El Nido’s island-hopping tours are labelled A, B, C and D, and while Tours A and C get most of the attention, Tours B and D are the quieter, more relaxed alternatives. If you have already done the headline lagoons or simply want fewer crowds, choosing between Tour B and Tour D is a common dilemma. This guide breaks down what each tour includes, who they suit, and how to decide.
What is El Nido Tour B?
Tour B is the least-visited of the four standard tours, which is exactly its appeal. It focuses on caves, snorkeling and a couple of scenic islands rather than the famous lagoons. Typical stops include Snake Island (Vigan Island) with its tidal sandbar, Pinagbuyutan Island, Cathedral Cave viewed from the boat, Cudugnon Cave and Entalula Beach. Because so few boats run Tour B, you often get sandbars and snorkeling spots close to yourself.
Snake Island is the signature stop: a long S-shaped sandbar links two islands at low tide, and a short climb gives a wide view over Bacuit Bay. Read our detailed guide to Pinagbuyutan Island to see one of Tour B’s most photogenic stops up close.
What is El Nido Tour D?
Tour D is the “beaches and lagoons on a budget of crowds” option, staying closer to town and Cadlao Island, the largest island in Bacuit Bay. Typical stops include Cadlao Lagoon, Paradise Beach, Natnat Beach, Ipil Beach and Pasandigan Cove. It is a gentle, swim-and-relax day with short boat transfers, which makes it popular with families and anyone prone to seasickness.
Cadlao Lagoon is the highlight, a calm emerald inlet ringed by cliffs that feels similar to the more famous lagoons but with fewer boats. Our guide to Cadlao Island and Cadlao Lagoon covers this stop in depth.
Tour B vs Tour D: side-by-side comparison
Both tours are calmer than A and C, but they deliver quite different days on the water. Use this table to match a tour to your priorities.
| Feature | Tour B | Tour D |
|---|---|---|
| Main theme | Caves, sandbars, snorkeling | Beaches and a calm lagoon |
| Signature stop | Snake Island sandbar | Cadlao Lagoon |
| Crowds | Lowest of all tours | Low to moderate |
| Boat time | Moderate | Short, close to town |
| Best for | Snorkelers, photographers | Families, relaxed swimmers |
| Seasickness risk | Moderate | Low |
Which tour should you choose?
Choose Tour B if you love snorkeling, caves and dramatic sandbars, and you want the emptiest boats in El Nido. It rewards travelers who have already ticked off Tours A and C and want something different. Choose Tour D if you prefer swimming at quiet beaches, want a lagoon experience without the Tour A crowds, or are travelling with children who need short boat rides and easy stops.
Many visitors pair Tour A first for the iconic lagoons, then add Tour B or D as a slower second day. If you only have time for one tour and have never island-hopped in El Nido, Tour A is still the classic starting point, but between B and D the decision comes down to caves-and-snorkeling versus beaches-and-lagoon.
Booking tips for Tour B and Tour D
Both tours can be booked through town agencies or your hotel, and prices are regulated so they are broadly similar. Because Tour B runs less frequently, book a day ahead to be sure it departs. All tours require an Eco-Tourism Development Fee, valid for several days, so keep your receipt. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes for rocky entries, and a dry bag. For a smoother first trip, our guide to first-timer mistakes to avoid is worth a read before you go.
What to pack for either tour
A typical tour day runs from mid-morning to late afternoon and includes a cooked lunch on a beach. Pack a hat, a rash guard for sun protection, cash for the fee and small extras, and a waterproof phone pouch. Signal is minimal on the water, so download anything you need beforehand and treat the day as an offline one on Bacuit Bay.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tour B or Tour D less crowded?
Tour B is the least crowded of all four El Nido tours because far fewer boats run it. Tour D is also quieter than Tours A and C, but Tour B usually wins for solitude.
Which tour is better for families?
Tour D suits families best. The boat transfers are short, the stops are calm swimming beaches, and Cadlao Lagoon is gentle, which is ideal for children and anyone prone to seasickness.
Can I do Tour B and Tour D on the same day?
No. Each standard tour is a full-day trip. If you want both, book them on separate days, ideally with a relaxed evening in between.
Do I still pay the Eco-Tourism fee for Tours B and D?
Yes. The Eco-Tourism Development Fee applies to all island-hopping tours. It is valid for several days, so you pay once and can reuse the receipt across multiple tour days.
