Marve’s Ultimate El Nido Island Hopping Tour Guide
Approximate reading time: 15-20 minutes
Patrice Averilla & Martin Solhaugen
Table of Contents
Introduction
El Nido: Spectacular Island Hopping
Let Us Plan Your Dream Vacation
Disclaimer
Island Hopping Tours
Tour A (Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Seven Commandos Beach)
Tour B (Snake Island, Entalula Beach, Cudugnon Cave, Cathedral Cave, Pinagbuyutan Island)
Tour C (Helicopter Island, Hidden Beach, Secret Beach, Matinloc Shrine)
Tour D (Cadlao Lagoon, Paradise Beach, Pasandigan Cove, Natnat Beach, Bukal Beach)
Quick Tips
Snorkeling Gear
Pack the Essentials
Consider Renting a Kayak
Try Out a Private Tour
When to Go
Catch all the Essential Sights
Watch Your Feet
CLAYGO
Ending Notes
Introduction
El Nido, translating to “The Nest” from Spanish, cradles inspiring landscapes and peaceful blue beaches with the most incredible white sand. It is also home to some of the most glorious sunsets that we have ever seen.
Island hopping in El Nido
El Nido: Spectacular Island Hopping
One of the most popular things to do here is island hop. Martin says that the island hopping in El Nido is one of the best in the Philippines. There are many tour providers around the island but they usually give the same types of tours (possibly with slight variations). The most common template of tours are named Tour A, Tour B, Tour C, and Tour D. These four options all have their own unique charm. This guide will give you an in-depth look at each one to hopefully help you choose which ones you might want to go on whether or not it’s your first time in El Nido.
Of course, there are also many other things that you can do in El Nido, check out our top 12 essential things to do in El Nido post for more of what this island has to offer.
Want to visit the Philippines?
Want us to plan your dream vacation? We’ve got you covered! Planning a trip can be overwhelming, so let Dream Philippines Private Tours take this away! Dream Philippines Tours offers private classic, exclusive, and premium boutique tour packages that will let you see the full beauty of El Nido and Palawan. You can even customize your tour package to make sure it is the perfect fit for you. Let Dream Philippines Tours take the wheel and remove all the hassle of booking hotels, flights, and all your vacation activities!
Disclaimer
The information presented in this article may be subject to change at the venue or service provider’s discretion. You may check their respective websites or social media accounts for any updates on the price, location, and other details. Additionally, this article may contain affiliate links from which we get a portion of profit, at no added cost to you. These links are safe to click.
With that, we hope you enjoy reading!
Island Hopping Tours
Island hopping in The Big Lagoon El Nido Palawan, Philippines
Tours A and C are the most popular choices, but each tour has something to offer. While the hype and popularity of Tours A and C are well deserved, this can also mean that they tend to get really crowded. Let’s take a look at each tour one by one.
Tour A
Tour A has the most popular attractions which are truly breathtaking, but like we said earlier, may get very crowded. This tour takes you around the different stunning lagoons within El Nido’s nest. These feature the serene white sand beaches with almost glass like aquamarine water, all surrounded by the imposing jagged limestone rock formations.
Watch this and explore with us
Big Lagoon
The Big Lagoon is probably one of the most essential highlights of this tour. It offers a stunning landscape of limestone cliffs and bright blue water. We personally think that your El nido trip isn’t complete without a trip to the Big Lagoon. Kayaking around the Big Lagoon as the sunlight peeks through the different limestone rock formations around you truly makes you think about how powerful and gorgeous nature can be. You almost feel like you entered a movie set but there are no special effects here, just real life mother nature and her immense beauty!
Small Lagoon
Despite being called the “Small” Lagoon, this just refers to its size as compared to the Big Lagoon, but this lagoon definitely does not have a small impact on you! The view at Small Lagoon is peppered with trees and prominent rock formations all around the crystal clear water. While it has a beautiful and calming energy, the Small Lagoon is also the occasional location for cliff diving competitions!
Secret Lagoon
Also sometimes known as the “Hidden Lagoon”, this lagoon is discreetly tucked behind limestone cliffs. When you arrive here, your boat will stop by a little white sand beach and you’ll have to pass through a small cave entrance to discover this little secret. Make sure to be careful when you enter and watch your head, especially during high tide. This small lagoon makes you feel that El Nido really lives up to its name once you enter because you feel like you are in a nest made of tall limestone cliffs, with a natural pool of calming blue water in the middle of it all.
