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2024 DOT-Accredited Travel Agencies and Tour Operators in El Nido

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  • Post category: El Nido
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  • Post last modified: February 23, 2024

This is an updated list of Department of Tourism (DOT) Accredited travel agencies and tour operators in El Nido, Palawan.

Dreaming of powdery white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and dramatic limestone cliffs? Look no further than El Nido in Palawan, the Philippines. This island paradise consistently tops the charts for its breathtaking beauty, earning accolades for its stunning beaches from renowned travel publications.

To ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience, remember to book your tours and vacation packages through a DOT-accredited travel agency. These agencies adhere to strict safety and service standards, ensuring your island adventure is worry-free and unforgettable.

This list of DOT-Accredited Travel Agencies and Tour Operators in El Nido is updated as of 21 February 2024 provided by the Department of Tourism.

Big Lagoon in El Nido, Palawan

DOT-Accredited Travel Agencies and Tour Operators in El Nido

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List of DOT-Accredited EL NIDO RESORTS, Hotels & Tour Operators (Palawan)

List of DOT-Accredited EL NIDO RESORTS, Hotels & Tour Operators (Palawan)

By continuing to read this article, you agree to double check with the authorities or other concerned entities for the latest updates.

Among the tourist destinations that has been reopened to tourists is the town of El Nido in the breathtaking island of Palawan, which has consistently been ranked by multiple international publications as one of the most beautiful beach destinations not only in the Philippines but in the world.

As things get back to normal in El Nido, more hotels, resorts and tour operators are also reopening, giving tourists countless options. But we recommend that you choose an establishment that is accredited by the Department of Tourism (DOT). This accreditation proves that they have met the minimum standards set for tourism services and facilities.

If you have plans to visit El Nido soon, here’s the list of DOT-accredited hotels, resorts and tour operators.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

Accredited Accommodations in El Nido

Aside from resorts and hotels, we also included in the list below hostels, tourist inns, pension houses, bed-and-breakfast places, and guesthouses, collectively known as Mabuhay Accommodations.

  • A Place To Remember . Check Rates & Photos! ✅
  • Apt The Apartments At El Nido
  • Balai Adlao . Check Rates & Photos! ✅
  • Bulskamp Inn . Check Rates & Photos! ✅
  • Cadlao Resort & Restaurant . Check Rates & Photos! ✅
  • Casa Kalaw . Check Rates & Photos! ✅
  • Charlie’s El Nido . Check Rates & Photos! ✅
  • Frendz Hostel El Nido . Check Rates & Photos! ✅
  • Huni Lio Resort . Check Rates & Photos! ✅
  • Jurias Garden Hotel . Check Rates & Photos! ✅
  • La Casa Teresa Tourist Inn . Check Rates & Photos! ✅
  • Lagen Island Resort (El Nido Resorts) . Check Rates & Photos! ✅
  • Layang Layang Home Inn . Check Rates & Photos! ✅
  • Maremegmeg Beach Club . Check Rates & Photos! ✅
  • Miniloc Island Resort (El Nido Resorts) . Check Rates & Photos! ✅
  • Moringa El Nido Philippines . Check Rates & Photos! ✅
  • El Nido Coco Resort . Check Rates & Photos! ✅
  • Pangulasian Island Resort And Spa (El Nido Resorts) . Check Rates & Photos! ✅
  • Qi Palawan . Check Rates & Photos! ✅
  • Seda Lio . Check Rates & Photos! ✅
  • Stunning Republic Beach Resort . Check Rates & Photos! ✅
  • Telesfora Beach Cottage . Check Rates & Photos! ✅
  • Ahana Resort . Check Rates & Photos! ✅
  • Angelic Tourist Inn
  • Angkla Beach Resort
  • Bella Athena . Check Rates & Photos! ✅
  • Birdhouse Glamping . Check Rates & Photos! ✅
  • Blue Mango Hotel & Restaurant Corp
  • Buko Beach Resort . Check Rates & Photos! ✅
  • Devayns Inn . Check Rates & Photos! ✅
  • Dolarog Beach Resort . Check Rates & Photos! ✅
  • El Nido Bayview Resort, Inc. . Check Rates & Photos! ✅
  • El Nido Beach Hotel . Check Rates & Photos! ✅
  • El Nido Reef Strand . Check Rates & Photos! ✅
  • Island Front Cottages . Check Rates & Photos! ✅
  • Las Cabanas . Check Rates & Photos! ✅
  • Lolo Oyong Bed and Breakfast . Check Rates & Photos! ✅
  • Maligaya Beach Bungalows . Check Rates & Photos! ✅
  • Milan Grace Inn . Check Rates & Photos! ✅
  • Rosannas Cottages
  • Sanse Boutique Hotel . Check Rates & Photos! ✅
  • Sea Cocoon Hotel . Check Rates & Photos! ✅
  • Alocasia Hostel . Check Rates & Photos! ✅
  • Anang Balay Turista .
  • Aqua Travel Lodge . Check Rates & Photos! ✅
  • Cabanas De Nacpan . Check Rates & Photos! ✅
  • Chislyk Inn .
  • Den’Gi Inn . Check Rates & Photos! ✅
  • Duli Beach Resort . Check Rates & Photos! ✅
  • Golden Monkey Cottages . Check Rates & Photos! ✅
  • Green Turtle Resort (Vellago Resort) .
  • Hadefe Cottages .
  • Hidden Garden Pension . Check Rates & Photos! ✅
  • Joaquinns Bed And Breakfast . Check Rates & Photos! ✅
  • Karuna Villas . Check Rates & Photos! ✅
  • Lio Villas Resort, Inc . Check Rates & Photos! ✅
  • Mansion Buenavista
  • Matinloc Resort . Check Rates & Photos! ✅
  • Nacpan Beach Glamping . Check Rates & Photos! ✅
  • Pandan Villas
  • Seaslugs Traveler’s Inn . Check Rates & Photos! ✅
  • Villa Del Vincejos . Check Rates & Photos! ✅
  • Weekends El Nido Beach Resort . Check Rates & Photos! ✅
  • Amadeus & Isabel Inn Sitio Cabigsing, Brgy. Buena Suerte
  • Angelnido Resort Caalan Beach, Masagana Pob. (Brgy. 3)
  • Atplay Hotels, Inc. Brgy. Corong-Corong
  • Bayview Country Inn Lot 694, Brgy. Corong-Corong
  • Beachfront Villa Overlooking Pool Pension House Brgy. Corong-Corong
  • Buenas Haven Travelodge National Highway, Brgy. Corong-Corong
  • Bulul Garden Rizal Street, Brgy Maligaya 
  • Bunakidz Lodging House Rizal Street, Brgy. Maligaya Pob. (Barangay 1)
  • Calypso Beach Resort Brgy. Corong-Corong
  • Casa Cecilia Rizal St., Brgy. Maligaya
  • Casa Malaya Brgy. Bucana
  • Cauayan Island Resort Cauayan Island Resort, Brgy. Buena Suerte
  • Cliffside Cottages Brgy. Maligaya
  • Dryft Travels And Expeditions, Inc. Daracotan Island, Brgy. Teneguiban
  • Eastwind Beach Club Guinling San Fernando
  • Eco Hotels Inc – Suites By Eco Hotel Abreu Rd. Sitio Diguiboy, Brgy. Barangay Vi (Pob.)
  • El Nido Garden Resort Brgy. Masagana
  • El Nido Hop Hostel Brgy. Corong-Corong
  • Fabregas Beach Cottages Rental Purok Pag-Asa, Sitio Lugadia, Brgy. Corong-Corong
  • Faith Rica Pension Amboy St., Brgy. Maligaya Pob. (Barangay 1)
  • Fisherman Cottage Brgy. Teniguiban
  • Fisheye The Rooms Abdullah Street, Brgy. Masagana Pob. (Barangay 3)
  • Hutch Lodging House Sitio Caalan, Brgy. Masagana Pob. (Barangay 3)
  • Hwan Dynasty Suite Sitio Lugadia Brgy. Corong-Corong
  • Innscape Resorts & Suites Inc. Brgy. Maligaya
  • Joyful Guest House Calle Hama, Brgy. Masagana
  • Keiras Tourist Inn Sitio Caalan, Brgy. Masagana
  • La Salangane Caalan Villa Sitio Caalan, Brgy. Masagana
  • La Soledad Guest House Rizal St., Maligaya Pob. (Barangay 1)
  • Last Frontier Beach Resort Brgy. Coron-Corong
  • Laule’a Hostel Brgy. Maligaya
  • Lexias Hostel Brgy. Corong-Corong
  • Lihim Resort Sitio Caalan, Brgy. Masagana
  • Lime Hotel El Nido Sitio Lugadia, Brgy. Corong-Corong
  • Lolo Panding Inn Brgy. Maligaya
  • Love Vega Hometel Brgy. Buena Suerte
  • Lualhati Garden Cottage Rizal St., Brgy. Maligaya
  • Mahogany Resort Brgy. Corong-Corong
  • Mam Olson Pension House Rizal St., Brgy. Maligaya
  • Mananquil Travel Lodge San Joaquin St., Brgy. Buena Suerte
  • Marian Pension Brgy. Corong-Corong
  • Marikit’s Pensionne Brgy. Masagana
  • Marygold Beachfront Inn Lot 17 B-1, Calle Hama, Brgy. Masagana
  • Mina Grande Beach Cottages Brgy. Corong-Corong
  • Moon Beach Villas Brgy. Teniguiban
  • Morning Walsh Resort Pops District, Brgy. Corong-Corong
  • Mountain Side Inn Rizal St., Brgy. Maligaya
  • Muatala Hotel Sitio Maremegmeg,Brgy. Corong-Corong
  • Nay Aster Pension Brgy. Corong-Corong
  • Nido View Deck Balinsasayaw Road, Brgy. Maligaya
  • Novie’s Tourist Inn Sitio Lugadia Brgy. Corong-Corong
  • One El Nido Suite Lot 3, Brgy. Corong-Corong
  • Palawan Escape And Reef Resort Inc. Brgy. Teneguiban
  • Peak House Garden Pension Calle Hama, Brgy. Masagana
  • Periking Pensionne Hama St., Brgy. Masagana
  • Raje Residence Raje Residence Bldg., Buena Suerte
  • Ricgem Place Amboy St., Brgy. Maligaya
  • Rock View Lodge Rizal St. Brgy. Maligaya
  • Rodriguez Lodge Amboy St. Brgy. Maligaya
  • Rovic’s Pension House Hama St. Brgy. Masagana
  • Rovic’s Tourist Hotel Hama St., Brgy. Masagana
  • S Resort And Beach Club Corporation Rizal St., Corner Real St. Brgy. Buena Suerte
  • Seatopia Beachfront Inn Brgy. Corong-Corong
  • Sheryl May Inn Brgy. Corong-Corong
  • South Anchorage Inn Barangay Maligaya Poblacion
  • Spin Designer Hostel Balinsasayaw Road Cor. Calle Real
  • St. John Island View Pensionne Sitio Lugadia, Brgy. Corong-Corong
  • Sun Valley Inn Sitio Caalan, Brgy. Masagana
  • Terra Sancta Hotel Sitio Lugadia, Brgy. Corong-Corong

