el nido travel guide
El Nido 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 beaches of Cadlao Island.
Let's explore the different individual tours and determine which one best suits your needs.
el nido tours
Island Hopping Tours Compared: Tour A, B, C & D
Not sure which route to pick? Compare highlights, duration, difficulty and prices at a glance. All tours leave from El Nido town between 8:30 and 9:00 am and run daily, as a shared or private boat.
TOUR COMPARISON
TOUR A
Lagoons & Beaches
TOUR B
Caves & Sandbar
TOUR C
Hidden Beaches
TOUR D
Quiet Lagoons
Highlights
Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, 7 Commandos Beach
Snake Island sandbar, Cudugnon Cave, Cathedral Cave, Entalula Beach
Matinloc Shrine, Secret Beach, Hidden Beach, Helicopter Island, Star Beach
Cadlao Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Paradise Beach, Natnat Beach
Duration
6 Hours
6 Hours
7 Hours
6 Hours
Best For
First-timers, classic El Nido photos
Beach and snorkeling lovers
Adventurers, photographers
Peace and quiet, kayakers
Crowds
Busiest
Moderate
Moderate
Quietest
Swimming Level
Basic. Secret Lagoon needs a swim or scramble through a crevice
Basic. Calm, shallow snorkeling
Intermediate. Secret and Hidden Beach need a swim through a narrow opening, and currents can be strong
Basic
Kayaking
Big Lagoon
–
–
Small Lagoon
Snorkeling
★★★ Shimizu
★★★ Popolkan Island
★★★ Helicopter, Star Beach
★★ Cadlao Lagoon
Weather sensitivity
🟢 Low. Mostly sheltered inner bay
🟢 Low. Calm, shallow stops
🟠 Higher. Outer bay, rougher seas, more likely to be cancelled in rain
🟢 Low. Sheltered lagoons
Private Tour Price
From ₱3,120 pp for 6 guests
From ₱ 3,423 pp for 6 guests
From ₱3,727 pp for 6 guests
From ₱3,120 pp for 6 guests
Shared Tour Price
From ₱1,575
From ₱1,680
From ₱1,785
From ₱1,575
Fees
Big Lagoon ₱200
–
Matinloc Shrine ₱200
Small Lagoon ₱200
El Nido Tour A
- Tour A is El Nido’s quintessential island-hopping experience, featuring dramatic limestone cliffs, turquoise waters and some of the area’s most iconic scenery.
- Tour A can be crowded during peak season and public holidays, but the stunning scenery makes it well worth visiting.
- Departure Time: between 8.30-9.00am
- Departure point: El Nido town
- Best Highlight: Big Lagoon has emerald water inside towering limestone cliffs and the most photographed spot in Bacuit Bay.
- Outrigger boats carry 12, 15 or 25 guests, depending on availability
- Kayak rental available for the whole tour or just Big Lagoon
El Nido Day Trips
El Nido Tour A by Private Boat
El Nido Tour A is the most popular island-hopping experience in El Nido, Palawan. This full-day boat tour...
El Nido Day Trips
El Nido Tour A by Shared Boat
El Nido Tour A is the most popular island-hopping experience in El Nido, Palawan. This full-day boat tour...
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 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.
The channel between Shimizu Island and South Miniloc is one of El Nido’s most popular and well-known dive spots. It’s often considered the best dive site in the area, thanks to its vibrant marine life and stunning underwater scenery.
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 B
- Tour B offers a more relaxed island-hopping experience, combining beautiful beaches, islands and caves in Bacuit Bay. It is a great alternative to the more active Tours A and C.
- Departure Time: between 8.30-9.00am
- Departure point: El Nido town
- Best Highlight: Entalula Island has white sand, turquoise water and colorful coral just off the beach.
- Outrigger boats carry 12, 15 or 25 guests, depending on availability
El Nido Day Trips
El Nido Tour B by Private Boat
El Nido Tour B explores the southern parts of Bacuit Bay, an area rich in diverse landscapes and...
