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The Best Private Boat Tour in El Nido, Palawan

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Booking a private boat tour in El Nido is the ultimate way to go if you want to experience Palawan in the Philippines without the hoards of tourists. So if exploring limestone islands, lying on an empty sandy beach, snorkelling among neon-coloured fish and colorful reefs is your idea of fun, then this is the post for you! Doing a private tour gives you the opportunity to customize the tour to your favorite places and arrive to them before the super-packed tourist boats arrive.

Boat Tours in El Nido

Before I start explaining how we booked our private boat tour in El Nido, I will share with you which tours are usually offered in El Nido. You can choose between 4 different tours. Each will have 4-6 destinations. Usually, the most popular tours are A and C. Due to their popularity, you will see a lot of people there at the same time. If I were on a limited budget, I’d choose tour B and try to see both Entalula Island and Pinagbuyutan Island. They were also our choice on the private tour and the highlight of our trip to El Nido.

• Tour A:  Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and 7 Commando Beach
• Tour B: Cudognon Cave, Cathedral Cave, Snake Island, Entalula Island (or Pinagbuyutan Island), and Popolkan Island
• Tour C:  Secret Beach, Hidden Beach, Matinloc Shrine, Tapiutan Island, and Helicopter Island
• Tour D:  Small Lagoon, Cadlao Lagoon, Nat Nat Beach, Pasandigan Cove, Paradise Beach, and Bukal Island

The best private boat tour in El Nido

We spent about half a day trying to find a place that offers private, customized tours. It was already late and as didn’t find anything to fit our wishes, we decided to head for dinner at Frendz Hostel. On our way there we saw a small tourist office right next door. Figuring, if it’s next to the hostel so it must be quite popular, so we walked in asked about private tours.

To our surprise, we got a great offer for 8,000 PHP boat coast, no matter how many people we are. With this cost, you can also choose 5 destinations to visit from any tour – as long as they are not too far apart (see map above to have an idea of choices). And as our luck was on a roll, the next day we also found a great couple to share the boat with! This then came to 2,000 PHP per person.

While I don’t have the name for the agency we booked with and it’s not on Google Maps, here is how you can find them. Go to Frendz Hostel and on the left side of it, you’ll see the place. Here are the photos of what it looks like from the outside. The photos are not the best quality since I never expected to use them, but hopefully, it helps!

Best time to visit El Nido, Palawan

This island is warm all year round and it’s best to travel here between November and May. While the highest temperatures are in April and May, they are also the driest months. We were there in April and while it was quite hot, it was bearable. Read more on best times to visit the Philippines in general here .

1. Pinagbuyutan Island

The first stop was truly the best way to kick-start our private boat tour in El Nido. When we arrived, we couldn’t believe that we had this huge sandy beach and copious amounts of palm trees all to ourselves. Pinagbuyutan Island is absolutely stunning and the huge limestone cliffs make it very unique as well. We were the only boat on the entire island and we really took advantage of that!

2. Snake Island

Snake Island is essentially a long sandbank, shaped like a snake. The sandbank connects the island to the mainland. It’s very popular to take a walk in the sea and swim here, but beware – due to it’s unique look it tends to be quite popular!

3. Entalula Island

Arriving on this island was an absolute dream. This is where our lunch was served and it really couldn’t be more perfect! We spend about 1,5 hours here and a max of 2 boats parked there at the same time! We ate, swam, sunbathe, and hung out. This island is usually part of tour B and just as we were leaving the location, about 10 boats, with around 30 people in each, arrived. Wow, we were very happy to be leaving and can’t even imagine how crowded that tiny beach was afterward. Yet another advantage to the private tour!

4. Shimizu Island

Originally we chose to see the Cathedral Cave as our fourth stop, but the crew told us that at this time of the year there are dangerous sea snakes swimming there, so they recommended we go to another place. So then the fourth stop was Shimizu Island. We spent the entire time snorkeling here and absolutely loved it! The visibility was perfect, the reef was colorful and there were so many interesting fish to follow around.

5. 7 Commando Beach

Our last, and least favorite stop on our private boat tour in El Nido was the famous 7 commando beach. This is also the last stop for tour A, so we definitely didn’t get to experience the peace and quiet of previous islands. It was loud, crowded and at least 30 boats were blocking the shore. We wanted to snorkel, but the boats kept coming in and out and we really didn’t feel like having an accident. So we decided to walk a little lower down the beach by the beach-volley place, to sunbathe. This is the only place we would skip. However, if you like a lively island party to end your private tour with, then you’re in for a treat!