Approved Tour Operators in El Nido

  • Ape Tour Services
  • Discover El Nido Travel & Tours
  • El Nido Boutique Art Café Inc.
  • Go Paradise Travel & Tour
  • Haqqy Life Travel & Tour
  • Leatherback Travel & Tour
  • Philippine Travel A La Carte
  • Umi Travel and Tour
  • Anang Travel & Tours
  • Aqua Island Tours
  • Beachfront Travel and Tours
  • Bellitta Tours
  • Cadlao Travel and Tours
  • Caera Travel and Tour
  • Cashem Travel & Tours
  • Devayn’s Travel & Tours
  • El Swift Travel and Tours
  • Elbyahe’s Travel and Tours
  • Gabreiel Travel and Tours
  • Golden Monkey Travel & Tours
  • Hannah Travel & Tours
  • Helloen Boat Tour Services
  • Jhannas Travel & Tours
  • Kapupuruan Travel & Tours
  • Klienkris Travel & Tour
  • Krischana Travel & Tour
  • Life Simple Pleasure Travel & Tours
  • Lovelyn Travel & Tour
  • Mercurio Travel & Tours
  • Nativ Exploration Travel & Tours
  • Philippine Island Cruise Corporation
  • RR Travel and Tour
  • Spider Travel & Tour
  • Tao Lost Boys, Inc. El Nido
  • Tarawis Travel & Tours
  • Alexzus Travel And Tours
  • Awit At Alon Travel And Tours
  • Bighorn Travel And Tours
  • Buddy Lets Go Travel And Tours
  • Buhay Isla Ecotour (El Nido Branch)
  • Destination Philippines Travel And Tours, Inc.
  • Dolarog Travel And Tours
  • El Moments Travel And Tours
  • El Nido Bay Travel And Tours
  • Elswissnest Travel And Tours
  • Exoticloops Motorcycle Tour
  • Gea Travel And Tour
  • Go Paradise Travel And Tours (Main Office)
  • Hayahay Travel And Tours
  • Isla Magdaphil Travel And Tours Inc.
  • Jbenito Travel And Tours
  • Keelooma Island Camp Booking Office
  • Kulafo Travel And Tours
  • Kuya Cris Travel And Tours
  • Lihim Travel And Tours
  • Northern Hope Tours El Nido
  • Paragua Travel And Tours
  • Ricgem Travel And Tour
  • Rovic’S Travel And Tours
  • Rsj Travel And Tours
  • Soledad De Amor Travel And Tours
  • Spider Travel And Tours
  • Treshfanny Travel And Tours
  • Tropical Paradise Travel And Tours
  • Yva Travel And Tours
  • Zeñorita Travel And Tours

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guest

Such good info on your page, thank you for everything!! Do you know if they have announced any different regulations for people who are fully vaccinated, or do we have to follow the same instructions?

Coney

Is Lagun Hotel El Nido included in the list of dot accredited hotels? It’s not included in the list

Yosh Dimen

Hi Coney, if it’s the same as Asyanah Suites & Hotel Lagun, nasa latest list na po sila. :)

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el nido tours

EL NIDO TOURS

ISLAND HOPPING  EXPEDITIONS TRANSFERS DIVING TIPS

el nido tours

ISLAND HOPPING

TOURS 1 DAY

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PRIVATE SUNSET CRUISE  EL NIDO

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GROUP  EXPEDITIONS EL NIDO CORON

PRIVATE EXPEDITIONS EL NIDO CORON

boat el nido

PRIVATE BOAT TOURS  EL NIDO

SCUBA DIVING EL NIDO

diving el nido

SUNSET BOAT PARTY

sunset party boat el nido

PRIVATE CAR TRANSFER

private transfer el nido puerto princessa

EL NIDO TIPS

el nido tips

EL NIDO TOURS 

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

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

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

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

Scuba diving in El Nido:  Philippines, is an exhilarating adventure that unveils the mesmerizing underwater world of this tropical paradise. Nestled within the enchanting Bacuit Bay, El Nido offers a diverse marine ecosystem and a vibrant coral kingdom waiting to be explored.

el nido tour a

EL NIDO ISLAND HOPPING TOURS- DETAILS & PRICING  

payong-payong-beach

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

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

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

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

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

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

EL NIDO PRIVATE TOURS- DETAILS & PRICING

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

boat tours el nido

BOAT EXPEDITIONS EL NIDO COR ON- DETAILS & PRICING

boat expeditions el nido coron palawan

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

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

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

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

EL NIDO SCU BA DIVING- DETAILS & PRICING

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

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

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

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

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

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

scuba-diving-el-nido

El Nido's iconic island hopping. Elevated.

Unforgettable yacht experiences for the discerning traveller, curated by experts..

Embark on an unforgettable journey with us to explore the mesmerizing wonders of El Nido. Sail through the enchanting archipelago on our state-of-the-art fleet, featuring a premium speedboat, two luxurious catamaran yachts, and a classic wooden boat. 

Indulge in the breathtaking beauty of El Nido's islands, where towering limestone cliffs, crystalline turquoise lagoons, and pristine white sand beaches await. We invite you to relax in style on your chosen vessel, each designed for your ultimate comfort and enjoyment. Escape into the tranquility of your own private catamaran yacht, ensuring a safe and luxurious cruising experience.

Immerse yourself in the panoramic views of El Nido, a destination renowned for its majestic ancient karst limestone formations, hidden lagoons with transparent waters, and marine sanctuaries bursting with tropical life. Unwind on the world's best island, as voted in 2020, and allow us elevate your El Nido adventure to new heights.

Your exclusive El Nido escape awaits.

As the only premium island-hopping tour operator in the area, we promise a secluded and refined experience away from the crowds. If privacy is what you desire, allow us to whisk you away to our tranquil destinations, exclusively reserved for El Nido Yachting Club guests.

2023 Traveler's Choice by TripAdvisor

What makes el nido yachting club different.

  • An elevated El Nido island-hopping experience, away from the crowds and with guaranteed luxury.
  • Best rates guaranteed & personalised service to help pick your ideal yacht & itinerary.
  • A bespoke escape designed by a trustworthy team with unparalleled knowledge and excellent connections.
  • Round-the-clock assistance before, during & after your private charter.
  • More time to relax & look forward to your vacation.

