El Nido has four standardised island hopping tours — A, B, C, and D — each visiting completely different locations. Choosing the wrong one for your interests is a common mistake. Here is the complete 2026 comparison so you know exactly which tours to book before you arrive.
Quick Answer
Tour A is the most popular and visits Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon — essential for first-timers. Tour C is the second most spectacular with Secret Beach and Matinloc Shrine. Tour B is best for snorkeling and sees Snake Island sandbar. Tour D is calmest, closest to town, and best for families and non-swimmers. All tours cost ₱1,200 to ₱1,600 per person and include a beach barbecue lunch.
Tour A — The Classic (Most Popular)
- Big Lagoon — kayak through towering limestone walls into an emerald enclosed lagoon. The most photographed spot in El Nido. Kayak rental ₱200 at the entrance. Arrive early to avoid the queue.
- Secret Lagoon — swim through a small gap in the rock wall to find a hidden lagoon with small crocodiles living peacefully on the far shore (harmless freshwater variety).
- Seven Commandos Beach — the longest white sand beach on Tour A with coconut palms, hammocks, and the best swimming conditions on the route.
- Shimizu Island — the snorkeling stop with the most coral variety on Tour A.
Crowd level: Highest of the four tours. Arrive at the pier by 8:30 AM to get on an earlier boat. Peak season means 50+ boats visiting Big Lagoon simultaneously by 11 AM.
Tour B — Best for Snorkelers
- Snake Island — a sandbar that forms an S-curve visible at low tide, walkable to the island tip. Disappears at high tide — confirm timing with your operator.
- Pinagbuyutan Island — excellent coral reef for snorkeling, often the best snorkeling site of all four tours when conditions are right.
- Cathedral Cave — a cave entered by boat with impressive limestone formations and bats.
- Cudugnon Cave — an archaeological site with pre-colonial pottery and burial jars discovered inside.
Crowd level: Medium — less popular than Tour A with more experienced travelers and snorkelers.
Tour C — Second Best Overall
- Secret Beach — swim through a narrow rock passage to find a completely enclosed white sand beach invisible from the sea. Often described as the most stunning single spot in El Nido.
- Hidden Beach — a protected cove with calm turquoise water accessed through a cave opening.
- Matinloc Shrine — a hilltop shrine with panoramic views over the Bacuit Bay island chain. One of the best viewpoints in Palawan.
- Helicopter Island — named for its shape from above. Strong snorkeling off the beach and a long stretch of white sand.
Crowd level: Medium-low — fewer visitors than Tour A because it is further from town and requires more swimming ability.
Tour D — Best for Families
- Small Lagoon — a smaller and calmer alternative to Big Lagoon, closer to town and with shorter boat journey times.
- Papaya Beach — a sheltered beach with calm shallow water ideal for children and non-swimmers.
- Bukal Island — snorkeling site with easy entry from the beach.
Crowd level: Lowest — the least-visited tour with the most relaxed atmosphere.
Which Tours to Do and in What Order
| If you have… | Do these tours | Recommended order |
|---|---|---|
| 1 day | Tour A only | A |
| 2 days | Tours A and C | A then C |
| 3 days | Tours A, C, and B | A, C, B |
| 4 days | All four | A, C, B, D |
| Traveling with children | Tour D first, then A | D then A |
| Snorkeling priority | Tours B and C | B then C |
To get to El Nido for your island hopping tours, book your Puerto Princesa to El Nido van transfer here — shared from ₱750 per person with hotel pickup included.
