el nido private tour c

• Explore destinations
• Island Hopping
• Transportation
• Popular Deals
• Travel Blog & Tips
• Working With Us
• Be Our Partner
• Ultimate Adventure Tour
• Refund and Returns Policy

El Nido Private Tour C

• Group of 1 (Per Person) Price: ₱ 10,000 One Person Start Time: 08:am Available: 1 seats
• Group of 2 (Per Person) Price: ₱ 5,000 Per Person Start Time: 08:00 Available: 2 seats
• Group of 3-5 (Per Person) Price: ₱ 3,650 Per Person Start Time: 08:am Available: 5 seats
• Group of 6-8 (Per Person) Price: ₱ 2,600 Per Person Start Time: 08:am Available: 8 seats
• Group of 9-11 (Per Person) Price: 1,650 Per Person Start Time: 08:am Available: 11 seats
• Group of 12-20 (Per Person) Price: 1,450 Start Time: 08:am Available: 20 seats

Proceed Booking

Already a member, don't have an account create one., or continue as guest, adding item to wishlist requires an account, why book with us.

• No-hassle best price guarantee
• Customer care available 24/7
• Hand-picked Tours & Activities
• Free Tour Insureance

Get a Question?

Do not hesitate to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.

+63.966.198.7363

[email protected]

• Free cancellation
• Join in group
• 7 to 8 Hours
• Fixed date booking
• Directly With Voucher
• Hotel pick up

Tour Details

This is one of the most popular tour in El Nido, and you will definitely understand why when you’ve taken it. Tour C is a journey filled with wonders! To get the full description details on this island hopping tour

El Nido is surrounded by many beautiful islands and beaches and each of them has something different to offer. El Nido Tour C is the second most popular tour, offering a good mix of adventure and snorkeling. El Nido Tour C features Secret Beach, Hidden Beach, Matinloc Shrine, Tapiutan Island and Helicopter Island.

Departure & Return Location

El Nido Bacuit Bay / Corong Corong Beach

Covid-19 precautions

Please Visit For All Details About Requirements for every Place in philippines  S-pass.ph

Price Includes

• Buffet Lunch
• Drinking Water
• English-speaking tour guide
• Free Hotel PICK UP Only
• Boat transfer fees
• Tour Insurance
• Life jacket

Price Excludes

• drop-off at your accommodation / Hotel
• El Nido Eco-Tourism Development Fee (PHP200) - ($4) /pax
• Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon User fee 200/ ($4) / pax each Lagoon
• Any Private Expenses
• Aqua-shoes/Fins
• Kayak (300-400 php for 2 persons)

Complementaries

• Mask Snorkel
• Free Pick Up Accomodation /Hotel

Meeting Place

Location Site: Angel wish Map

El Nido Tour Options

What to expect.

The beach culture of Palawan is rich in both natural beauty and local color. This unique tour will take you over the world-famous beaches of El Nido and to Matinloc Shrine. Your day begins with an early departure to El Nido Pier, where you’ll travel to your first stop: Helicopter Island, which earned its name for its unique rock formations that give the island the appearance of a helicopter from a distance. You’ll also visit Matinloc Shrine, which is also known as the Shine of Our Lady of Matinloc, a spritual oasis. After learning the stories behind this location, you’ll have a delicious barbecued lunch and then head off to the Secret Beach. Hidden away from the shoreline, it’s like your own private paradise! There’s also the Hidden Beach which is an amazing, cove-like wonder fit for a fantasy novel. Don’t miss out on the chance to see and swim in El Nido’s finest beaches.

• 08:30 Be ready for pick-up at your hotel or accommodation in El Nido Town.
• See El Nido's best beaches in this amazing tour!
• Hidden beaches, white sands, blue waters--make sure you're ready to swim!
• See the natural beauty that has captivated Hollywood blockbuster filmmakers
• Swim in El Nido's picture perfect beaches, hidden away and untouched by urban life
• See the limestone rock formations and unique beach spots
• Be ready to try out the different water activities and have an unforgettable time in El Nido!
• Take your time to relax and enjoy the breathtaking view while having the El Nido tour
• Remember to snap some beautiful photos to be kept as memories while exploring the El Nido
• Have an incredible experience while having the fun and amazing tour in El Nido with your friends

Tour C Itinerary

1 secret beach.

The tiny Secret Beach on Mantiloc Island can only be entered by swimming through a slit in the rock face of the island. Alex Garland, the author of the novel that became the movie “The Beach,” lived in El Nido and wrote his bestseller there, probably inspired by Secret Beach.

