El Nido’s four island hopping tours are the main reason most travelers make the 5-hour journey from Puerto Princesa. But which one should you do? This guide breaks down exactly what Tours A, B, C, and D include in 2026, with honest advice on which is worth your day.
How El Nido Island Hopping Works
The El Nido municipal government has standardized four island hopping routes — Tours A, B, C, and D. All tours depart around 9 AM, return around 4 to 5 PM, and include a beach barbecue lunch. You travel by traditional Filipino bangka (outrigger boat) with a boat crew and guide. Prices are set by the municipality at ₱1,200 to ₱1,400 per person for a shared boat.
You can also charter a private boat for your group — this lets you spend more time at each stop and avoid the 9 AM rush with every other tourist. Private boats cost around ₱5,000 to ₱8,000 for the full day depending on boat size and tour route.
Tour A — The Most Popular
Stops: Big Lagoon · Secret Lagoon · Shimizu Island (lunch) · Seven Commandos Beach
Tour A is the one you see in every El Nido photo. The Big Lagoon is a cathedral-like stretch of emerald water enclosed by towering limestone cliffs — paddling a kayak through it is genuinely one of the most beautiful experiences in the Philippines. The Secret Lagoon requires swimming through a narrow passage in the rock to reach a hidden pool surrounded by cliffs.
Honest review: Tour A is stunning but busy. The Big Lagoon has a daily entry quota so book early. The 9 AM departure means you arrive at most stops at the same time as 40 other boats. If possible, book a private boat for Tour A — the difference in experience when you’re alone in the lagoon is enormous.
Best for: First-time visitors to El Nido. Do not skip it despite the crowds.
Tour B — The Hidden Gem
Stops: Snake Island · Pinagbuyutan Island · Cudugnon Cave · Cathedral Cave · BBQ lunch
Tour B is the least crowded of the four tours and arguably the most underrated. Snake Island is a stunning sandbar that extends into the sea like a serpent at low tide — perfect for photos. Pinagbuyutan Island has some of the best snorkeling in El Nido with healthy coral and an abundance of fish. Cathedral Cave is a sea cave accessible only by swimming through a narrow entrance.
Honest review: Fewer tourists, excellent snorkeling, and unique landscapes you do not see on Tours A or C. Many experienced Palawan travelers rank Tour B as their favourite.
Best for: Travelers who have done Tour A before, or anyone who prefers fewer crowds over iconic spots.
Tour C — The Dramatic One
Stops: Helicopter Island · Secret Beach · Matinloc Shrine · Hidden Beach · Talisay Beach · BBQ lunch
Tour C is the second most popular and the most visually dramatic. The boat passes through narrow passages with 200-metre limestone cliffs on both sides. Secret Beach is accessible only by swimming through a gap in the rock — on the other side is a completely enclosed white sand beach you’d never know existed from the water. The Matinloc Shrine perched on a cliff offers arguably the best panoramic view in El Nido.
Honest review: Tour C covers more distance than A or B and reaches more remote islands. The landscapes here feel more dramatic and less crowded than Tour A.
Best for: Anyone wanting the most scenic and dramatic landscapes. Pair with Tour A for a complete El Nido experience.
Tour D — The Relaxed Option
Stops: Cadlao Lagoon · Bukal Island · Pasandigan Beach · Natnat Beach · Small Lagoon · BBQ lunch
Tour D visits locations close to El Nido town and covers the southern part of Bacuit Bay. It is the least popular tour which ironically means it is one of the quietest. Cadlao Lagoon is less dramatic than the Big Lagoon but nearly always empty. Small Lagoon is similar to the Big Lagoon in Tour A but significantly less crowded.
Honest review: Tour D is best for families with young children or anyone who wants a relaxing day on the water rather than a photo marathon. It is also the easiest tour physically.
Best for: Families, slow travelers, second or third visits to El Nido.
Which Tours Should You Do?
| If you have… | Do these tours |
|---|---|
| 1 day in El Nido | Tour A — the most iconic, non-negotiable |
| 2 days in El Nido | Tour A + Tour C — most dramatic combination |
| 3 days in El Nido | Tour A + Tour C + Tour B — the complete experience |
| Want fewer crowds | Tour B or Tour D — significantly quieter |
| Traveling with kids | Tour D — calm water, easy access, short distances |
Practical Information for 2026
- Environmental fee: All tourists must pay a one-time ₱200 environmental fee on arrival in El Nido. Keep your receipt — you need it to board the boat.
- Big Lagoon entry quota: The Big Lagoon (Tour A) has a daily visitor limit. If you want to enter, book your Tour A boat early — some lagoon slots sell out by the previous afternoon.
- Sunscreen: Only reef-safe, biodegradable sunscreen is permitted at lagoons and protected marine areas. Chemical sunscreen is confiscated at some stops.
- Cash: Bring ₱2,000–3,000 per day for tours, additional entry fees, drinks, and tips for your boat crew. El Nido’s single ATM is unreliable.
- Timing: Tours leave at 9 AM sharp. Be at the bangka pier 15 minutes early.
Getting to El Nido for Your Tours
The most practical way to reach El Nido from Puerto Princesa is by van transfer — a 5 to 6 hour scenic drive along the national highway. Book your Puerto Princesa to El Nido van transfer here — shared vans from ₱750 per person, private vans from ₱7,500 for your group.
