El Nido Tour C takes you furthest from the mainland — to the outer islands and hidden corners of the Bacuit Archipelago that most visitors never reach. It includes Hidden Beach (frequently cited as El Nido’s single most beautiful spot), the cliffside ruins of Matinloc Shrine, and excellent snorkeling at Helicopter Island. This complete guide covers every stop, what to expect, and how to make the most of your day.
El Nido Tour C: Quick Facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Departure time | 8:00–9:00am |
| Return time | 5:00–6:00pm |
| Duration | ~8–9 hours (longest standard tour) |
| Group size | 10–15 people per bangka |
| Price (group) | ₱1,500–₱2,000 per person |
| Price (private charter) | ₱5,500–₱7,500 per boat |
| Included | Boat, guide, lunch, entrance fees, snorkel gear |
| Sea conditions | More exposed — rougher than Tours A & B |
| Difficulty | Easy–Moderate (swimming required for Hidden Beach) |
| Best season | November–May (check weather before going) |
Tour C Stops — What to Expect
Stop 1: Helicopter Island
Named for its resemblance to a helicopter rotor when seen from above, Helicopter Island (also called Dilumacad Island) is a striking limestone island with a curved white-sand beach and some of the best snorkeling in the El Nido area.
- Beach: Curved white sand, great for swimming and sunbathing
- Snorkeling: Excellent coral directly off the beach ends — parrotfish, angelfish, batfish, and occasional sea turtles
- Visibility: Often 8–12 metres on calm days
- Note: Also a stop on Tour D — the snorkeling is equally good on both tours
- Time spent: ~1.5 hours
Stop 2: Star Beach
A quieter, more intimate beach than the tour’s other stops, Star Beach has exceptionally calm, clear water — perfect for swimming and floating. The beach is smaller than Seven Commandos but often less crowded and more serene.
- Swimming: Excellent — very calm, shallow, crystal clear
- Snorkeling: Moderate — some coral off the rocky ends
- Atmosphere: Peaceful, less busy than Tour A’s beaches
- Time spent: ~45 minutes
Stop 3: Hidden Beach — Tour C’s Crown Jewel
Hidden Beach is the reason most people choose Tour C. Completely enclosed by towering limestone cliffs, it’s accessible only by swimming through a narrow gap in the rock wall — and the revelation on the other side is genuinely breathtaking: a small, pristine white-sand cove with turquoise water, completely cut off from the outside world.
- Access: Swim ~50m from the anchored bangka to the cliff face, then pass through a submerged gap in the rock. The passage is about 3–4m wide and requires getting low in the water. Life jackets are available and worn by most people.
- Inside: A small enclosed cove, soft white sand, clear warm water — and remarkable silence broken only by the sound of lapping waves
- Photography: Go through first ahead of the group for unobstructed shots of the empty cove
- Swimming ability: You must be comfortable swimming in open water. The passage itself is short but non-swimmers may find it intimidating even with a life jacket.
- Crowd tip: Arrive early — by 11am multiple tour boats converge here simultaneously. A private charter lets you time your visit strategically.
- Time spent: ~1 hour
Stop 4: Matinloc Shrine
One of El Nido’s most unique stops, Matinloc Shrine is an abandoned Catholic chapel built into a cliffside on Matinloc Island, accessible by climbing a steep series of steps cut into the rock. The chapel itself is a ruin — it was never completed — but the views from the cliff top are among the best panoramas in the entire archipelago.
- The climb: 5–10 minute steep ascent on concrete steps. Wear proper footwear — flip-flops are risky.
- The view: 360-degree panorama across the Bacuit Archipelago — Matinloc, Tapiutan, and Lagen Islands spread out below you. One of El Nido’s best photography spots.
- The chapel: Roofless, overgrown, atmospheric — a strange and beautiful ruin
- History: Built by a local family in the 1980s; the project was abandoned for unclear reasons
- Time spent: ~45 minutes
Stop 5: Tapiutan Island / Secret Lagoon
The final stop before returning to El Nido, Tapiutan Island offers a snorkeling stop with colourful shallow reef and a chance to swim in a small lagoon through a rocky passage. Some operators also include the nearby “Secret Lagoon” — a smaller enclosed pool accessible by wading through shallow water.
- Snorkeling: Healthy coral reef, good fish diversity — a relaxed final snorkel
- Secret Lagoon (if included): Accessible by wading/swimming through a rock passage at low tide; smaller and calmer than Hidden Beach
- Time spent: ~45–60 minutes
Tour C vs Tour A: Which Should You Do First?
| Factor | Tour A | Tour C |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic stop | Big Lagoon | Hidden Beach |
| Snorkeling quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Helicopter Island) |
| Sea roughness | Generally calm | More exposed — can be choppy |
| Crowd level | 🔴 Busiest | 🟡 Moderate |
| Distance from town | Closer | Further — longer boat ride |
| Best for | First-time visitors | Adventurous travellers, snorkelers |
Recommended order: Do Tour A first (the classic lagoon experience), then Tour C the next day. If you only have time for one tour, Tour A is the safer choice for most visitors — but if you love snorkeling and dramatic scenery, Tour C delivers more per peso.
What to Bring on Tour C
- Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+): You’ll be on the water longer than Tours A or B
- Dry bag: Essential — the outer islands are more exposed to spray
- Rash guard: Sun protection for extended boat time
- Water shoes / reef sandals: Especially for Matinloc Shrine’s rocky steps
- Seasickness tablets: More important on Tour C than A or B — the open-water sections can be rough
- Underwater camera: Hidden Beach and Helicopter Island are worth the effort
- ₱200–₱300 cash: For drinks, tips for guide/crew
Booking Tour C
- Through your accommodation: Ask at check-in — most guesthouses arrange tours for the next morning
- Tour operator offices: Real Street in El Nido town has multiple operators; standard price ₱1,500–₱2,000
- Klook / KKday: Online advance booking useful during peak season (Dec–Mar)
- Private charter: For groups of 6+ or those wanting flexibility on timing (especially at Hidden Beach). See our Private Boat Charter Guide.
Compare all four tours: Tour A vs B vs C vs D — Which is Best? | Plan your days: 5-Day El Nido Itinerary
