El Nido Island Hopping Tours A B C D: The Complete Guide 2026

If you ask any traveler who has visited the Philippines what their best experience was, chances are they say: island hopping in El Nido, Palawan. Turquoise waters, towering limestone karsts draped in jungle, and hidden lagoons you can only reach by swimming through a crack in the rock — El Nido delivers all of this and more. The famous four island-hopping tours divide up the stunning Bacuit Archipelago into distinct circuits, each offering a genuinely different flavor of paradise.

What Are the El Nido Island Hopping Tours?

El Nido sits at the northern tip of Palawan island, surrounded by the Bacuit Archipelago — a cluster of around 45 islands scattered across a protected marine bay. The archipelago is divided into four official tour circuits. Each circuit visits a different set of islands, lagoons, beaches, and snorkeling spots, spending roughly 6-7 hours on the water with lunch included. Tours are sold by almost every guesthouse and tour shop in El Nido at a government-regulated price of PHP 1,500-1,800 per person.

Tour A: Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon

Tour A is the one that fills Instagram feeds and bucket lists. It visits the crown jewels of El Nido: the Big Lagoon, the Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and 7 Commandos Beach. The Big Lagoon is a cathedral of water enclosed by sheer limestone walls rising 50 meters on every side. You can kayak deep into the lagoon (PHP 200 per hour) or simply swim and float, staring up at the cliffs. Secret Lagoon requires swimming through a small gap in the rocks — a squeeze that makes the discovery inside feel genuinely earned. Shimizu Island is the best snorkeling stop on Tour A, with colorful coral gardens and sea turtles. Book Tour A here: El Nido Island Hopping Tour A

Tour B: Entalula Beach and Snake Island

Tour B is El Nido quieter, more relaxed circuit. The star attractions are Entalula Beach, Snake Island (a dramatic sand bar), Pinagbuyutan Island, and Cudugnon Cave. Snake Island earned its name from the long winding sandbar that stretches out from the island like a serpent at low tide. Entalula Island has one of the best beaches in the archipelago — powdery white sand, a gentle slope into the water, and enough shade from the palms to spend a comfortable afternoon. Book Tour B here: El Nido Island Hopping Tour B

Tour C: Helicopter Island and Hidden Beach

Tour C ventures further from town and delivers a wilder, adventure-oriented experience. The stops include Helicopter Island (Dilumacad Island), Hidden Beach, Matinloc Shrine, and Star Beach. Helicopter Island is named for its distinctive silhouette — from certain angles it resembles a helicopter on its side. Hidden Beach is reachable only by swimming through a narrow channel between two cliff faces. Book Tour C here: El Nido Island Hopping Tour C

Tour D: Matinloc Shrine and Cadlao Lagoon

Tour D is the least crowded of the four circuits and arguably the most rewarding for travelers seeking something off the beaten track. It visits Matinloc Shrine, Bukal Beach, Langen Island, and Cadlao Lagoon. The Matinloc Shrine is a haunting abandoned Catholic shrine perched on a cliff with a viewpoint that may be the single best panorama in the entire archipelago. Below the shrine is a hidden lagoon reachable via a ladder built into the cliff. Cadlao Lagoon features pristine coral largely undisturbed by tourism. Book Tour D here: El Nido Island Hopping Tour D

Can You Do Multiple Tours?

Yes — most visitors who stay 3-5 days do all four. Tours A and C are most popular and should be booked a day ahead in peak season (November-May). Tours B and D can usually be booked same-day. Doing two tours in one day is possible but exhausting. For a more personalized experience, consider booking a private island hopping tour in El Nido.

Practical Tips

Start early — boats depart between 8 and 9 AM. The lagoons are calmer and less crowded in the morning.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen — standard chemical sunscreens are banned in the marine park.
Bring cash — tour operators, kayak rentals, and beach vendors are all cash-only. ATMs in El Nido run dry; withdraw in Puerto Princesa.
Waterproof your phone — a dry bag is essential. The lagoon swims require getting in the water.
Book in advance in peak season — December through April sees the archipelago at maximum capacity.

Getting to El Nido

Fly from Manila to El Nido Airport (ENI) with Air Swift (70 min), or fly to Puerto Princesa (PPS) and take a 5-6 hour van north (PHP 600-900). El Nido town is walkable. Tours depart from the main beach, a 3-minute walk from most guesthouses.

Final Thoughts

El Nido island hopping is not overhyped. The Bacuit Archipelago genuinely deserves every superlative thrown at it. Go early, go slow, and do not forget to look up at those limestone walls. Ready to book? Browse all El Nido island hopping tours on PANA.PH and secure your spot today.