El Nido offers four official island hopping tours — simply called Tour A, B, C, and D. Each covers different islands, lagoons, and beaches around Bacuit Bay. With limited time and a limited budget, most visitors can only do two or three. The question everyone asks: which tours are actually worth it?
This guide breaks down every stop, the price, the crowds, and who each tour is best for — so you can decide before you book.
El Nido Island Hopping Tours at a Glance
| Tour | Highlights | Best For | Duration | Price (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tour A | Big & Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, 7 Commandos Beach | First-timers, photographers, couples | ~6 hours | ~₱1,200–₱1,500 |
| Tour B | Entalula Beach, Pinagbuyutan Island, Cathedral Cave, Snake Island | Snorkelers, beach lovers | ~6 hours | ~₱1,200–₱1,500 |
| Tour C | Helicopter Island, Matinloc Shrine, Hidden Beach, Tapuitan Island | Adventurers, those wanting fewer crowds | ~7–8 hours | ~₱1,500–₱1,800 |
| Tour D | Cadlao Lagoon, Paradise Beach, Bukal Beach, Nature Island | Nature seekers, kayakers | ~5–6 hours | ~₱1,200–₱1,500 |
Tour A — The Lagoons & Cliffs (Most Popular)
Tour A is the iconic El Nido experience. The main draws are Big Lagoon — a cathedral of limestone cliffs enclosing a turquoise channel best explored by kayak — and Small Lagoon, where you swim through a narrow rock gap into a hidden pool. Add 7 Commandos Beach for a white-sand lunch stop and the Secret Lagoon for a hidden beach only accessible at low tide, and you have a near-perfect day.
The catch: Tour A is El Nido’s most-booked tour. The lagoons fill up with boats by mid-morning. Go on a weekday or book a private boat to avoid the worst crowds.
| Stop | What to Expect | Entrance Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Big Lagoon | Kayak through towering karst into a glassy lagoon | ₱800 |
| Small Lagoon | Swim through a tight gap into a sheltered cove | Included |
| Secret Lagoon | Walk through a cave to a hidden beach (low tide only) | ₱200 |
| Shimizu Island | Top snorkelling spot — corals and tropical fish | None |
| 7 Commandos Beach | Long white-sand beach, lunch stop | None |
Tour B — Caves, Beaches & Snake Island
Tour B is El Nido’s most underrated tour. Snake Island is a curved sand isthmus that winds between two islands — one of the most photographed views in Palawan, yet most first-timers skip it. Cathedral Cave (Cudugnon Cave) has a dramatic natural arch ceiling. Entalula Beach is a postcard-perfect half-moon cove with excellent swimming. Pinagbuyutan Island has some of the healthiest coral in the bay.
Tour B is significantly less crowded than Tour A and is many locals’ personal favourite. If you can only choose between A and B, many guides quietly recommend B for the better snorkelling and fewer tourists.
Tour C — The Far Islands (Most Spectacular)
Tour C takes you furthest from El Nido town, covering the far northwest of Bacuit Bay. Matinloc Shrine is a ruined hilltop chapel offering panoramic views that most visitors rate as the emotional highlight of their entire El Nido trip. Hidden Beach requires swimming through a narrow rock opening to reach a completely enclosed beach. Tapuitan Island is one of the best spots in the bay to see sea turtles.
Tour C is longer (7–8 hours), costs roughly ₱300–₱500 more, and involves more open-ocean sailing. It’s worth it. The extra distance means fewer crowds at nearly every stop.
Tour D — Cadlao Lagoon (Best for Kayakers)
Tour D focuses on Cadlao Island, the largest island in Bacuit Bay. Cadlao Lagoon mirrors Tour A’s lagoon experience but with a fraction of the visitors. The tour includes mangrove channels, quiet beaches, and long stretches of paddling. It’s the best option for travellers who want peace and quiet, enjoy kayaking, or are visiting El Nido a second time after already doing Tours A and C.
Which Tour Should You Book?
| You are… | Best Tour |
|---|---|
| First-time visitor to El Nido | Tour A |
| Snorkeller or underwater photographer | Tour B |
| Wanting the most dramatic scenery | Tour C |
| Repeat visitor or kayak enthusiast | Tour D |
| Only 2 days for island hopping | Tour A + Tour C |
| Hate crowds and want hidden gems | Tour B or D |
Best 3-day combo: Tour A → Tour C → Tour B. This covers the full bay without repeating any stops.
Practical Tips
- Book the evening before — tour operators sell spots the night before departure. Don’t leave it to the same morning.
- Bring cash — Big Lagoon entrance (₱800) and environmental fees (₱200) are paid on the day in cash. ATMs sometimes run dry; withdraw before arriving.
- Go early — boats depart around 9–9:30 AM. Earlier is better for beating the crowds at the most popular stops.
- Private vs. shared boat — shared tours fit 15–20 people. Private boats (₱5,000–₱8,000 per boat) give flexibility but only make sense for groups of 4+.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best El Nido island hopping tour?
Tour A is essential for first-timers (Big Lagoon, 7 Commandos Beach). Tour C is consistently rated most spectacular overall (Matinloc Shrine, Hidden Beach). If choosing two tours, do Tour A and Tour C.
How much do El Nido island hopping tours cost in 2026?
Shared tours cost ₱1,200–₱1,800 per person including the boat, snorkelling gear, and lunch. You also pay a ₱200 Environmental User Fee and entrance fees on the day (e.g. ₱800 for Big Lagoon). Private boats run ₱5,000–₱8,000 for the whole boat.
Can I do multiple El Nido tours in one day?
No — each tour is a full-day trip (5–8 hours at sea). You can do one tour per day.
Which El Nido tour has the best snorkelling?
Tour B (Pinagbuyutan Island) has the healthiest corals and most abundant fish. Tour C (Tapuitan Island) is excellent for sea turtles. Tour A’s Shimizu Island is also a strong snorkelling stop.
Is Tour C worth the extra cost?
Yes. Tour C costs roughly ₱300–₱500 more due to the longer distance. Matinloc Shrine and Hidden Beach are consistently rated as El Nido trip highlights. Bring sea-sickness medication if you’re sensitive to ocean swell.