2 Hidden Beach

Hidden Beach on Matinloc Island is a small paradisiacal cove hidden by limestone cliffs and invisible from the open sea. With its powdery white sand and crystal clear waters, Hidden Beach is one of the must-see places when visiting El Nido.

3 Talisay Beach

Talisay Beach on Tapiutan Island is a beautiful white sand beach with shallow, calm waters. It is also great for snorkeling from the shore or lounging on the warm sand.

4 Dilumacad Island

Dilumacad Island, also called “Helicopter Island” because of its helicopter-like shape. This inhabited island offers towering cliffs, lush tropical vegetation, a white sand beach and great snorkeling.

5 Matinloc Shrine

Matinloc Shrine is reached by climbing the steps of an abandoned building. From here, you have a beautiful panoramic view of the Tapuitan Strait. Apart from this view, there is also a chapel dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Location Tour C Map

What to bring.

• Personal Medecine / Maintainace
• Camera / Go Pro
• Caps or hats

Additional Info

• Not Allowed Bring the Following Luggage or large bags , Plastic bottles
• For same-day bookings made 4 hours before the start of the tour, pick up may start later than usual
• Bring the Following Swimwear, Drybag, Change of clothes, Sunhat, Personal Medecine, Sunscreen, Money, Camera
• Not suitable for Wheelchair users
• Children 0 - 2 years old are free of charge but will have to pay an environmental fee of PHP 100.00/child
• Shared tours will have minimum number of participants (min. of 6 persons) to proceed with the tour. We can confirm the booking once number of participants will be met

Confirmation

Get instant confirmation. If you do not receive a booking confirmation, please notify us

Cancellation Policy

Full refunds will be issued for cancellations made at least 15 day(s) before the selected activity date

Usage validity

The voucher is valid only on the specified date (and time if applicable)

How to Use Your Voucher

Present e-voucher on-site

Related Tours

Private Coron Island Tour B

Pickup Airport Transfer from Puerto Princesa Airport to Puerto Princesa City (One Way & Round Trip)

elnidobooking user

The tour was absolutely great! Stunning places. We saw a turtle at one of the sites, and at Hidden Beach, we saw small black tip, white tip reef sharks. You can also kayak around Cadlao Lagoon but we snorkeled around there instead. Water is very blue and there are lots of corals (lots are dying as well though) at every site. Highly recommend!

Capter John

We got lucky because this tour just opened after a 5-day hiatus because of a typhoon. It was a mixed emotion because I got scared of the big waves but was also excited because of the adventure it offered 😀 The limestone cliffs and walls were spectacular! Cadlao Lagoon is not as best as Big Lagoon but still definitely enjoyed kayaking because of the big waves. I got small wounds on the feet and at my back as we were smashed by big waves at the Hidden Beach but the tour guides were attentive 🙂 Definitely the best snorkeling spots were also at this package 🙂 The best!

Ma Jean Kaylene

Sooper dooper recommended for a hassle free tour. ✅ Food is amazing. There’s a lot of seafoodsss! ❤️❤️❤️ ✅ Their staff are so nice and accommodating. ✅ Cheaper than offered tour from other agencies. We really enjoyed a lot!

Thank you to our tour guide for making our tour very special. They reroute us to a place that is much better on the itinerary. Love the food as well!

Waiting for an hour and a half in the hotel,

the tour guide no how, it is too exaggerated, contact customer service only asks us to wait, then we can refund the fee, one said the travel platform out of this package, it hurts us all day long However, this life does not know whether there is any chance to come to El Nido to go to the sea. The loss of consumers can not be compensated for by the refund. It is really disappointing and will not participate in your tour again.

El Nido Tour C by Private Boat

• Add to wishlist
• Cancel up to 48 hours
• Private Tour

Description

Booking notes.

Embark on a memorable journey with El Nido Tour C by private boat, where you can experience the beauty of Bacuit Bay at your own pace and without crowds.

This tour is one of the most scenic and unforgettable experiences in El Nido, as it takes you to explore some of the most stunning beaches and islands, including Secret Beach, Hidden Beach, Matinloc Shrine, Tapiutan Island, and Helicopter Island.

Discover the mesmerizing crystal-clear waters and the breathtaking landscapes, where you can snorkel among the diverse marine life or simply relax on some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. With the privacy and flexibility offered by a private boat charter, you can create your own itinerary and enjoy an unforgettable adventure.