Shimizu Island
After all these lagoons, you’ll find your way to Shimizu Island. Here you can come down from your boat and choose to either lounge on the soft white sand or take a dip in the cool water. Now is the perfect time to bust out your snorkels since Shimizu Island is home to a vibrant underwater environment. Shimizu Island is also a popular stop for lunch so make sure to dig in!
Seven Commandos Beach
Another stop with the same high quality sand and water that most of the El Nido beaches have, this beach has a story to tell as well. There are different legends about where the island got its name. Most people say that it is about 7 soldiers who were stranded during World War II. This beach is technically still connected to the mainland of El Nido but it is only accessible through a boat. The Seven Commandos Beach gives a mix of everything you’ve seen throughout this tour, you can still see limestone cliffs, powder soft white sand, and the inviting water. But this beach is also covered with coconut trees. It is large enough to have some beach volleyball games on. The gentle current of the water also makes it a perfect site for a relaxing swim or a snorkeling adventure.
Tour B
Laid back life in El Nido
With Tour B, you get to see more unconventional islands that still serve up some amazing views and landscapes. Tour B may feel less hectic compared to Tours A and C in terms of pacing and crowds. This tour takes you to some underrated beaches and caves. El Nido isn’t just known for its beaches and lagoons, enter these mystical caves and discover a new side of El Nido while still getting to see the classic smooth sand beaches and crystal clear water teeming with thriving marine life.
Image courtesy of “Guide to the Philippines”. All rights reserved to the original owners
No, it isn’t named this way because there are plenty of snakes on this island (that we know of), but because it is one winding sandbar strip that reveals itself during low tide in the middle of the sea. It is perfect for those who love to walk. Take a trip up and down the entirety of the sandbar while admiring the 360 view around you. If you aren’t in the mood for a long walk, this spot is also perfect for a nice snorkel sesh, discovering the life underneath the water.
Image courtesy of “Entalula”. All rights reserved to the original owners
Entalula Beach is another notable highlight of this tour. This beach offers a calm and undisturbed sense of beauty. This spot is great for snorkeling and admiring the colorful and lively array of aquatic life. It also has quite lively island life too with komodo dragons and monitor lizards which we were able to witness firsthand when we had a romantic lunch on this island. Remember, respecting the locals means respecting the wildlife as well!
Watch this and be inspired
Image courtesy of “Guide to the Philippines”. All rights reserved to the original owners
Cudugnon Cave is definitely more of a cultural stop that will help you learn more about the history of El Nido and the area around it. The Cudugnon Cave is thought to have been one of the Bornean people’s ancient burial grounds. Upon entering this cave, you will be greeted by incredible stalactites and stalagmites. Among the wondrous rock formations you will also see different items like antique pottery, jewelry, and even what is said to be human bones!
Image courtesy of “Guide to the Philippines”. All rights reserved to the original owners
Another cave, another natural wonder! The Cathedral Cave is a great towering site. The large limestone walls settled in a way that makes it look like a grand cathedral, hence the name. One of the majestic things about this cave is the way the sunlight filters through from the entrance, casting a magical glow in the otherwise dark and echoing chamber of the cave.
Image courtesy of “Guide to the Philippines”. All rights reserved to the original owners
After those chilling cave experiences, come back into the heat of the sun and relax on Pinagbuyutan Island. From this island’s white sand you are treated to a view of dramatic rock formations in the distance which serve as a great background for any and all photos! Lay down on the sand for a bit or take a refreshing swim where there is also a beautiful reef to greet you underwater.
Tour C
Now we have the second most popular tour choice in El Nido. Tour C takes you to some prime snorkeling spots and even more epic lagoons and beaches. Here you get to see more of the great rock formations that were created by the waves and weather over time.
Image courtesy of “Guide to the Philippines”. All rights reserved to the original owners
This island got its name due to its resemblance to a helicopter from a certain angle. This island is very classic El Nido beach, with the limestone views and clear blue water. Another perfect place for getting that tan on or a vacation photoshoot. You can even explore the island and see the other side where there is a great spot for snorkeling because of the thriving aquatic life.
