Dreaming about your next tropical escape?
El Nido, a paradise nestled beneath limestone cliffs in northern Palawan, has so much to offer — pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, vibrant reefs, glorious sunsets, and a biodiversity of flora and fauna. If you’re visiting for a short stay, the locals offer shared boat tours to help travellers explore this world-renowned destination.
Although each itinerary is worth adding to your bucket list, popular among the island hopping options are Tour A and Tour C.
Plan your Palawan Island Hopping Tour
There are many booking offices across town, and you can also book from most hotels for the same price. The tour packages range from PHP 1200 to PHP 1400; the farther the destination, the more expensive it is. Each tour package covers five destinations and includes boat fare, tour guides, boat crews, life vests, drinking water, and a lunch buffet.
What is excluded in El Nido island hopping tours?
Tourists should secure the Eco-Tourism Development Fee (ETDF), which costs PHP 400 and is valid for five consecutive days.
For Tour A, one must also pay PHP 200 for the Lagoon Fee. These fees help maintain the cleanliness and orderliness of the islands. Additionally, you must prepare for the kayak rental fee upon entering Big Lagoon in Tour A — good for two costs PHP 300 and good for three costs PHP 350.
What should I bring for El Nido island hopping?
Be ready by 08:00 in the morning of your excursion. Tour organizers will either arrange a meet-up point or pick up guests from their hotel. It’s important to get clear instructions from your booking agency, or you’ll get lost in the sea of people in the departure area.
I arrived at our meet-up point at 08:30 AM and was welcomed with biscuits, coffee, and refreshments. The booking office is air-conditioned but fits only a couple of people, so some guests had to wait outside. The tour organizer provided color-coded waterproof wrist tags, which helped coordinate the tour group.
Joiners of our tour group arrived early, so we were able to proceed to the beach before 09:00 AM. There you have to patiently wait for your boat to come close to the shore as tour personnel secure the required permits.
While waiting, the tour guides will refer you to rental services for snorkeling masks and aqua shoes which both cost PHP 100 per pair. There are also many peddlers selling jewelry, sunglasses, dry bags, and waterproof pouches.
Our tour group began boarding the boat around 09:30 AM. I expected the delay in time due to heavy boat traffic, especially during peak season, which usually lasts from November until June. The excursion officially starts with an orientation from the tour guides as the boat leaves the docking area.
Tour A: Lagoon Adventures and Coastal Wonders
On my first day, I boarded M/Bca Hospitality along with twenty-four other guests. There was one Asian family, and the rest were mostly couples from Europe. We were accompanied by Captain Alvic and two crew members who ensured that the boat would sail smoothly. And to lead us through the excursion, we had two guides who are both named Jason; and who were both very helpful, informative, and amusing!
After forty minutes, our tour group arrived at Miniloc Island — home to Secret Lagoon and the famous Big Lagoon. There you will also find Small Lagoon, but it is included in another itinerary (Tour D).
Big Lagoon, Paddling Beneath Panoramic Limestone Cliffs
The entry to Big Lagoon is narrow and shallow. It is difficult for passenger boats to pass through, so tourists must use a kayak to enter and explore the lagoon. It might take some time for the kayak rental services to accommodate all the guests going in. But worry not, the tour guides will give you enough time inside to take photos and admire the dramatic limestone cliffs.
Secret Lagoon, A Pool Hidden Behind Limestone Walls
The access to Secret Lagoon is a small hole which fits just one person at a time. The tour group must fall in line outside while waiting for the previous group to come out. Make sure to take photos and enjoy your turn inside before the next group comes in. There is also a beach outside the lagoon where you can swim after.
Shimizu Island, Lunch Feast by the Sea
At 12:40 PM, we headed to Shimizu Island. The island has plenty of shade where tour personnel could set up the lunch buffet. Today’s menu has rice, fried fish, chicken adobo, and pork afritada. Vegan options include stir-fried noodles, string beans adobo, and cucumber & tomato salad. We also had tropical fruits for dessert and beverages including water and soda. Everything was well-prepared!
West Paglugaban Snorkeling Spot, Thriving Haven for Marine Life
After lunch, we went to West Paglugaban Snorkeling Spot, just behind Shimizu Island. There we spent fifty minutes snorkeling through turquoise waters and observing abundant coral reefs, schools of fish, and other sea creatures.
7 Commando Beach, Stunning Shore Fringed with Coconut Trees
This beach is already a part of mainland El Nido but it is only accessible by boat. There you can swim, play volleyball, or just lie down on its fine white sand. There is also a store selling snacks and beverages which you can enjoy under 7 Commando’s lush coconut trees.
Tour C: Hidden Coves and Sunlit Shores
On the next day, there were only nine of us in the tour group. There was one solo traveler like me, and there were two guests who were also with me on the tour the day before. We boarded M/Bca Northern Star 6, a boat with smaller capacity, accompanied by Captain Angelo, two boat crews, and one of the Jasons also from yesterday’s tour.
Hidden Beach, A Tropical Paradise Concealed by Cliffs
After an hour of travel from El Nido poblacion, our tour group reached Matinloc Island where two hidden gems were unveiled. The first stop is Hidden Beach — literally hidden behind limestone walls — which you will find after a few minutes of swimming.
Secret Beach, Through a Tiny Hole to a Secluded Sanctuary
The second stop is Secret Beach, quite far from the previous destination but located just on the other side of the island. We traveled through Tapuitan Strait, which lies between Matinloc Island and Tapuitan Island, for another thirty minutes. Upon arriving, the tourists will have to swim through a hole to discover the beach inside.