Meet your tour guide at the meeting point in El Nido town and head to the boat departure point to start your full-day boat tour. Discover the stunning islands and secluded beaches scattered throughout Bacuit Bay, including Secret Beach, Hidden Beach, Matinloc Shrine, Tapiutan Island, and Helicopter Island. Immerse yourself in the crystal-clear waters of Bacuit Bay and snorkel among the vibrant tropical fish that call the area home. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the boat or on one of the stunning beaches. After the tour, return to El Nido town.

• Matinloc Island is an absolute gem located just 20 minutes away from El Nido town, making it a must-see attraction in Bacuit Bay. Paired with Tapiutan Island, these two neighboring islands form the narrow Tapiutan Strait, home to some of the best snorkeling spots in the area. Matinloc Island boasts several highlights, including the Matinloc Shrine, Hidden Beach, and Secret Beach. To reach Matinloc Shrine, you'll need to climb the steps of an abandoned building, where you'll be rewarded with a panoramic view of the stunning Tapiutan Strait. Additionally, there's a chapel dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary that you can visit. The tiny Secret Beach, located on Matinloc Island, can only be accessed by swimming through a small slit in the rock face. It's said that Alex Garland, the author of the novel turned movie, "The Beach," lived in El Nido and was inspired by Secret Beach. Meanwhile, Hidden Beach is a small, paradisiacal cove nestled within limestone cliffs, making it invisible from the open sea. Its powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters make it a must-visit spot in El Nido. Tapiutan Island is situated further out in Bacuit Bay and offers a serene atmosphere with pristine sandy beaches and excellent snorkeling opportunities. Talisay Beach is one of the highlights of Tapiutan Island, boasting calm and shallow waters that are great for snorkeling or relaxing on the warm sand. Meanwhile, Star Beach is named after the harmless starfish that populate its seabed, making it one of the best snorkeling spots in Bacuit Bay. Lastly, Dilumacad Island, also known as "Helicopter Island," is another must-visit spot with its towering cliffs, lush tropical vegetation, white sand beach, and excellent snorkeling opportunities.
• Transfer by private boat Local guide Picnic lunch Drinking water
• Hotel pick up/Drop off Environmental fee (PHP 400 per person) Snorkeling set (available for rent)

Meeting Point

The meeting point is in El Nido town, and the exact location will be indicated in the voucher you'll receive after the booking is paid and confirmed. All hotels in El Nido town are conveniently situated within walking distance of the meeting point.

Transportation services for hotels outside El Nido Town

If your hotel is situated in Corong Corong, Las Cabanas, or Lio Beach, and you need transportation to the meeting point, we can arrange it for an additional fee: PHP 1,300 per van (10 seaters) or PHP 500 per tricycle (3 seaters) each way. Some hotels outside El Nido town provide complimentary shuttles to and from El Nido town.

Snorkeling set for rent

Mask and Snorkel PHP 150 per set - Aqua Shoes/Fins PHP PHP 150 per set

Cancellation due to weather conditions

If the tour is cancelled due to bad weather, we will issue a full refund if it cannot be rescheduled for a later date.

Last Minute Booking

All last-minute bookings (made on the same day or 3 days before the tour) must be made by phone or email only.

From: ₱  2,690.00

Select No. of Travelers: 2 persons (₱ 5,460 / pax) 3 persons (₱ 4,065 / pax) 4 persons (₱ 3,365 / pax) 5 persons (₱ 2,960 / pax) 6 persons (₱ 2,690 / pax)

Key Features

Flexible schedule, full refund for weather-related cancellation, group discount, photo opportunities, snorkeling opportunities, you might also like....

Balabac Island Hopping | 4 Days

Underground River Private Tour

Nacpan Beach and Waterfalls

El Nido Tour A by Private Boat

El Nido Luxury Catamaran Yacht – Private Charter Full Day

El Nido Tour D by Private Boat

El Nido Kayaking Tour

El Nido & Coron Boat Expedition | 3 Days

THE 10 BEST El Nido Tours & Excursions

El nido tours.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Private Tours
• Ports of Call Tours
• Multi-day Tours
• Hop-On Hop-Off Tours
• Motorcycle Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. El Nido Private Tour A w/ Lunch

