When Everyone Heads to Tour A and C
Most first-timers in El Nido immediately book Tour A or Tour C. That makes sense because the famous lagoons and dramatic limestone cliffs are amazing. However, the catch is that you will face massive crowds everywhere you look.
If you are on a honeymoon, looking for romance, or visiting El Nido for the second time, look at Tour B and Tour D instead. These routes are perfect for travelers who hate crowds and long lines. If you just want a quiet beach to relax and listen to the waves, this is your perfect match.
Why Tour B and D Feel Completely Different
Compared to the packed popular routes, Tour B and Tour D give you a peaceful island experience. It is not totally empty, but you will see way fewer boats on the water. You do not have to waste time waiting in lines just to get off the boat.
Snorkeling feels much better when you have space. It feels like you have your own private paradise. Even better, the boat captains and guides are usually more flexible. You can enjoy the islands at your own pace without feeling rushed.
El Nido Tour B: Secret Caves and Beautiful Sandbars
Tour C is wild and dramatic, but Tour B is peaceful and intimate. This route shows you some very unique landscapes around El Nido. The standard trip includes Snake Island, Entalula Island, Cudugnon Cave, and Cathedral Cave.
Snake Island is a natural S-shaped white sandbar connecting two islands. Walking there at low tide is incredibly romantic. Entalula Island is even more special because it was just named the number one beach in the world for 2026. The white sand feels like powder, and the water is completely clear.
Cudugnon Cave and Cathedral Cave are full of adventure. You have to crawl or slide in on a small boat. Inside, the sunlight shines through the rocks beautifully. Since this route has way fewer tourists, you can truly relax and enjoy the raw island vibes.
Tour B Personal Experience and Pro-Tips
My day on Tour B was my most relaxing day in El Nido. When I walked on Snake Island, the crowd was much smaller than the Big Lagoon. Feeling the sea breeze and looking at the view made me feel like I was on a real vacation.
If you plan to take this tour, here are a few quick tips. You need to squeeze through a small opening to enter Cudugnon Cave. Definitely wear water shoes to prevent slipping and scratches. Also, Snake Island has a great viewpoint. The walk takes only five to ten minutes. You must go up there for an amazing view of the whole sandbar.
Pro-Tip Tour B has a massive hidden highlight called Pinagbuyutan Island. It features huge limestone cliffs and a beautiful coconut tree lawn. However, this island is now a private island owned by H Hospitality Travel & Tours. Regular island hopping boats cannot land here. If you want to experience this untouched paradise with no outside tourists, make sure to book your trip with H Hospitality Travel & Tours.
Tour D: The Ultimate Untouched Island Fantasy
Tour B offers a bit of adventure, but Tour D is the ultimate relaxing paradise. The main highlights here are Cadlao Lagoon and the famous Small Lagoon. You will also visit a series of hidden beaches like Paradise Beach, Pasandigan Beach, and Natnat Beach. For a full breakdown of the route, prices and every stop, see our El Nido Tour D itinerary and price guide.
Small Lagoon is absolutely beautiful now. Since the government moved it to Tour D, the massive kayak traffic jams are gone. It has returned to its original quiet state. You kayak through a small rock opening into a peaceful emerald maze surrounded by high cliffs.
The other highlight is Cadlao Lagoon. It is the largest lagoon in El Nido and highly underrated. The water is a beautiful emerald green and smooth as a mirror. This tour is all about slow travel. Just bring a book and a beach towel to relax under the trees all afternoon.
Tour D Personal Experience and Pro-Tips
In my experience, Cadlao Lagoon is just as beautiful as the Big Lagoon on Tour A. It feels much more magical because it is so quiet. When I was kayaking there, I could only hear the sound of my own paddle. It was incredibly peaceful.
Keep two things in mind for Tour D. First, you will kayak in two different lagoons on this route. This means you need extra cash for kayak rentals. You pay the rental guys directly on site. It costs 300 pesos for a two-person kayak or 350 pesos for a three-person kayak.
