El Nido Island Hopping Tours

To keep tourism organized and protect the Bacuit Bay, the local government has standardized the EL Nido island hopping into four main tours: A, B, C, and D.

Each tour offers a different “flavor” of Palawan, these remain the primary way to explore the archipelago.

1. The Big Four: Tour Breakdown

Tour A: The Lagoons & Icons (Most Popular)

If you only have one day, this is the one to book. It focuses on the iconic limestone formations and turquoise waters.

• Highlights: Big Lagoon (you usually kayak inside), Secret Lagoon, Payong-Payong Beach, and Seven Commandos Beach.

• Best for: First-timers, kayakers, and those wanting “the” classic El Nido photo.

Tour B: Caves & Sandbars

This tour is more relaxed and focuses on unique geological formations and long stretches of sand.

• Highlights: Entalula Island, Snake Island (a stunning natural sandbar connecting two islands), Cudugnon Cave, and Cathedral Cave.

• Best for: Families, drone photographers, and those who prefer exploring caves over deep-water snorkeling.

Tour C: Hidden Beaches & Snorkeling (Best Scenery)

Tour C takes you further out into the open sea, offering some of the most dramatic “hidden” locations.

• Highlights: Hidden Beach, Secret Beach (accessible by swimming through a hole in the rock), Matinloc Shrine, and Star Beach.

• Best for: Adventure seekers, strong swimmers, and snorkeling enthusiasts.

Tour D: Island Beaches & Serenity

Often the quietest tour, Tour D focuses on the beaches closer to the mainland and the Cadlao area.

• Highlights: Small Lagoon, Nat-Nat Beach, Bukal Island, and Cadlao Lagoon.

• Best for: Avoiding the massive crowds and those who want a peaceful, scenic day of swimming.

2. Costs & Fees (2026 Estimates)

In 2026, prices are standardized across agencies, but keep in mind that “extras” are usually not included in the base price.

3. Essential Tips for Island Hopping

• The “One Tour Per Day” Rule: You generally cannot combine tours (like A + C) on a shared boat because the distances are too far and the time is too short.

• Book Big Lagoon Early: The Big Lagoon has a strict visitor quota. Ensure your tour operator secures your slot at least 48 hours in advance.

• Rent a Dry Bag: Even on a calm day, your belongings will get wet from splashing or during the walk from the boat to the shore.

• Reef-Safe Sunscreen: El Nido strictly protects its marine life. Use mineral-based sunscreens to avoid damaging the coral reefs you’re swimming in.

• Eco-Friendly Policy: El Nido has a strict no-plastic policy on boats. Bring a reusable water bottle; your tour operator will provide a large water dispenser for refills.

4. Shared vs. Private Tours

• Shared (Joiner) Tours: Cost-effective and a great way to meet people. Expect 12–20 people per boat.

• Private Tours: If you are a group of 4 or more, hiring a private boat (starting around ₱6,000 – ₱10,000) is highly recommended. It allows you to stay longer at the spots you love and sometimes beat the “fleet” of joiner boats by leaving 30 minutes earlier.