Image courtesy of “Guide to the Philippines”. All rights reserved to the original owners
This beach may be considered as one of the highlights of Tour C. Another picturesque place perfect for all your posts and stories about El Nido. When you first arrive at the Hidden Beach, you are greeted with great towering cliffs that are hiding their own little secret: the beach! After maneuvering to get to this little paradise, you can set your feet on the powder soft sand and revel in the beauty of this secluded spot and the excitement of discovering what the cliffs were “hiding”. According to our past guide, this beach is also called the “Hidden Beach” because you actually cannot see it during the rainy season. The tide gets so high that it submerges the entire beach completely.
Image courtesy of “Guide to the Philippines”. All rights reserved to the original owners
Not to be confused with the Hidden Beach, to get to the Secret Beach, you have to go through a small tunnel before reaching this beautiful place. Be careful when going inside especially if you go during high tide, watch your feet and make sure you don’t bump your head. Entering the splendor of the Secret Beach makes you feel like you’re the first/only person in the world when you get to the untouched beach and swim in the water as the limestone cliffs surround you. Even though there are other people who have been there/will be going there, it feels like now you have a new little secret to keep.
Image courtesy of “Guide to the Philippines”. All rights reserved to the original owners
One little island used to house a church that was established in 1986 but has now since been abandoned. Matinloc Shrine is definitely not what you’d first expect as an island hopping stop, but it adds to your absorption of the rich history of El Nido. When Ave went with her bestie, their tour guide took them to a great lookout spot which proved to be the perfect photo op! From here you can see the jagged limestone rocks and different formations that are scattered across the great blue sea. On the other side of the island there is a small beach cove with the finest sand that Ave has ever seen in El Nido.
Tour D
Last, but definitely not the least, is Tour D. Tour D focuses on islands and beaches that are close by, so this might be a great choice if you want to see some quality sights but are a bit short on time. This tour is quite underrated which makes it most likely to be uncrowded, offering you a more quiet experience as compared to the other tours. This also means that you may have more beach space for you to lounge on!
Cadlao Lagoon
At Cadlao Lagoon while you float in the turquoise water and soak up the sun, you can buy ice cream, soft drinks, and even beer with the floating sellers nearby. Snack and sip on your little treats as the sun shines through the towering rock formations around you and lights up the water. At this lagoon you also have the option to explore using a kayak or swim around if you’re feeling sporty. If you’ve got your snorkel on you, this is also a great spot for some marine life watching.
Paradise Beach
Relax on the soft shores of Paradise Beach and work on your tan. If you’ve had enough heat from the sun, you can find some shade under the many trees around the shore and still be able to take in the full beauty of this little paradise. Close your eyes and let the sound of the waves lull you into a sweet bliss. The sound of the waves is always so relaxing to us, Ave even listens to it to help her fall asleep sometimes.
Image courtesy of “Guide to the Philippines”. All rights reserved to the original owners
Pasandigan Cove provides another peaceful respite from all the hustle and bustle of the outside world. Retreat into the crystal clear water and absorb the healing power of the water. If you feel like moving about, you can also explore the rest of the cove and walk through the growing greenery and over the limestone rocks. Just make sure to watch your feet and be careful when walking over the rocks because they may be sharp.
Image courtesy of “Island hopping in the Philippines”. All rights reserved to the original owners
Natnat Beach is one of the cleanest beaches in El Nido. Because of this, the underwater life is flourishing, and you can grab your snorkel and see all the living beauty! The cold water will definitely refresh your body and soul. If you want to lounge on the shore, that’s fine too since the sand is so soft you might accidentally fall asleep because you’re so relaxed!
Image courtesy of “ El Nido Tourism”. All rights reserved to the original owners
Bukal Beach is a popular spot for lunch. This beach is the perfect backdrop as you eat and fill your bellies with delicious food that are staples for beach trips and island hopping like grilled fish and pork, vegetables, and fresh fruit. It was in the Philippines where Martin learned how to eat with his hands, and sometimes eating with your hands just makes the food taste even better!
And that’s the run down of the 4 most common tours in El Nido. Some variations of Tour D also include Ipil Beach and/or Small Lagoon. Remember that tour providers may offer different variations of these 4 tours. These are just the general packages that are most commonly offered. To really maximize your trip, we would suggest trying to do at least 2 island hopping tours during your stay at El Nido.
Before we go, here are some quick tips to help you better enjoy your island hopping adventure in El Nido.
