El Nido Tour B is one of the most underrated island hopping experiences in Palawan — and arguably one of the most breathtaking. Unlike the famous Tour A (Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon), Tour B ventures into the northern archipelago where fewer tourists venture, featuring dramatic limestone cliffs, crystal-clear lagoons, and the legendary Secret Beach hidden inside a rock formation.
This complete 2026 guide covers everything you need to know: what to expect at each stop, how to book, prices, what to bring, and how Tour B compares to other El Nido tours.
- What Is El Nido Tour B?
- El Nido Tour B Stops: Complete Itinerary
- Tour B vs Other El Nido Tours: Which Is Best?
- How to Book El Nido Tour B in 2026
- Tour B Prices 2026
- What to Bring on Tour B
- Best Time for Tour B in El Nido
- Tour B Frequently Asked Questions
- Book Your El Nido Hotels for Tour B
- Conclusion: Is Tour B Worth It?
What Is El Nido Tour B?
Tour B is one of El Nido’s four official island hopping tours managed by the El Nido Tourism Association (ENTA). It covers the northern islands of the Bacuit Archipelago and typically visits 5–6 stops over a full day (approximately 6–8 hours on the water).
Tour B is best known for its Secret Beach — a hidden paradise accessible only by swimming through a narrow underwater gap in the rock — and the iconic Snake Island sandbar with its distinctive S-curve shape visible from above.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Duration | Full day (6–8 hours) |
| Departure time | 8:00–9:00 AM |
| Return time | 4:00–5:00 PM |
| Joiner tour price | PHP 1,500–1,800 per person |
| Private tour price | PHP 6,000–9,000 per boat |
| Max group size (joiner) | 10–15 people per boat |
| Entrance fees | PHP 200 (environmental fee) + PHP 400 (ENTA fee) |
| Difficulty | Moderate (some swimming required for Secret Beach) |
| Best for | Adventurers, couples, first-timers wanting less crowds |
El Nido Tour B Stops: Complete Itinerary
The exact route varies by boat operator, but a typical Tour B covers these stops:
Stop 1: Snake Island Sandbar
Your first stop is usually the Snake Island sandbar — a stunning white sand formation that snakes in an S-curve between two islands. At low tide, you can walk the entire sandbar with turquoise water on both sides. Aerial photos of this formation are among the most shared images of El Nido.
- Time spent: 30–45 minutes
- Activities: Walking the sandbar, photography, snorkeling nearby
- Tide dependency: Best at low to mid tide (sandbar submerges at high tide)
- Pro tip: The hike up to the viewpoint takes about 10 minutes and offers the iconic overhead shot — worth every step
Stop 2: Cudugnon Cave
Cudugnon Cave is a limestone cave with archaeological significance — ancient burial jars and artifacts have been found here dating back over 2,000 years. The cave is large enough to walk through and opens onto a small beach. Swimming and snorkeling in the clear waters outside the cave is excellent.
- Time spent: 30–45 minutes
- Activities: Cave exploration, swimming, snorkeling
- Marine life: Colorful reef fish, sea turtles occasionally spotted
- Note: Flash photography inside the cave is restricted to preserve the formation
Stop 3: Secret Beach (Highlight)
This is the star of Tour B. Secret Beach is a pristine white sand beach hidden completely inside a ring of limestone cliffs. The only way in is to dive or swim through a narrow underwater passage — about 3–5 meters long — and emerge into a secluded paradise that feels like it was made for Instagram.
- Time spent: 45–60 minutes
- Swimming requirement: Yes — you must swim through a narrow gap underwater (snorkel recommended)
- Difficulty: Moderate — the gap is small but manageable for most swimmers
- Non-swimmers: Can stay on the boat and snorkel in the surrounding area instead
- Water clarity: Exceptional — often 15–20 meter visibility
Important note: Secret Beach can get crowded mid-morning (10 AM–12 PM) when multiple boats arrive simultaneously. If your operator offers flexibility, ask to visit in the early afternoon instead.
Stop 4: Matinloc Shrine (Lunch Stop)
Matinloc Shrine is an abandoned Catholic shrine perched on a rocky hillside of Matinloc Island. The views from the shrine over the Bacuit Archipelago are among the most dramatic in all of El Nido. Lunch is typically served on the beach here — fresh grilled fish, rice, vegetables, and tropical fruit prepared by your boat crew.
- Time spent: 60–90 minutes (lunch + exploration)
- Hike to shrine: 10–15 minutes up steep steps (worth it for the panoramic view)
- Beach: White sand, calm water, good for swimming
- Lunch: Included in all joiner and private tours
Stop 5: Matinloc Lagoon (Hidden Beach)
Near Matinloc Shrine is a small hidden beach and lagoon accessible through a narrow channel. The water is a brilliant shade of blue-green, and the beach inside is completely sheltered from wind and waves. This is one of the calmer stops on Tour B and great for swimming.
Stop 6: Snorkeling Stop
Most Tour B boats include at least one dedicated snorkeling stop with healthy coral gardens. Papaya Beach or Helens Garden are popular choices, with vibrant reef ecosystems including sea turtles, reef sharks (harmless), clownfish, and various tropical species.
Tour B vs Other El Nido Tours: Which Is Best?
| Tour | Highlights | Crowds | Best For | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tour A | Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Shimizu Island | Very High | Lagoon lovers, first-timers | Easy |
| Tour B | Secret Beach, Snake Island, Matinloc Shrine | Medium | Adventurers, photographers | Moderate |
| Tour C | Hidden Beach, Helicopter Island, Entalula Beach | Medium | Snorkelers, beach lovers | Easy |
| Tour D | Cadlao Lagoon, North Miniloc, Bukal | Low | Off-the-beaten-path seekers | Easy |
Our verdict: Tour B offers the best balance of adventure (Secret Beach entry) and scenery (Snake Island, Matinloc views) while being significantly less crowded than Tour A. If you’re doing only one tour, Tour A is the classic. But if you have time for two, Tour B should absolutely be your second choice.