"Luxurious SEAcation experience"

We chartered the private seacation catamaran and had a luxurious 5 star experience. While the boat can hold larger parties, it was the perfect size and configuration for our group of four. The staff tended to our every need. The captain, tour guides, staff and caterer were professional and accommodating with an eye for detail. Mhamar curated a sailing tour that was private and truly catered to our liking. Ms. Rose on many occasions tended to the 8 year old child in our group which I found impressive.

There was a smaller boat that took us from the catamaran to shore on certain stops rather than having to swim or kayak to like other tours. For those stops that motorized boats were not allowed, the staff would row us in kayaks and provided information about the location. In my opinion, there is no other way to travel by sea while in El Nido. I would definitely book again.

"Embracing the serenity of the ocean on this luxury yacht"

What a great Experience Elnido Yatchting Club . Awake to the gentle rocking of the yacht and the aroma of a delicious breakfast prepared by the crews. You'll explore the glamorous islands of El Nido and of course renowned for its chic resorts . The crew will prepare a sumptuous beachside instagramable foods for a truly unforgettable dining experience. As the sun sets, We're enjoying a cocktail under the starlit sky, taking in the serenity of the secluded island. 

"The best boat day in El Nido"

This was the highlight of my trip!! I am so glad I booked it and would 100% do it again, next time I'm in El Nido. The crew is so accommodating and knowledgable. They will absolutely ensure you enjoy your day to the fullest. Amazing snorkeling locations, privates beaches, island hopping, THE BEST lunch, kayaking at the big lagoon, not to mention the luxurious Lagoon 445, just an incredible catamaran, top notch. Plus our tour guide Mark made sure to take the best photos for us. 10/10 this crew was so kind and so helpful. Thank you to Ms. Trixie and our captain and the whole crew. We couldn't have imagined a better day.

- Stephanie L

"Fantastic private catamaran day"

We had a fantastic day with some variable weather on the private seacation catamaran. Our host, Mark went above and beyond for group photos and adapting to different conditions. The crew was nimble, extremely accommodating and provided great service. The food was fantastic! We thank the entire El Nido Yacht Club team for making a special memory for our family. I would highly recommend!

"Perfect day trip"

SUCH AN AMAZING DAY! The catamaran is fantastic & staff is the most hospitable! We went to 2 regular public islands and then lunch on the private star island! It was magical as we were the only ones there. Lunch was fantastic, grilled chicken & fish, great rice & veggies. Fruit and dessert. We jumped off the boat a few times & they have booze to purchase on the boat as well. Thank you for a wonderful time!

- Crystal V

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Need help planning your charter?

In case you have any queries please hesitate to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you on board.

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Complete Review of El Nido’s Best Island Hopping Tours with Caera Travel Tours

Home » Blog » Philippines » Complete Review of El Nido’s Best Island Hopping Tours with Caera Travel Tours

The Philippines is a country made up of 7,107 islands, and more than 1,700 of those belong to Palawan. And so it seems fitting that one activity everyone seems to do while in El Nido is to partake in the famous island hopping tours.

Palawan Philippines Island Hopping Caera Travel Tours

Island Hopping Tours from Palawan

El Nido is set in a boat-filled bay with cliffs looming in the background. Though the town is charming in itself, the beauty that we were seeking was just a boat ride away.

The Philippines is a country made up of 7,107 islands, and more than 1,700 of those belong to Palawan . And so it seems fitting that one activity everyone seems to do while in El Nido is to partake in the famous island hopping tours.

There are tons of tour operators in El Nido, and they all offer the same itineraries. Just do a simple Google search, and you’ll find that the best and most popular tours are undoubtedly A and C. Since we only had time for two, we trusted in the advice of others before us, and weren’t disappointed.

Before you set sail on your island hopping adventure,  don’t forget to do this … you’ll thank us later. 

Palawan Philippines Island Hopping

Though all the companies stop at the same places during their tours, the service and food differs. We did both tours through a reputable company called Caera Travel Tours , and would highly recommend them. They are known for being environmentally conscious and have played an instrumental role in sustainable tourism in El Nido.

Where to stay in El Nido:

Spin Designer Hostel – El Nido : With some of the highest reviews in all of El Nido, this laid back hostel is the perfect place to relax after a long day of island hopping. They have dorm rooms and private rooms at great prices. And with only 600 meters to the beach, what’s not to love!

Tour A – 1,200 PHP per person ($27 USD)

Right away, we met our guide, Brandon, who was funny, professional, and informative – everything you’d want in an island hopping guide!

Our boat set out just a little after the other groups had left. This meant that we had each stop pretty much to ourselves, as the other tours had already moved on.

Palawan Philippines Island Hopping Caera Travel Tours Mangos

Here’s a breakdown of tour A:

Small Lagoon  – Swim through a small opening to reveal a picture perfect lagoon. Be sure to swim all the way to the other side where there is a small cave to explore.

Big Lagoon  – Crystal clear waters make this area great for snorkeling.

Shimizu Island  – This island has a small, shaded beach and makes for a perfect lunch spot

Prior to stopping here, we had seen the crew filleting giant fish and cutting fruit with finesse, but we had no idea just how much food we would be served. A large, wooden table was carried onto the sand, along with real plates and silverware. Platter after platter were set on the table, until there was no longer any room. We feasted on crabs, shrimp, fish, chicken, pork, rice, fruit, and my favorite – tomato and eggplant salad. We were certainly spoiled!

Secret Lagoon  – Pass through a hole in the rocks and find a shallow lagoon surrounded by huge rock walls.

7 Commando Beach  – This beach is a little more developed than the rest on the stops on the tour – it even has cabanas and a volleyball net. Make your way to the smoothie stand and order a coconut (with a splash of rum!) for a refreshing drink to sip as you watch the sun start to set.

Tour C – 1,400 PHP per person ($32 USD)

Palawan Philippines Island Hopping Caera Travel Tours

Here’s a breakdown of Tour C:

Helicopter Island  – This beach is packed with beautiful coral, but the abundance of jellyfish makes it difficult to snorkel here for very long.

Hidden Beach  – Unfortunately, this beach was closed because Israeli Survivor was being filmed while we were there… or was it Swedish Survivor? There were a few rumors floating around, but it was too bad we couldn’t get a glimpse.

Matinloc Shrine  – This old monastery was abandoned because there weren’t enough funds to keep it going. The shrine had sort of an eerie, yet regal feel. Be sure to climb up the rock path beside the shrine. The view overlooking the sea is stunning. There just aren’t words. Tip: On the way there, look for flying fish – we saw tons!

Lunch was served on the boat in a little bay area. The food was just as good as the previous day.

Secret Beach  – Let me first dispel the myth that this beach is “secret”. Contrary to its name, many visitors come to this beach every day on island hopping tours, and it is by no means unknown. Even so, this was the highlight of the Tour C.

Jump off the boat and swim through transparent waters to a small opening in the rocks. Pass through and you will arrive in another world. Jagged rock faces tower 50 to 100 meters high and surround a small beach. 

Palawan Philippines Island Hopping Caera Travel Tours

Because we weren’t able to see Hidden Beach, we went to another remote cove that is not typically on the tour route. The water was an almost milky turquoise, unlike anything I’ve ever seen. We floated and splashed around until it was time to head back to town.

By now you know it’s hard for me to pick favorites, but Alex, Ben and I collectively agreed that we liked Tour A slightly better.

Read more about our time in Palawan .

Our island hopping excursions were complimentary, thanks to Caera Travel Tours. As always, all opinions are our own.

Are you planning a trip to the Philippines?

We have TONS of resources on travel in the Philippines and destinations throughout the country. Check out our Ultimate Philippines Travel Guide for all the answers to your most burning questions, or read some of our favorite articles below.

Ultimate Philippines 2 Week Itinerary

Things to Do in El Nido, Palawan

Top Things to Do in Boracay: Travel Guide to Paradise

Why You Need to Visit the Philippines

Philippines Travel Budget: How to Travel on Less Than $50 a Day

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Island Hopping El Nido

We want to hear from you!

Have you been to El Nido? Have you tried going island hopping? What did you think? Comment below and we’ll do our best to get back to you!

Comments (15) on “ Complete Review of El Nido’s Best Island Hopping Tours with Caera Travel Tours ”

It is one of the great place in the planet….eco friendly enviroment…If you want a total relax and expect a unique travel with your friends,relatives and your family, don’t think twice. Book your ticket and click your destination to…..THE PHILIPPINES…..

Hi Katie and Ben! Super helpful blog, just wondering for Tour A, how long was the tour itself and did you guys stay in El Nido or travel up from Puerto Princesa and then back down? Trying to find the best way to maximise the fun and minimise the travel time!

Hey Samantha, the tours take about a half day or so. We stayed in El Nido and would recommend doing so to. It’s a nice little town with so many day trips to go out and do.

