El Nido island hopping
El Nido Tours A, B, C and D: Which Tour Should You Choose?
Every stop on the four standard El Nido boat routes, who each one suits, and how a private boat changes the day.
Quick answer: Pick Tour A for lagoons and Tour C for hidden beaches and snorkeling. Add Tour B for the Snake Island sandbar or Tour D for short, calm boat rides. With two days, book A and C. With three, add B. A private boat lets you start earlier than the shared boats and change the order of stops.
The four tours at a glance
| Tour | Main stops | Known for | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Seven Commandos Beach | Lagoons and kayaking | First-time visitors |
| B | Snake Island, Cudugnon Cave, Pinagbuyutan Island, Entalula Beach | Sandbar and cave | A third boat day |
| C | Hidden Beach, Secret Beach, Matinloc Shrine, Helicopter Island, Star Beach | Hidden beaches and snorkeling | Swimmers and photographers |
| D | Cadlao Lagoon, Paradise Beach, Pasandigan Beach, Bukal Beach | Short rides and calm water | Families, seniors, a lighter day |
Stops change with tide, weather and lagoon permits. The tour letter names the route, and your boat crew confirms the final order each morning.
Tour A: lagoons and beaches
Tour A is the El Nido postcard. Big Lagoon is a wide, jade-green basin you enter by kayak. Secret Lagoon sits behind a small gap in the rock, and you squeeze through to reach it. Shimizu Island is a lunch and snorkel stop, and Seven Commandos Beach ends the day with palm trees and a beach bar.
Big Lagoon limits daily entry. When slots run out, crews swap in Small Lagoon. Ask for a morning departure to improve your chance of a slot.
Tour B: caves and islands
Tour B suits a third boat day. Snake Island is a long S-shaped sandbar at low tide, best seen from the short climb to the viewpoint. Cudugnon Cave holds a small chamber where old burial jars were found. Pinagbuyutan Island and Entalula Beach give you quiet sand for lunch.
Tour C: secrets and the shrine
Tour C is the favorite of many returning guests. Hidden Beach sits inside a rock wall and appears only once your boat rounds the cliff. Secret Beach needs a short swim through a gap in the rock at the right tide. Matinloc Shrine has a viewpoint over open sea, and Helicopter Island gives you a long beach for lunch.
Tour C runs farther out, so waves cancel it more often than Tour A. Book it early in your stay and keep a spare day.
Tour D: calm beaches close to town
Tour D keeps boat rides short. Cadlao Lagoon sits under the tallest island in the bay, and Paradise Beach, Pasandigan Beach and Bukal Beach are good for swimming. Pick Tour D with young children, older travelers or anyone prone to seasickness.
Private boat vs shared tour
| Shared (joiner) boat | Private boat | |
|---|---|---|
| Departure | Fixed time with 20 to 30 guests | Your time, often earlier |
| Stop order | Same as every other boat | Changed to avoid crowds |
| Lunch | Group buffet | Your own menu and pace |
| Mixing tours | Not possible | Combine A and C stops on request |
| Best for | Solo budget travelers | Couples, families, groups and photographers |
Which two tours to book
- First visit: Tour A and Tour C.
- Families with young kids: Tour D and Tour A.
- Snorkelers: Tour C first, then Tour A.
- Three boat days: A, C, then B.
- Non-swimmers: Tour A and Tour D, with life vests at every stop.
What to bring on the boat
- Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and a rash guard
- Water shoes for sharp rock and coral sand
- A dry bag for your phone and cash
- Cash for kayak rental, drinks and tips
- Your Eco-Tourism Development Fee receipt
Our private Palawan quotes include towels, life vests and all listed entrance and environmental fees.
Private tours for this trip
Prices below come from the same live calculator as the booking page. Exact totals depend on your date, guest count and pickup area.
Related guides
Private tours · Hotel pickup · Pay after confirmation
Book a private El Nido boat
Tell us your dates and which tours you want. We send one written quote with the boat, fees and transfers.
El Nido island hopping FAQ
Which El Nido tour is best, A or C?
Tour A is best for lagoons and kayaking. Tour C is best for hidden beaches and snorkeling. Most first-time visitors book both on separate days.
Can I combine Tour A and Tour C in one day?
Shared boats follow a fixed route. A private boat can mix stops from both tours, subject to lagoon permits and sea conditions.
Is El Nido island hopping safe for non-swimmers?
Yes, with a life vest. Tours A and D have the calmest stops. Tell us in advance and the crew keeps a guide near you in the water.
What happens when the sea is too rough?
The coast guard stops boats on rough days. A private tour moves to your spare day. Keep one free day in your plan.
How long is each El Nido tour?
Each tour runs about 7 to 8 hours, leaving town in the morning and returning by late afternoon.