How to Book El Nido Tour B in 2026
Option 1: Book Through Your Hotel
Most hotels in El Nido town can arrange tour bookings. This is convenient but typically adds a commission markup of PHP 100–300 per person. Confirm the operator they use before booking.
Option 2: Book Directly at the Tourism Office
The El Nido Tourism Association (ENTA) office is located on Calle Hama Street near the port. Booking directly here ensures you’re getting an officially registered operator and avoids hotel commissions. Available walk-in or via WhatsApp.
Option 3: Book Online via Klook or KKday
Online booking platforms offer price transparency and the ability to book weeks in advance. Ideal during peak season (December–May) when boats fill up quickly.
Option 4: Private Charter
For maximum flexibility — your own schedule, stops, and pace — book a private boat. A private Tour B typically costs PHP 6,000–9,000 for the full day. Split between 6–8 people, this can actually be cheaper per-person than a joiner tour while giving you dramatically more flexibility.
Tour B Prices 2026
| Type | Price (PHP) | Price (USD approx) | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joiner Tour (per person) | 1,500–1,800 | $26–31 | Boat, lunch, snorkel gear |
| Private Tour (per boat) | 6,000–9,000 | $105–157 | Boat, lunch, snorkel gear, flexibility |
| Environmental Fee | 200 | $3.50 | Mandatory, paid once per stay |
| ENTA Tourism Fee | 400 | $7 | Required with tours |
| Total joiner (all-in) | ~2,100–2,400 | $37–42 | All fees included |
Note: Fees quoted in PHP. Environmental fee is paid once per stay in El Nido (not per tour). If you’ve already paid it for Tour A, you won’t pay again for Tour B.
What to Bring on Tour B
- Reef-safe sunscreen (regular sunscreen is banned in El Nido marine reserve — bring biodegradable)
- Snorkel mask (gear is usually provided but quality varies; bring your own for comfort)
- Water shoes (useful for rocky beach entries, especially at Cudugnon Cave)
- Waterproof bag for your phone and valuables
- Cash — PHP 200–300 extra for drinks from boat vendors
- Action camera or GoPro for Secret Beach underwater shots
- Light snacks if you get hungry between stops (lunch is provided)
- Rash guard for sun protection during long snorkel sessions
Best Time for Tour B in El Nido
Tour B operates year-round, but conditions vary significantly by season:
| Month | Conditions | Crowds | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| December–February | Excellent | High | Peak dry season, flat seas, best visibility |
| March–May | Excellent | Very High | Hottest months, school holiday crowds |
| June–August | Mixed | Low | Rainy season — some days cancelled, others fine |
| September–October | Variable | Low | Typhoon risk, but shoulder season deals |
| November | Good | Medium | Dry season beginning, good value |
Secret Beach tip: The swim through the underwater gap becomes easier at low tide. Check the daily tide chart (ask at your hotel) and request a morning departure if possible for the best Secret Beach conditions.
Tour B Frequently Asked Questions
Can non-swimmers do Tour B?
Yes — but you’ll miss the Secret Beach entry. Non-swimmers can snorkel near the boat while others swim through the gap. Life jackets are provided, and you can enjoy all other stops without swimming ability.
Is Tour B better than Tour A?
They’re different experiences. Tour A features the famous Big Lagoon and is the most popular tour in El Nido. Tour B is less crowded and has the unique Secret Beach adventure. Many visitors do both over two consecutive days.
How crowded is Tour B?
Significantly less crowded than Tour A. During peak season, you may share Secret Beach with 2–4 other boats, compared to 15–20 boats at the Big Lagoon. This is one of Tour B’s biggest advantages.
Can I do Tour B and Tour A on the same day?
No — each tour is a full-day experience (6–8 hours). You would need separate days for each tour. If you have 3 days in El Nido, a popular sequence is: Day 1 Tour A, Day 2 Tour B, Day 3 free exploration or Tour C/D.
What if the weather is bad?
Tour B will be cancelled or delayed if sea conditions are dangerous. Reputable operators will notify you by 7 AM on the morning of your tour. You’ll typically receive a full refund or rebooking option. This is more likely June–October during rainy season.
Is lunch included in Tour B?
Yes — all Tour B packages include a freshly prepared lunch served at Matinloc Shrine Beach. Typically: grilled fish or chicken, garlic rice, vegetables, fresh fruit, and water. Vegetarian options are available on request (inform your operator when booking).
Book Your El Nido Hotels for Tour B
For Tour B, most tour boats depart from El Nido Town pier. Staying in El Nido Town gives you the most convenient access. Here are top-rated hotels near the tour departure point:
| Hotel | Rating | Price Range | Distance to Pier | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| El Nido Cove Resort | 4.5★ | $$ | 5 min walk | Booking.com |
| Frangipani El Nido | 4.3★ | $$ | 8 min walk | Agoda |
| Cadlao Resort | 4.7★ | $$$ | Beachfront | Booking.com |
| El Nido Bay Inn | 4.0★ | $ | 3 min walk | Agoda |
Conclusion: Is Tour B Worth It?
Absolutely. El Nido Tour B delivers the full island hopping experience with fewer crowds, a genuinely adventurous Secret Beach entry, and some of the most spectacular viewpoints in the Bacuit Archipelago. It’s the ideal tour for travelers who want something slightly more adventurous than Tour A without the extreme remoteness of Tour D.
If you’re visiting El Nido for 3 or more days, add Tour B to your itinerary alongside Tour A — the two complement each other perfectly and together give you the full El Nido island hopping experience.
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