Was there a reason you guys chose Tours A and C, instead of B and D. We have about four days in El Nido, and trying to figure out which island hopping tours to do, either 2 or 3 tours.

Hey Mikki, In our opinion, Tours A and C brought you to the best beaches and lagoons. It is hard to choose between all of them, but for us, A & C looked the best (and they were pretty epic!)

GUYS!! I’ll be in the Philippines for 3 weeks… what do I pack?! I always travel with a suitcase so this is a first for me! Thanks

Hey Duda, That’s so exciting that you’re going to the Philippines so soon! We have a packing list article that walks you through all the things we carry with us when we travel. If you have any questions, let us know:

You are so fake

Hi there Ashley, not sure what you are referring to by this. We always appreciate thoughtful and constructive criticism, so if you are able to elaborate what you mean by this we’d appreciate it.

Ben & Katie, Really nice blog, very informative. We are planning to go for 8 days and we have a 2 year old. We can’t hop too much. What would you recommend we do? I was thinking Boracay for 3 days and Palawan for 3 days with this island hopping tour. Any guidance for us?

Hey Ashish, you’re going to love the Philippines! I actually think your plan is great for the amount of time you have. You’ll be able to see a lot without hopping too fast. Would love to hear how your trip goes!

I really love your blog. Most comprehensive and immersing I’ve ever seen. I just wonder ? Will the tour price vary if we only travel for 2 pax? Have you booked the tour way before you landed on the airport. Or you just booked it after arriving at El Nido already? Thanks.

Hi Kristian, That is such a kind comment – you just put a huge smile on our faces 🙂 As far as the island hopping tours in El Nido go, you can actually just go to the tour company a day or two before you’d like to do the tour. If this company is fully booked, there are plenty of others that seemed relatively similar. If you know exactly what date you’d like to go, however, it isn’t a bad idea to make a reservation in advance. You don’t have to put down any deposit or anything – just your name (at least when we went on the tour that was the case).

I do remember the companies we contacted in El Nido were not so great at getting back to us via email, so if this happens to you, don’t worry! It’s the island life I guess, and you should have no problem booking in person. And the price should be the same per person no matter how many you are traveling with (again, these prices are from January 2015, so they have be slightly different now).

Best of luck planning, and let us know if you have any more questions!

I’ve been reading all your blogs about your Philippine trip and I can help but smile while doing so. I was born and raised in Manila, Philippines but now residing in San Francisco for 2 years now. I honestly got teary eyed while reading your blog – about how beautiful my country is and how hospitable people are to all tourists (we are really like that 🙂 ). I’ve been to Boracay and Bohol many times and I certainly agree that those places are really beyond awesome lol but I have never been to Palawan (sad thing, that I as a Filipino was not able to explore my country yet)

But I am currently planning my 2 weeks vacation in the PH next year and will definitely visit Palawan this time. Thanks to your posts 🙂

I hope you’ll get the chance to visit some other islands in the Philippines. It’s more fun in the Philippines! 🙂

Thanks so much for the kind words, Julie. It’s messages like this that keep us going 🙂 We know exactly how you feel about not having been to places in your home country. There are so many places in the US that we’ve never seen that we hear all about from our non-American friends! Sometimes we joke that it often happens you visit your home country last because it seems like it’ll always be there and be accessible!

Have an amazing time exploring Palawan! I think that was our favorite (if we were forced to choose! haha). Try to make it to Nacpan Beach (Twin Beaches) – it’s a really incredible place!

We can’t wait to get back to the Philippines someday, because we have a really long list of places we still want to visit there (and others that we are dreaming of getting back to).

Thanks again for the sweet message. It really made our day 🙂

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THE 10 BEST El Nido Boat Tours

Boat tours in el nido.

  • Scuba & Snorkeling
  • Nature & Wildlife 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
  • Lagum Adventure
  • Seven Commando Beach
  • Secret Lagoon Beach
  • 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.

el nido tour operator

1. El Nido Private Tour A w/ Lunch

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2. El Nido Full Day Tour C with Buffet Lunch

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3. Seacret Luxury Catamaran Yacht Group Island Hopping Tour

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

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

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

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

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8. Half-Day Seaduction Premium Speedboat Group Island Hopping Tour

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9. Small-Group El Nido Island Hopping Tour

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10. Tour A Island Hopping El Nido by Haqqy Life

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

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

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

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14. Private El Nido Tour A Island Hopping

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15. Private El Nido Tour B Island Hopping

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16. Private El Nido Tour C Island Hopping

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17. Private Culion Island Escapade in Coron Palawan with Island Lunch

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18. Northern Palawan Sailing Adventure from El Nido (2 nights 3 Days)

el nido tour operator

19. Coron Island Escapade Group Tour with Island Lunch

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

el nido tour operator

Shared El Nido Island Hopping Tour with lunch

el nido tour operator

Port Barton Tour C In San Vicente, Palawan

el nido tour operator

Port Barton Tour B In San Vicente, Palawan

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Port Barton Tour D In San Vicente, Palawan

What travelers are saying.

Pom C

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

Couple Travel The World

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

By: Author MC Miller

Posted on Last updated: September 23, 2020

Categories Philippines , Travel Blog Post

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Or, jump straight to a tour here:

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

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Tour A – The Iconic Lagoons

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

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

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

Tips for Tour A:

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

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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.

El Nido Tour A - Secret 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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 .

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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!

El Nido Accommodation

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!

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

MC Miller

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

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The Ultimate TOUR A Experience in El Nido, Palawan (Story & Guide)

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Our second day marked the beginning of our exploration of the islands, beaches, and limestone formations in El Nido.

Tour A is one of the most popular in El Nido. Unlike Tour C, which is known for its hidden and secret beaches, Tour A focuses on the breathtaking lagoons.

We were early for our rendezvous at the port. We smiled and chatted with fellow tourists, seizing the opportunity to connect with other travelers. There, we met Michael and Sarah, a Swiss couple, who shared their travel stories with us and expressed their enjoyment of the Philippines . This is one of the best things about travel – the people you meet along the way.

By 8 AM, we hopped on the boat and the tour began.

Although Tour A is renowned for its breathtaking lagoons, our first stop that morning was the beach. The clear waters and limestones of 7 Commandos Beach were a stunning introduction to El Nido .

1. 7 Commandos Beach

7 Commandos Beach is the closest to El Nido town, so it’s typically either the first or the last stop on the tour.

We had no complaints about starting here, as it gave us a fantastic glimpse into the wonder of  El Nido with its white sand, clear waters, and limestone cliffs, fulfilling every desire for relaxation in an island paradise.

7 Commandos Beach El Nido Palawan

Approaching the island 🙂

7 Commandos Beach El Nido Palawan

READ STORY: 7 Commandos Beach of El Nido, Palawan

2. Big Lagoon

After spending a few minutes walking along the long stretch of beach, we headed to the Big Lagoon. The entrance to the Big Lagoon, with its surreal and magical pathway, was a breathtaking experience.

It felt like two colossal cliffs were parting ways to welcome us, like entering a different realm. It was incredibly beautiful!

Big Lagoon El Nido Palawan

READ STORY:   Big Lagoon of El Nido: Just Like a Fantasy Movie

3. Shimizu island

Next, we headed to Shimizu Island.

One of the boatmen, who sat beside me, revealed that this was their favorite island – a sentiment shared by many tour guides and boatmen. When I inquired why, he mentioned that it’s where we would have our lunch.

Shimizu Island, named after a Japanese scuba diver who tragically died while exploring its underwater tunnels, offers the perfect setting for beach bumming while enjoying seafood, delectable ensalada, veggies, and fruits. We enjoyed it immensely!

Shimizu Island El Nido Tour a Palawan

READ STORY:   Shimizu Island, El Nido : Our Boatmen’s Favorite Island

4. Secret Lagoon

Our next stop was the Secret Lagoon. We halted near a cluster of huge rocks. As all the tourists headed in one direction, we followed, swimming and walking on sharp rocks until we reached a small opening.

Passing through a hole, we found ourselves inside an enclosed lagoon. It was an awe-inspiring sight!

Secret Lagoon El Nido Tour A Palawan

READ STORY:    Exploring the Secret Lagoon of El Nido

5. Small Lagoon

The Small Lagoon was our final destination and one of the most unforgettable adventures in El Nido.

We kayaked to a narrow entrance, feeling an exhilarating rush as we ventured inside the Small Lagoon. It was simply amazing how nature has crafted such breathtaking beauty.

Small Lagoon El Nido tour a

READ THE BLOG POST: 15 Best Resorts in El Nido

Small Lagoon El Nido tour a

READ STORY: What I learned while Kayaking at Small Lagoon, El Nido

In conclusion, if you seek the ultimate summer destination in the Philippines, El Nido is, without a doubt, the place to be!