Quick Tips
Snorkeling Gear
Check if snorkeling gear is included in the tour packages that you avail of because you should definitely dive into the waters of El Nido to be able to check out another side of its beauty: the thriving aquatic life. If there is no snorkel gear included, you can definitely rent some equipment or even make sure to pack your own.
Pack the Essentials
Don’t forget to pack the essentials like sunscreen and water. It is important to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the beams of the sun. You may also want to pack/purchase a waterproof aqua bag to place all your valuables so that they will be safe from the water throughout your entire island hopping journey. Make sure to also pack any motion sickness medicine or any other medicines that you might need throughout the day. You might also want to consider bringing bug spray because some of the beaches in Palawan are notorious for sand flies.
Consider Renting a Kayak
Renting a kayak costs extra money but it’s usually worth the purchase, especially if it's your first time in El Nido. The kayaks allow you to really take in the view and explore all the stops at your own pace.
Try Out a Private Tour
If you are willing to spend, you may want to consider booking a private island hopping tour. This means that it would just be you and your group alone in the boat instead of having to share it with other people. This costs extra money as well but a bonus of this is that you have a more flexible tour, you can take your time in certain spots that you end up loving or you can ask your tour guide if you can do the tour in the reverse order to beat the crowds. An alternative to this would be to find a boat that leaves much earlier than the rest of the tour boats.
When to Go
Generally, December to March offers a good time to visit El Nido. The weather won’t be too hot but it will still allow for your outdoor activities. Of course, coming in the summer around April or May, could also be fine but the heat might be too much for some people. This would also mean that the summer vacationers would come and it may get quite crowded.
More than just coming when the summer crowds aren’t here, try booking your trip during the weekdays so that the crowds aren’t too big when you visit all the famous spots.
Want to visit the Philippines?
Want us to plan your dream vacation? We’ve got you covered! Planning a trip can be overwhelming, so let Dream Philippines Private Tours take this away! Dream Philippines Tours offers private classic, exclusive, and premium boutique tour packages that will let you see the full beauty of El Nido and Palawan. You can even customize your tour package to make sure it is the perfect fit for you. Let Dream Philippines Tours take the wheel and remove all the hassle of booking hotels, flights, and all your vacation activities!
Catch All the Essential Sights
Want to catch all that you must see in El Nido without the hassle of planning? We've got just the thing - Dream Philippines has all your travel needs from transportation to lodging. Have you ever heard of the saying 'dreams don't work unless you do'? Well, Dream Philippines works so you don't have to! Check out their website and packages here.
Watch Your Feet
While exploring each beautiful island in El Nido, the limestone rocks may be quite sharp so make sure to wear appropriate footwear. Also try to wear shoes that are not just comfortable but also able to get wet since you’ll be walking around sand, rock, and water for most of your trip.
CLAYGO [clean as you go]
No matter where you go, CLAYGO should always be the standard. Let’s keep these beautiful places clean and pristine so that other people may enjoy them as much as we do, and future generations can wonder at this same beauty as well. Please also remember to be kind and respectful to the locals, they were gracious enough to allow us into their homes, let us show them the respect that they deserve.
Looking for the perfect stay in El Nido?
Here are our top three hotel recommendations.
Simply click the hotel name and make your reservation today!
Seda Lio [ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ]
Address : Lio Tourism Estate, Barangay Villa Libertad, Palawan, 5313 El Nido, Philippines
El Nido Resorts Miniloc Island [ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ]
Address : Miniloc Island, Palawan, 5313 El Nido, Philippines
Pangulasian [ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ]
Address : Bacuit Bay, Palawan, 5313 El Nido, Philippines
Ending Notes
Don’t stress yourself too much on which letter tour to choose. No matter which option you go for, you will be amazed either way. El Nido is beautiful all around and once you start your journey, you’ll feel like you’re in a movie or a postcard photo that you simply never want to leave!
Looking for the best travel hacks?
We've put together a list of our top travel essentials, packed with tips to help you travel smarter, cheaper, and more conveniently. Click the the button below.
We hope this guide was able to give you a clearer picture of each El Nido tour. If this guide helped you choose which tour to take on your trip to El Nido, don’t forget to tag us in your stories and posts using the hashtags #MarveTravelGuides, #MarveToldMeToDoIt, and #TravelWithMarve. Safe travels!