Disclaimer:

Combination and party boat tours are currently forbidden in El Nido. This new policy has been implemented to help minimize the negative impact of tourism in El Nido. These attempts are made to limit the number of tourists visiting El Nido’s most popular destinations (Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Beach). You will find that there are still tour offices going around this rule though.

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Friday 5th of January 2024

Hi! Thank you for all the information :) Which tour did you book for this Itinerary? Thank you!

Sunday 11th of February 2024

@Sia, thank you for that info! Super useful 💖

Tuesday 23rd of January 2024

This was a private tour and they have since become forbidden :(

Thursday 23rd of June 2022

Was your lunch included? If no, which island did you end up having lunch?

Monday 4th of July 2022

Hey! It was, you can choose where you want to have it :)

Jessica Kelly

Tuesday 24th of December 2019

What time were you able to start your private tour? I’ve heard that most wont leave before 9am meaning!

Wednesday 25th of December 2019

I can't remember what time we started, but the law is the same for everyone and they don't allow to start tours earlier (except for some very special trips). The difference was that we went to those further away first, so we managed to get there before the bigger groups arrive. And that is only possible with a private tour :) Hope it helps!

Travelling Tam

Sunday 1st of December 2019

Great post! I did tour A and C on my visit but if I had time I would have done B as well. Youve captured it so well - love your photos!

Thank you! I would love to do all of them but the time was just too tight. So I'm happy we opted for private combo tour when they offered it :)

Omggg my friend just got back from doing this but she couldn't remember any of the detailsssss. SO THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS INFO!! I love a good private tour, and the destinations just make it that much better!!

You're welcome Kay! It's not easy to remember all the details since there is so much info to take in :D But lucky for me I saved all my IG stories and could just go back to remember :) Glad it helps!

El Nido Tour C by Private Boat

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• Cancel up to 48 hours
• Private Tour

Description

Booking notes.

Embark on a memorable journey with El Nido Tour C by private boat, where you can experience the beauty of Bacuit Bay at your own pace and without crowds.

This tour is one of the most scenic and unforgettable experiences in El Nido, as it takes you to explore some of the most stunning beaches and islands, including Secret Beach, Hidden Beach, Matinloc Shrine, Tapiutan Island, and Helicopter Island.

Discover the mesmerizing crystal-clear waters and the breathtaking landscapes, where you can snorkel among the diverse marine life or simply relax on some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. With the privacy and flexibility offered by a private boat charter, you can create your own itinerary and enjoy an unforgettable adventure.

Meet your tour guide at the meeting point in El Nido town and head to the boat departure point to start your full-day boat tour. Discover the stunning islands and secluded beaches scattered throughout Bacuit Bay, including Secret Beach, Hidden Beach, Matinloc Shrine, Tapiutan Island, and Helicopter Island. Immerse yourself in the crystal-clear waters of Bacuit Bay and snorkel among the vibrant tropical fish that call the area home. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the boat or on one of the stunning beaches. After the tour, return to El Nido town.

• Matinloc Island is an absolute gem located just 20 minutes away from El Nido town, making it a must-see attraction in Bacuit Bay. Paired with Tapiutan Island, these two neighboring islands form the narrow Tapiutan Strait, home to some of the best snorkeling spots in the area. Matinloc Island boasts several highlights, including the Matinloc Shrine, Hidden Beach, and Secret Beach. To reach Matinloc Shrine, you'll need to climb the steps of an abandoned building, where you'll be rewarded with a panoramic view of the stunning Tapiutan Strait. Additionally, there's a chapel dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary that you can visit. The tiny Secret Beach, located on Matinloc Island, can only be accessed by swimming through a small slit in the rock face. It's said that Alex Garland, the author of the novel turned movie, "The Beach," lived in El Nido and was inspired by Secret Beach. Meanwhile, Hidden Beach is a small, paradisiacal cove nestled within limestone cliffs, making it invisible from the open sea. Its powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters make it a must-visit spot in El Nido. Tapiutan Island is situated further out in Bacuit Bay and offers a serene atmosphere with pristine sandy beaches and excellent snorkeling opportunities. Talisay Beach is one of the highlights of Tapiutan Island, boasting calm and shallow waters that are great for snorkeling or relaxing on the warm sand. Meanwhile, Star Beach is named after the harmless starfish that populate its seabed, making it one of the best snorkeling spots in Bacuit Bay. Lastly, Dilumacad Island, also known as "Helicopter Island," is another must-visit spot with its towering cliffs, lush tropical vegetation, white sand beach, and excellent snorkeling opportunities.
• Transfer by private boat Local guide Picnic lunch Drinking water
• Hotel pick up/Drop off Environmental fee (PHP 200 per person) Snorkeling set (available for rent)