El Nido: Tour A Travel Guide 2024

Welcome to El Nido, a slice of paradise in Palawan, Philippines! Tour A is a must-do for any visitor, known for its stunning lagoons, picturesque beaches, and awe-inspiring limestone formations. BOOK EL NIDO TOUR A

Key Destinations on Tour A

  • Big Lagoon: A majestic and serene lagoon surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. Ideal for kayaking and swimming in its crystal-clear waters.
  • Small Lagoon: Accessible via a narrow opening, this lagoon is a hidden gem perfect for snorkeling and exploring by kayak.
  • Secret Lagoon: Nestled behind limestone rocks, it’s a unique spot accessed through a small hole, leading to a secluded pool of water.
  • 7 Commandos Beach: Known for its powdery white sand and vibrant marine life, it’s great for relaxation and snorkeling.
  • Shimizu Island: Famous for its stunning coral reefs, it’s an excellent spot for snorkeling. Also, a popular lunch stop where you can enjoy fresh seafood and local dishes.

READ MORE: 15 Best Resorts in El Nido

Travel Tips for Tour A

Best Time to Visit : The dry season from December to May offers the best weather conditions for exploring.

Booking the Tour : Book your tour in advance, especially during peak season. Many local operators offer Tour A , but prices and inclusions can vary.

Packing Essentials : Bring sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, water-resistant bags for electronics, and snorkeling gear. Although some tours provide snorkeling equipment, it’s always best to have your own for comfort and hygiene.

Environmental Preservation : El Nido is a protected area. Always follow the ‘leave no trace’ principle, avoiding littering and disturbing marine life.

Staying Hydrated : It’s crucial to stay hydrated under the sun. Bring a refillable water bottle; many tours provide water refills.

Safety Precautions : Always listen to your guide, especially when swimming or snorkeling, as currents can be strong in some areas.

Photography: Don’t forget your camera! El Nido offers some of the most photogenic landscapes in the world.

Tour A in El Nido is a breathtaking experience that showcases the beauty of Palawan’s natural landscapes. By following these tips, you’re set for an unforgettable adventure in one of the Philippines’ most stunning destinations.

Updates log 01/10/2017 – First published Updated the guide for 2024

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What is the Best Tour in El Nido to Book? Must-Try Palawan Activities

What is the Best Tour in El Nido to Book? Must-Try Palawan Activities

Ella Larena

El Nido Island Hopping Tour A

El nido island hopping tour c, el nido island hopping tour b, el nido island hopping tour d.

El Nido Island Hopping

With its stunning natural beauty, clear waters, limestone cliffs, and pristine beaches, El Nido is a breathtaking destination that attracts nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike, making it one of the best places to visit in the Philippines . With thousands of islands, beaches, and lagoons in El Nido, it might be difficult to plan your El Nido tours itinerary.

See our popular El Nido Tours and Activities

Private el nido palawan lio airport to or from any el nido town hotel transfer service, palawan el nido shared island hopping tour a with lunch & transfers | secret lagoon, shimizu island, private puerto princesa airport to or from el nido town transfer service.

The best way to visit the top El Nido tourist spots is by joining El Nido island hopping tours. These tours take visitors on a boat ride to explore some of the best islands in the Philippines , lagoons, and beaches in just one day.

El Nido island hopping tours are grouped into 4 different routes (A, B, C, and D). Each El Nido island hopping tour offers a unique experience showcasing different attractions and experiences in this Palawan destination. 

What is the Best Tour in El Nido to Book? Must-Try Palawan Activities

See our popular El Nido Vacation Packages

5-day nature & islands adventure package to puerto princesa and el nido palawan, affordable 4-day el nido palawan package at den'gi inn with island hopping tour & daily breakfast, fun-filled 4-day el nido palawan package at charlie's el nido with island hopping & daily breakfast.

Best for: If you want to visit the most popular tourist spots in El Nido, Palawan

Attractions Included: Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Secret Lagoon, Seven Commandos Beach

Kayaking in Big Lagoon

See our popular El Nido Island Hopping Tours

Palawan el nido shared island hopping tour c with lunch & transfers | secret beach, hidden beach.

Best for: If you want to visit the best beaches in El Nido

Attractions Included: Hidden Beach, Matinloc Island, Secret Beach, Helicopter Island

Helicopter Island

Best for: If you want to visit a sandbar, caves, and beaches in El Nido

Attractions Included: Snake Island, Cudugnon Cave, Cathedral Cave, Popolcan Island

Snake Island

Finally, at the end of El Nido Tour B, you will visit Popolcan Island, which is famous for its snorkeling spots filled with schools of colorful fish and vibrant marine animals. It is also an attraction often included in an El Nido snorkeling tour .

See our popular El Nido Diving Courses and Packages

Palawan el nido discover scuba diving for beginners with equipment, tank, weight belt & snacks, palawan el nido sunrise dive with equipment, tank & weight belt, palawan el nido fun dive for certified divers with equipment, tank, weight belt & snacks.

Best for: If you want to visit the popular Small Lagoon and other underrated beaches in El Nido

Attractions Included: Small Lagoon, Nat-Nat Beach, Cadlao Lagoon, Paradise Beach

Small Lagoon

See our popular Palawan Tours and Activities

Coron island hopping tour to kayangan lake & barracuda lake | palawan super ultimate package, shared puerto princesa underground river tour in palawan with lunch & hotel transfers.

Experience the best of El Nido with these tours

Shimizu Island

Whether you choose El Nido Tour A or C, or the less popular island hopping tours like El Nido Tour B or D, you can expect a memorable experience when booking these best tours in El Nido, Palawan.

For those looking for other things to do in El Nido aside from island hopping in El Nido , various El Nido scuba diving packages are available, while those looking for relaxation in the best El Nido hotels can find comfort in the various Palawan resorts packages and all-inclusive Philippines vacation packages .

You can also reach your hotel or destination effortlessly on the island when you book El Nido airport transfers . Lastly, the local cuisine in El Nido is a treat for food lovers, and there are plenty of options on where to eat in El Nido .

See our popular Palawan Island Hopping Tours

Palawan coron malcapuya, banana & bulog dos islands shared tour with lunch & transfers, palawan puerto princesa honda bay island hopping tour with lunch | starfish, luli, & cowrie islands.

Pinagbuyutan Island in El Nido

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For those planning a Philippine 3-week itinerary , it is recommended to book Philippine guided tours that can help you navigate the top destinations in the Philippines . Numerous vacation packages for couples and luxury vacation packages that include Philippine island hopping tours are also available for those seeking a more indulgent travel experience.

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El Nido Tour A Island Hopping – Complete 2024 Guide

El Nido Tour A is one of the best things to do in Palawan and this particular tour is the most popular among the other El Nido boat tours such as B, C, and D.

Island-hopping in El Nido has been on my bucket list for years and I’m stoked to have finally ticked it off. That being said, I guarantee you will enjoy El Nido Tour A just as much as I did.

I have put together this complete guide of Tour A El Nido including where to book, how much it costs, and what to expect on the tour.

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Table of Contents

WHERE TO BOOK EL NIDO TOUR A

There are countless tour agencies in the town offering El Nido Island Hopping Tours and it can be very overwhelming trying to find the right company at the right price.

I personally booked Tour A El Nido online in advance with Viator and it couldn’t have been easier!

This is the most top-rated El Nido Island Hopping Tour A with great reviews.

The tour includes a full day of island hopping on an outrigger boat to Seven Commandos Beach, Big Lagoon/Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and a BBQ lunch on the boat.

BEST EL NIDO TOUR PACKAGE

El Nido Tour A Group with Buffet Lunch

The BEST Island Hopping trip you can get is the El Nido Tour A !

It includes hotel pickup, lunch, entrance to the lagoon, the environmental fee, and a fun guide to spend the day with!

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EL NIDO TOUR A PRICE

Prices range from 1200 pesos ($21) to 2200 (about $40). While you can book with agencies in El Nido Town, I recommend pre-booking online for different reasons:

First, tours on Viator include hotel pickup, the environmental fee, and the entrance to the lagoon, which are excluded with other tour operators.

Secondly, El Nido Tour A is the most popular of them all and, therefore, it sells out very fast. I tried to book in town twice before giving up and booking 2 days in advance on Viator.

Lastly, the best time of the day to visit is in the morning, and some tour operators will only depart in the afternoon, which isn’t convenient.

Check out the tour here below.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON TOUR A EL NIDO

El Nido Tour A begins at the meeting point on the beach in El Nido Bay to sign in to the registrar and meet the other travelers joining in on the adventure.

These tours El Nido start at around 9 am and returns between 4 pm – 5 pm.

Do note that an additional environmental fee of 200 pesos is valid for 10 days, so hang on to the ticket if you plan on doing other El Nido boat tours.

You will also have to pay a 200 pesos fee to enter the big and small lagoons.