2. El Nido Full Day Tour C with Buffet Lunch

3. El Nido Island Hopping Tour A with Lunch

4. Seacret Luxury Catamaran Yacht Group Island Hopping Tour

5. EL Nido Tour A

6. El Nido Tour A - Group w/ Buffet Lunch

7. El Nido Tour Group B with Lunch (Full Day)

8. El Nido Tour B - Caves and Islands Tour (Private / Shared)

9. El Nido Island Hopping Tour B with Lunch

10. Discover Scuba diving in El Nido

11. El Nido Island Hopping Day Tour from Puerto Princesa City

12. Private Underground River Day Tour with Lunch from El Nido

13. 5D4N Puerto Princesa & El Nido Experience

14. El Nido Tour A - Big Lagoon Premium Tour (Private / Shared)

15. El Nido Palawan Private Tour C, with Lunch

16. El Nido Island Hopping Tour C with Lunch

17. Port Barton Full Day Island Hopping with Buffet Lunch

18. El Nido Jeepney Adventure

19. El Nido Tour C - Hidden Beaches & Snorkeling tour(Private/Shared)

20. Small-Group El Nido Island Hopping Tour

21. Palawan: El Nido - 4 Days 3 Nights

22. Coron Island Escapade Group Tour with Island Lunch

23. El Nido Tour B - Private Tour with Lunch (Full Day)

24. El Nido Tour D Full Day w/ Beach Lunch

25. Private Transportation from El Nido to Puerto Princesa Palawan

26. El Nido Tour C Private

27. 3D2N El Nido Experience

28. Palawan: Puerto Princesa + El Nido - 4 Days 3 Nights

29. El Nido Tour D - Lagoons & Beaches Premium tour(Private / Shared)

30. El Nido Island Hopping Tour D with Lunch

What travelers are saying.

• El Nido Full Day Tour C with Buffet Lunch
• El Nido Island Hopping Tour A with Lunch
• El Nido Private Tour A w/ Lunch
• Seacret Luxury Catamaran Yacht Group Island Hopping Tour
• EL Nido Tour A
• El Nido Paradise
• Turtle Divers
• Tribe Banua
• El Nido Yachting Club
• Ape Tours El Nido
• Umi Travel and Tours
• El Nido Boutique & Artcafe
• Nativ'Exploration Palawan
• Kraken El Nido
• Nomads Diving Center
• Dive Sibaltan

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 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!

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.

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!

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!

• Swim with the sardine run & turtles in Moalbol
• A perfect Cebu Island 5-day itinerary
• Canyoneering in Kawasan Falls, Cebu – the ultimate guide
• Guide to hiking the highest peak in Cebu Island

Enjoyed reading my guide to island hopping in El Nido, Philippines? Pin it!

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.

By purchasing through our links, you support us at no additional cost. Thank you for your support. ♥️

• Find Hotels via Booking.com
• Find a Rental Car via Sunny Cars
• Find Flights to El Nido via Skyscanner
• Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
• Book Tours & Attractions via GetYourGuide
• Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go

10 Best Things To Do in El Nido, Palawan

The most beautiful resorts & hotels in el nido, philippines travel guide: the ultimate 3-week itinerary.

Looking for more travel information? Plan a chat with us for personalised travel advice or get an answer from the Salt in our Hair Travel Community on Facebook.

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. 😊

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  Notify me when new comments are added.

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?

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.

ESCAPE CHEAT SHEET

Planning your big escape? These are the booking resources I return to time and time again.

Book your hotel or hostel on Booking.com or Hostelworld .

Protect against accidents and emergencies with insurance from Staysure or SafetyWing .

Find a tour or experience on Get Your Guide .

Travel the world for free with TrustedHousesitters .

Is El Nido worth visiting?

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 ?

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

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

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.

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. 

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.

2. Secret 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.

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. 

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. 

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

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.

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. 

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.

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

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

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. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Privacy Overview

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

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!

View all posts

EL NIDO ISLAND HOPPING TOURS A B C D

El nido island hopping tours.

Island Hopping in El Nido: A Tropical Paradise Awaits

El Nido, nestled in the northern part of Palawan in the Philippines, is a place of breathtaking natural beauty, and one of the best ways to experience it is through island hopping. With its crystal-clear waters, towering limestone formations, and hidden lagoons, El Nido is a tropical paradise that beckons adventure-seekers and nature enthusiasts from around the world.

What to Expect on an Island Hopping Tour in El Nido:

1. Spectacular Scenery: Each island in El Nido has its unique charm. You'll be mesmerized by the dramatic karst formations that rise majestically from the sea. Small and large islands alike offer stunning landscapes and photo opportunities.

2. Snorkeling and Marine Life: The underwater world of El Nido is a vibrant mosaic of coral reefs and colorful marine life. Snorkeling is a must, and you may encounter schools of fish, sea turtles, and other exotic creatures.

3. Hidden Lagoons and Secret Beaches : El Nido is famous for its hidden lagoons and concealed beaches. These enchanting spots can only be reached through narrow entrances, adding an air of mystery to your adventure.