Meeting Point

The meeting point is in El Nido town, and the exact location will be indicated in the voucher you'll receive after the booking is paid and confirmed. All hotels in El Nido town are conveniently situated within walking distance of the meeting point.

Transportation services for hotels outside El Nido Town

If your hotel is situated in Corong Corong, Las Cabanas, or Lio Beach, and you need transportation to the meeting point, we can arrange it for an additional fee: PHP 1,300 per van (10 seaters) or PHP 500 per tricycle (3 seaters) each way. Some hotels outside El Nido town provide complimentary shuttles to and from El Nido town.

Snorkeling set for rent

Mask and Snorkel PHP 150 per set - Aqua Shoes/Fins PHP PHP 150 per set

Cancellation due to weather conditions

If the tour is cancelled due to bad weather, we will issue a full refund if it cannot be rescheduled for a later date.

Last Minute Booking

All last-minute bookings (made on the same day or 3 days before the tour) must be made by phone or email only.

From: ₱  2,690.00

Select No. of Travelers: 2 persons (₱ 5,460 / pax) 3 persons (₱ 4,065 / pax) 4 persons (₱ 3,365 / pax) 5 persons (₱ 2,960 / pax) 6 persons (₱ 2,690 / pax)

Key Features

Flexible schedule, full refund for weather-related cancellation, group discount, photo opportunities, snorkeling opportunities, you might also like....

El Nido Tour B by Private Boat

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El Nido Tour D by Shared Boat

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El Nido & Coron Boat Expedition | 3 Days

Nacpan Beach and Waterfalls

El Nido Tour C by Shared Boat

Puerto Princesa City Tour

We specialize in organising your private tour. Our speedboat takes you to the islands fast and comfortable. As we can move fast, we easily visit the islands avoiding the other packed slow boats. Scrumptious lunch included!

FAST ACCESS, AVOID THE CROWDS

No need to join the crowds on the islands, we arrive before the other tours.

MAKE YOUR OWN ITINERARY

We suggest an itinerary based on your preferences. Then you simply enjoy the islands at your own pace.

CHOOSE YOUR OWN TOUR

Since our boat can cover a wide area you don't need to make difficult choices but see the islands you wish.

PRIVATE SPEEDBOAT TOUR ₱23,000 *

You will get the speedboat only for you or for your company

Make your own itinerary

Departure at your desired time

Make suggestions for lunch

Price for 6 guests - Additional 3.000 /pax

Including mask, snorkel, BBQ lunch on private island, coffee, drinking water

GROUP SPEEDBOAT TOUR ₱3,000 *

Join a small group

Itinerary based on our suggestion

Departure at 9.30 am

Minimum 6 pax, Maximum 12 pax

* Prices are excluding ₱ 200 Eco-Tourism Development Fee ( ETDF ) and ₱200 Big or Small Lagoon entrance fee per person

El Nido, located in the province of Palawan in the Philippines, is a tropical paradise renowned for its stunning landscapes and crystal-clear turquoise waters. With its picturesque beaches, towering limestone cliffs, and vibrant marine life, El Nido offers an abundance of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy.

Palawan is often hailed as one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. Palawan’s pristine, white-sand beaches, colorful underwater ecosystems, clear blue waters, and stunning landscapes truly grab travelers’ attention.

Snorkeling is a fantastic way to explore the underwater world, observe marine life, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the ocean. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced snorkeler, this guide will provide you with valuable tips and information to enhance your snorkeling experience.

Copyright © 2023 lapecheuse. All rights reserved.

