El Nido Tour C is arguably the best island-hopping tour for snorkeling enthusiasts — and one of the most underrated of the four routes. While Tour A gets the glory for its dramatic lagoons, Tour C delivers the archipelago’s finest underwater scenery: HP Reef’s coral walls, the crystal waters of Shimizu Island, and the history-laden Matinloc Shrine. This 2026 guide covers every stop and gives you the tips to make it extraordinary.
Tour C Overview
- Route: South-western Bacuit Archipelago
- Duration: Full day (~7–8 hours)
- Departs: ~9am from El Nido town pier
- Returns: ~5pm
- Cost: ₱1,200–₱1,500/person (shared, lunch included)
- Park fee: ₱200–₱400 paid at the pier
- Best for: Snorkelers, divers, those who’ve done Tour A and want different scenery
Tour C Stops
1. Shimizu Island
Often the first stop on Tour C, Shimizu Island has one of the most diverse and accessible coral reefs in the Bacuit Archipelago. The snorkeling is excellent from the beach — corals start in knee-deep water and the fish diversity is impressive (parrotfish, clownfish, surgeonfish, occasional sea turtles). The beach itself is attractive with fine white sand and good shade.
- Best for: Snorkeling, swimming
- Visibility: Excellent in dry season (10–20m)
- Tip: Enter the water from the eastern end of the beach for the best coral coverage
2. HP Reef (Hidden Passage Reef)
The undisputed snorkeling highlight of the entire El Nido tour circuit. HP Reef features dramatic coral walls descending from just below the surface to 20+ meters, with extraordinary fish life — Napoleon wrasse, giant grouper, lionfish, and dense schools of reef fish. The passage between two limestone walls creates a natural channel with strong fish activity. This is the stop that makes Tour C worth choosing.
- Best for: Snorkeling, freediving, underwater photography
- Depth: Snorkelers can see the top of the wall from the surface; divers can go deep
- Tip: Bring an underwater camera — this is El Nido’s best above-water-to-below photography location
3. Star Beach
A classic El Nido powdery-white-sand beach stop with shallow, calm turquoise water. Some operators serve lunch here; others serve at Shimizu. Star Beach has minimal development — just the natural beach, a few coconut palms, and the limestone backdrop. Perfect for post-snorkel relaxation.
4. Matinloc Shrine
A small Catholic shrine perched dramatically on a limestone cliff overlooking the ocean. The 15-minute climb rewards you with one of El Nido’s most panoramic views — a sweeping vista of the southern archipelago, Matinloc Island, and the brilliant blue water below. The contrast between the religious iconography and the wild tropical scenery is striking and memorable.
- Best for: Views, photography, spiritual interest
- Effort: Moderate climb on steps cut into the cliff; worth every step
- Tip: Go early in the tour stop before other groups crowd the viewpoint
5. Secret Beach (Matinloc)
Some Tour C itineraries include a second “Secret Beach” accessible by swimming through a gap in Matinloc Island’s cliffs. Similar in concept to Tour A’s Secret Beach — a hidden cove accessible only by swimming — this one is less visited and often more serene.
Tour C vs Tour A: Which First?
Do Tour A first — the lagoons are El Nido’s signature. Then do Tour C on Day 2 or 3 — the snorkeling quality at HP Reef surpasses anything on Tour A, and the Matinloc Shrine viewpoint is one of the trip’s highlights that Tour A misses entirely. Together, Tours A and C cover the best of El Nido’s above-water and below-water scenery.
Tips for Tour C
- Bring your own snorkel mask — HP Reef deserves proper equipment; rental masks often leak and scratch visibility
- Freedive at HP Reef if you can — even 3–4 meters below the surface, the coral wall becomes dramatically richer
- Climb the shrine early — get there before other boats arrive for unobstructed views from the top
- Reef-safe sunscreen only — HP Reef is pristine and worth protecting
- Ask about the Secret Beach stop — not all operators include it; specifically request it when booking
For a comparison of all four tours, see our guides to Tour A, Tour B, and Tour D. For island hopping strategy and booking tips, read our island hopping tips guide.