4. Lunch on the Beach: Many island hopping tours include a sumptuous beachfront lunch. You can savor delicious Filipino cuisine while basking in the natural beauty of your surroundings.

Island hopping in El Nido is a bucket-list experience that combines natural beauty with outdoor adventure. It's a journey into a world of pristine beaches, stunning landscapes, and the warm hospitality of the Filipino people. So, pack your swimsuit, sunscreen, and a sense of wonder, and get ready to explore the wonders of El Nido's islands. Your tropical adventure awaits!

EL NIDO ISLAND HOPPING TOUR A DETAILS   & PRICING

Shimizu Island El Nido

Big lagoon El Nido

Payong-Payong beach El Nido

Big Lagoon /  Secret Lagoon /  Shimizu Island /  7 Commando Beach /  Payong-Payong beach

EL NIDO ISLAND HOPPING TOUR C DETAILS   & PRICING

Secret Beach El Nido

Talisay Beach El Nido

Hidden Beach El Nido

Helicopter Island /  Hidden Beach /  Secret Beach /  Talisay Beach /  Matinloc Shrine

EL NIDO ISLAND HOPPING TOUR B DETAILS   & PRICING

Pinagbuyutan Island El Nido

Entalula Island El Nido

Cathedral Cave El Nido

Entalula Island /  Snake Island /  Cudognun Cave /  Cathedral Cave /  Pinagbuyutan Island

EL NIDO ISLAND HOPPING TOUR D DETAILS   & PRICING

Cadlao Lagoon El Nido

Bukal Beach El Nido

Cadlao Lagoon /  Small Lagoon  /  Bukal Beach /  Nat Nat Beach /  Paradise Beach

PRICES FOR ISLAND HOPPING TOURS 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.

PREMIUM 2 DECKS OUTRIGGER YACHT   starts from   18k for 2 people , 1500p extra for each person .  Inclusions: transfer to port, tour guide, snorkelling mask, kayak, lunch,  lagoon fee and environment fee.

SPEED BOAT  tours starts from 18k for 2 people, 1400php additional for each one.  Inclusions: transfer to port, tour guide, snorkelling mask, kayak, lunch, lagoon fee and environment fee.

CATAMARAN   from 60k for 6 people, 10k php additional for each one.  Inclusions: transfer to port, tour guide, snorkelling mask, kayak, lunch, lagoon fee and environment fee.

BOOK 1 DAY ISLAND HOPPING TOUR IN EL NIDO

Thank you! Manager will contact you as soon as it possible!

Flannels or FlipFlops

The Top 15 Beaches in the Philippines You Need to See in 2024

Posted: March 25, 2024 | Last updated: March 25, 2024

When it comes to beaches, you simply can’t talk about paradise without mentioning the Philippines.

Made up of over 7,641 islands with seemingly endless shorelines, the Philippines truly is a beach lover’s dream.

From the famous white-sand beauty of Boracay to the hidden coves and bays waiting to be discovered, the country has some of the most stunning beaches not just in Southeast Asia, but all over the world!!

In this post, I’ll be sharing my personal list of 15 must-visit beaches that should not be missed when you travel to the Philippines.

These beaches have stood out to me as some of the best for clear waters, soft powdery sand, lush backdrops, and overall natural beauty and vibrancy.

Let’s get right to it and I’ll tell you why each of these spots is a true tropical paradise found.

15. Lambug Beach, Badian, Cebu​​

Lambug Beach in Badian, Cebu, is a secret beach spot perfect for anyone who loves the ocean but doesn’t want crowds. It’s tucked away in a small Barangay Lambug area, close to the Cebu International Golf and Resort.

This beach is all about stunning white sand and clear blue water. What’s great about Lambug Beach is that big resorts haven’t taken over, so it still has that chill, local vibe. Like cottages, you can find cozy places on the beach.

It’s also the place to be if you’re into exciting activities like canyoneering. Plus, you can rent tents, hang out all day at the beach, snorkel, or just relax and watch one of the most amazing sunsets you’ll ever see. Lambug Beach is definitely a go-to for a calm yet adventurous beach day away from the usual touristy spots.

14. Alegria Beach, Siargao

Alegria Beach in Siargao is another hidden treasure for beach lovers. It’s about an hour and a half drive from General Luna, and it’s totally worth the trip. It’s a long stretch of soft white sand, about 5 kilometers, where you can see breathtaking views everywhere.

What makes Alegria Beach special is how untouched it feels—there are no big hotels or shops, just a few simple picnic huts, and cottages under the shade of tall coconut trees. It’s the perfect spot for swimming, snorkeling, or chilling in the sun.

