Island hopping is the number one activity in El Nido, but costs can add up quickly — especially if you book through a resort or travel agency. The good news is that with smart planning, you can experience all four legendary tours (A, B, C, and D) without blowing your budget. This guide breaks down exactly how much each tour costs, where to find the best deals, and insider tips to save hundreds of pesos while still getting the full El Nido island-hopping experience.
Understanding El Nido’s Four Island-Hopping Tours
El Nido’s island-hopping tours are organized into four standard routes, each visiting different islands, lagoons, and beaches around Bacuit Bay. Every licensed operator follows the same itineraries, which means the experience is fairly consistent regardless of who you book with — the main differences are boat quality, food, and group size. Before diving into budget tips, here’s what each tour covers.
Tour A — The Lagoons
The most popular tour and often considered the “must-do” if you only have time for one. Tour A visits the Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and 7 Commando Beach. The Big and Small Lagoons feature towering limestone walls rising from emerald water — the defining image of El Nido. Kayaking through the Small Lagoon (₱200 rental) is a highlight. This tour is the most crowded, so consider booking early morning departures.
Tour B — Caves and Coves
Tour B takes you to Pinagbuyutan Island, Entalula Beach, Snake Island (with its iconic sandbar), and Cudugnon Cave. This route offers the best variety of experiences — swimming at pristine beaches, exploring an ancient cave, and walking across a natural sandbar that connects two islands at low tide. Tour B is generally less crowded than Tour A.
Tour C — Remote Islands
The longest tour by distance, Tour C heads to Matinloc Shrine, Secret Beach, Hidden Beach, and Helicopter Island (Dilumacad). Secret Beach — accessed by swimming through a hole in a limestone wall — is the standout stop. The snorkeling around Helicopter Island is among the best in El Nido, with sea turtles frequently spotted.
Tour D — Beaches and Reefs
The least touristy option, Tour D visits Cadlao Island, Pasandigan Beach, Natnat Beach, and Paradise Beach. This tour is ideal for travelers who want more time to relax on uncrowded beaches. The snorkeling at Cadlao Lagoon is excellent, and the beaches here feel more exclusive since fewer operators run Tour D daily.
Island-Hopping Tour Price Comparison
| Tour | Standard Group Price | Resort/Agency Price | Private Boat Price | Duration | Crowd Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tour A | ₱1,200–₱1,400 | ₱1,800–₱2,500 | ₱6,000–₱8,000 | 6–7 hours | High |
| Tour B | ₱1,200–₱1,400 | ₱1,800–₱2,500 | ₱6,000–₱8,000 | 6–7 hours | Moderate |
| Tour C | ₱1,400–₱1,600 | ₱2,000–₱3,000 | ₱7,000–₱9,000 | 7–8 hours | Moderate |
| Tour D | ₱1,200–₱1,400 | ₱1,800–₱2,500 | ₱6,000–₱8,000 | 6–7 hours | Low |
| Combo A+C | ₱2,400–₱2,800 | ₱3,500–₱4,500 | ₱12,000–₱15,000 | Full day | Varies |
Note: All prices include lunch, snorkeling gear, and the required Eco-Tourism Development Fee (ETDF) of ₱200 per person, valid for 10 days.
7 Proven Ways to Save Money on Island Hopping
1. Book Directly at the Pier
Skip hotel and agency markups by booking directly with boat operators at El Nido’s main pier. Walk along the waterfront in the late afternoon (4–6 PM) when boats return and operators are filling spots for the next day. You can negotiate ₱100–₱300 off the standard price, especially during low season. This is the single biggest money-saving move for island hopping.
2. Join Open Group Tours
Open group tours fill a boat with 10–15 people from different hotels, splitting the cost. At ₱1,200–₱1,400 per person including lunch, this is the most affordable option. The downside is less flexibility with timing and stops, but the savings are significant compared to private charters.
3. Book Multiple Tours as a Package
Many operators offer discounts when you book two or more tours together. A common deal is Tours A + C for ₱2,400 instead of ₱2,800 when booked separately. Ask about three-tour or four-tour packages — some operators offer all four tours for ₱4,500–₱5,000, saving you up to ₱1,000.
4. Visit During Shoulder Season
Tour prices drop by 15–25% during the shoulder months (June, July, and November). Boats are less crowded, the lagoons are emptier, and operators are more willing to negotiate. The weather is still quite good during these months, with rain typically falling in short afternoon bursts. Check our seasonal weather guide for detailed month-by-month conditions.
5. Bring Your Own Snorkeling Gear
While basic snorkel sets are included in tour prices, the quality varies wildly. Bringing your own mask ensures a better fit (no leaks) and saves you from paying ₱150–₱300 to upgrade to a better set on the boat. A decent snorkel mask costs around ₱500–₱800 at shops in town and pays for itself in comfort alone.
6. Share a Private Boat with Other Travelers
If you want the flexibility of a private tour without the full price, find other travelers at your hostel or on Facebook groups to split a private boat. A boat that costs ₱7,000 split among 6 people comes out to just ₱1,167 per person — cheaper than a group tour with the benefit of choosing your own schedule and stops.
7. Bring Your Own Drinks and Snacks
While lunch is included, drinks on the boat are marked up significantly. Buy water, soft drinks, and snacks from a convenience store beforehand. A 1.5L water bottle costs ₱25 at a store versus ₱50–₱80 on the boat. The same goes for beer — ₱45 at a store versus ₱100+ on the boat. Pack a cooler bag with ice from your hotel and you’re set for the day.
Additional Fees to Budget For
| Fee | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ETDF (Eco-Tourism Fee) | ₱200 | Valid for 10 days, often included in tour price |
| Kayak Rental (Small Lagoon) | ₱200 | Optional but highly recommended |
| Big Lagoon Entrance | ₱200 | Separate from ETDF |
| Snorkel Upgrade | ₱150–₱300 | Skip this — bring your own |
| Waterproof Phone Pouch | ₱100–₱200 | Available at pier shops |
Which Tour Should You Prioritize on a Budget?
If you can only afford one tour, Tour A is the consensus pick — the lagoons are El Nido’s most iconic sights and simply can’t be replicated elsewhere. If you can do two, add Tour C for Secret Beach and the remote island experience. Tour B and D are wonderful but offer experiences (beaches, snorkeling) that you can partially replicate by renting a kayak or arranging a cheaper private boat to nearby islands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do two island-hopping tours in one day?
It’s technically possible to do a combo tour (usually A+C), but it makes for a very long, exhausting day (10+ hours on the water). Most travelers prefer doing one tour per day to fully enjoy each stop. Combo tours also cost more due to the extended boat time and fuel.
Is the ETDF fee included in the tour price?
Usually yes for group tours booked through operators. Always confirm before paying. The ₱200 ETDF is valid for 10 days, so if you do multiple tours you only pay it once.
What’s included in the standard tour price?
Standard group tours include boat transportation, a buffet-style lunch on the beach, basic snorkeling equipment, life jackets, and a tour guide. Drinks, kayak rentals, and upgraded gear are extra.
Can I customize the stops on a group tour?
Generally no — group tours follow a fixed itinerary. For custom stops, you’ll need a private boat charter. However, some operators offer “combination” tours that mix stops from different routes.
