the cave for the Puerto Princesa River.

As Palawan’s capital city, Puerto Princesa is a place where you can see how everyday life operates in urban Palawan.

There aren’t too many tourist attractions around in the typical sense, but eating at local restaurants, visiting coffee shops, and experiencing the mall culture still guarantees a great time.

Puerto Princesa is the departure point for tours to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most impressive places in Palawan.

I took this full-day tour of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River from the city . Gliding into the 15-mile-long limestone karst underground river, with only the sound of fluttering bats and water dripping from the stalactites, is not something I will forget soon.

You can book a transfer to Puerto Princesa online if you need to.

Tour A visits Big Lagoon, one of the most popular island hopping attractions in El Nido. Tour B visits mostly peaceful beaches. Meanwhile, Tour C is known for attractions such as secret beaches and Matinloc Shrine.

The most popular tours in El Nido are Tours A and C.

Tour C takes approximately eight hours.

The best season to visit El Nido is between November and March because the temperatures are manageable and there shouldn’t be much rain.

Katie Treharne

Escape Artist Katie owner riding a yellow quad bike over former lava fields on Mount Mayon in the Philippines.

I’m Katie, the owner of Escape Artist Katie. I have been travel writing since 2018, including writing for luxury travel magazines and publications such as Wanderlust.

As well as being a digital nomad who works and lives abroad permanently, I’m a big advocate for offbeat travel and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone.

I hope you found my article useful – find out more about me here or keep up with my travels on Instagram .

Yes, add me to your mailing list

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Estás en: Gran Madrid

Candela, la cueva del duende flamenco en Lavapiés que acabó violentada entre luchas de clanes de porteros

Enrique Morente en el Candela. Foto de Alberto García Alix para la exposición 'Flamenco chipén'.

La leyenda de los Miami nunca muere
La Ventilla o cuando el norte de Madrid era peligroso
Los skins de la plaza de los Cubos
El pasaje del terror de las Barranquillas
Grafiti y droga en La Ventilla

El Candela fue un famoso bar flamenco de Lavapiés, en el cruce entre las calles del Olmo y del Olivar. Por sus puertas han pasado artistas como Camarón, Ketama, Paco de Lucía, Enrique Morente, Slash, Lenny Kravitz o hasta Miles Davis . De hecho, por lo general, no era visitado sólo por flamencos, sino que hacía las veces de after de la zona, puesto que no cerraba hasta las seis o siete de la mañana.

El Candela abrió en 1982 a partir de La Peña Chaquetón , cuyo objeto de culto era el flamenco. Miguel Aguilera , el dueño, era miembro y decidió montarlo cuando la peña cambió de local. El Candela fue el bar donde iba la gitanería después de dar un concierto, entre otras cosas. El escritor Montero Glez , asiduo al lugar, me habla de ello: «Era un bar de copas, pero bien. No era un bar de estos con luces que te destrozan los ojos. Era un bar flamenco en el centro de Madrid, que tenía una cueva abajo. Con unos ventanales amplios donde entraba la luz por la tarde. Yo llegaba por las tardes para jugar al ajedrez con el dueño, Miguel, que en gloria esté».

Continúa: «Abajo en la cueva se ponían a tocar la guitarra, pero no para dar un concierto. Porque muchos músicos venían de trabajar en los tablaos, para los turistas, para los japoneses. En el Candela tocaban lo que les gustaba, estaban en su casa». Como comenta el músico Jorge Pardo , en una entrevista publicada: «Era un nido de flamencos [...] Estábamos muy a gusto, había muy buena onda. Miguel, que era el dueño, lo llevaba muy bien. Todo ese rollo de nocturnidad, y gitanos y payos juntos, en armonía y de cachondeo. Y ahí tocábamos incluso hasta las claritas del día, muchas veces».

Esquina del Candela, ya cerrado, el la calle del Olmo en Lavapiés.