The best part? If you find a cottage, you can stay there without anyone asking you to pay. Just remember to bring your own snacks if you plan to hang out for a while.

13. Subic Beach, Sorsogon​

Famous for its unique pinkish-white sand. This beautiful spot is where you can find crystal-clear blue waters, meeting the soft sand that gets its pink hue from crushed red corals.

The beach is split into two parts: Subic Laki (Big Beach), where you can find simple accommodations, and Subic Liit (Small Beach), a quieter area perfect for swimming or relaxing under the shade of trees.

Getting there is pretty easy, just a half-hour boat ride from the mainland, but it’s a good idea to go when the weather’s nice and sunny. Subic Beach’s stunning scenery and calm vibe make it a perfect spot for anyone looking to unwind at a beautiful beach.

12. Bitaog Beach, Dinagat Islands​​

Bitaog Beach, nestled on an island within Basilisa Municipality of the Dinagat Islands, stands out as one of the region’s finest.

This beach is a picturesque blend of white sandy shores, waters that meld shades of blue and green and rows of coconut trees framed by impressive limestone cliffs similar to those in El Nido and Coron, Palawan.

It’s a haven for activities like swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing, thanks to its natural beauty. The beach is accessible and most enjoyable from December to May when the sea is calm, perfect for island hopping tours.

For the adventurous souls, Bitaog Beach also offers rock climbing, trekking, and the option for overnight camping.

11. Puka Beach, Boracay​

Unlike the busy White Beach, Puka Beach is known for its peaceful vibe, making it a perfect spot for those looking to escape the crowds. The beach is named after the plentiful puka shells mixed into its fine white sand, creating a unique and beautiful shoreline.

Surrounded by tall coconut trees and tropical forest, this beach stretches roughly 800 meters and is free from the usual beachfront hotels, resorts, and clubs. Visitors often enjoy the calm atmosphere, taking leisurely walks or joining guided tours to fully experience this natural beauty.

The best time to visit Puka Beach is from November to May when the weather is ideal for soaking in the sun and enjoying the peaceful surroundings of one of Boracay’s quieter beach spots.

10. Bonbon Beach, Romblon

Bonbon Beach in Romblon is a stunning beach paradise that’s a must-see. It’s known for having one of the most beautiful stretches of sand you’ll ever witness.

Bonbon Beach stands out because of its incredible sandbar that reaches a nearby island, especially during low tide. This makes for a breathtaking view and a unique experience as you walk along it, making the scene absolutely spectacular. The beach has super fine white sand and crystal-clear blue waters that will make you feel like you’re walking in a dream.

The best time to visit is from January to May when the sea is calm, making it safer for day trips and booking a island hopping tours. This place is not just a beach in Romblon but a jaw-dropping spot perfect for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of the Philippines.

9. Banol Beach, Coron, Palawan

Banol Beach in Coron, Palawan, is a slice of paradise with some of the softest, whitest sand and waters in stunning shades of blue and teal that seem to come straight out of a painting.

Surrounded by impressive karst cliffs, this beach is perfect for those who love to pose, swim, kayak, or simply relax in a nipa hut by the shore. To reach this breathtaking beach, you can join a day trip from Coron or a private ferry for a more exclusive experience.

8. Paliton Beach, Siquijor

Paliton Beach in Siquijor, close to the small town of San Juan, is a beautiful spot famous for its bright white sand and palm trees right by the water. It’s an amazing place to watch the sunset and enjoy the clear, turquoise sea. You can swim, chill in a hammock or just enjoy a sunbathing at the beach.

This peaceful beach is always open, making it a great place to visit any time you’re on the island. The best months to go are from November to April, when it’s sunny and dry. Paliton Beach is quieter than other busy beaches, offering a calm, picture-perfect setting that feels like your own private piece of paradise.

7. Long Beach, San Vicente, Palawan​​

Long Beach in San Vicente, Palawan, is a breathtaking spot that boasts the title of the Philippines’ longest beach. Stretching over 14.7 kilometers, it’s a vast expanse of powdery white sand that’s three times the length of Boracay’s famous White Beach.

This makes it a fantastic choice for those who love to explore, relax on the beach for hours, or go island-hopping. Food lovers will appreciate the variety of restaurants offering both local and international dishes.

The surrounding area is as charming as the beach itself, with green landscapes and small villages that give you a glimpse of a simpler, tranquil life, away from the noise and rush of the city. It’s beautiful!

