El Nido’s island-hopping trips are labelled A, B, C and D, and for most first-time visitors the real decision comes down to Tour A versus Tour C. Both are full-day boat tours around Bacuit Bay, both are stunning, and both cost about the same — but they show you very different sides of the archipelago. Tour A is the lagoon-and-swimming classic, while Tour C is the dramatic hidden-beaches-and-snorkelling adventure. This guide compares their stops, highlights, difficulty and vibe so you can pick the right one, or plan to do both.
El Nido Island Hopping Tours: The Basics
All standard tours run on shared bangka outriggers, depart mid-morning, and return in the late afternoon. Prices are government-regulated and typically fall around PHP 1,400–1,600 per person, including lunch, snorkel gear and hotel-area pickup. On top of that, everyone pays a one-time Eco-Tourism Development Fee (around PHP 400) that is valid for about 10 days. For a full overview of every route, see our island hopping tours A, B, C and D comparison.
What Tour A Covers
The main stops
Tour A is the most popular route and focuses on the famous lagoons: the Big Lagoon, the Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island and Seven Commandos Beach. It is the route most people picture when they imagine El Nido.
Highlights
The Big Lagoon is the showstopper — a wide, shallow channel of turquoise water hemmed in by towering limestone cliffs, best explored by kayak. The Small Lagoon rewards those who swim or paddle through a narrow gap into a hidden pool. Seven Commandos is a classic sandy beach for a relaxed end to the day.
Who it suits
Choose Tour A if it is your first time, if you love calm swimming and kayaking, or if lagoon scenery is at the top of your list. It is also the gentlest option for families and less-confident swimmers. To decide which lagoon to prioritise, read our Big Lagoon vs Small Lagoon guide.
What Tour C Covers
The main stops
Tour C ranges further out and takes in Hidden Beach, Secret Beach, Matinloc Shrine, Helicopter Island (Dilumacad) and a snorkelling or beach stop such as Star Beach. The scenery is wilder and more open than the sheltered lagoons of Tour A.
Highlights
Hidden Beach is tucked behind a rock wall you wade around to reach, opening onto a quiet cove. Secret Beach is entered through a small crack in the cliff — a genuine adventure. Matinloc Shrine offers a short climb to one of the best viewpoints in the bay, and Helicopter Island has excellent snorkelling along its reef.
Who it suits
Choose Tour C if you want dramatic rock formations, better snorkelling and a slightly more active day with some wading and climbing. Confident swimmers get the most out of it. For what you will see underwater, see our El Nido snorkelling spots and marine life guide.
Tour A vs Tour C: Side-by-Side
| Feature | Tour A | Tour C |
|---|---|---|
| Main draw | Lagoons & kayaking | Hidden beaches & snorkelling |
| Signature stop | Big Lagoon | Secret Beach / Matinloc |
| Water conditions | Calm, sheltered | More open sea |
| Snorkelling | Good | Excellent |
| Activity level | Easy–moderate | Moderate |
| Best for | First-timers, families | Adventurous swimmers |
| Crowds | Busiest route | Slightly quieter |
How to Choose as a First-Timer
If you can only do one tour, most first-timers should start with Tour A for its iconic lagoon scenery and gentle pace. If you are a strong swimmer who prioritises snorkelling and adventure over postcard lagoons, Tour C is the better single pick. Have two days for the water? Do both — A first to see the lagoons, then C for the reefs and hidden coves. The two routes complement each other and give you the fullest picture of Bacuit Bay. Those wanting even quieter coves can add a self-guided visit and read our Hidden Beach and Secret Lagoon guide.
How to Book and What to Bring
Book through your hotel, a licensed tour office in town, or online a day or two ahead in high season. Joiner (shared) tours are the standard; private charters cost more but let you customise the stops and timing. Prices are fixed by the local government, so be cautious of anything far below the going rate.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a rash guard, water shoes, a dry bag, cash for the eco-fee and extras, and a waterproof phone case for photos. Kayak rental at the lagoons is sometimes a small extra charge. Wear your swimsuit under your clothes so you are ready at the first stop. If you are choosing a base close to the pier for early departures, compare options in our Bacuit Bay resorts guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tour A or Tour C better?
Neither is objectively better. Tour A wins for lagoons, kayaking and calm water; Tour C wins for hidden beaches and snorkelling. First-timers usually prefer Tour A, while adventurous swimmers lean toward Tour C.
Can you do Tour A and Tour C in one day?
No. Each is a full-day tour, so you would do them on separate days. Many visitors schedule Tour A on one day and Tour C on the next.
How much do El Nido tours cost?
Expect around PHP 1,400–1,600 per person, including lunch and snorkel gear, plus a one-time Eco-Tourism Development Fee of about PHP 400 valid for roughly 10 days.
Which tour is best for snorkelling?
Tour C generally has the better snorkelling, with reef stops like Helicopter Island, though Tour A still includes good snorkelling spots.
Sample Two-Day Plan Combining Tour A and Tour C
If your schedule allows two full days on the water, a simple back-to-back plan works beautifully. On day one, take Tour A: start early to reach the Big Lagoon before the crowds, rent a kayak for an hour, then swim through to the Small Lagoon and finish with lunch and a relaxed afternoon at Seven Commandos Beach. Rest that evening, rinse your gear and recharge your camera. On day two, switch to Tour C: the longer boat ride out is part of the experience, and you will arrive at Secret Beach and Hidden Beach fresh and ready to explore. Save your energy for the short climb at Matinloc Shrine, which delivers the best panoramic view of the trip, and cap the day snorkelling the reef at Helicopter Island. Doing the tours in this order eases you from calm, sheltered water into the more open, adventurous stops.
Tips to Beat the Crowds on Either Tour
Both routes can get busy in peak season, but a few tactics make a big difference. Book the earliest departure you can, since the first boats reach the marquee stops before the mid-morning rush. Consider a private charter if you are travelling as a group, so you can reverse the usual stop order and arrive at the Big Lagoon or Secret Beach when everyone else is elsewhere. Visit in the shoulder months for thinner crowds, and be ready to jump in the water quickly at each stop rather than lingering on the boat. Finally, be a considerate guest: use reef-safe sunscreen, never touch or stand on coral, and take all your rubbish back with you so these lagoons stay pristine for the next visitors.