Before jumping on the boat, there are many beach vendors selling waterproof phone cases, dry bags, reef booties, and other products that you may be interested in purchasing. Prices vary so put your bartering skills to the test.

Once you’re all geared up, head to the boat to begin the El Nido island-hopping adventure!

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SEVEN COMMANDOS BEACH

The first stop on the tour is Seven Commandos Beach and what a place to begin. As our boat was pulling into the cove, I couldn’t believe the epic landscape in front of my eyes.

Azure waters, glistening white sands, coconut palm trees, and a few beachside shacks line the shores.

This is what the Philippines is all about and Seven Commandos Beach is hands-down one of the best beaches in El Nido!

We spent around 45 minutes on 7 Commando Beach, soaking up the sun and taking several dips in the ocean to cool off.

You can also purchase a fresh coconut from one of the beach hut vendors for as little as 50 pesos. Hold off on plastic straws and help to reduce the use of single-use plastic.

There are some fun-fuelled activities to be had on Seven Commandos Beach such as playing a game of beach volleyball with your mates or flying out over the water’s edge on the tree swing.

If you want to get an Instagram-worthy photo, head to the cluster of palm trees at the eastern end of 7 Commando Beach and work some angles before continuing on to the next location.

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BIG LAGOON – EL NIDO TOUR A

The next stop of Tour A El Nido is the famous Big Lagoon at Miniloc Island.

When we arrived on the boat I could finally see why Big Lagoon was at the top of everyone’s list of things to do in El Nido!

The towering limestone cliffs of Miniloc Island are other-worldly and the deep blue-colored waters inside Big Lagoon are too inviting not to go for a swim!

One of the best activities to do at Big Lagoon El Nido is to rent a kayak and paddle your way through the opening of the lagoon and explore the deep blue waters inside.

The cost to rent a kayak is an additional 250 pesos which is worth every cent.

If you opt not to go kayaking in Big Lagoon, it’s possible to swim from the boat into the opening of the lagoon where the water is quite shallow.

From here you can walk around beneath the curving limestone cliffs and take a moment to let the phenomenality of this place soak in.

I decided to fly my drone camera to capture the beauty of it all from a birds-eye perspective. Safe to say these were my favorite photos I took on the El Nido island hopping tour!

The BEST Hotel in El Nido

Lagun Hotel

Need a place to stay? Lagùn Hotel is conveniently located in the heart of El Nido Town.

Whether you’re here to explore the sights or relax in comfort, Lagùn Hotel offers the best of both worlds.

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SECRET LAGOON EL NIDO

Secret Lagoon El Nido is around the corner from Big Lagoon which is the next stop on the tour.

The name isn’t quite fitting for this location as it’s one of the more popular spots for most El Nido boat tours.

Despite its popularity, Secret Lagoon is something you just have to see with your own eyes!

Our boat anchored just off the shore from Secret Lagoon and the boat crew started to prepare lunch while we were off exploring.

We had around 45 minutes to check out the small caves and sandy coves that surround the lagoon.

The limestone cliffs that envelop Secret Lagoon are some of the most impressive ones that you’ll come across when Island Hopping in El Nido.

You could marvel at these classic El Nido cliffs for hours and ponder how they came to be.

Buffet Lunch is served on the boat and what a spread it is! A mix of BBQ prawns, fish, chicken, pork and fresh salads, noodles, rice, and fruits.

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SHIMIZU ISLAND

Last but not least on Tour A El Nido is Shimizu Island. Yet another natural beauty that lies in the archipelago of islands in the north of Palawan!

We were one of just three other boats at Shimizu Island so it was far less crowded than some of the other spots on the El Nido Island hopping tour package.

There’s quite a bit of exploring to be had on the island to its number of secluded beaches, small caves, and snorkeling around the colorful coral reefs.

The turquoise waters surrounding the island are more vibrant than the other islands we visited that day and it seriously looked good enough to drink!

The sun was already starting to set which cast some pretty cool shadows of the cliffs on the top of the ocean.

After an epic day on the water, it was time to make the return journey back to El Nido which takes approximately 1 hour.

Salty, sun-kissed, and exhausted, I think a beer is in order at one of the beachside bars to conclude your El Nido Tour A!

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OTHER EL NIDO ISLAND HOPPING TOURS

Looking for the best El Nido Island Hopping Tours?! The options are El Nido tour A, B, C, D.

Visit the Viator website to see all of the top-rated tours in El Nido. Make sure to book online in advance to be guaranteed the best rates!

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WHERE TO STAY IN EL NIDO

El Nido has hundreds of accommodation options to choose from, so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay to fit the needs of budget backpackers, luxury travelers, and everyone in between.

See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend:

Luxury: Lagùn Hotel

Lagùn Hotel is one of the best and most modern hotels in El Nido featuring an outdoor swimming pool, terrace, restaurant, bar, and free wifi throughout the property.

The rooms are fitted with a flat-screen tv, wardrobe, work desk, fridge, kettle, private bathroom, and some with a balcony.

Recommended place to stay for couples, families, or friends after enjoying an island hopping El Nido.

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Mid Range: Sea Cocoon Hotel

I personally stayed at Sea Cocoon Hotel which is located right in the heart of El Nido town and just a minute’s walk to the beach.

Sea Cocoon Hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, terrace, restaurant, bar, and a shared lounge.

The rooms are spacious and modern with air-conditioning, large comfy beds, a wardrobe, a balcony, and a private bathroom. A buffet breakfast is also included for all guests.

Affordable place to stay for couples, families, or friends.

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Budget: One Hostel El Nido

One Hostel is one of the best budget accommodations in El Nido which is centrally located and within walking distance of the bus terminal, shops, cafes, bars, restaurants, and beaches.

There are dorm rooms, double rooms, and quadruple rooms available with air-conditioning. The hostel also has free wifi and a shared lounge area for guests to hang out.

It’s the perfect place to stay in El Nido for solo travelers, couples, or friends on a budget.

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FOR ALL OTHER PLACES TO STAY IN EL NIDO, SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM

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Must-Have Travel Essentials

Hidden money wallet.

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Reusable Water Bottle

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FINAL THOUGHTS – EL NIDO TOUR A

I hope you enjoyed reading this El Nido blog about island hopping El Nido and if you have any questions at all about El Nido Tour A ,   please leave me a comment below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.

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TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!

bookingcom

Search and book accommodation worldwide.

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Compare and book cheap flights to anywhere.

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Find tickets, tours, and experiences around the world.

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Book buses, trains, and transfers online in advance.

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Need travel insurance for your next trip?

THANKS FOR READING

Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide!

Please know this post may contain affiliate links. When making a purchase through one of my links, I earn a small kickback at no extra cost to you and it’s a big help to keep the site up and running. Rest assured, I only promote products and services that I personally use and recommend.

Click here to find out how you can support the site organically .

Many thanks!

2 thoughts on “El Nido Tour A Island Hopping – Complete 2024 Guide”

Thank you for your web site. This has the most helpful information of any site I’ve found so far, and puts me more at ease in making plans for February. Please send information as far as the boat used for the El-Nido A tour. Such as: the size, how many people on the boat., and restroom facilities. I wish you much sucess with your site. Gordon

Hi Gordon, thanks for the positive feedback! The boat is a traditional bangka boat and usually the tours have around 6-10 people. There are no toilets on board the boat but there are some toilet facilities on the islands that you will visit. Have a fantastic trip!

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El Nido Tour A Review – Is it the Best Island Hopping Tour?

By: Author Adam

Posted on Last updated: 30 August, 2023

El Nido Tour A Review – Is it the Best Island Hopping Tour?

El Nido is a paradise on earth, and Tour A holds some of the best sights in the Palawan. In my book, El Nido has some of the prettiest water and beaches. It’s definitely one of the best places in the Philippines .

The best parts of the area can only be reached via a booked day trip, and El Nido Tour A takes you to some of the most famous and beautiful parts of the archipelago. When looking for things to do in El Nido, be sure to include the El Nido tour A! It’s one of the best Palawan attractions .

El Nido Tour A Itinerary

  • Small Lagoon

Secret Lagoon

Simizu island.

  • 7 Commandos Beach or Entulala Island (depending on the company)

El Nido Tour A cost:  $32 + 200 PHP Eco-Tour Fee (Govt’) Good for 10 days and multiple trips

Best tour operator for El Nido Tour A:  You can book Tour A in person in town or during high season. We highly suggest booking online in advance to secure your dates. Book online here with Viator .

We traveled with The Alternative Cafe for El Nido Tour A (Better Food), and we went with The Art Cafe for the El Nido Tour C (Bigger/Better Boat).