El Nido Day Trips
El Nido Tour B by Shared Boat
El Nido Tour B explores the southern parts of Bacuit Bay, an area rich in diverse landscapes and...
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 swiftlets, 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 one of the most beloved stops for travelers joining El Nido Tour B, and it’s easy to see why. This stunning island is known for its white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and a peaceful, untouched atmosphere that makes every visit feel like a private escape. Surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and dramatic limestone cliffs, the island offers a breathtaking natural backdrop perfect for relaxing, taking photos, or simply soaking in the beauty of Palawan.
One of the highlights of Entalula Island is its rich and colorful coral reefs, making it an excellent spot for snorkeling. Just a few meters from the shore, you can already see vibrant fish and other marine creatures swimming through the clear water. Whether you’re an experienced snorkeler or a beginner, the calm and shallow waters make it easy to explore the underwater world.
El Nido Tour C
- Tour C combines stunning islands, dramatic scenery and excellent snorkelling, making it a popular choice in El Nido.
- As the tour ventures farther into open sea, conditions can be rougher and trips may be cancelled at short notice due to bad weather.
- Departure Time: between 8.30-9.00am
- Departure point: El Nido town
- Best Highlight: Secret Beach is a hidden pocket of white sand reached by swimming through a gap in the rock wall
- Outrigger boats carry 12, 15 or 25 guests, depending on availability
- Secret Beach and Hidden Beach require a swim through a narrow opening
El Nido Day Trips
El Nido Tour C by Private Boat
Tour C is one of the most popular island-hopping tours in El Nido, offering the chance to explore...
El Nido Day Trips
El Nido Tour C by Shared Boat
Tour C is one of the most popular island-hopping tours in El Nido, offering the chance to explore...
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.
Helicopter 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. Its 300 meters of beach is perfect for picnicking during island hopping trips or basking in the sun.
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.
Star Beach
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 D
- Tour D is ideal for those looking for secluded beaches and a quieter island-hopping experience.
- Shared tours require a minimum number of participants and may not operate in low season. When this happens, the tour is often arranged privately.
- Departure Time: between 8.30-9.00am
- Departure point: El Nido town
- Best highlight: Cadlao Lagoon has calm emerald water for kayaking and snorkeling and far from the crowds
- Outrigger boats carry 12, 15 or 25 guests, depending on availability
- Kayak rental available for the whole tour or just Small Lagoon
El Nido Day Trips
El Nido Tour D by Private Boat
El Nido Tour D by private boat is a full-day island-hopping adventure designed to explore some of the...
El Nido Day Trips
El Nido Tour D by Shared Boat
El Nido Tour D is a full-day island-hopping adventure designed to explore some of the most beautiful areas...
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 Beach is a beautiful and quiet spot located on Cadlao Island in El Nido, Palawan. Tucked away from the usual tourist trails, it offers a peaceful escape surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and lush green trees. With its white sandy shore and clear blue waters, it’s the perfect place to relax, swim, snorkel, or enjoy a beach picnic.
This secluded beach is part of a marine sanctuary, so the sea life is well protected. While snorkeling or diving, you might spot colorful fish, vibrant corals, and even sea turtles swimming nearby. In fact, Pasandigan Beach is known as one of the top scuba diving spots in El Nido for seeing Philippine endemic marine life.
You can visit Pasandigan Beach by joining an island-hopping tour, such as El Nido’s Tour D.
NatNat 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 stop on El Nido’s Tour D. This peaceful beach features white sand and emerald waters, making it a perfect spot to relax, take photos, or explore by kayak. With no crowds, it’s an ideal escape for anyone looking for peace and quiet.
Just off the beach, there’s also a great dive site that’s perfect for beginners and PADI students. The large sandy patch provides a safe area to practice confined water skills. During the winter months, Paradise Beach becomes a paradise for macro diving, where you can spot unique marine creatures like anemone crabs, emperor shrimp, flatworms, frogfish, seahorses, and cowfish.
