Packing right for El Nido makes a dramatic difference — island-hopping days have very specific requirements, and the town’s limited shopping means forgetting essentials is costly. This list is refined from hundreds of visitor reports and covers every scenario.
Island Hopping Essentials (Non-Negotiable)
- Reef-safe sunscreen (zinc oxide-based) — regular sunscreen damages coral and is discouraged in the marine sanctuary. PHP 400–800 in El Nido town if needed.
- Dry bag (10–20L) — protects phone, passport copy, cash, and camera. Essential on every boat.
- Rash guard or UV shirt — more effective than sunscreen for long days on the water. Lightweight and dries fast.
- Snorkelling mask — tour boats provide basic gear, but your own mask gives a much better fit and clearer vision. Worth bringing from home.
- Water shoes — some tour stops require walking on uneven rocks or shallow reef entry. Protects feet significantly.
- Cash (PHP) — tour operators, most restaurants, and markets are cash only. ATMs in town are unreliable. See the El Nido budget guide for how much to bring.
Clothing
- Swimwear (2–3 sets — you’ll be in them most of the day)
- Lightweight quick-dry shorts and tops for evenings in town
- One light layer for cooler evenings or air-conditioned transport
- Flip flops for town, closed shoes for trike and scooter rides
- Hat with a strap (wind on boats blows off regular caps)
- Polarised sunglasses
Health and Safety
- Motion sickness tablets — boat crossings can be choppy, especially June–October
- Insect repellent (DEET-based) — mangroves and forested areas have mosquitoes
- Basic first aid: antiseptic, plasters, blister treatment
- Prescription medications in carry-on — pharmacies in El Nido are limited
- Travel insurance documents — see our El Nido travel insurance guide for what coverage to get
Electronics
- Waterproof phone case or underwater pouch (PHP 100–300 in town)
- GoPro or waterproof camera — smartphones in pouches work well for casual photography
- Universal power bank (boats have no charging)
- Philippines uses Type A/B plugs (US-style) — most adapters are compatible
- For photography tips and best locations, read the El Nido photography guide
Documents
- Passport (original for check-in, photocopy for tours)
- PHP 200 ecotourism fee (per person, required for all island-hopping tour stops)
- Hotel booking confirmation
- Copies of travel insurance policy
What to Leave at Home
- Laptop (unless working remotely — see digital nomad guide for coworking options)
- Excessive casual clothing (laundry services are cheap and fast in town)
- Non-reef-safe sunscreen (use zinc only in El Nido)
Linking Packing to Your Itinerary
Your packing list shifts depending on trip length. The 3-day packing requirements are simpler than the 7-day version which may include inland hikes, diving, and more varied activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I pack for El Nido island hopping?
The essentials: reef-safe sunscreen, dry bag (10–20L), rash guard, snorkel mask, water shoes, cash in PHP, hat with a strap, and motion sickness tablets. Everything else is secondary — the boat, lunch, and basic snorkel gear are provided on tours.
Can I buy supplies in El Nido?
Yes — El Nido Town has shops selling sunscreen, dry bags, rash guards, flip flops, and most basics. Quality and selection are limited and prices are higher than Manila. Don’t rely on buying reef-safe sunscreen in El Nido — bring it from home.
Is a dry bag essential for El Nido tours?
Yes. Boats take on spray and occasionally experience rough crossings. Your phone, cash, and documents need protection. A 10–15L dry bag (PHP 300–600) is the single most useful item you can bring.
What kind of shoes should I wear on El Nido tours?
Water shoes or reef shoes are ideal for tour stops with rocky entry points. Basic flip flops work for sandy beach stops. Bring both if possible — they take up minimal space and weight.
