El Nido Water Activities

El Nido Water Activities Guide – 2026 Summer Fun Guide

El Nido Palawan aerial view islands limestone karsts
El Nido’s iconic limestone karst islands rising from crystal-clear tropical waters

Summer is here, of course it’s time for water activities! El Nido is a paradise for water activities – from relaxing rowing to exciting surfing, everything is available. This article introduces various water activity recommendations and precautions.

Island Hopping

This is the most classic water activity in El Nido! Ride a banca (local boat) between islands, exploring hidden lagoons, beaches, and coral reefs.

Tour Options

| Tour | Features | Cost |
|——|———-|——|
| Tour A | Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon | 1,200-1,500 |
| Tour B | Cave Exploration | 1,200-1,500 |
| Tour C | Remote Islands | 1,300-1,600 |
| Tour D | Half Day Tour | 800-1,000 |

Snorkeling

Recommended Locations

-清水岛 (Coral Cay): Richest coral reefs
– Seven Commandos: Close distance
– Big Lagoon: Beautiful scenery

Snorkeling Tips

– Wear non-slip water shoes
– Don’t touch coral reefs
– Choose Reef Safe sunscreen
– Pay attention to current direction

Diving

Discover Scuba Diving

No license? No problem! Discover Scuba Diving lets you explore the beautiful underwater world with an instructor. Cost is approximately 3,500-4,500 PHP.

Certification Courses

– OW Course: 18,000-25,000 PHP
– AOW Course: 8,000-15,000 PHP

Kayaking

Recommended Locations

– Big Lagoon: Must-visit!
– Small Lagoon: Secret experience
– City coastline

Cost

– Single: 300-500 PHP/hour
– Double: 500-800 PHP/hour

Tips

– Paddle gently to avoid splashing
– Pay attention to passing boats
– Wear life jacket properly

Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)

A popular water sport in recent years – stand on a surfboard and paddle forward. Great for core muscle training!

Recommended Locations

– Corong-Corong Beach
– Maremegmeg Beach

Cost

500-1,000 PHP/hour

Surfing

Suitable Location

Duli Beach is the only surfing spot in El Nido, suitable for intermediate to advanced surfers. Wave conditions depend on monsoon – winter (November-February) has better waves!

Surfing Tips

– Need some basic skills
– Local surf schools available for learning
– Watch out for rocks and coral

Banana Boat

Thrilling sea activity! Sit on a banana-shaped inflatable tube and get pulled by a speedboat across the sea!

Cost

Approximately 300-500 PHP/person

Paragliding

With an instructor, fly over the sea on a paraglider from a hillside, overlooking the entire El Nido!

Cost

Approximately 2,000-3,000 PHP/ride

Glass Bottom Boat

Don’t want to get wet but want to see underwater? Glass bottom boat lets you sit at the bottom of the boat and enjoy coral reefs and tropical fish!

Cost

Approximately 500-1,000 PHP/person

Water Activity Safety Notes

General Safety

1. Always wear life jacket
2. Pay attention to weather and sea conditions
3. Know your physical limits
4. Follow instructor’s instructions
5. Don’t act alone

Environmental Protection

1. Don’t touch or step on coral reefs
2. Use Reef Safe sunscreen
3. Don’t feed fish
4. Take away all garbage

Cost Overview

| Activity | Cost (PHP) |
|———|————|
| Island Hopping | 1,200-1,600 |
| Snorkeling (bring own gear) | Free-200 |
| Discover Scuba Diving | 3,500-4,500 |
| Kayaking | 300-800/hour |
| SUP | 500-1,000/hour |
| Banana Boat | 300-500 |
| Paragliding | 2,000-3,000 |

Conclusion

El Nido is a paradise for water activities! Whether you prefer static rowing or exciting water sports, this place has everything to satisfy you. Remember to stay safe, protect the environment, and enjoy the embrace of sunshine and sea!

Tags: El Nido Water Activities, Island Hopping, Snorkeling, Kayaking, SUP

Platform Best For El Nido Deals
Booking.com Hotels, resorts, free cancellation View deals →
Agoda Best Asia prices, loyalty rewards View deals →
Klook Tours & activities Browse tours →
💡 Compare prices on multiple platforms to find the best El Nido deals
Scroll to Top