El Nido Island Hopping Guide 2026: Tours A, B, C & D Explained
Island hopping is the reason most people visit El Nido — and for good reason. The archipelago contains over 45 islands and islets, each hiding secret lagoons, hidden beaches, dramatic limestone cliffs, and some of the clearest water in the world. This complete island hopping guide explains everything you need to know: the four official tours, what’s included, how much it costs, and how to choose the right tour for you.
The Four Official Island Hopping Tours
El Nido’s island hopping scene is organized around four designated routes — Tour A, B, C, and D — each covering a different part of the Bacuit Archipelago. All tours depart from El Nido beach in the morning (typically 9am) and return by 5pm. Lunch is included (usually grilled fish, rice, and fruit served on a beach).
Tour A — The Classic (Most Popular)
Price: ₱800–1,200/person (shared) | Best for: First-timers, lagoon lovers
Tour A is El Nido’s iconic route and the one most visitors do first. It takes you through the heart of the Bacuit Archipelago to the stunning lagoons of Miniloc Island.
- Big Lagoon — paddle by kayak through emerald waters flanked by karst cliffs
- Small Lagoon — swim through a narrow limestone channel into a hidden cove
- Secret Lagoon — reach by squeezing through a crack in the rock at low tide
- Shimizu Island — excellent snorkelling over colourful coral gardens
- 7 Commandos Beach — long white beach for lunch and swimming
Read our full Tour A complete guide with insider tips and what to bring.
Tour B — Caves & Cliffs
Price: ₱800–1,200/person (shared) | Best for: Cave explorers, unique landscapes
Tour B ventures to the southern islands and is known for dramatic cave formations and unusual geological features.
- Helicopter Island (Dilumacad) — named for its shape; great snorkelling on the east side
- Cudugnon Cave — a beach cave with prehistoric pottery shards
- Cathedral Cave — swim inside a limestone cavern with shafts of light
- Snake Island — a remarkable sandbar connecting two islands that appears/disappears with the tide
- Pinagbuyutan Island — pristine white beach surrounded by forest
Tour C — Hidden Beaches (Best Views)
Price: ₱1,000–1,500/person (shared) | Best for: Scenery, photography, adventure
Tour C is widely considered the most scenic of the four tours. It covers the northern islands, further from town, with longer travel time but spectacular rewards.
- Hidden Beach (Matinloc) — a secret white-sand cove enclosed by towering cliffs
- Matinloc Shrine — a hilltop shrine with panoramic views across the archipelago
- Secret Beach — accessible only by swimming through an underwater gap in the rocks
- Tapiutan Island — crystal-clear snorkelling with sea turtles
- Entalula Island — pristine beach lunch spot
Tour C requires an additional environmental fee (₱200) for Matinloc Shrine.
Tour D — Off the Beaten Track
Price: ₱800–1,200/person (shared) | Best for: Snorkelling, fewer crowds, second-timers
Tour D explores the eastern and northern shores of Bacuit Bay, including Cadlao Island — the largest island in the archipelago.
- Cadlao Lagoon — a calm, protected lagoon with excellent snorkelling
- Pasandigan Cove — deserted beach with crystal-clear water
- Natnat Beach — remote lunch spot with few other tourists
- Paradise Beach — postcard-perfect white sand and turquoise water
- Bukal Island — vibrant coral reef snorkelling
Prices: Shared vs Private Tours
| Tour | Shared Price | Private Boat |
|---|---|---|
| Tour A | ₱800–1,200/person | ₱3,500–5,000/boat |
| Tour B | ₱800–1,200/person | ₱3,500–5,000/boat |
| Tour C | ₱1,000–1,500/person | ₱4,000–6,000/boat |
| Tour D | ₱800–1,200/person | ₱3,500–5,000/boat |
All shared tours include: boat, life jacket, lunch (grilled fish + rice + fruit), snorkelling gear, and a guide. Environmental fee (₱200) and tourism tax (₱200) are paid separately at the El Nido Tourism Office — bring cash.
See our detailed breakdown of group vs private island hopping to decide which is right for you.
Which Tour Should You Do?
- First trip to El Nido? → Start with Tour A (the lagoons are unmissable)
- Best scenery and photos? → Tour C
- Prefer caves and geology? → Tour B
- Avoid crowds / been before? → Tour D
- Have 4+ days? → Do all four — each is unique
How to Book Island Hopping Tours
You have three options:
- Book through your hostel/hotel — most convenient, slight markup (₱100–200)
- Book directly at the tour booths on Real Street — cheapest rates, more flexibility on timing
- Book via Klook or KKday online — good for peak season when shared boats fill up; pay in advance
We recommend booking 1–2 days in advance in peak season (December–March). In low season, same-day booking is usually fine — tours run if there are at least 5–6 passengers.
What to Bring on an Island Hopping Tour
- Reef-safe sunscreen (mandatory in El Nido’s protected waters)
- Snorkelling mask (bring your own for best fit, or rent for ₱50–100 on the boat)
- Water shoes (for rocky beaches and cave entries)
- Waterproof bag or dry bag for valuables
- Cash for environmental fee and any extra drinks/snacks on the boat
- Light rash guard or wetsuit top (sun protection on the water is intense)
- Underwater camera or GoPro
Island Hopping Tips & Insider Advice
- Go early in the week — weekends and Fridays see more boats at popular stops
- Tour C is the most crowded at Hidden Beach — arrive early (depart by 9am)
- Kayaks at Big Lagoon (Tour A) fill up fast — hop in one immediately when you arrive
- Secret Beach (Tour C) requires swimming — non-swimmers can wait at the entrance
- The wind picks up by early afternoon — the return leg can be choppy; sit inside if sensitive to motion
- Bring ₱400–600 extra cash for the environmental fee + tips for your boatman and guide
- Tip your crew! They work long days — ₱100–200/person is customary and very appreciated
Combined & Custom Tours
Several operators offer combined A+B or C+D tours over two days with a discounted rate. These are ideal if you want to cover more ground efficiently. Ask at any tour booth about “combo packages.”
For a truly custom experience, hire a private boat and plan your own itinerary. Your captain can suggest stops based on weather and tide conditions. This is the best option for photography trips or romantic getaways where you want sunrise or sunset at specific locations.
FAQ: El Nido Island Hopping
Can I do two tours in one day?
Technically possible if you hire a private boat, but exhausting. Standard shared tours run 9am–5pm. Most visitors prefer one tour per day to enjoy each stop properly.
Are the tours suitable for non-swimmers?
Yes — life jackets are provided and mandatory. Most stops are snorkelling/swimming based, but you can simply float or sit on the beach. Some specific stops (Secret Beach, Small Lagoon) require swimming short distances.
What if the weather is bad?
Tours are cancelled if seas are too rough. Your operator will notify you the evening before or morning of. You’ll typically get a full refund or reschedule. Check the best time to visit El Nido for seasonal weather patterns.
Is Tour A or Tour C better?
They’re different experiences. Tour A has the famous lagoons — unique, unmissable geological formations. Tour C has the most dramatic scenery and best views. If you can only do one, Tour A is the classic choice; if you’re doing two, add Tour C next.
Ready to plan your island hopping adventure? Check our Tour A complete guide and group vs private tour comparison to plan the perfect day on the water.