Para Montero Glez, el Candela fue clave, incluso, en su formación estética: «No velé armas literarias en París, como Hemingway o Vargas Llosa. Yo lo hice en el Candela. Fui a la universidad, pero donde realmente aprendí fue en el Candela. En la universidad te haces con todo lo que es el edificio teórico. Ese edificio teórico que te pesa sobre los hombros. Este, de repente se queda estático a tu salida. Eso necesita dinamizarse. Y yo, donde dinamizo todo ello, donde entro a vivir y donde pongo en práctica esa teoría es una cueva en Lavapiés, que es la del Candela».

Sigue: «Yo me he pasado media vida ahí. Iba todas las noches, rodeado de flamencos y de pintores. Porque iban muchos pintores y muchos artistas, como Ceesepe y Bonifacio Alfonso , que era un pintor que vivía arriba del Candela. Fue un salto cualitativo para lo que es mi escritura, porque aprendí que la melodía sale del ritmo, que son dos aspectos diferentes de lo mismo. La música es ritmo. Esto yo lo llevé a mi terreno y, ¿cuál era mi terreno? Pues, la literatura. Y ahí aprendí que no se puede separar el fondo de la forma, no se puede separar el fondo del estilo. Yo me doy cuenta de que la teoría está equivocada cuando veo a los flamencos cantar, cuando yo escucho tocar percusiones. Ahí me doy cuenta de que todo el edificio teórico se desmorona. Eso es lo que yo aprendí en la cueva», explica el escritor.

Aun así, las actividades en el Candela eran diversas. Como dice uno de mis entrevistados: «Madre mía las que se formaban, era un antro de vicio que te cagas». Digamos que uno podía gozar de libertad entre sus cuatro paredes, una libertad que parece haberse desvanecido de la noche madrileña. El Candela contaba con varios personajes habituales. Habla un entrevistado anónimo: « Pepito el Molilo , bailaor de la familia Carbonell [dinastía de gitanos del Rastro conocidos como Los Montoyitas] estaba allí todas las noches sin parar de andar de un extremo a otro del bar. Se le conocía como El Expreso del Candela. Perdió la cabeza cuando le dejó su novia y ya no recuperó la cordura, siempre pedía dinero y costo a los clientes».

«El Pollito de California (cantaor americano) era habitual también. Cuando llegaban artistas muy grandes como Paco de Lucía, Miguel los metía por la puerta lateral de la calle de El Olivar que daba al fondo del bar a un cuartito donde había un futbolín y, desde ahí, bajaban a la cueva donde era difícil entrar si no eras artista o amigo. Se dice que Miguel se suicidó tirándose por el balcón de su casa, vivía sobre el Candela. En los últimos años se enrareció el ambiente, por una guerra por el control de la puerta del bar entre el clan de los Búlgaros y el de los Nigerianos. Hubo noches de mucha violencia y Miguel estaba en el ojo del huracán».

Lamentablemente, el Candela cerró sus puertas el 13 de mayo de 2020 por la crisis del Covid. Esa noche tenían previsto actuar los bailaores Iván Gallego y Noelia Casas, pero no pudo ser. Se dice que hoy los herederos de Miguel han vendido el local a un fondo de inversión. Este, supuestamente, tiene la intención de respetar la historia y tradiciones del Candela original, algo que sería de agradecer. No obstante, aunque ese fuese el caso, el verdadero Candela jamás volverá a abrir sus puertas, de eso no cabe la menor duda.

Es autor de Macarras interseculares , editado por Melusina, [ puedes comprar el libro aquí ], Macarrismo , editado por Akal, [ puedes comprar el libro aquí ], Macarras ibéricos , editado por Akal, [ puedes comprar el libro aquí ], la La verdadera historia de la Panda del Moco . [ puedes comprar el libro aquí ] y San Vicente Ferrer 34 [ puedes comprar el libro aquí ].

