Ultimate Guide to El Nido Island Hopping 2026
Discover the 4 World-Class Island Tours
A trip to El Nido is simply incomplete without venturing out onto the water. The true soul of this destination lies within the 45 limestone islands scattered across Bacuit Bay. To make exploration easy, these islands are grouped into four standardized routes: Tours A, B, C, and D. Whether you dream of kayaking through majestic lagoons, discovering hidden beaches, or snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, this 2026 guide will help you choose the perfect itinerary for your tropical escape.
Most Popular Choice
Sandbar & Caves
Best Snorkeling
Relaxing & Beaches
The Classic Lagoon Expedition
Tour A is the most popular choice for first-timers and arguably the most famous route in El Nido. It features the iconic "Big Lagoon" and showcases the dramatic limestone landscapes that put Palawan on the map.
Most
Popular
Choice
The Classic Must Visit
Tour A is undeniably the “postcard” experience of El Nido. If you only have time for one tour, this is the one to book. The absolute highlight is the Big Lagoon, where you can rent a kayak and paddle through a narrow waterway that opens up into a massive, emerald-green pool surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. The sense of scale and silence here is truly breathtaking.
Beyond the lagoon, the tour stops at Shimizu Island, a favorite spot for a beachside lunch and snorkeling among vibrant coral gardens. The day typically concludes at Seven Commandos Beach, where you can relax with a fresh coconut under the palms. Tour A offers the perfect balance of adventure, sightseeing, and relaxation.
Kayaking Adventure
Paddling into the Big Lagoon is a magical experience, offering a front-row seat to nature’s grandeur.
Iconic Limestone Scenery
This route features the most classic karst formations, providing the most dramatic visual impact in Bacuit Bay.
Perfect Beach Finale
Ends at Seven Commandos Beach, known for its powdery white sand and laid-back tropical vibe.
Tour Highlights
Big Lagoon / Shimizu Island / Secret Lagoon / Seven Commandos Beach
Sandbars & Caves Adventure
Tour B offers a unique change of pace, highlighting a magnificent sandbar and mysterious prehistoric caves. It is generally more relaxed and less crowded than A and C, perfect for those who appreciate geological wonders.
Sandbar
& Caves
Sandbar & Adventure
Tour B showcases the diverse geology of El Nido. The star attraction is Snake Island, named not for reptiles, but for its long, S-shaped white sandbar that connects two islands. At low tide, you can walk along this sandbar in the middle of the sea—a surreal experience that feels like walking on water.
This route also emphasizes cave exploration, featuring sites like Cudugnon Cave, an important archaeological site believed to have sheltered Neolithic humans. You’ll often need to squeeze through narrow rock openings to enter the majestic cavern chambers. With fewer tourists on this route, Tour B offers a quieter, more intimate connection with the environment.
Unique S-Shaped Sandbar
Walking on the Snake Island sandbar with crystal clear water on both sides is a highlight for photographers and drone pilots.
Spelunking Fun
Crawling into Cudugnon Cave and Cathedral Cave offers a fun, adventurous twist to the usual beach hopping.
Relaxed Atmosphere
Ideally suited for travelers who want to avoid the hustle and bustle of the more popular tours.
Tour Highlights
Snake Island / Cudugnon Cave / Cathedral Cave / Pinagbuyutan Island / Entalula Beach
Hidden Beaches & Shrines
Tour C is often cited as the most beautiful route, focusing on "secret" spots hidden behind rock walls and offering the best underwater visibility. It is the top choice for snorkelers and those who love a sense of mystery.
Best
Snorkeling
Best for Snorkeling
If Tour A is about grand landscapes, Tour C is about discovery. This route takes you to places that nature has tried to hide, such as the famous Hidden Beach. To access it, you often have to swim through a small opening in the rocks, revealing a secluded paradise inside. This sense of adventure makes Tour C incredibly special.
Additionally, this route boasts the clearest waters in El Nido, making it a snorkeler’s paradise. You will also visit the Matinloc Shrine, an abandoned site where you can hike up a cliff to capture one of the most spectacular panoramic photos of the jagged coastline and deep blue sea. If you want to avoid the heaviest crowds of Tour A while seeing world-class nature, Tour C is the answer.
Top-Tier Snorkeling
With superior water clarity and abundant marine life, this is the best route for underwater exploration.
Uncovering Hidden Gems
The thrill of swimming through rock crevices to find Secret and Hidden Beaches adds a layer of adventure.
Spectacular Panoramic Views
The viewpoint at Matinloc Shrine offers the best aerial-style view of the islands without a drone.
Tour Highlights
Hidden Beach / Matinloc Shrine / Helicopter Island / Secret Beach / Talisay Beach
Serene Beach Escapes
Tour D is the closest route to El Nido town but paradoxically the most overlooked gem. It focuses on pristine beaches and the stunning Cadlao Lagoon, making it the ultimate choice for peace, quiet, and relaxation.
Relaxing
& Beaches
Off the Beaten Path
If you have already done the main tours or simply want to escape the world to read a book and float in the sea, Tour D is your sanctuary. This route centers around Cadlao Island, the largest island in the bay. The Cadlao Lagoon here rivals the Big Lagoon in beauty but comes without the crowds, offering a serene kayaking experience that feels almost private.
Tour D visits several small, exquisite beaches like Paradise Beach and Pasandigan Beach. These spots are often empty, giving you the feeling of having a private island for the day. It is an unhurried journey designed for pure enjoyment of the sun, sand, and sea.
Escape the Crowds
The least visited of the four standard tours, offering the highest level of privacy and tranquility.
The Serenity of Cadlao
Cadlao Lagoon offers dramatic scenery similar to Tour A but with a peaceful, silent atmosphere.
Dreamy Virgin Beaches
Stops at untouched beaches that are perfect for couples or solo travelers seeking solitude.
Tour Highlights
Cadlao Lagoon / Paradise Beach / Pasandigan Beach / Bukal Beach / Ipil Beach