THE 10 BEST El Nido Private Tours

Private tours in el nido.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Private Tours
• Ports of Call Tours
• Multi-day Tours
• Motorcycle Tours
• Hop-On Hop-Off Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. El Nido Private Tour A w/ Lunch

2. El Nido Tour B - Caves and Islands Tour (Private / Shared)

3. Private Underground River Day Tour with Lunch from El Nido

4. El Nido Palawan Private Tour C, with Lunch

5. El Nido Tour C - Hidden Beaches & Snorkeling tour(Private/Shared)

6. El Nido Tour C Private

7. Private Transfers Puerto Princesa To Elnido

8. Private Linapacan Island Day Trip with Buffet Lunch

9. Private Culion Island Escapade in Coron Palawan with Island Lunch

10. El Nido Tour B - Private Tour with Lunch (Full Day)

11. Private El Nido Tour A Island Hopping

12. Private El Nido Tour B Island Hopping

13. Off the Beaten Path Private Tour El Nido (Sibaltan)

14. Balabac Palawan Island Expedition - 4D/3N with Full Board Meal

15. Private El Nido Tour C Island Hopping

16. Private Tour El Nido Lagoons & Beaches with Kayak Full Day

17. Palawan: Puerto Princesa and El Nido - 4 Days and 3 Nights

18. El Nido Tour D Private

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

El Nido to Puerto Princesa - Private Transfer

What travelers are saying.

• El Nido Private Tour A w/ Lunch
• El Nido Tour B - Caves and Islands Tour (Private / Shared)
• Private Culion Island Escapade in Coron Palawan with Island Lunch
• El Nido Tour C - Hidden Beaches & Snorkeling tour(Private/Shared)
• El Nido Palawan Private Tour C, with Lunch
• El Nido Paradise
• Turtle Divers
• Tribe Banua
• Seatours Pala-wan travel and tours
• Ape Tours El Nido
• Lagum Adventure
• Hello El Nido
• Nomads Diving Center

El Nido Island Hopping: A Full Guide to Tours A-D

Island Hopping in El Nido is an absolute must-do in the Philippines. Take a boat tour along the stunning lagoons and paradise islands in Bacuit Bay. The protected bay hosts 45 islands that belong to the most beautiful destination in the world. There are four El Nido island hopping tours that all take you along different islands. Read everything you need to know about the El Nido Tours.

El Nido Island Hopping Tours A-D

All well-rated island hopping tours include drinking water, snorkel gear, a kayak, the new (2019) environmental tax, and a delicious lunch on the beach. The lunch usually consists of fish & chicken, rice, eggplant salad, and freshly cut fruits. You can sometimes request collection from your hotel, too.

Here are all your hotel options in El Nido.

El Nido Tour A

Island Hopping Tour A takes you around Miniloc Island. Discover Secret Lagoon, kayak in the stunning and popular Big Lagoon, lunch at Shimizu Island, and experience sunset at 7-Commando Beach. Costs: 1200 – 2200 PHP/Pax. (~ 23 – 42 USD)

See tickets and availability for this tour

Please note: You can’t bring any plastic bottles on the El Nido island hopping tours with you. Read more tips on how to reduce plastic while traveling .

El Nido Tour B

Sail to the white sandbank called Snake Island, Entalula Island, movie-like Pinagbuyutan Island, and the Cathedral & Cudugnon Caves. Costs: 1200 – 1600 PHP/Pax. (~ 23 – 31 USD)

Book El Nido Tour B online

Good to know: Due to a new environmental policy, all combination and party boat tours are banned.

El Nido Tour C

Discover Hidden and Secret Beach, snorkel at Matinloc Shrine, and explore stunning Tapiutan and Helicopter Island. There is a big chance to see turtles on this tour in the Philippines .   Costs: 1200 – 1700 PHP/Pax. (~ 23 – 33 USD)

Pre-book your island hopping tour C here

Please note: Smoking on the El Nido island hopping tours is prohibited.

El Nido Tour D

Swim in the popular Small Lagoon, go beach hopping around Cadlao Island (for good snorkeling) and visit Pasandigan Cove, Nat Nat Beach, and Bukal island. Costs: 1200 – 1500 PHP/Pax. (~ 23 – 30 USD)

See availability for El Nido Tour D here

Private island hopping tours in El Nido

The absolute best way to experience El Nido’s Bacuit Bay is by private boat. This way, you can avoid all tourists, combine the above locations, and create your own tour. This does have a price tag, but will be 100% worth your money. Book a private tour at ArtCafe .

Best Island Hopping Tour in El Nido

Which of these El Nido tours should you book? A few years ago, tour A and tour C were the most popular. However, due to recent changes to put less pressure on the environment, all tours are equally very impressive. We personally would recommend adding tours A, B, or D to your Philippines Travel Guide .

