El Nido, Palawan, is a tropical paradise renowned for its crystal-clear waters, towering limestone cliffs, and stunning beaches. One of the best ways to explore its breathtaking scenery is through El Nido Island Hopping Tours. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a beach lover, or a nature enthusiast, there’s a perfect tour for you. In this guide, we’ll break down the four main island-hopping tours—A, B, C, and D—to help you choose the best experience for your trip.
Understanding El Nido Best Island Hopping Tours
El Nido offers four standard island-hopping tours, each showcasing different highlights of the region. The tours are categorized as Tour A, Tour B, Tour C, and Tour D, with each offering unique attractions such as lagoons, caves, and pristine beaches. Let’s dive into what each tour offers and who it’s best for.
Tour A: The Iconic Lagoon Experience
Highlights:
- Big Lagoon
- Small Lagoon
- Secret Lagoon
- Shimizu Island
- Seven Commandos Beach
Who Should Choose Tour A?
Tour A is perfect for first-time visitors who want to experience El Nido’s famous lagoons and scenic limestone formations. If you’re looking for iconic postcard-perfect landscapes, this is the best choice.
What to Expect
This tour revolves around stunning lagoons with turquoise waters, where you can kayak, snorkel, and swim. The Big Lagoon is a must-see, with its jaw-dropping entrance leading to a vast body of crystal-clear water surrounded by limestone cliffs. The Small Lagoon offers a more secluded and serene experience, while the Secret Lagoon provides a hidden paradise only accessible through a small opening in the rocks. The tour also includes snorkeling at Shimizu Island and a relaxing stop at Seven Commandos Beach.
Pros & Cons
✅ Breathtaking lagoons perfect for kayaking and photography
✅ Ideal for first-time visitors
❌ Can get crowded, especially during peak season
❌ Limited beach stops compared to other tours
Tour B: The Caves and Sandbars Adventure
Highlights:
- Snake Island
- Cudugnon Cave
- Cathedral Cave
- Pinagbuyutan Island
- Entalula Beach
Who Should Choose Tour B?
If you love exploring caves and unique rock formations, Tour B is an excellent choice. It’s also perfect for those looking to experience fewer crowds while still enjoying spectacular beaches and snorkeling spots.
What to Expect
This tour features Snake Island, a stunning sandbar shaped like a snake that connects two islands. You can walk along the sandbar during low tide and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views. Cudugnon Cave and Cathedral Cave offer an exciting mix of adventure and history, as they were once ancient burial sites. The tour also stops at Pinagbuyutan Island, a secluded paradise with powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters, and Entalula Beach, known for its dramatic limestone cliffs and excellent snorkeling.
Pros & Cons
✅ Unique cave explorations
✅ Fewer crowds compared to Tour A
❌ Less iconic than Tour A
❌ Some locations may require a bit of climbing or walking
Tour C: The Ultimate Beach and Snorkeling Tour
Highlights:
- Hidden Beach
- Secret Beach
- Matinloc Shrine
- Star Beach
- Helicopter Island
Who Should Choose Tour C?
If you’re looking for the best snorkeling experience combined with stunning hidden beaches, Tour C is your best bet. It’s great for adventurous travelers who don’t mind a little bit of swimming to reach certain destinations.
What to Expect
This tour takes you to Hidden Beach, a stunning cove concealed by towering limestone formations. The Secret Beach, accessible only by swimming through a small opening, is believed to have inspired Alex Garland’s novel The Beach. Matinloc Shrine, an abandoned religious site with panoramic views, adds a historical element to the tour. Star Beach and Helicopter Island offer excellent snorkeling opportunities, with vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.
Pros & Cons
✅ Best for snorkeling and underwater photography
✅ Stunning hidden beaches and unique rock formations
❌ Requires strong swimming skills in some locations
❌ Can be physically demanding for some travelers
Tour D: The Off-the-Beaten-Path Escape
Highlights:
- Cadlao Lagoon
- Paradise Beach
- Pasandigan Beach
- Nat-Nat Beach
- Bukal Island
Who Should Choose Tour D?
For those seeking a more laid-back and secluded island-hopping experience, Tour D is an excellent choice. It’s perfect for travelers who want to escape the crowds and enjoy untouched beaches.
What to Expect
Tour D takes you to Cadlao Lagoon, a serene spot with emerald waters surrounded by limestone cliffs. The tour focuses on secluded beaches like Paradise Beach, Pasandigan Beach, and Nat-Nat Beach, offering a peaceful retreat away from the busier tourist spots. Bukal Island is another hidden gem, with crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, making it a great spot for snorkeling.
Pros & Cons
✅ Best for relaxation and avoiding crowds
✅ Ideal for honeymooners or those seeking tranquility
❌ Lacks the famous lagoons and caves of other tours
❌ Fewer snorkeling opportunities compared to Tour C
How to Choose the Best Tour for You
| Tour | Best For | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Tour A | First-time visitors, iconic scenery | Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Seven Commandos Beach |
| Tour B | Adventure seekers, fewer crowds | Snake Island, Cudugnon Cave, Cathedral Cave |
| Tour C | Snorkelers, beach lovers | Secret Beach, Hidden Beach, Helicopter Island |
| Tour D | Relaxation, off-the-beaten-path | Cadlao Lagoon, Paradise Beach |
If you have enough time, consider doing at least two tours to get a more complete experience of El Nido’s island-hopping wonders.
Tips for an Unforgettable Island-Hopping Experience
Book your tour in advance to secure a spot, especially during peak season.
Bring cash, as some islands charge small environmental fees.
Pack essentials like sunscreen, a waterproof bag, snorkeling gear, and a GoPro for amazing underwater shots.
Respect nature by avoiding single-use plastics and following responsible tourism guidelines.
Final Thoughts
El Nido Island Hopping Tours offer an unforgettable way to explore one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. Whether you’re drawn to lagoons, caves, snorkeling spots, or hidden beaches, there’s a tour that perfectly matches your travel style. So pack your bags, choose your adventure, and get ready for the trip of a lifetime in El Nido!
Which tour are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments below! 🌴✨