El Nido Island Hopping: The Complete Guide to Tours A, B, C & D

Island hopping is the defining El Nido experience — and understanding the four official tours (A, B, C, D) before you book will transform your trip. This guide breaks down every tour so you can choose the right combination for your time and interests.

Overview: The Four Tours at a Glance

El Nido’s island-hopping tours are organised into four routes, each covering different islands and attractions in the Bacuit Bay area. All tours depart from El Nido Town beach at around 9:00 AM and return by 5:00 PM. Prices range from PHP 1,200 to 1,800 per person depending on operator. For a full breakdown of costs, see our El Nido travel budget guide.

Tour A: Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon

Tour A is the most popular and most iconic — centred on the dramatic lagoons of Miniloc Island. Highlights include the Big Lagoon (paddleboard or kayak through towering limestone walls), the Small Lagoon (kayak only — electric teal water), and Secret Lagoon (swim through a small cave opening to a hidden beach). Read the complete Tour A guide with tips, what to bring, and best operators.

Tour B: Snake Island, Cathedral Cave, Entalula Beach

Tour B visits Snake Island — famous for its dramatic sand bar that appears at low tide — plus Cathedral Cave, a stunning cathedral-shaped karst cavern. Entalula Beach is one of the finest stretches of white sand in Bacuit Bay. Get all the details in the complete Tour B guide.

Tour C: Helicopter Island, Hidden Beach, Star Beach

Tour C is the most visually stunning — Hidden Beach (enclosed by sheer limestone walls) and Helicopter Island (shaped like a helicopter from above) are both unforgettable. Star Beach is one of the finest swimming spots on any tour. See the Tour C complete guide for stop-by-stop details.

Tour D: Cadlao Lagoon, Bukal Beach, Pasandigan Cove

Tour D covers the northern islands — less crowded than A and C — with Cadlao Lagoon being a highlight rivalling Tour A. It suits travellers who have already done Tours A and C, or those seeking quieter stops. Full details in the Tour D complete guide.

Which Tours Should You Do?

If you have 3 days: do Tours A and C — they are the most iconic. Add Tour B if you have a 4th day. Tour D is best as a 5th-day addition or for return visitors. Read our detailed comparison of all four tours to decide.

Itinerary Integration

For a complete day-by-day plan that integrates island hopping with beaches and other activities, read the 7-day El Nido itinerary, 5-day itinerary, or 3-day itinerary for short stays.

Practical Information

Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a dry bag for electronics, snorkelling gear (or rent on board), and PHP 200 for the El Nido ecotourism fee (required for all tours). Tours are typically shared boats of 10–15 people. Private tours cost 4–6× more but allow full control over the itinerary and pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which El Nido tour is best for first-timers?

Tour A — the Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, and Secret Lagoon combination is the definitive El Nido experience. Most visitors rate it the most memorable of the four tours. Book it for your first full day in El Nido.

Can I do more than one tour per day?

No — each tour is a full-day trip (9 AM–5 PM). You need one full day per tour. In 3 days you can comfortably do Tours A, C, and one beach/inland day.

Do tours run during rainy season?

Tours operate year-round but may be cancelled during strong typhoons or heavy swells (June–October). Always have a flexible extra day built in during rainy season. Check our weather and best-time-to-visit guide for seasonal details.

How much do island hopping tours cost?

Shared tours: PHP 1,200–1,800 per person. Private tours: PHP 5,000–8,000 per boat (holds up to 15). The ecotourism fee (PHP 200) is usually not included. For a full cost breakdown, see the El Nido budget guide.