Island hopping is the must-do activity in El Nido, Palawan — but how much does it actually cost? This 2026 guide breaks down every expense: tour prices, entrance fees, equipment rental, optional add-ons, and tips on getting the best value for your budget.
- El Nido Island Hopping Cost: Quick Summary Table
- The Four Official El Nido Island Hopping Tours (A, B, C, D)
- Understanding the Fees: What’s Included and What’s Extra
- Shared vs Private Tour: Which Is Better Value?
- How to Book Island Hopping Tours in El Nido
- Money-Saving Tips for El Nido Island Hopping
- Best Time to Go Island Hopping in El Nido
- Frequently Asked Questions: El Nido Island Hopping Cost
El Nido Island Hopping Cost: Quick Summary Table
| Expense Item | Budget Option | Standard Option | Private Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Island hopping tour (per person) | ₱1,200–₱1,500 (shared) | ₱1,500–₱2,000 (shared premium) | ₱6,000–₱12,000 (full boat) |
| Environmental fee (ENTP) | ₱200 (day trip) | ₱200 | ₱200 |
| El Nido town tourism fee | ₱100 | ₱100 | ₱100 |
| Lunch (included or extra) | ₱0–₱250 | ₱0 (usually included) | ₱0 (included) |
| Snorkel gear rental | ₱100–₱200 | Often included | Included |
| Kayak rental (if not included) | ₱100–₱300 | Often included | Included |
| Total estimate per person | ₱1,600–₱2,200 | ₱1,800–₱2,300 | ₱6,600–₱12,600 |
The Four Official El Nido Island Hopping Tours (A, B, C, D)
El Nido has four officially designated island hopping routes, each visiting different spots in the Bacuit Archipelago. Understanding what each covers helps you pick the right tour for your interests and budget.
Tour A — The Classic Lagoon Route
Tour A is the most popular route and covers El Nido’s most iconic destinations. It includes the Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, and Shimizu Island. The Big and Small Lagoons require kayaking through narrow limestone passages — an unforgettable experience.
- Shared group tour price: ₱1,200–₱1,500/person
- Highlights: Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island
- Best for: First-time visitors, lagoon lovers, photographers
- Duration: ~7–8 hours
- Kayak access: Required for Small Lagoon — kayak fee sometimes extra (₱150–₱200)
Tour B — Hidden Beach & Caves
Tour B heads northwest of El Nido town and visits Cathedral Cave, Cudugnon Cave, Helicopter Island (Dilumacad), and the stunning Snake Island sandbar. This tour is less crowded than Tour A and great for snorkeling.
- Shared group tour price: ₱1,200–₱1,500/person
- Highlights: Cathedral Cave, Cudugnon Cave, Snake Island sandbar, Helicopter Island
- Best for: Cave explorers, snorkelers, those avoiding Tour A crowds
- Duration: ~7–8 hours
Tour C — Hidden Beaches & Matinloc
Tour C ventures to the more remote northern islands of the Bacuit Bay. It includes the Hidden Beach (accessed through a cave passage), Secret Beach, Matinloc Shrine, and Tapiutan Island. The journey is longer but the scenery is arguably the most dramatic.
- Shared group tour price: ₱1,500–₱1,800/person (slightly more expensive due to fuel)
- Highlights: Hidden Beach, Secret Beach, Matinloc Shrine, Tapiutan Island
- Best for: Experienced travelers, those who’ve done Tour A, nature photographers
- Duration: ~8–9 hours
Tour D — Bukas Island & South Route
Tour D is the least visited official route, heading south to Cadlao Island, Bukas Island, Paradise Beach, and Pasandigan Cove. It’s ideal for travelers who want to escape the crowds and enjoy quiet snorkeling spots with minimal other tourists.
- Shared group tour price: ₱1,200–₱1,500/person
- Highlights: Cadlao Lagoon, Bukas Island, Paradise Beach, Pasandigan Cove
- Best for: Snorkelers, off-the-beaten-path seekers, repeat visitors
- Duration: ~7–8 hours
Understanding the Fees: What’s Included and What’s Extra
Environmental Fee (ENTP)
The El Nido Tourism Policy (ENTP) environmental fee is ₱200 per person per day trip or ₱600 for an overnight permit. This goes directly toward conservation of the Bacuit Archipelago. Most tour operators include this in the quoted price, but always confirm before booking. You can buy an ENTP sticker at the tourism office near the El Nido pier.
El Nido Municipality Tourism Fee
Separate from the ENTP, El Nido town charges a ₱100 municipality tourism fee per person. This is often collected at the pier before departure. Again, many operators include this — ask to confirm.