Where to book an El Nido Island Hopping Tour?

Since the new regulations in 2019, there is a limited amount of people per day that may enter Bacuit Bay. We recommend you book at least two days ahead to be sure you have a spot. There are a few things to keep an eye on while booking an El Nido boat tour. Book a tour online or in town at ArtCafe .

• Don’t go for the lowest price! The lowest-priced tours will mix you with another group, so they get a full boat. The quality of these tours can’t be guaranteed.
• Make sure drinking water is included because you are not allowed to take plastic bottles.  
• Check if the tour includes the environmental tax. (200PHP) – Feb 2019
• Check if snorkeling gear & kayak are included.
• Try checking the company’s reviews on TripAdvisor.

By purchasing through our links, you support us at no additional cost. Thank you for your support. ♥️

• Find Hotels via Booking.com
• Find a Rental Car via Sunny Cars
• Find Flights to El Nido via Skyscanner
• Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
• Book Tours & Attractions via GetYourGuide
• Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go

The most beautiful Resorts & Hotels in El Nido

10 best things to do in el nido, palawan, how to get to el nido in palawan.

Looking for more travel information? Plan a chat with us for personalised travel advice or get an answer from the Salt in our Hair Travel Community on Facebook.

My family of 5 decided to do tour A using a private speed boat. How much do you suggest we tip the workers?

Hey! We’d usually opt for 10% of the total price but try to pay the workers directly and not the operator. 😊

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EL NIDO TOURS

ISLAND HOPPING  EXPEDITIONS TRANSFERS DIVING TIPS

ISLAND HOPPING

TOURS 1 DAY

PRIVATE SUNSET CRUISE  EL NIDO

GROUP  EXPEDITIONS EL NIDO CORON

PRIVATE EXPEDITIONS EL NIDO CORON

PRIVATE BOAT TOURS  EL NIDO

SCUBA DIVING EL NIDO

SUNSET BOAT PARTY

PRIVATE CAR TRANSFER

EL NIDO TIPS

EL NIDO TOURS 

El Nido, situated in Palawan, Philippines, is renowned for its spectacular boat tours and island-hopping adventures. You can choose from group island-hopping tours or opt for a private boat tour for a more personalized experience.

El Nido Island Hopping: El Nido offers four main island-hopping tours: A, B, C, and D. Each tour has its own unique attractions, such as hidden lagoons, pristine beaches, and underwater caves. These group tours are popular for meeting fellow travelers and are usually more budget-friendly.

Private boat Tours:  For a more exclusive and tailored experience, private boat tours are a fantastic option. You can customize your itinerary and visit the specific spots you desire. This is ideal for couples, families, or groups of friends looking for privacy and flexibility.

Expeditions El Nido Coron Palawan:  If you're seeking a grand adventure, consider embarking on an expedition from El Nido to Coron. This journey takes you through some of the most pristine and remote areas in Palawan. It's a longer and more adventurous route, perfect for those who want to explore the less-visited gems of the region.

Scuba diving in El Nido:  Philippines, is an exhilarating adventure that unveils the mesmerizing underwater world of this tropical paradise. Nestled within the enchanting Bacuit Bay, El Nido offers a diverse marine ecosystem and a vibrant coral kingdom waiting to be explored. Divers in El Nido can expect to encounter a wide array of marine creatures, including colorful reef fish, sea turtles, sharks, and even the occasional manta ray. 

EL NIDO ISLAND HOPPING TOURS- DETAILS & PRICING  

El Nido  island hopping tours are a highlight of any visit to this tropical paradise in Palawan, Philippines. These tours, labeled A, B, C, and D, offer an unforgettable exploration of the region's stunning landscapes.

Tour A : This tour is famous for its Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon, where you can kayak through crystal-clear waters surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. You'll also visit Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and 7 Commando Beach.

Tour B : Tour B takes you to some of the most beautiful beaches in El Nido, including Snake Island, Pinagbuyutan Island, Cudugnon Cave, and Entalula Beach. The pristine shores and crystal waters make it a favorite among travelers.

Tour C : This tour explores hidden beaches, coves, and lagoons, including Matinloc Shrine, Helicopter Island, Secret Beach, and Star Beach. The dramatic rock formations and turquoise waters are truly breathtaking.