6. Dahican Beach, Mati, Davao Oriental

Dahican Beach in Mati, Davao Oriental, is a surfer’s paradise located about 10 kilometers from the downtown area of Mati City. It’s just a 30-minute ride from my place, making it my favorite spot whenever I need to relax and unwind.

Framed by tall coconut trees, the beach exudes a tropical vibe. It caters to thrill-seekers who enjoy skimboarding and surfing, thanks to the powerful waves that can soar up to 10 feet high.

Even though I’m not much of a surfer, I love swimming and playing in those big waves and just walking along the 7-kilometer stretch of gorgeous cream sand, which offers the perfect spot to chill, soak up the sun, and enjoy some music and cold beers.

This beach isn’t just about fun—it’s also a sanctuary for sea turtles and, occasionally, dolphins, which you can sometimes spot early in the morning. For those looking to stay overnight, there are plenty of resorts, such as Dahican Surf Resort, offering cozy accommodations and tasty food close to the beach.

Dahican is an active community surrounded by nature, where life is laid-back, and the ocean views are unforgettable. The people in Davao Oriental are incredibly welcoming and full of good vibes, making your visit feel like you’re part of a big, happy family. Whether you’re riding the waves or just enjoying the beach, the warm hospitality of the locals here is sure to make your experience even more special.

This is where I find my peace and joy, a place where I can just be me, relaxing and enjoying the beauty of nature.

5. Mahabang Buhangin Beach, Calaguas

Mahabang Buhangin Beach in Calaguas Island, Camarines Norte has captured the hearts of campers and backpackers alike.

Known for its expansive stretch of powdery white sand that reminds many of Boracay, this beach is called “Mahabang Buhangin,” which translates to “long beach.” It’s a place for those seeking adventures in and out of the water, offering activities like kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking.

Because the area is still relatively untouched, visitors should remember to bring their own food and camping gear since the amenities are quite basic.

Despite its growing popularity, the beach retains its peaceful and pristine nature, boasting some of the clearest and bluest waters in the Philippines against a backdrop of dense greenery — a true retreat from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Plus, the weak cell phone signal offers a perfect opportunity to unplug and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

4. Hidden Beach, El Nido, Palawan

Tucked away in the breathtaking landscape of El Nido, Palawan, and recognized as one of the world’s 50 best beaches, Hidden Beach is known for its unmatched beauty and serenity.

This paradise, concealed behind majestic limestone cliffs, presitine white sand, shimmering waters in shades of green and blue, and stunning natural formations that seem straight out of a dream.

Here, you can enjoy kayaking or swimming in peace, far from the crowds, with the chance to spot clownfish among the corals. To reach this hidden beach, you can book a guided tour or take a ferry ride from El Nido Town.

Hidden Beach isn’t just an ordinary “beach”, it’s a unique, jaw-dropping paradise where the natural beauty of the Philippines shines through, offering a peaceful oasis that’s hard to find elsewhere.

3. Malcapuya Beach, Coron​​, Palawan

Just a two-hour boat ride from the bustling Coron town lies the paradise of Malcapuya Beach, another beautiful spot in the breathtaking landscape of Palawan.

Known for its 1.5-kilometer stretch of dazzling white sand and turquoise waters, Malcapuya is not just a place to soak up the sun, it’s an underwater sanctuary perfect for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts, boasting marine life and colorful coral gardens. The beach, fringed with palm trees, offers a peaceful escape where you can enjoy the simple pleasure of sipping fresh coconut water.

Beyond its soft sandy shores, you’ll find hidden coves and stunning rocky cliffs, creating a picturesque backdrop for your tropical getaway. With its proximity to other island attractions like Banana Island and Bulog Dos, Malcapuya is the ideal starting point for an unforgettable island-hopping adventure in Coron.

Whether you rent a private boat or join a guided tour, a visit to Malcapuya Beach promises a blend of relaxation and exploration in one of Palawan’s most breathtaking settings.

2. Nacpan Beach, El Nido, Palawan

Nacpan Beach, just a 45-minute drive from the heart of El Nido, Palawan, is a breathtaking expanse of cream-colored sand stretching over 4 kilometers, framed by lush coconut trees and crystal-clear turquoise waters.

Voted as the world’s 10th best beach in 2016 by TripAdvisor, this spot maintains its charm by staying relatively untouched and uncrowded ideal for those seeking calmness. Nacpan Beach invites you to spend your days swimming, sunbathing, surfing, kayaking, or paddleboarding.

For the adventurous, a hike to a nearby hill reveals the stunning view of the Twin Beaches, Nacpan, and its lesser-known sibling, Calitang Beach. Alongside the natural beauty, a handful of local restaurants dotting the shoreline promise a taste of various cuisines, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely day under the sun.

