Which El Nido Tour Should You Pick?
Not sure which El Nido tour to join? Compare Tour A, B, C, and D to find the island hopping experience that fits your interests and travel style.
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Best Attractions in El Nido
El Nido, located on the northern tip of Palawan Island, is one of the Philippines' most iconic travel destinations. Famed for its crystal-clear waters, dramatic limestone cliffs, and unspoiled beaches, El Nido is a dream come true for nature lovers, adventure seekers travelers.
Often hailed as the best beach and island destination in the Philippines, El Nido boasts a diverse range of attractions that highlight its incredible biodiversity and breathtaking scenery.
The area is composed of 45 stunning islands and islets in Bacuit Bay, each offering unique geological formations, hidden lagoons, and thriving coral reefs.
EL NIDO, PALAWAN
Must-See Attractions
Bacuit Bay
Bacuit Bay is a spectacular archipelago of limestone islands and islets, many of them uninhabited. Towering cliffs, white-sand beaches, hidden coves, lagoons and caves create some of El Nido’s most impressive scenery.
The clear waters are home to rich marine life, including colourful coral reefs, tropical fish, turtles and, occasionally, dugongs and manta rays. The bay also offers excellent opportunities for snorkelling and diving, with numerous dive sites to explore.
The best way to discover Bacuit Bay is by island hopping, kayaking, snorkelling or diving. For a more complete experience, we recommend booking our Tour 4D3N El Nido Beach Break.
Nacpan Beach
Bacuit Bay is a spectacular archipelago of limestone islands and islets, many of them uninhabited. Towering cliffs, white-sand beaches, hidden coves, lagoons and caves create some of El Nido’s most impressive scenery.
The clear waters are home to rich marine life, including colourful coral reefs, tropical fish, turtles and, occasionally, dugongs and manta rays. The bay also offers excellent opportunities for snorkelling and diving, with numerous dive sites to explore.
The best way to discover Bacuit Bay is by island hopping, kayaking, snorkelling or diving. For a more complete experience, we recommend booking our Tour 4D3N El Nido Beach Break.
EL NIDO, PALAWAN
Best Islands & Beaches
Secret Beach
Tucked behind towering limestone cliffs near Matinloc Island, Secret Beach feels like a hidden tropical oasis. To reach it, you’ll swim through a small opening in the rocks before emerging into a secluded cove of white sand and emerald-green water.
The dramatic entrance and enclosed setting make it one of El Nido’s most memorable stops, with clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkellin To visit Secret Beach, book Tour C.
Miniloc's Big and Small Lagoon
Surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon are two ofEl Nido’s most spectacular natural wonders. The contrast between the dramatic karst formations and crystal-clear turquoise water creates unforgettable scenery.
Both lagoons can be explored by kayak Big Lagoon offers a wide-open landscape framed by towering cliffs, while Small Lagoon is accessed through a narrow opening in the rocks, leading to a peaceful natural pool.
To visit Big Lagoon, book Tour A; Small Lagoon is usually included in Tour D.
Hidden Beach
Hidden Beach is one of El Nido’s most enchanting coves, tucked behind towering limestone cliffs on Matinloc Island and completely hidden from the open sea. You’ll swim through a narrow opening in the rocks to discover a tiny white-sand beach surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise water and dramatic karst formations.
Its secluded setting makes the arrival feel like discovering a secret paradise, although the small beach can become busy during peak season.
To visit Hidden Beach, book Tour C.
Snake Island
Snake Island is famous for its spectacular S-shaped sandbar stretching into the turquoise waters of Bacuit Bay. At low tide, you can walk along the sandbar with clear water on both sides, while a short climb to the viewpoint reveals a beautiful panoramic view of the bay.
It is one of those places that looks just as impressive from above as it does from the beach.
To visit Snake Island, book Tour B
Entalula Beach
Entalula Beach is a picture-perfect tropical beach framed by lush greenery and dramatic limestone cliffs. Its soft white sand and calm, clear waters make it an inviting place to swim, snorkel or simply relax surrounded by the scenery of Bacuit Bay.
The striking limestone cliff rising behind the beach adds to its postcard-perfect setting.
To visit Entalula Beach, book Tour B.
Seven Commandos Beach
Seven Commandos Beach offers the classic El Nido island escape, with a long stretch of white sand, swaying coconut palms and clear turquoise water framed by limestone cliffs.
It is a lovely place to swim, relax on the beach and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of Bacuit Bay.
To visit Seven Commandos Beach, book Tour A. For a more exclusive stay, you can also spend the night at Vellago Resort, located directly on the beach.
EL NIDO, PALAWAN
Best Places for Snorkeling
Shimizu Island
One of El Nido’s best-known snorkelling spots, with healthy coral gardens in relatively shallow water. Expect clownfish, parrotfish, angelfish, wrasse, Moorish idols and other tropical reef fish.