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El Nido: Tour B Itinerary, Photos, and Guide
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El Nido Tour C

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El Nido Tour B: Island Hopping in El Nido, Palawan, Philippines
El Nido Tour B: Island Hopping in El Nido, Palawan, Philippines. Find everything you need to know about El Nido island hopping Tour B. Which islands will you visit and why choose this tour? You can book it online today.
El Nido Tour B In Palawan: Pinagbuyutan Island & Entalula Beach
Klook has high rated El Nido boat tours for very competitive prices. Their package for Tour B costs 1,300 pesos ($25 USD) and includes most of the usual stops: Snake Island, Pinagbuyutan Island, and both caves, although it substitutes Entalula Beach for another nice one called Papaya Beach. You also get free lunch and hotel pickup.
El Nido Island Hopping Tour B
Go on a tour of the best beaches in El Nido. Enjoy the feel of the warm sun and the smell of the sea as you tour El Nido's beaches. From Snake Island to Papaya Beach, you'll discover El Nido's most picturesque beach scenes. Take a break and have a delicious barbecued lunch right on the beach! Explore the caves and famous rock formations!
El Nido Island hopping Tour B
GROUP OR PRIVATE ISLAND HOPPING TOUR IN EL NIDO. GROUP BOAT tour 1600php. Inclusions: transfer to port, lunch, water. lagoon fee, environment fee. PRIVATE BOAT tours starts from 10k for 2 people, 1000php additional for each one. Inclusions: transfer to port, tour guide, snorkelling mask, kayak, lunch, lagoon fee and environment fee.
El Nido Island Hopping Tour B by Shared Boat
Last Minute Booking. Explore the unspoiled beauty of El Nido's hidden beaches and coves on our shared boat tour. Snorkel, swim, and relax in crystal-clear waters while discovering the hidden gems of El Nido with fellow travelers. Enjoy an affordable island adventure in a personalized and exclusive setting. Book now for a memorable experience!
El Nido Island Hopping Tour B: Everything You Need To Know
It includes Helicopter Island, Secret Beach, Matinloc Shrine, Talisay Beach, BBQ Lunch. To book your EL NIDO ISLAND HOPPING D TOUR you can Click Here to check the availability and book online (It's just $18 USD) It includes Cadlao Island, Pasandingan Beach, Small Lagoon, Natnat Beach, BBQ Lunch. Tour B in El Nido is a pretty underrated tour.
El Nido Tour B
El Nido is rich in untouched natural splendor, and this is a tour that will endure in your memories. Go on a tour of the best beaches in El Nido. Enjoy the feel of the warm sun and the smell of the sea as you tour El Nido's beaches. From Snake Island to Papaya Beach, you'll discover El Nido's most picturesque beach scenes.
El Nido Tour B
Alongside with Tour A and Tour C, El Nido Tour B is one of the popular way to discover the Bacuit Bay.On the course of one day, you'll go island hopping in some of the most awesome places in El Nido. From Snake island to Pinagbuyutan, Cathedral Cove and Entalula Beach, this is a journey you'll only experience once in a lifetime.
Book Online: El Nido
Proceed to your booking online with Paypal secured payment system. El Nido island hopping Tour B includes all tour destinations, lunch, snorkeling gear.
El Nido Tour B Review: Itinerary, Where to Book + Tips
El Nido Tour B is particularly known for Snake Island (an incredible sandbank in the middle of Bacuit Bay) and Cudugnon Cave. Given the fact that El Nido Tour B is the only island hopping tour that includes a cave to climb around in, it is often being referred to as "The Cave Tour".
Which is the best El Nido Tour?
The tour costs 1400 PHP per person ($22 USD). The boat travels the furthest away from El Nido on Tour C and hence it is the most expensive tour. Tips for Tour C: If you want to hire/bring a go pro, this is your tour! Hiring/buying reef shoes is a necessity. You can hire them for 100 PHP per person.
El Nido Island Hopping: Full Guide To Tours A, B, C & D
Tour B - Goes off the beaten track to spots without as many crowds. Tour C - Great snorkelling and caves, second most popular and contender with tour A for the title of best tour in El Nido. Tour D - Visits the hidden gems the other tours don't go to.
A Guide to El Nido Island Hopping Tours
El Nido Tour A. Departure Time: between 8.30-9.00am. Departure point: El Nido town. Attractions: Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Seven Commandos Beach. Duration: 6 hours. Tour A is offered daily and can be booked as a shared or private boat tour. Bangka outrigger boat can fit 12, 15, or 25 passengers, depending on availability.