Second, the sun is very strong here. You will spend a lot of time exposed on a kayak. Make sure to protect yourself from the sun and bring plenty of water.
Pro-Tip: If you love the underwater world, ask your captain to take you to a hidden spot called Olan’s Coral Castle. The water is about 25 meters deep here. The corals grow over a massive sunken object and look like an underwater castle. If you know how to free dive, you will love this place. It is perfect for amazing underwater photos. Even if you just snorkel on the surface, you will see tons of tropical fish. Remember to bring your underwater camera.
El Nido Tour B vs Tour D: Which One Is Better for You?
If you are short on time and can only choose one, use this simple guide to make your decision right away:
| Route highlight | Price | Best for | |
| Tour B | Entalula island & Snake island *H Hospitality Travel & Tours’ private island – Pinagbuyutan | PHP 1,600 | adventure, unique landscapes, and epic photos |
| Tour D | Small lagoon & Cadlao lagoon | PHP 1,500 | ultimate relaxation, kayaking, and emerald lagoons |
If you love adventure, unique landscapes, and epic photos: Go for Tour B!
This route features Entalula Island, which was just named the number one beach in the world for 2026. You also get to walk on the stunning Snake Island sandbar at low tide and explore mysterious sea caves. It offers more variety on land and is perfect for capturing amazing travel shots.
If you want ultimate relaxation, kayaking, and emerald lagoons: Choose Tour D!
This tour is a paradise for slow travel. It includes the two best lagoons in El Nido: Small Lagoon and Cadlao Lagoon. You will spend your day kayaking on crystal-clear, mirror-like water or relaxing on peaceful, hidden beaches. Plus, if you love free diving or snorkeling, the underwater beauty of Olan’s Coral Castle is a huge bonus!
Group Tour or Private Tour?
I have tried both options. Group tours are cheap and great for budget travelers or solo backpackers who want to meet people. The downside is that you must follow the group schedule. You cannot stay longer at places you love.
If you have the budget, I highly recommend a private boat, especially for Tour B and Tour D. Booking a private tour lets you choose your own start time. You can also reverse the order of the stops. This allows you to avoid the crowds completely and enjoy an empty paradise.
My Personal Recommendation
People often ask me which boat tour is the absolute best. Honestly, a private boat is the best way to experience El Nido. If you book with a team like H Hospitality Travel & Tours, they have great local resources. They can organize combo B+D tours for you. They can even take you to their private island to avoid crowds. This level of privacy makes your trip feel much more luxurious.
What is the best tour package in El Nido?
Your choice depends on what kind of traveler you are. If it is your very first time and you want iconic views, choose Tour A or Tour C. However, if you have extra days and hate crowds, choose Tour B or Tour D. If you want a relaxing experience, follow your heart and try these quiet routes.
What is the difference between El Nido Tours ABCD?
El Nido Tour Comparison Table
| Route | Main Highlights & Stops | Crowd Level | Best For | Price (Group Tour) |
| Tour A | Classic Lagoons & Kayaking (Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Very crowded, lots of boats) | First-timers, content creators, classic views | PHP 1,500 |
| Tour B | Sandbars & Secret Caves (Snake Island, Entalula Beach, Caves) | ⭐⭐⭐ (Half the crowd, comfortable) | Couples, repeat visitors, cave explorers | PHP 1,600 |
| Tour C | Massive Cliffs & Deep Snorkeling (Helicopter Island, Secret Beach, Hidden Beach) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Very crowded, popular route) | Active travelers, deep water snorkelers | PHP 1,700 |
| Tour D | Emerald Lagoons & Quiet Beaches (Small Lagoon, Cadlao Lagoon, 3 Hidden Beaches) | ⭐⭐ (Most peaceful, relaxing vibe) | Slow travelers, snorkelers, crowd haters | PHP 1,500 |
Note : ETDF 400 peso and Lagoon entrance fee 200 peso are not included.