Bucal Island
Bucal Island or Bukal Island, located next to Cadlao Island in El Nido, is a small but beautiful hidden gem known for its white sand beach and clear, shallow waters. It’s a peaceful and intimate spot, perfect for a quiet picnic, a refreshing swim, or a few minutes of sunbathing while enjoying the view.
The crystal-clear waters around the island are great for snorkeling, with colorful fish and vibrant corals just beneath the surface. Due to its small size, visits to Bucal Island are usually short, and only a few groups can enjoy it at a time.
FAQ: El Nido Island Hopping Tours
Plan your paradise getaway with confidence. Here are answers to the most common queries about our island hopping experiences in El Nido.
Which island hopping tour should I choose?
Tour A is the best first choice, with Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island and 7 Commandos Beach. Tour B suits beach and snorkeling lovers, with Snake Island, two caves and Entalula Island. Tour C is for adventurers who are comfortable swimming through narrow openings to reach Secret Beach and Hidden Beach. Tour D is the quietest option, with Cadlao Lagoon, Paradise Beach and Natnat Beach.
Compare all four in the table above, or read our guide to choosing the best El Nido island hopping tour.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
Not for most stops. Tours A, B and D are fine for basic swimmers, and you can stay on the boat or the beach if you prefer. Tour C is the most demanding, because Secret Beach and Hidden Beach are reached by swimming through a narrow gap, and currents can be strong.
Are the tours suitable for children?
Yes, in most cases, depending on age and swimming ability. Tours A, B and D are calmer and better for young children than Tour C.
Should I book a shared or private tour?
Shared tours cost less and suit solo travellers and couples, but you follow a fixed schedule with other guests.
Private tours cost more but give you your own boat, a flexible pace and no strangers on board, which suits families and groups.
Will a private boat help me avoid the crowds?
Not really. A private boat gives you your own space on board, but you still visit the same lagoons and beaches as every other tour, and in peak season (roughly December to May, plus holidays and long weekends) the busiest stops can be full at any time of day.
What a private tour can offer is flexibility: you set the pace at each stop, and you can ask your guide about adjusting the order of stops. For a quieter experience, travel outside peak season, avoid weekends and holidays, and choose Tour B or D over Tour A.
Even then, expect other boats at the most famous spots.
When is the best time to go?
The dry season, roughly November to May, usually brings the calmest seas and the best visibility. Tours also run outside this period, but weather cancellations are more likely.
What is the El Nido environmental fee, and how long is it valid?
Every visitor pays the El Nido Eco-Tourism Development Fee (ETDF) once. It is ₱400 per person and valid for 10 days, so one payment covers all your island hopping tours during that time. Keep your receipt and show it before each tour. A higher tier applies to stays longer than 10 days. The fee is separate from your tour price and from lagoon entrance fees.
What should I bring?
Aqua shoes (the limestone is sharp and slippery)A dry bag for phones, cameras and cashReef-safe sunscreen or a rash guardA reusable water bottleCash for fees, rentals and drinks, plus your ETDF receipt if you already have one
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, especially in peak season.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Safety comes first. The local authorities and the Coast Guard can cancel routes when conditions are unsafe, and Tour C is the most exposed because it goes to the outer edges of Bacuit Bay, so it is the most likely to be cancelled in rain or rough seas. If we cancel because of bad weather, we offer a new date or a full refund.
Drone Policy
Drone use is permitted during island hopping in Bacuit Bay, subject to local regulations and restrictions at certain beaches, lagoons, and protected areas. Drone rental with an operator is available upon request at an additional surcharge.
Please note that drone use may be restricted or prohibited in some locations to protect the environment and ensure the privacy and safety of other visitors.
El Nido Combo Tours
Our El Nido Combo Tours blend the best highlights from Tours A, B, C, and D for a fuller, more flexible day around Bacuit Bay.
Done by private boat, they're ideal for families, groups, or couples wanting privacy and comfort (a supplement applies based on islands and distance).
Contact us for a tailor-made itinerary, or ask about our speedboat tours for a faster way to see more islands.
el nido Tour Packages
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