Jul 22, 2024 5 min read El Nido

⛵️ El Nido Island Hopping: The ultimate guide to Tours A, B, C, and D

El Nido, the crown jewel of Palawan, Philippines, offers an unparalleled island hopping experience for adventure seekers.

Wondering what's the best island hopping tour for your trip to El Nido?

After paddling through lagoons, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, and lounging on countless beaches, we're sharing insights on El Nido's famous island hopping tours. Here's our ranking of Tours A, B, C, and D, based on our own sweat, sunburns, and unforgettable moments.

Boats on standby in El Nido Town Proper for Island Hopping

Our El Nido tour rankings

Tour D: The unexpected gem
Tour A: The classic for a reason
Tour C: Adventure seeker's delight
Tour B: The underdog with hidden charms

Below is why we ranked them this way and what you can expect from each tour.

Tour D: The hidden gem of El Nido 🏆

Our top recommendation for El Nido Island Hopping

While Tours A and C often steal the spotlight, we found Tour D to be the unexpected highlight of all the tours we tried. Here's why this El Nido tour stands out:

Less crowded lagoons: Enjoy El Nido's stunning scenery without the typical tourist crowds.
Pristine El Nido beaches: Discover some of the most serene and picturesque shores in Palawan.
Exclusive atmosphere: We often had entire beaches to ourselves, a rarity in popular El Nido.
Small Lagoon: A more intimate alternative to the famous Big Lagoon, perfect for kayaking and swimming.

It might be for you if:

You prefer quieter, more secluded experiences
You want to escape the crowds but still see stunning lagoons
You're after a more laid-back, peaceful tour

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Book early in your trip. If it gets canceled due to low bookings (which can happen in low seasons), you'll have time to reschedule.

Tour A: The classic El Nido island hopping experience 📸

Tour A covers El Nido's most iconic locations:

Big Lagoon: The postcard-perfect centerpiece of El Nido. Despite the crowds, it's possible to find quieter spots by venturing deeper into the lagoon.
Secret Lagoon: Accessible through a small opening in the limestone, this gem offers a sense of discovery (and adventure, when it's high tide).
Seven Commandos Beach: An ideal spot for swimming and relaxation after a day of El Nido island exploration.

It might be for you if:

It's your first time in El Nido and you want to see the "greatest hits"
You want an opportunity to capture the classic El Nido Instagram shots
You don't mind some crowds for iconic views

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Head to the far end of Big Lagoon for quieter spots and epic photo ops.

Tour C: The adventurer's choice for El Nido island hopping 🏝️

For those seeking a more extensive island hopping experience in El Nido:

Secret Beach & Hidden Beach: These concealed El Nido beaches, accessible only by swimming through small openings, offer a true sense of adventure.
Helicopter Island: Named for its distinctive shape, this El Nido island offers cool snorkeling opportunities. Some days, you can spot turtles.
Extended exploration: Be prepared for a longer day on the boat & water, allowing for a comprehensive El Nido tour experience.

It might be for you if:

You love a mix of swimming, snorkeling, and beach-hopping
You're up for a longer day on the boat (it's the longest tour)
You're after unique experiences like hidden beach or secret beach

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Pack extra snacks and sunscreen. This long tour will make you grateful for both.

Tour B: The underrated El Nido island tour 🐠

This tour is still good. The only reason this is at the bottom is because we're in the mood for more sand than rocks when we're in El Nido. While often overlooked, Tour B still has unique attractions:

Cudugnon Cave: An ancient burial site accessible through a small entrance, offering a glimpse into El Nido's history.
Snake Island: A unique sandbar connecting two islands, visible during low tide. There's a short and easy hike on this island.
Diverse landscapes: Rocky shores and unique formations make this El Nido tour ideal for photography enthusiasts.

View from the top of Snake Island (Tour B)

It might be for you if:

You're fascinated by rock formations and ancient caves
You prefer a less crowded tour with unique landscapes
You're looking for a mix of land and sea adventures

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Bring sturdy water shoes. The beaches are more rugged, but that can be part of the adventure.

Essential Tips for El Nido Island Hopping Tours

El Nido tour pricing: Tours typically range from 1200-1500 PHP. Be cautious of significantly cheaper offers, as they may not include all necessary fees. Taking into account the fees or inclusions (snorkeling fins or mask), most agencies in El Nido Town Proper have the same base prices.
Hydration on El Nido tours: Bring a reusable water bottle. While lunch is provided, water is not included in El Nido island hopping packages.
Best season for El Nido island hopping: November to May offers the most favorable weather conditions for El Nido tours.
Mix it up: If you've got the time (and energy), we recommend combining Tour D or B for relaxed vibes and Tour A or C for the classic El Nido experience.

Final thoughts on El Nido island hopping

After exploring El Nido's island hopping options, we can confidently say that these tours offer an unparalleled opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Palawan. Whether you're a digital nomad on a workation or a traveler seeking stunning landscapes, El Nido's island tours deliver unforgettable experiences.

Our top recommendation for El Nido island hopping is Tour D for its balance of beautiful sceneries and relative seclusion. However, each El Nido tour has its merits, and the best choice depends on your personal preferences and time constraints.