To visit Shimizu Island, book Tour A.
Helicopter Island (Dilumacad)
Clear waters and vibrant coral reefs along the island’s white-sand beach, with hard corals, sea fans, giant clams, anemonefish and groupers.
To visit Helicopter Island, book Tour C.
Matinloc Island
Known for its dramatic underwater walls and clear blue water. Sea turtles are sometimes spotted around the reef and seagrass areas, along with schools of reef fish.
To visit Matinloc Island, book Tour C.
Cadlao Lagoon
Sheltered waters make this a good option for beginners and families. Shallow areas can offer sightings of reef fish, sea stars and, occasionally, sea turtles.
To visit Cadlao Lagoon, book Tour D.
Natnat Beach
Quiet coves on Cadlao Island with fringing reefs close to shore, ideal for a more peaceful snorkelling experience.
To visit Nat Nat Beach, book Tour D.
Popolkan Island
A small, uninhabited limestone island in Bacuit Bay and a popular snorkelling stop on Tour B. Its surrounding reef features colourful corals, sea fans and underwater rock formations, with tropical reef fish and occasional sea turtle sightings.
To visit Popolkan Island, book Tour B.
EL NIDO, PALAWAN
Best Places for Sunset
Las Cabanas & Corong Corong Beach
Just a few kilometres south of El Nido town, Las Cabanas and Corong Corong are popular spots for relaxing by the sea and enjoying beautiful sunsets.
Las Cabanas is ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding and relaxing, with beach bars and restaurants along the shore. There is also a zipline to Depeldet Island for those looking for a little adventure. We recommend arriving in the afternoon and staying until sunset, when the beach is at its most beautiful.
Corong Corong offers a more casual beachfront setting, with restaurants and bars overlooking the bay.
Both beaches are easily reached by tricycle from El Nido town.
EL NIDO, PALAWAN
Best Island Resorts & Retreats
Miniloc Island Resort
Miniloc Island sits in the heart of Bacuit Bay and is famous for its spectacular Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon. The island also features secluded coves, white-sand beaches and excellent snorkelling spots.
Miniloc Island Resort offers charming native-style cottages with thatched roofs, including overwater bungalows built above the lagoon. One of the main advantages of staying here is the opportunity to kayak to the lagoons early in the morning, before the main island-hopping boats arrive.
Cauayan Boutique Private Island
Cauayan Boutique Private Island is a secluded tropical retreat surrounded by turquoise waters, white-sand beaches and dramatic limestone cliffs.
Cauayan Island Resort features elegant standalone villas nestled among lush tropical vegetation, with options offering sea or garden views. Guests can enjoy swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkelling and diving, or simply relax on the beach.
With its privacy and natural setting, Cauayan is particularly well suited to couples, honeymooners and special celebrations. We recommend staying for at least 3-4 nights to fully enjoy the island and its surroundings. For travellers who would like to experience Cauayan , we also offer a tour package, allowing you to enjoy this beautiful private island as part of your El Nido holiday.
Lagen Island El Nido Resorts
Lagen Island is a peaceful private-island retreat surrounded by limestone cliffs, lush forest and a sheltered lagoon.
Lagen Island Resort offers comfortable forest and beachfront cottages, as well as spacious water cottages built over the lagoon. Guests can enjoy kayaking, snorkelling, diving and island exploration, while the surrounding forest provides a habitat for birds and other wildlife.
Pangulasian Island El Nido Resorts
Known as the “Island of the Sun,” Pangulasian offers a beautiful white-sand beach, clear turquoise waters and an exclusive island-resort setting in Bacuit Bay.
Pangulasian Island Resort features luxurious beachfront and forest villas, providing privacy and direct access to the island’s natural surroundings. Activities include kayaking, snorkelling, diving and island hopping, with colourful coral reefs and abundant marine life nearby.
DRYFT Darocotan Island
Located on Darocotan Island in northern El Nido, DRYFT is a secluded retreat surrounded by white sand, turquoise waters and untouched tropical nature. It is about 45 minutes by land from El Nido town to Teneguiban, followed by a 15-minute boat ride.
DRYFT offers simple beach huts and glamping-style tents in a relaxed, off-grid setting with no Wi-Fi. Guests can swim and snorkel from the long private beach, explore nearby reefs and a shipwreck, paddleboard, hike, practise yoga or simply unwind.
The resort is ideal couples and travellers seeking an intimate, nature-focused island escape rather than a traditional luxury resort.
el nido Tour Packages
Plan Your Trip With Us
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El Nido Transfers
Private transfers with experienced local drivers.
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El Nido Tours
Shared or private tours to the Bacuit Bay, Nacpan Beach and beyond.
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El Nido Hotels
Hotels and resorts handpicked by our team, from comfortable stays to luxury retreats.
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