El Nido Island Hopping Tours featuring dramatic limestone cliffs, crystal clear turquoise waters, and traditional Filipino bangka boats

El Nido Island Hopping Tours

Discover pristine lagoons, hidden beaches, and limestone cliffs through iconic boat tours A, B, and C

Island hoppingLagoonsSnorkelingLimestone cliffs

Island Hopping Tours

Tour A - Lagoons & Beaches

The most popular tour featuring El Nido's iconic lagoons and pristine beaches. Perfect for first-time visitors seeking the classic El Nido experience.

Full day (8-9 hours)Easy
Highlights:
Big LagoonSmall LagoonSecret LagoonShimizu IslandSeven Commando Beach

Big Lagoon & Small Lagoon

These emerald lagoons are nestled within towering limestone cliffs like precious turquoise gems. The Big Lagoon offers a stunning platform surrounded by jade-green peaks reflected in crystal-clear waters. Scientists believe these natural wonders formed from ancient cave systems that collapsed over millions of years, revealing these breathtaking sanctuaries. The Small Lagoon features both inner and outer chambers - access the inner lagoon by kayaking through a narrow opening in the rock face, or swim through for the more adventurous.

Activities: Kayaking, Photography, Swimming
Tip: Visit early morning for the best lighting and fewer crowds. Bring a waterproof camera for stunning reflections.

Shimizu Island (Paglugaban)

Located between Miniloc and Lagen Islands, this pristine island offers some of El Nido's finest snorkeling. Step directly from the white sand beach into crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant coral gardens and tropical fish. The island is a favorite stop for picnic lunches, with its perfect blend of relaxation and underwater exploration.

Activities: Snorkeling, Beach relaxation, Picnicking
Tip: Bring your own snorkeling gear for better hygiene. The coral reefs are just steps from the beach.

Secret Lagoon

This hidden paradise inspired the famous movie 'The Beach' and requires a small adventure to reach. Swim or wade through a narrow opening in the limestone cliffs to discover a secluded lagoon within what was once a massive volcanic crater. The collapsed cave now forms a tranquil sanctuary surrounded by dramatic lava cliffs, offering complete seclusion from the outside world.

Activities: Swimming, Exploration, Photography
Tip: The entrance can be tight - practice swimming through small spaces. Waterproof your camera for this unique experience.

Seven Commando Beach

Named after seven soldiers who lived here during World War II, this coconut palm-fringed beach features powdery white sand perfect for relaxation. After a day of exciting island adventures, this beach provides the ideal setting to unwind, enjoy fresh coconut water, and watch the sunset paint the sky in brilliant colors.

Activities: Beach relaxation, Sunset viewing, Coconut drinks
Tip: Perfect spot for the final stop of the day. Bring a sarong for comfortable beach lounging.
Tour B - Caves & Islands

An adventure-focused tour combining pristine beaches with fascinating cave exploration and unique geological formations.

Full day (8-9 hours)Moderate
Highlights:
Pinagbuyutan IslandCudugnon CaveCathedral CaveSnake IslandPangulasian Island

Pinagbuyutan Island

This uninhabited tropical paradise captivates visitors with its pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and towering limestone cliffs crowned with swaying coconut palms. The island offers exceptional snorkeling opportunities with abundant marine life, vibrant coral formations, and excellent underwater visibility. Its untouched natural beauty makes it worthy of extended exploration.

Activities: Snorkeling, Beach exploration, Photography
Tip: Plan to spend extra time here - the snorkeling is exceptional and the scenery is breathtaking.

Cudugnon Cave

This remarkable sea cave requires an adventurous spirit to explore. Wade through shallow water and squeeze through a small opening in the rock to enter this archaeological treasure. The cave has yielded ancient jewelry and porcelain artifacts dating back to China's Song Dynasty, making it an important paleontological and archaeological site that connects El Nido to ancient trade routes.

Activities: Cave exploration, Historical discovery, Adventure
Tip: Wear water shoes and bring a waterproof flashlight. The entrance requires crawling through tight spaces.

Cathedral Cave

Located on Pinasil Island, this magnificent cave earned its name from its soaring entrance that resembles a grand Catholic cathedral. The cave is rich in edible bird's nests, a delicacy in Chinese cuisine. Small boats can enter the cave mouth, where visitors can admire the natural architecture and observe the swiftlets that create these valuable nests.