Tour D : Tour D showcases the underwater wonders of El Nido with stops at Small Lagoon, Cadlao Lagoon, Paradise Beach, and Natnat Beach. It's a snorkeler's paradise with vibrant marine life.

Each El Nido island hopping tour offers its unique charm, so you can choose the one that aligns with your preferences, or take multiple tours to experience a wide range of El Nido's natural beauty. It's an opportunity to immerse yourself in the splendor of this tropical paradise.

EL NIDO PRIVATE TOURS- DETAILS & PRICING

El Nido private boat tours provide a more exclusive and personalized experience for visitors looking to explore the stunning beauty of Palawan at their own pace. Here are some key points about private tours in El Nido:

Customized Itinerary: One of the main advantages of a private boat tour is the ability to create a customized itinerary. You can work with the tour operator to design your ideal route, including specific islands, beaches, and snorkeling spots you want to visit. This flexibility allows you to make the most of your time in El Nido.

Privacy and Comfort: Private tours are perfect for couples, families, or groups of friends who seek privacy and comfort. You won't have to share the boat with strangers, and you can enjoy the company of your own group.

Avoid Crowds: El Nido's group tours can get crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons. Private tours offer a more intimate and peaceful experience, allowing you to explore popular attractions without the hustle and bustle of large groups.

More Time at Each Stop: With a private tour, you have the luxury of spending as much time as you like at each destination. Whether you want to swim, snorkel, relax on the beach, or take in the scenery, you're not rushed.

Few private boats to choose from: 36ft boat, 92ft boat, speedboat, catamaran.

While private tours may be more expensive than group tours, the experience of having the stunning landscapes of El Nido all to yourself is well worth it for those looking for a truly exclusive and memorable adventure.

BOAT EXPEDITIONS EL NIDO COR ON- DETAILS & PRICING

Embarking on a boat expedition between El Nido and Coron, Palawan, is an extraordinary adventure. These expeditions, lasting 3 or 5 days, allow you to immerse yourself in some of the most unspoilt and breathtaking scenery in the Philippines.

3 Day Expedition: The 3 Day Expedition is a whirlwind of adventure in pristine waters, taking you to remote islands and hidden gems. You can explore Linapacan, famous for its crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches, or Culion Island, a former leper colony with a rich history. This trip combines exploration with relaxation, offering the chance to snorkel coral reefs and relax on tranquil beaches.

5-day expedition: The 5-day expedition offers a more immersive experience. You'll have more time to visit less-visited areas and soak up the tranquillity of the journey. Stops can include Calauit Safari Park, home to a variety of wildlife, and remote islands such as North Cay and Pass Island. Other water-based activities such as kayaking and paddle boarding await, as well as interactions with local communities to immerse you in their culture.

Choose between group expeditions for a shared adventure and a cost-effective option, or private expeditions for an exclusive and personalised experience. Discover secluded beaches, hidden lagoons and vibrant coral reefs as you sail through the spellbinding landscapes that define Palawan's natural beauty.

EL NIDO SCU BA DIVING- DETAILS & PRICING

Experience the enchanting underwater world of El Nido like never before with scuba diving . Dive into the crystal-clear waters of this tropical paradise and discover a thriving ecosystem teeming with vibrant coral reefs and an array of marine life.

El Nido, nestled in the Philippines, is renowned for its stunning limestone karsts and hidden lagoons. But beneath the surface lies a secret world waiting to be explored. Scuba diving in El Nido offers a unique opportunity to witness the diverse marine life that calls these waters home.

As you descend into the depths, you'll be greeted by a mesmerizing palette of colors – schools of fish in every shape and size, from playful clownfish to majestic sea turtles, all navigating through the intricate coral formations. The vibrant coral gardens create an enchanting backdrop for your adventure, as you swim alongside iridescent angelfish and camouflaged seahorses.

El Nido is also famous for its underwater caves, adding an element of mystery to your dive. Exploring these subterranean chambers, you'll feel like an explorer on an underwater expedition.

Whether you're a seasoned diver or a beginner, El Nido's dive sites offer something for everyone. Certified divers can delve into the deeper realms, while beginners can opt for introductory dives, guided by experienced instructors.

So, if you're seeking an unforgettable adventure that immerses you in the wonders of the ocean, scuba diving in El Nido is an experience you won't want to miss. Explore, discover, and be captivated by the hidden treasures that lie beneath the surface of this breathtaking destination.