Talisay Beach, Quiet Lunch under the Sea Almond Trees
For lunch, our boat crossed from Matinloc Island to Tapuitan Island. The buffet was set up at Talisay Beach, named after the sea almond trees that grow on its shore. The tour personnel provided the same menu with some variations, and we all shared a meal under a Talisay Tree.
Star Beach Snorkeling Area, Coral Gardens and Emerald Waters
Next, we went to another snorkeling area located in front of Star Beach. There we spotted some blue starfish and many colorful fishes. We had so much fun swimming and snorkeling, that we didn’t notice we had reached the edge of the reef.
Helicopter Island, That Island that Looks like a Helicopter
Yes, it does. We left Tapuitan Strait and headed to our last stop. Its mountain is shaped like a chopper from afar; up close, it’s a nice beach for swimming and sunbathing.
Wrapping Up — Tour Highlights and Favorites
I’ve been to these islands many times before, but I’m still in awe every single time. Tour A’s Big Lagoon remains to be a crowd favorite. Despite the high tourist traffic, the lagoon is so vast that you can easily find a tranquil corner to soak in the beauty of the ancient limestones.
Other highlights are the snorkeling spots in both itineraries. Coral formations stretch on the ocean floor, like underwater gardens, alive with schools of fish and other marine animals. Reaching the edge of the reef, where one can’t see anything but the deep blue, feels like falling off a cliff. Under the sea is indeed a whole new world.
Helicopter Island is the perfect spot to end Tour C. Drink some buko juice, chill with other tourists, and enjoy the view as the shadow of the chopper-shaped mountain slowly engulfs the beach while the sun sets behind the island.
The island hopping tours conclude around 04:30 PM to 05:30 PM. Upon returning to the docking area, don’t forget to return the items you rented if you did.
Did Tour will be cancelled due to weather?
In case of bad weather, the local coast guard will announce tour availability no later than 07:00 AM. Guests can refund their payment in full if the cancellation is due to inclement weather.
Is there a private tour option? Can I do Tour A and Tour C on the same day?
Moreover, the order of the itinerary may be adjusted by the tour guide depending on current circumstances such as sea and weather conditions or tourist density in each destination. If you really want to beat the crowd, you have the option to book a private tour for a much higher price.
If your schedule is tight but you still want to visit both- or simply save time- you can check out H hospitality travel and tours private speedboat tours.
Tips from your Island Bestie!
- Secure your ETDF ticket/receipt, you might need it for your other excursions.
- Eat breakfast for sustenance just in case the tour runs late.
- Listen to your tour guides! You will learn more from them than this article.
- Always wear your life jacket, especially if you do not know how to swim.
- Take care of the items you rent, so you won’t end up paying more.
- First time using a kayak? Just paddle on the opposite side of the direction you want to go.
- Bring extra cash to buy snacks and beverages from kayak vendors.
Prices & Fees at a Glance
| Tour A | Tour C | |
| Tour Price | PHP 1200 | PHP 1400 |
| Eco-Tourism Development Fee | PHP 400 (payable once, valid for five consecutive days) | |
| Other Fees | Lagoon Fee: PHP 200 Kayak Rental Fee: PHP 300 – 500 | Matinloc Shrine Entrance Fee: PHP 200 (optional) |
Is Tour A or Tour C better for first-timers?
| Tour A Destinations | Activities | Difficulty Level |
| Big Lagoon | Paddle a kayak and marvel at the limestone formations. You can park the kayak and swim on the shallow part. | physically demanding *Paddling into the lagoon is easier than on the way out. |
| Secret Lagoon | Swim and spot the stalactites inside the lagoon. Relax and take photos at the beach outside. | requires swimming skills *Be extra cautious if the waves are strong. |
| Shimizu Island | Eat lunch at the beach. Swim or take a rest after. | beginner friendly |
| West Paglugaban Snorkeling Spot | Observe marine life and take underwater photos. | beginner friendly |
| 7 Commando Beach | Swim, sunbathe, play volleyball, and have some snacks and beverages from the mini store. You can also pay to get your photos taken at the sand sculpture. | beginner friendly |
| Tour C Destinations | Activities | Difficulty Level |
| Hidden Beach | Swim to the shore and marvel at the limestone formations concealing the beach. | requires swimming skills *Be extra cautious if the waves are strong. |
| Secret Beach | Swim through the hole and explore the secluded beach. | requires swimming skills *Be extra cautious if the waves are strong. |
| Talisay Beach | Eat lunch at the beach. Swim or take a rest after. | beginner friendly |
| Star Beach Snorkeling Area | Observe marine life and take underwater photos. | beginner friendly |
| Helicopter Island | Swim at the designated area, sunbathe at the beach, and admire the scenic view while having some snacks and beverages from the mini store. | beginner friendly |
As you can see from the table, for Tour C it’s better if you know how to swim and don’t mind getting wet over and over again. You’ll definitely be grateful you brought a towel.
🏨 Get Up to 15% Off Top El Nido Hotels
Enter your email to unlock an exclusive discount on handpicked hotels, plus get our free Arrival Kit with local transport tips, food picks, and hidden spots.
✅ Check your inbox — the Arrival Kit is on its way!
Two Coastal Tales, One Paradise
Dreaming about your next tropical escape? El Nido’s natural beauty and breathtaking scenery speak for itself; and the locals’ tour services made it extra special. Impeccable destinations, smooth course, delightful food, and reliable staff — overall a tropical bliss!
Each itinerary offers a day packed with adventure. If iconic lagoons excite you, set sail on Tour A. Seeking hidden wonders? El Nido Tour C awaits. Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, with friends, or with family, you will make wonderful memories in the islands of El Nido.
Written by shannen