El Nido Tour B: Is the Group Tour Worth It?
El Nido Tour B itself costs $18.89, and unlike tours A & C, did not require any additional entrance or kayak rental fees. If you wish to rent a snorkel and mask, it's an additional 150 PHP (about $3). There's also a compulsory environmental fee to pay at 200 PHP, valid for ten days, and can be used for other tours.
El Nido Tours A, B, C, D
What makes Tour B especially enjoyable for visiting tourists is the wide variety of sites and stops on the tour. ... Street Address: Brgy., Masagana El Nido, Palawan Philippines El Nido Palawan, Philippines 5313. Contact Number: +63 950-363-37-65 Email Address: [email protected].
El Nido Island Hopping: A Full Guide to Tours A-D (Costs + Tips)
Read everything you need to know about the El Nido Tours. El Nido Island Hopping Tours A-D. All well-rated island hopping tours include drinking water, snorkel gear, a kayak, the new (2019) environmental tax, and a delicious lunch on the beach. The lunch usually consists of fish & chicken, rice, eggplant salad, and freshly cut fruits.
El Nido Tour B: Is It Worth It?
An aerial view of the island with Cudugnon Cave. These days all tour prices are fixed in El Nido for group tours, with Tour B priced at 1300 pesos per person. There's also a 200 PHP environmental fee required for doing any island hopping tour in El Nido, which is good for 10 days. If you've already paid it for another tour, you're good to go.
El Nido Tours A, B, C, D: Which Island Hopping Tour in El Nido Is the
Tour A - The Most Popular El Nido Tour. Cost: 1200 - 2200 PHP per person. Destination: Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Secret Lagoon, and 7 Commando Beach. Activities: island hopping, snorkeling, kayaking, volleyball. Tour A is the most popular and will also be the most crowded of all tours, but there's a reason for that.
El Nido Tour B
The most visited destination in Palawan, El Nido is known for its striking limestone cliffs, mesmerizing lagoons, and hundreds of virgin beaches. This fun island tour is more diverse than the others, featuring caves, coves, historic sites, and wild forests—all set in stunning limestone islands! Entalula, Pinagbuyutan, and Snake Islands have ...
El Nido Island Hopping Ultimate Guide: Which Tour To Choose A,B,C or D
Awesome day! Tour B: A more relaxed day with off-beat island locations, hardly any crowds, epic landscapes. Tour C: Second most popular, great snorkeling and the secret lagoons and beaches are amazing. Tour D: Shorter tour much closer to El Nido, underrated and less crowded.
El Nido tours
El Nido island hopping tours are a highlight of any visit to this tropical paradise in Palawan, Philippines. These tours, labeled A, B, C, and D, offer an unforgettable exploration of the region's stunning landscapes. Tour A: This tour is famous for its Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon, where you can kayak through crystal-clear waters surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.
The Best El Nido Tour: A, B, C or D?
There are four main island hopping tours in El Nido. If you want to give yourself time to do all four tours, you need at least four or five days. If you only want to do Tour A and Tour C, the two most popular tours, you should visit El Nido for at least two or three days. The tours run from 8pm to 4pm, taking up eight hours of the day.
El Nido, Palawan Tour Packages (@elnidotours.ph)
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El Nido Tour B In Palawan: Pinagbuyutan Island & Entalula Beach

El Nido Tour B – What To Expect

Conservation Fee

Things To See – Tour B

• Pinagbuyutan Island

• Entalula Island

• Cudugnon Cave / Beach

• Cathedral Cave

Best El Nido Tour Packages

More Palawan Travel Tips

Palawan Island Hopping — Tour A | B | C | D | Coron

El Nido Hotels

Where We Stayed

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El Nido Tour B Package

Snake Island

Entalula Beach

Cudugnon Cave

Snorkeling Spot

Insider Tip

How Much Does El Nido Tour B Cost?

Where Can I Book El Nido Tour B?

El Nido Tour B Review: Conclusion

Helpful Travel Resources for Your Trip

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Which is the best El Nido Tour? – A, B or C (a Photo Guide)

Which El Nido Tour? – A, B or C (a Photo Guide)

Tour A – The Iconic Lagoons

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Tour B – Outstanding Beaches & Caves

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Snake Island

Cudugnon Cave

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