Duration:  Full Day (Usually 9 am – 4 pm)

Related Article: El Nido Tour C

Yellow Kayak in Small Lagoon in El Nido's Miniloc Island on Day Tour A

Small Lagoon El Nido

After a short ride throughout the bay, our first El Nido Tour A stop dropped us at Small Lagoon. It’s on the northern end of Miniloc Island and is an open-top cathedral of limestone.

Vertical walls of stone form a lagoon of shallow water in the shape of a nearly perfect circle. Staring up at the imposing walls from the inside, it starts to look like a very alien landscape.

Note: You can only visit either Small Lagoon or Big Lagoon on Day Trip A. This is done to keep both sites from getting overcrowded. 

Related Post: Visiting El Nido’s Snake Island

Yellow Kayak paddling through Big Lagoon on Miniloc Island in El Nido with Aqua colored water and tall limestone rock cliffs surrounding

Big Lagoon El Nido

The Big Lagoon portion of the El Nido Tour A is all about cruising. For me, this was the best part of the day. The whole tour was great, but the water in the lagoon…just look at it. When I die, sprinkle my ashes here.

There were a few spots to jump off the boat and swim, but there wasn’t a ton of sea life besides the giant sea urchins. This part of the El Nido Tour A experience was more about being in the turquoise water surrounded by dark, jagged limestone cliffs.

The lagoon is extremely shallow, and the deckhand sat off the bow of the boat, helping the captain miss rocks our entire trip in the lagoon. Some of my favorite pictures from El Nido Tour A and the Philippines, in general, are from here.

Related Article: Best Restaurants in El Nido

White Filipino boat anchored at Secret Lagoon Beach

The lunch stop was yet another ridiculously beautiful island. I almost got tired of looking at such amazing scenery. It made my eyes hurt and made me never want to leave.

Lunch on El Nido Tour A had several options. It included the Philippino version of paella, grilled fish, chicken, salads, fresh fruit, and more. We took this trip with the Alternative Cafe, and their food, both onshore and on tour, was great.

The most striking feature of the island was an outcropping of rocks a short walk from where we docked the boat. A razor-thin blade of black limestone found all over El Nido  stuck straight out of the sand. This piece reminded me of the top fin of a fish, and I wondered how it just stood straight up in the bright white sand. This place is just amazing.

Related Post: Visiting Nacpan Beach

Drone photo of Secret Lagoon with tall limestone rock walls surrounding a small lagoon - El Nido Day Trip A

This picture is what sold me on making the trip to El Nido and is a good part of the reason we came to the Philippines. You will find a mess of boats jockeying for position while their passengers jump out to swim through the hole in the rocks that leads to the secret lagoon.

However, these days, it’s more special than it is a secret. El Nido Tour A seems to be the most popular tour, and for good reason. The scenery they show is stunning; it’s one of the shortest rides, and, of course, it has the secret lagoon as an ace up its sleeve. The view ties as to as epic as Kayangan Lake in Coron .

View of the sand at 7 Commandos Beach on tour A in El Nido

7 Commandos Beach

Seven Commandos Beach would be a great beach in any other part of the world but is just okay by Palawan standards. Most tours finish here because it’s close to El Nido and it’s an easy place to stop.

The story behind the beach is arguably more interesting than the beach itself. As the legend goes, Seven Japanese commandos took refuge here during WWII and ended up living here for a time (actual information is a little cloudy, but this is what the guides told us).

Other companies like the ArtCafe stop at a different beach off the mainland for their last activity. By the looks of it, it’s a prettier beach, and there are fewer people who stop there. It might be something to check out and consider when booking (ask first; things change) if you want to do a tour other than El Nido Tour A.

Related Article: El Nido to Coron Ferry

Tips for a good Tour A in El Nido:

  • Book online in advance here
  • See if the operator would be willing to run the tour in reverse order. This will get you to most groups’ last stop first and miss the crowds at every stop on EL Nido tour A.
  • Find a boat that is leaving earlier than the rest, another great way to have the stops to yourself.
  • Book with an established place to ensure your tour leaves as scheduled.
  • Rent the snorkel gear; it’s a little extra, but you’ll be disappointed if you don’t.
  • Rent or bring a water bag for the camera and other gear (50 PHP rental).
  • Bring water shoes – El Nido Tour A is manageable without, but it would still be nice to have them. El Nido Tour C, you really should have them.

Related Article: El Nido Palawan Guide

*When looking for the best price and biggest selection of hotels in El Nido check prices on Booking.com , we’ve found they are the best option and have a great cancelation policy.*

Recommended Hotel in El Nido – Cuna Hotel

Siargao Island Philippines: Everything you NEED to know + Top 20

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Everything you need to know before you go to Siargao Island. Here’s our guide to this little piece of paradise called Siargao!

Things to do in El Nido Palawan Philippines | 2024 Travel Guide

Featured image for El Nido Palawan Philippines Travel Guide - Traditional Filipino Boat in El Nido Islands

Updated Travel Guide to El Nido Palawan from real travelers that have done everything in El Nido from best day trips to restaurants

Everything You Need to Know About Coron Palawan – 2024 Guide

Coron Palawan Philippines Guide - View of iconic viewpoint from Coron Island lwith calm bar and aqua colored water and tall cliffs

Looking for picturesque islands in the Palawan? Head to Coron. Guide: where to eat, things to do in Coron, where to stay in Coron, travel to

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el-nido-tour-a

Sunday 11th of December 2022

This is a very nice place.I used to work in El nido and the place is very nice and also the people here.You must visit El Nido

CYNTHIA S MARIANO

Wednesday 27th of March 2019

it was very informative and helpful thank you. we will be going in May 13- 14 so definitely will use your tips. cindy

Saturday 30th of March 2019

Great! If you have time Tour C is also really great! Have an awesome trip to El Nido!

Sunday 30th of December 2018

FYI, as of December 1, 2018 Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon have been removed from the regular Tour A and will now require a premium tour. Each lagoon will also include an extra P200 environmental fee and you won't be able to visit both in one day. The number of visitors will be strictly limited.

Wednesday 6th of June 2018

My bf and I are planning on going in july 2018. I was wondering if this tour was just one day? We are planning to stay 5 days and are wondering if you have enough time at every spot if you do it all in one day? I love reading all your tips about traveling it made it easier since we were so lost in the beginning!

This is a day trip, you don't have a ton of time at each spot, but for most people, it is enough. Also, consider doing day trip c also it's pretty amazing too. Have an amazing trip in El Nido!

Ada Binetti

Friday 13th of April 2018

Hello! Where can I rent a motorbike? Would like to rent it our for a week, do your the the price ? We are also looking for quiet place to stay, on the beach or on the hill, prefer clean bungalow, any suggestion? We also want to try a night or two in a nice resort has bungalow on the water that won't break our wallet, any suggestion on that too?

We're arriving on May 18 at 4pm, cos' our flt is a bit late to go up the El Nido, ll probably spent a night at PP then catch an early van up to El Nido.

Is Taytay a good stop? or a a day trip? Thank you

Hannah Lukaszewicz

Monday 30th of April 2018

There will be several shops to rent a motorbike in El Nido, you can book this in person when you are there. Make sure to check our El Nido guide for hotel suggestions, things to do in El Nido, and more https://www.gettingstamped.com/el-nido-palawan-philippines/

We spent the night Puerto Princessa too as we didn't want to arrive late into El Nido. Good decision on that.

Safe travels.

Escape Artist Katie

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

Where is El Nido?

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

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

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

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

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

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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 .

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Is El Nido worth visiting?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How many days is enough for El Nido ?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to get to El Nido

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

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

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

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

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

1. How to get to El Nido from Coron

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

This is also the cheapest way. 

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

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

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

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

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

2. How to get to El Nido from Puerto Princesa

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. private island hopping tour in el nido.

A private island hopping tour involves renting a private boat.

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

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

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

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

2. Group island hopping tour in El Nido

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

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

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

3. Island hopping by speedboat

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

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

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

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

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

Entry fees for the El Nido island hopping tours

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

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

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

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

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

How much does island hopping in El Nido cost?

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

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

Let me break it down for you:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Island hopping El Nido requires some preparation.

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

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

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

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

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

Other items you should pack include:

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

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

2. Allow time for your journey

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

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

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

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

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

What To Expect on the Best El Nido tour

1. an early start.

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

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

2. A few crowds 

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

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

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

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

4. No buffet lunch  

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

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

5. Changes of plans

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let the following breakdowns help you to choose.

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

  • Secret Lagoon
  • Seven Commandos Beach
  • Shimizu Island
  • Corong Corong Beach

1. Big Lagoon

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

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

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

Limestone rock formations at Big Lagoon in El Nido

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

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

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

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

2. Secret Lagoon

Girl looks up at the limestone rocks in Hidden Lagoon.

