So,
you’re dreaming of El Nido, Palawan—the sparkling turquoise waters, the
towering limestone cliffs, the secret beaches calling your name. It’s paradise,
no doubt. But here’s the million-peso question: which island-hopping tour is
the best?
Taraw Cliff overlooks the Bay and El Nido Town |
Tour
A? Tour C? Maybe Tour B or D? Each promises a mix of hidden lagoons and
breathtaking islands. But how do you pick the one that’ll make your El Nido
experience unforgettable?
Don’t
sweat it. We’re here to break down everything you need to know about these
tours in this travel guide!
Is
an El Nido Tour Worth It?
If
there’s one question every traveler asks before heading to El Nido, it’s this:
“Is an El Nido island hopping tour really worth it?” The short answer?
Absolutely!
Matinloc Shrine, a part of Tour C |
As
author of The Beach, Alex Garland famously remarked, "Escape, even just
momentarily, to the pure simplicity of nature." These words really
describe the core of an El Nido trip, when the beauty of the surroundings takes
front stage.
Let's
explore the reasons everyone visiting this bit of paradise should definitely go
on these trips.
1.
Unmatched natural beauty
Imagine
kayaking into the calm Small Lagoon from the glistening, clean waves of Big
Lagoon, wrapped around by sheer limestone cliffs. The settings of El Nido
transport one to a very special place indeed.
2.
Multiple locations in one day
Every tour—A, B, C, D—offers a well-chosen path across Palawan's beauties. From lounging on the immaculate sands of Seven Commandos Beach to snorkeling vivid coral reefs at Shimizu Island, you find a blend of action and peace.
3.
All in one convenience
Most tour packages include lunch, snorkeling gear, and guides who know the best spots. It is hassle-free; best exploring!
The Best El Nido Tours to Consider Right Now
When
visiting El Nido, the challenge isn’t finding something incredible—it’s
deciding which tour to choose from the treasure trove of experiences. Here,
we'll explore the most popular tours you should consider right now.
Meanwhile,
while on the trip, if you want to take some time off to cool off, you can also
find intriguing activities like online casino gaming in the Philippines.
Remember, online gaming is popular in the Philippines, and while taking a break
or relaxing in your hotel room before or after a tour, you can get involved in
some rounds of casino gaming on your phone. To get started, you can go through
review sites to find new sites to play in Philippines and stand a chance to
even win some real money from while at it.
Tour
A
Known
as the quintessential El Nido island hopping experience, Tour A in El Nido
takes you to some of the most iconic spots in Bacuit Bay. Tour A is a popular
tour in El Nido and here’s what you can expect there:
Spectacular cave chambers on the way to the Big Lagoon |
Big
Lagoon: Paddle through
tranquil, turquoise waters surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. It’s a
postcard-perfect scene you’ll never forget.
Secret
Lagoon: A hidden gem that
requires squeezing through a small opening in the cliffs to reveal a magical
cove.
Shimizu
Island: Tour A Shimizu is
a snorkeler’s paradise with vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life.
Seven
Commandos Beach: End your
day with a swim or lounge under swaying coconut trees on this pristine stretch
of sand.
Tour
B
For
travelers seeking a mix of relaxation and exploration, Tour B is the perfect
choice. It’s all about secluded spots and intriguing natural formations. Here
are features you can expect on El Nido Tour B.
The thriving underwater world of El Nido |
Snake
Island: Famous for its
winding sandbar that connects two islets, offering stunning views and shallow
waters perfect for wading.
Cudugnon
Cave: An ancient cave
steeped in history, once used as a hiding spot by locals during World War
II.
Cathedral
Cave: A natural
cathedral-like cavern that’s awe-inspiring to explore by kayak.
Entalula
Island: A serene spot with
powdery white sands and crystal-clear waters, ideal for relaxation.
Tour
C
If
adventure is your middle name, and pristine off-the-beaten-path destinations
get your heart racing, El Nido's Tour C is calling your name. This tour is a
feast for both thrill-seekers and serenity lovers. Here’s what makes El Nido
Tour C a must-try:
Helicopter Island |
Secret
Beach: Secret Beach lives
up to its name with its white sands and a mystical, enclosed bay. The journey
to get here, navigating through waves, adds a dash of adventure to the
experience. Snorkeling here is equally mesmerizing, with vibrant marine life
greeting you at every turn.
Hidden
Beach: This gem, located
behind towering cliffs, is a tranquil haven of crystal-clear waters and soft
sands. While you’ll need to swim to reach it, it's a perfect spot for those
seeking relaxation away from the crowds.
Helicopter
Island: Shaped like its
namesake, this island offers a unique silhouette against the horizon. It is
officially known as Dilumacad Island, and it boasts vibrant coral reefs and
colorful fish that make it a snorkeling hotspot.
Matinloc
Shrine: This abandoned
shrine offers both history and breathtaking views. Climb the limestone hill for
panoramic vistas of Bacuit Bay or explore the eerie ruins and listen to local
legends about its ghostly past.
Tapiutan
Island: Tapiutan Island wraps up the tour with
another pristine beach where lunch is often served. The crew prepares freshly
grilled fish, chicken, and tropical fruits, providing an opportunity to
rejuvenate while taking in the scenery.
Tour
D
If
you’re seeking an escape from the bustling tourist hubs of El Nido, Tour D is
your go-to for a serene yet adventurous island-hopping experience. While it’s
often overshadowed by Tours A and C, Tour D offers hidden gems and fewer
crowds, so it’s a favorite for those craving tranquility and authentic
exploration.
Cadlao
Lagoon: This serene lagoon
is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and filled with crystal-clear
waters. Its perfect for kayaking and snorkeling enthusiasts; you’ll feel as
though you’ve discovered your private paradise.
Nat
Nat Beach: Perfect for
underwater exploration, this beach is a snorkeling hotspot, featuring vibrant
coral gardens teeming with marine life.
Paradise
Beach: This beach offers
soft sands and lush coconut trees. It’s the perfect spot to unwind, enjoy a
picnic lunch, and take in the breathtaking scenery.
Bukal
Beach: Often referred to as “Cadlao Junior,” this
secluded beach provides amazing views of Cadlao Island. It’s a tranquil retreat
where you can relax and soak in Bacuit Bay’s natural beauty.
Final
Thoughts
In
El Nido, tourists and travelers find themselves enchanted by the wonders of
Palawan. As we've explored, each tour in El Nido offers its own amazing
features. So eventually, the best one will depend on what exactly you're
seeking.
Now
that you know all about the beauty of El Nido, pack your bags and get ready for
your trip. Undoubtedly, El Nido will give unforgettable experiences, and you'll
have stories to tell. Just as Ibn Battuta said, “Travelling – it leaves you
speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.”