Quick Tips: Cash, Tipping, and Gear Guide
Before you head out to enjoy the slow life, you need to prepare. Here is a practical guide on costs and gear to help you stay comfortable:
Cash and Tipping:
- Always bring extra Philippine Peso cash with you. Lunch is included, but local vendors sell fresh coconuts and ice cream from kayaks. You also need cash for the Small Lagoon kayak rentals. These extra costs are not included in your booking.
Tipping is also an important part of travel culture in the Philippines. For a group tour, it is standard to give 200 to 500 pesos total for the crew. For a private boat, the crew takes care of you all day and helps take photos. I suggest giving 500 to 1,000 pesos to show your appreciation.
Gear Rental and Buying Guide:
- Water Shoes, Masks, and Fins: Water shoes are absolutely mandatory for any tour. You will walk on sharp rocks in Tour B and Tour D. If you do not have your own, you can rent them at the beach in the morning. Water shoes and standard masks cost about 150 pesos each per day. If you want to dive at Olan’s Coral Castle, you can rent fins for 150 to 400 pesos. Just return everything when you get back.
- Dry Bags: Water splashes everywhere on a local boat, and you must wade through water to land. You can buy dry bags anywhere in town. A 5L to 20L bag costs between 300 and 600 pesos. Make sure to check the buckles and fabric for leaks before buying. Test it with some tissue paper inside first.
- The Truth About Sun Protection: The sun in El Nido is brutal. Everyone talks about reef-safe sunscreen, but the best protection is actually physical blocks. Just wear a long-sleeve rash guard or a sun hat. Sunscreen washes off easily in the water and can still affect the corals. Covering up with clothing is the best way to protect the ocean and avoid sunburns.
El Nido Tours FAQ
You can book directly with local travel agencies in town, boat operators at the main beach, or even through your hotel since most of them partner with reliable boat companies. You can also book ahead through online platforms like Klook or local tour websites.
However, if you are visiting during the peak season from December to April and want a private boat or a customized itinerary, it is highly recommended to book through H Hospitality Travel & Tours‘s website well in advance.
Light rain will not stop the tours. However, if the waves get too rough or there is a major storm, the Philippine Coast Guard will cancel all boat trips in the morning for everyone’s safety.
If canceled by the Coast Guard, cancellation policies vary depending on the boat company, but most operators will offer a full refund or a free date change for both group and private tours.
To be honest, regular group tours are quite tiring. You often have to wade through knee-deep water just to get on and off the boat, which can wear out kids and the elderly. For family trips, a Private Tour is definitely the way to go. If you have the budget, you can even opt for a speedboat. This lets you control your own pace and head back to town whenever your family gets tired.
Whether you choose a group or private tour, lunch is usually a classic island-style BBQ cooked fresh by the crew. It features grilled fish, meat, local seafood, and tons of fresh tropical fruits.
If you are vegetarian, do not eat pork, or have severe food allergies, make sure to let your travel agency or boat operator know at least one day before the tour so they can prepare a separate meal for you.
Yes, flying a drone is currently permitted in most areas. You will only need to unlock your device and you might receive warning notifications if you fly close to the airport zone. It is generally fine to fly as long as you do not disturb others, but just remember to be polite and ask for permission if other people end up in your shots.
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Conclusion: Try a Different Way to Cruise El Nido
The beauty of El Nido goes way beyond the crowded tourist hotspots. When you choose Tour B and Tour D, you discover a different side of Palawan. The best travel memories often come from these quiet, slow-paced islands.
Do not just follow the crowds on your next trip. Slow down and enjoy the peaceful side of El Nido. If you want to enjoy the world’s top beach, visit a private island, or dive in a coral castle, book Tour B or Tour D.
Ready to escape the crowds and experience a premium private island hopping tour? Book your private El Nido Tour B & D island hopping trip with H Hospitality Travel & Tours. Let us take you out to find your own paradise in Palawan!
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