1. White Beach, Boracay

As I write this, I’m singing along to one of my favorite lines from a Taylor Swift song, “This scene feels like what I once saw on a screen~” … which perfectly captures the moment because Boracay is truly beautiful — beyond words.

White Beach in Boracay attracts numerous tourists from various countries, drawn to its amazing beauty, romantic and peaceful atmosphere. Known not only as one of the finest white sand beaches in the Philippines but it’s also highly regarded worldwide.

The beach’s sand is exceptionally soft, white and pure, remaining cool even under the most intense sunlight.

Along the shoreline, you can find upscale resorts and hotels such as Shangri-La and Crimson Boracay that offer everything you could want. There are also many restaurants on the beachfront, serving a variety of dishes that will satisfy any taste.

The real beauty of White Beach, though, is its untouched nature — there’s nothing quite like sitting on its clean sand and watching the mesmerizing sunsets of Boracay.

Adventure seekers will find Boracay’s island-hopping tours an exciting opportunity to discover hidden islands and snorkeling spots, showcasing the island’s rich marine life.

This lively, picturesque destination, with plenty of activities, makes White Beach Boracay the number one choice for those seeking the ultimate beach vacation in the Philippines.

Read more about the Romantic Places in the Philippines.

So there you have it, the 15 best beaches in the Philippines that you absolutely can’t miss! From the crystal clear waters of Boracay to the secluded paradise of El Nido, from the lively atmosphere of Siargao to the tranquil beauty of Coron, these beaches offer something for every type of traveler. And let’s not forget about the mouthwatering food, warm hospitality, and stunning landscapes that make this country truly special.

So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen and book your next trip to one (or all!) of these amazing beaches. Trust me, you won’t regret it! The Philippines is truly a destination like no other and every beach on this list will leave you with unforgettable memories and a longing to come back for more. 

Until then, happy travels! 🌴

Things to do in Grand Turk

Grand Turk is a popular Caribbean Cruise Port. Read more to find the best things to do in the Grand Turk Cruise Port.

Best Beaches you Don’t Need a Passport to Visit.

The world is full of gorgeous beaches, but you don’t have to travel out of the United States to visit some of them! Read more for the best beaches US Citizens can visit without a passport.

Best Beaches in Barbados

If you are heading to Barbados on a cruise, you’ll want to read this list of beaches near the cruise port. Read more here .

Disney Cruise Line Rainforest Room

The Rainforest Room on Disney Cruise lines is an indulgent spa experience. Is it worth the high price tag? You can read here to find out .

Mediterranean Cruise Packing List

Don’t over-pack for your cruise or show up without everything you need. This is the ultimate Mediterranean Cruise Packing List .

Caribbean Cruise Packing List

Packing for a Caribbean Cruise can be overwhelming! You can read more here for a printable packing list for your cruise.

More best places in the Philippines

• 5 Amazing Things to Do in Cavite Philippines
• 10 Dreamy Locations in the Philippines Perfect for Couples

More for You

Megan Fox Signs With UTA

Here's No. 1 thing mentally strong couples 'never' do, says relationship therapist of 20 years

I Was Told My Father Was A 'Deadbeat.' After He Died, I Found Out Everything I Knew About Him Was Wrong.

Chicago Bears told to 'pay for their own damn stadium' after proposal has taxpayers footing $2 billion

A woman said her tattoos got her rejected for a job, but experts say personality is far more important

Cuban mercenaries eliminate Russian regiment commander in Donetsk region

Sports Cars As Cool as the Porsche 911 But Way More Affordable

Harvard psychologist shares 5 toxic things 'highly narcissistic' people always do in relationships

What happens if you don't use airplane mode on your flight? Here's the answer to that, and more common travel questions.

You Won't Even Miss The Meat In This Flavorful Shroomami Burger

17 Most Popular Baby Names From the 1970s

Here is the true value of having a fully paid-off home in America — especially when you're heading into retirement

The Factory Turbocharged Car With The Most Horsepower In 2024

Barack Obama shares his No. 1 piece of advice for his own daughters: Don't let your hunger for success ruin your happiness

Liz Cheney's Message to Supreme Court After Donald Trump Hearing

Marriage counsellor shares one sign your relationship is really over

14 Best Bed Frames of 2024

The most expensive state to live in isn't California or New York, based on data. Here are the top 10.

People Who Don’t Show Empathy Usually Have These 18 Traits

The Coolest Car From the Year You Were Born (1945-1995)