Best Island hopping in El Nido with a private tour

• Published on May 5, 2020
• Last updated on November 13, 2023

Island hopping in El Nido is an absolute must-do when visiting. It is one of the most beautiful places in the world, with small white sand beaches, lagoons, crystal clear water, and towering limestone cliffs. Choose from the four different boat tours and explore this paradise. This blog post shares our experiences and tips for island hopping with a private tour in El Nido, Palawan.

Island hopping in El Nido

Going on an island-hopping tour in El Nido is a must-do. You can choose whether you want to go on a group or private boat tour. A shared boat is the cheaper option, but you can only select one from the four boat tours. A private tour allows you to combine stops from two tours (not all tour companies will do that) and start earlier than the other tours. We started our tour at 8 am. Group tours usually start around 9.30 – 10 am.

An Island hopping tour in El Nido includes a boat with crew, snorkeling gear, drinking water, lunch, and the environmental tax. If you are vegan/vegetarian, don’t forget to tell them before, they will cook a meal for you without meat or fish. We had rice, veggies, and a fantastic fruit platter.

El Nido island hopping tours

There are four different island hopping tours you can choose from in El Nido, which we have listed here with our recommendations. If you book a private boat tour, they usually allow you to choose from two different tours.

Tour A is the most popular one and that means the places on this tour are usually the most crowded ones.

• 7 Commandos Beach
• Secret Lagoon
• Shimizu Island
• Big Lagoon (additional entrance fee of 200 pesos per person)

Tipp: If you don’t choose this tour, you can visit 7 Commandos Beach from Corong Corong Beach in El Nido by yourself with a kayak, which is a fun adventure, too.

Some of our favorite places on our private Island hopping trip were from tour B. We loved Pinagbuyutan Island and the small paradise beach of Entalula Island. We did not pick any of the caves since we looked more for the beach and lagoon stops.

• Pinagbuyutan Island
• Cudugnon Cave
• Entalula Island
• Cathedral Cave
• Snake Island

The rest of the stops on the private boat tour we chose from tour C. We loved Helicopter Island and Secret Beach.

• Helicopter Island
• Hidden Beach
• Secret Beach
• Matinloc Shrine
• Tapiotan Island

This is the least popular boat tour in El Nido. If you go on a group trip, we would recommend you choose tour D because chances are high that the boat won’t be complete on this tour.

• Small Lagoon (additional entrance fee of 200 pesos per person)
• Paradise Beach
• Nat Nat Beach
• Serenity Beach

Where to book your private island hopping tour

We chose a private boat tour to go island hopping in El Nido and booked our trip at Wanderlust Travel El Nido . We can recommend booking with them because they did a great job. The crew was very friendly and hard-working, the boat was big and comfortable, they made vegan lunch for us, and we could choose stops that we liked from two different tours.

We recommend you book your tour 1-2 days before and tell them you would like to leave as early as possible in the morning, which is usually around 8 am. The meeting point is at their office, and they will take you to the boat from here.

Wanderlust Travel El Nido offers group tours as well. It’s not only for private boat tours.

Cost for a private boat tour

The Price for the boat (crew, lunch, snorkeling gear included) was 8’000 pesos (150 $). Besides, we had to pay 200 pesos (4 $) per person for the Environmental fee. This fee is valid for ten days, so if you do several different island hopping tours in Bacuit Bay within this time, you won’t have to pay for it again.

What to pack for your island hopping tour

• Dry bag for your camera & phone
• Swimwear & towel
• Reef-friendly Sunscreen
• Sunglasses / Hat

Info: You won’t have to bring drinking water for your trip. The boat company will provide a big filter water bottle and reusable cups. In fact, no plastic bottles are allowed on boat tours in El Nido to save the environment. This made us so happy to see.

• See what others think about this post and share your opinion with us

We are going this week to El Nido! We will do at least two private tour days. Which islands/beaches do you recommend? I read Pinagbuyutan Island Entalula Island Helicopter Island Hidden Beach Secret Beach Is it right? We also love (myself and my wife) small beaches/islands like yourselfs! Any more recommendation in El Nido?

In Coron I read that you liked Smith and Banul, and the lakes? Which recommedations for Coron? We will stay three days there (is it enough)?

Hi Pedro, We are excited for you! El Nido island hopping is amazing. Yes, correct these were our favourite islands. Please check out our other blog post for all our Coron Island hopping tips and 3 days for Coron are great. Have an unforgettable trip!

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