What’s Usually Included in the Tour Price
- Boat transfer between all stops on the route
- Life jacket
- Bangkawan (outrigger boat) with captain and guide
- Lunch (usually grilled fish, rice, vegetables) — eaten on a beach stop
- Drinking water
Common Extra Costs Not Included
- Kayak rental for Small Lagoon (Tour A): ₱150–₱200 — the lagoon passage is only accessible by kayak; motorized boats cannot enter
- Snorkeling mask & fins: ₱100–₱200/day if not brought from home
- Alcoholic beverages: Bring your own or purchase from vendors at beach stops
- Tips for boatman and guide: ₱100–₱200/person is customary and appreciated
- Camera/GoPro rental: ₱300–₱500/day at some operators
Shared vs Private Tour: Which Is Better Value?
| Factor | Shared Group Tour | Private Boat Tour |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per person | ₱1,200–₱1,800 | ₱6,000–₱12,000 total (split among group) |
| Group size | 8–15 strangers | Your group only (up to 10) |
| Schedule flexibility | Fixed departure (8am); fixed route | Flexible departure; can customize stops |
| Waiting at stops | Wait for whole group | Leave when you want |
| Privacy | Low | High |
| Best for | Solo travelers, couples, small groups | Families of 4+, honeymooners, groups of 6+ |
Math check for private tours: A private boat typically costs ₱6,000–₱10,000 per boat per day (plus fees). If you have a group of 6 people, that’s ₱1,000–₱1,700 per person — similar to or cheaper than a shared tour, with full flexibility. For groups of 4 or more, private is often the smarter choice.
How to Book Island Hopping Tours in El Nido
Option 1: Book at Your Accommodation
Most guesthouses and hotels in El Nido can arrange island hopping tours directly. This is convenient but may add a small commission. Prices are typically standard (₱1,200–₱1,500/person for shared tours).
Option 2: Book at the Pier or Tour Operators on Calle Hama
Walk-in bookings are available at the pier area and the many tour operator booths along Calle Hama. Prices are the same as accommodation bookings in most cases. This is best for last-minute bookings or if you want to compare a few operators quickly.
Option 3: Book Online in Advance
Platforms like Klook, GetYourGuide, and Airbnb Experiences offer pre-bookable El Nido tours. Online prices are slightly higher (₱1,500–₱2,500/person) but include English-speaking guides and guaranteed spots during peak season. Recommended if you’re visiting December–April when tours can fill up.
Money-Saving Tips for El Nido Island Hopping
- Buy your ENTP sticker directly at the tourism office to make sure you’re not being double-charged.
- Bring your own snorkeling gear from Puerto Princesa (or from home) to avoid rental fees at each stop.
- Pack your own drinks and snacks. Beachside vendors charge tourist prices. A cold beer at a remote beach stop can cost ₱80–₱120.
- Go mid-week. Weekend tours are more crowded, and some operators charge a slight premium on Saturdays during peak season.
- Negotiate for groups of 4+. If you’re booking a shared tour with 4 or more people, ask for a group discount or upgrade to a semi-private arrangement.
- Avoid the “combo tour” upsell. Some operators push combo packages (Tour A + B in one day). These are rushed — you won’t fully enjoy either route. Do one tour per day.
Best Time to Go Island Hopping in El Nido
The best months for island hopping in El Nido are November through May — the dry season when seas are calm and visibility is high. Peak months (December–April) offer the best conditions but also the most crowded tours.
During the wet season (June–October), tours still run on most days, but rough seas can cancel Tour C and D departures. Tour A and B are more sheltered and reliable year-round. See our El Nido in June guide for wet season tips.
Frequently Asked Questions: El Nido Island Hopping Cost
How much does island hopping cost in El Nido in 2026?
A shared group island hopping tour in El Nido costs ₱1,200–₱1,800 per person, depending on the tour route and operator. Add ₱300 in mandatory fees (₱200 ENTP environmental fee + ₱100 municipality fee). Total cost including fees and lunch: approximately ₱1,600–₱2,200 per person.
Is lunch included in El Nido island hopping?
Yes, most shared group tours include a beachside lunch — typically grilled fish, squid, rice, and vegetables prepared by the boat crew. Private tours almost always include lunch. Confirm with your operator when booking, as a small number of budget operators exclude it.
What is the ENTP fee in El Nido?
The ENTP (El Nido Tourism Policy) environmental fee is ₱200 per person for a day trip. This is mandatory and goes toward conservation of the Bacuit Archipelago Marine Reserve. A 3-day permit costs ₱400, and an overnight permit costs ₱600.
Which El Nido island hopping tour is best?
Tour A (Big Lagoon & Small Lagoon) is the most iconic and recommended for first-time visitors. Tour C (Hidden Beach & Matinloc) is the most dramatic scenically and ideal for those who’ve done Tour A. Tour B and D are great for beating the crowds and snorkeling in quieter spots.
Can I do island hopping without a tour operator?
Technically yes — you can rent a private bangka boat directly from fishermen at the pier (₱4,000–₱7,000/boat/day), but you’ll still need to pay the ENTP fee and municipality fee separately. Most independent renters also don’t provide lunch, snorkel gear, or a guide. For most travelers, booking through an operator is easier and not significantly more expensive.