Tour A is the most popular activity in El Nido, and for a reason. Much of the tour explores the beautiful Miniloc Island and its breathtaking lagoons: one small, one big, and one hidden. It is often the first trip recommended for those who want to see spectacular limestone formations and cerulean waters. Other stops include Shimizu Island and Seven Commandos Beach on the mainland.
If you can do only one island hopping tour in El Nido, make it Tour A.
Tour Stops
Tours in El Nido are standardized. Most boat trips take around 7 hours to finish, usually starting at 9am and ending at 4pm-5pm.
Lunch is included in every tour. It’s part of what you paid for. It usually includes grilled fish, grilled pork or chicken, rice, vegetables, and fruits (usually bananas, watermelons, or pineapples). However, drinking water is often EXCLUDED, so bring your own.
- Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon of Miniloc Island
- Secret Lagoon
- Shimizu Island (or Payong-Payong Beach)
- Seven Commandos Beach
There are spectacular limestone formations hugging a lagoon and swimming areas and beautiful bone-white sand beaches to laze on.
There are snorkel areas for those who want to do this activity.
Note: Depending on the season you visit, destinations may be packed and guides may provide alternative stops or reverse the order of the itinerary.
➡️ BOOK THIS DISCOUNTED TOUR
Fees and Rates
You can join a Group Tour or charter a private boat.
- Group Tour: Around P1200
- Private Boat Tour: Around P4000-P6000 (depending on the size of the boat and group)
- Eco-Tourism Fee: P200 (good for 10 days)
- Snorkel Rental: Around P150
If you want to try kayaking, you can do so in small and big lagoons. Just let your boatman know beforehand so they can load a kayak for rent before leaving the town.
Klook offers discounted El Nido tours.
Getting There
Airport: El Nido Airport and Puerto Princesa International Airport
By Air
- There are many flights to and from Puerto Princesa from Manila; major airlines such as Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia have daily and regular flights. Buy your plane tickets months in advance to get the best and lowest possible price.
- From Puerto Princesa, you have the option to board the RoRo and Cherry Bus or one of the many vans that travel to El Nido. The bus option costs around P290-P480/way and the van’s fare costs around P550 to P600 per way.
Note: There are also direct flights to El Nido from Manila but will cost more; AirSWIFT plies this route.
By Sea
- If you were unable to buy discounted tickets, you can go to Puerto Princesa by boat. 2Go plies the Manila-Puerto Princesa route every Tuesday and Friday. The boat arrives at around 9:00 PM the following day. The Super Value Class is the cheapest option this costs around P1,680.
- Once in town, you have the option to board the RoRo and Cherry Bus or one of the many vans that travel to El Nido. The bus option costs around P290-P480/way and the van’s fare costs around P550 to P600 per way.
Nearby Resorts
Here are some resorts in El Nido.
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El Nido Resorts Miniloc Island ➡️ CHECK RATES |
Matinloc Resort ➡️ CHECK RATES |
Vellago Resort ➡️ CHECK RATES |
El Nido Resorts Lagen Island ➡️ CHECK RATES |
Photos above courtesy of respective resorts (via Agoda).
For more options, search here: Palawan Hotels
Travel Tips
- You’ll need to waterproof your things before going on the trip as these may get wet during the ride.
- Bring extra batteries or a power bank to keep your camera and phones charged.
- Always leave no trace behind whenever you eat or drink on the islands or on the boat.
- If you have time to spare, do the other boat trips, B, C and D or go on a land trip to Las Cabanas and/or Nacpan Beach.
- If you’re staying in the region for a longer time, head further north to Coron or make a stop at Linapacan.
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