Activities: Cave viewing, Boat exploration, Wildlife observation
Tip: Best viewed from the boat - the entrance is the main attraction. Listen for the sounds of swiftlets echoing inside.

Snake Island (Vigan Island)

Near Pangulasian Island, this unique destination features a naturally formed S-shaped sandbar that appears and disappears with the tides. The pristine white sand pathway is clearly visible during low tide, creating a stunning natural bridge surrounded by crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming on both sides.

Activities: Sandbar walking, Swimming, Tidal pool exploration
Tip: Time your visit with low tide for the best sandbar experience. Both sides offer excellent swimming.

Pangulasian Island

This island's endless natural charm creates a truly captivating experience. Its expansive white sand beaches provide the perfect backdrop for sunbathing and spectacular sunset viewing. The island's pristine beauty and tranquil atmosphere make it an ideal final stop for reflection and relaxation after a day of adventure.

Activities: Sunset viewing, Beach relaxation, Photography
Tip: Save energy for sunset here - it's one of El Nido's most spectacular viewing spots.
Tour C - Beaches & Snorkeling

A perfect blend of secluded beaches, excellent snorkeling sites, and cultural exploration with panoramic viewpoints.

Full day (8-9 hours)Easy to Moderate
Highlights:
Hidden BeachStar BeachTapiutan IslandMatinloc IslandMatinloc Shrine

Hidden Beach & Star Beach

These twin beaches served as inspiration for the famous movie 'The Beach' and represent some of El Nido's most pristine coastal beauty. Both bays feature crystal-clear waters and incredibly rich marine ecosystems, making them premier snorkeling destinations. The protected coves provide calm conditions perfect for underwater exploration, with visibility often exceeding 20 meters.

Activities: Snorkeling, Swimming, Marine life observation
Tip: Bring underwater cameras - the marine life here is exceptional. Early morning visits offer the clearest water.

Tapiutan Island

Facing the vast South China Sea, this island is separated from Matinloc Island by the narrow Tapiutan Channel, creating unique currents that attract diverse marine life. The waters here are renowned as one of El Nido's premier snorkeling locations, where lucky visitors may encounter graceful sea turtles gliding through the coral gardens alongside schools of tropical fish.

Activities: Snorkeling, Sea turtle spotting, Marine photography
Tip: Move slowly and quietly in the water to increase chances of sea turtle encounters. Respect marine life by maintaining distance.

Matinloc Island Beaches

Matinloc Island boasts two spectacular beaches that offer perfect conditions for swimming, snorkeling, and coral reef exploration. The island is also home to the famous Secret Beach, accessible only by snorkeling through an underwater cave passage. This hidden gem is completely surrounded by towering cliffs, creating an otherworldly sanctuary far removed from civilization.

Activities: Swimming, Snorkeling, Underwater cave exploration
Tip: Secret Beach requires confident swimming skills to access through the underwater passage. Practice breath-holding beforehand.

Matinloc Shrine

Perched atop Matinloc Island stands a small but significant shrine built in 1982 to honor the Virgin Mary. The climb to this sacred site rewards visitors with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding seascape, limestone formations, and neighboring islands. The shrine serves as both a spiritual landmark and one of El Nido's finest viewpoints.

Activities: Hiking, Panoramic photography, Spiritual reflection
Tip: The climb is steep but short. Bring water and wear good shoes. The sunset views from here are unforgettable.
Practical Information
Best time to visit: November to May (dry season) for calm seas and clear skies. June to October can have rough seas and tour cancellations.
Duration: Full day tours typically run 8-9 hours (9:00 AM - 6:00 PM)
Group size: 15-20 people per boat (traditional bangka boats)
Inclusions: Boat transportation, Island hopping, Snorkeling gear, Lunch, Tour guide
Costs & Pricing
Tour A (Lagoons):₱1,400-1,800 per person
Tour B (Caves):₱1,500-1,900 per person
Tour C (Beaches):₱1,600-2,000 per person
Private boat:₱8,000-15,000 per boat (up to 10 people)
Essential Items to Bring
Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 30+)
Waterproof camera or phone case
Quick-dry swimwear and extra clothes
Water shoes for rocky areas
Dry bag for valuables
Hat and sunglasses
Reusable water bottle
Snorkeling gear (optional - provided but own is more hygienic)
Cash for additional expenses
Towel and sarong

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Explore Diving →

Beach Activities

Discover El Nido's pristine beaches perfect for relaxation, swimming, and sunset viewing.

Explore Beaches →