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

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

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

3. Seven Commandos Beach

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

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

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

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

4. Shimizu Island

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

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

  • Popolkan Island
  • Snake Island
  • Cudugnon Cave
  • Cathedral Cave
  • Pinagbuyutan Island

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

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

1. Popolkan Island

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

2. Snake Island

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. Cudugnon Cave

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

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

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

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

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

4. Cathedral Cave

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

5. Pinagbuyutan Island

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

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

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

  • Hidden Beach
  • Secret Beach
  • Helicopter Island
  • Tapiutan Beach
  • Matinloc Shrine.

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

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

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

1. Hidden Beach

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

There couldn’t be a better tropical optical illusion. 

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

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

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

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

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

2. Secret Beach

Limestone rocks conceal Secret Beach in El Nido.

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

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

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

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

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

3. Helicopter Island

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

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

Views of distant mountains in Helicopter Island in El Nido.

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

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

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

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

4. Tapiutan Beach

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

5. Matinloc Shrine

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Small Lagoon

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

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

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

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

2. Cadlao Island

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

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

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

3. Pasandigan Beach, Nat Nat Beach and Paradise Beach

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

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

4. Bukal Island

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

The Best El Nido Tour for Luxury

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Best El Nido Tour Inland

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Avoid Crowds in El Nido

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

1. Take a speedboat tour

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

Speedboat pulled up alongside a resort in El Nido.

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

2. Depart early

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

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

You can find tours on GetYourGuide or Klook . 

3. Visit El Nido during the low season

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

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

Where to Stay in El Nido 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Things to Do in El Nido 

1. get a massage..

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

2. Climb the Taraw Cliffs

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

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

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

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

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

3. Take the Las Cabañas Beach zipwire

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Go waterfall trekking

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

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

Where to Visit After El Nido

1. napcan beach.

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

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

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

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

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

2. Port Barton

Bangka boats in Port Barton, lined with palm trees.

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

Port Barton is also an island-hopping destination.

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

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

3. Puerto Princesa

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tour C takes approximately eight hours.

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

Katie Treharne

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

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

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

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

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COMMENTS

  1. 2024 DOT-Accredited Travel Agencies and Tour Operators in El Nido

    This is an updated list of Department of Tourism (DOT) Accredited travel agencies and tour operators in El Nido, Palawan. Dreaming of powdery white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and dramatic limestone cliffs? Look no further than El Nido in Palawan, the Philippines. This island paradise consistently tops the charts for its breathtaking ...

  2. List of DOT-Accredited EL NIDO RESORTS, Hotels & Tour Operators

    List of DOT-Accredited EL NIDO RESORTS, Hotels & Tour Operators (Palawan) List last updated: 26 May 2022 Among the tourist destinations that has been reopened to tourists is the town of El Nido in the breathtaking island of Palawan, which has consistently been ranked by multiple international publications as one of the most beautiful beach ...

  3. Hello El Nido

    HELLO EL NIDO also offers inland tour services with our fleet of Italian Vespa motorbikes and standard—perfect for those who wish to explore El Nido town on their own and in style. Paradise . Hello, my name is Gunner and I started HELLO EL NIDO in 2013. I was traveling around the Philippines and fell in love with the serenity of the islands.

  4. Discover El Nido

    Book now! Discover el nido is a fully accredited agency that complies with all healthy and safety guidelines and protocols, as per new regulations put forth by the department of tourism in response to covid-19. Discover El Nido is a tour agency in El Nido, Palawan that specialises in adventurous tours and island expeditions.

  5. Discover El Nido

    *Important Update regarding Food Arrangements during Tours in El Nido Effective July 1st, 2023, Discover El Nido would like to inform all of our esteemed guests that there has been an implementation of a new policy concerning food arrangements during our tours. Henceforth, tour operators are no longer allowed to cook or prepare food on board.

  6. Home

    Embark on a journey beyond the beaches and islands, discovering the diverse wonders of El Nido with our Inland Tour. Perfect for small groups, we offer a thrilling tricycle ride for an intimate experience, and for larger groups, a comfortable van transfer awaits. Join us on a day filled with adventure, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.

  7. El Nido Tours A, B, C, D

    Learn more about the island hopping tours available in El Nido. Find details and pricing for all El Nido tours. You can book online today!

  8. THE 10 BEST El Nido Tours & Excursions for 2024 (with Prices)

    2.0 of 5 bubbles. & up. Top El Nido Tours: See reviews and photos of tours in El Nido, Philippines on Tripadvisor.

  9. THE 10 BEST El Nido Private Tours (Updated 2024)

    With a private tour, you have the flexibility to customize the itinerary. You can spend more time on the beaches or spots…. 5. El Nido Tour B - Caves and Islands Tour (Private / Shared) The key highlights of this experience are explored the best caves and coves out there while enjoying a couple of the most….

  10. El Nido tours

    El Nido private boat tours provide a more exclusive and personalized experience for visitors looking to explore the stunning beauty of Palawan at their own pace. Here are some key points about private tours in El Nido: Customized Itinerary: One of the main advantages of a private boat tour is the ability to create a customized itinerary. You can work with the tour operator to design your ideal ...

  11. El Nido Paradise: Island Hopping Tours, Hotels & Activities

    Welcome to El Nido, a paradise within paradise. Discover the activities in El Nido, the island hopping tours, the accommodations, the nightlife and more!

  12. El Nido Tour A

    El Nido, Palawan. Private Van Transfer : From El Nido to Puerto Princesa Palawan. from $140.00. Per group. El Nido, Palawan. El Nido: 3 Days and 2 Nights. 1. from $315.00. Operators have paid Viator more to have their experiences featured here.

  13. Home [www.elnidoyachtingclub.com]

    As the only premium island-hopping tour operator in the area, we promise a secluded and refined experience away from the crowds. If privacy is what you desire, allow us to whisk you away to our tranquil destinations, exclusively reserved for El Nido Yachting Club guests.

  14. Complete Review of El Nido's Best Island ...

    Island Hopping Tours from Palawan. El Nido is set in a boat-filled bay with cliffs looming in the background. Though the town is charming in itself, the beauty that we were seeking was just a boat ride away. The Philippines is a country made up of 7,107 islands, and more than 1,700 of those belong to Palawan.

  15. THE 10 BEST El Nido Boat Tours (Updated 2024)

    These experiences are best for boat tours in El Nido: El Nido Full Day Tour C with Buffet Lunch; El Nido Private Tour A w/ Lunch; Seacret Luxury Catamaran Yacht Group Island Hopping Tour; Small-Group El Nido Island Hopping Tour; El Nido Tour A - Big Lagoon Premium Tour (Private / Shared) See more boat tours in El Nido on Tripadvisor

  16. Which is the best El Nido Tour?

    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).

  17. Combo Tour A & C

    Our Combo Tour A & C allows you to do more in just one day, and combine two of the best tours in El Nido. Get more info on this combo tour and book online!

  18. The Ultimate TOUR A Experience in El Nido, Palawan (Story & Guide)

    El Nido: Tour A Travel Guide 2024. Welcome to El Nido, a slice of paradise in Palawan, Philippines! Tour A is a must-do for any visitor, known for its stunning lagoons, picturesque beaches, and awe-inspiring limestone formations. ... Many local operators offer Tour A, but prices and inclusions can vary. Packing Essentials: Bring sunscreen, hats ...

  19. What is the Best Tour in El Nido to Book? Must-Try Palawan Activities

    El Nido Island Hopping Tour B. Best for: If you want to visit a sandbar, caves, and beaches in El Nido. Attractions Included: Snake Island, Cudugnon Cave, Cathedral Cave, Popolcan Island. If you want a combination of some of the best beaches, caves, and sandbars in El Nido, then book the El Nido Island Hopping Tour B. Considered as one of the ...

  20. Island Hopping Combo Tours in El Nido, Palawan

    Island Hopping Combo Tours in El Nido, Palawan. Do more in just one day by combining two island hopping tours into one. You can combo Tour A & B, Tour A & C and Tour C & D. Online booking available!

  21. El Nido Tour A Island Hopping

    First, tours on Viator include hotel pickup, the environmental fee, and the entrance to the lagoon, which are excluded with other tour operators. Secondly, El Nido Tour A is the most popular of them all and, therefore, it sells out very fast. I tried to book in town twice before giving up and booking 2 days in advance on Viator.

  22. El Nido Tour A Review

    7 Commandos Beach or Entulala Island (depending on the company) El Nido Tour A cost: $32 + 200 PHP Eco-Tour Fee (Govt') Good for 10 days and multiple trips. Best tour operator for El Nido Tour A: You can book Tour A in person in town or during high season. We highly suggest booking online in advance to secure your dates.

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

    There are four main island hopping tours in El Nido. If you want to give yourself time to do all four tours, you need at least four or five days. If you only want to do Tour A and Tour C, the two most popular tours, you should visit El Nido for at least two or three days. The tours run from 8pm to 4pm, taking up eight hours of the day.