El Nido Island Hopping: Tours A, B, C, D — Complete Guide

El Nido’s Four Island-Hopping Routes

El Nido’s official island-hopping routes — designated Tours A, B, C, and D — visit different combinations of the 45 islands in Bacuit Bay. Each covers distinct terrain: lagoons, caves, hidden beaches, coral gardens, and sandbar picnic spots. You can do multiple tours on consecutive days; many visitors combine A + C or A + D.

Tour A: The Classic (Most Popular)

Key stops: Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Seven Commandos Beach

Tour A is what most people picture when they think of El Nido. Big Lagoon is accessed by kayak when the tide allows — you paddle through a narrow entrance cut in the limestone to reach a cathedral-like enclosed lagoon. Small Lagoon is swum or kayaked through an even narrower gap. Secret Lagoon requires a short swim through an underwater cave.

The trade-off: Tour A is the most crowded route. During peak season, the Big Lagoon entrance can queue for 15–20 minutes and the lagoon itself fills with kayaks. Early morning departures (7–7:30am) experience significantly less crowding than mid-morning boats.

Best for: First-time El Nido visitors, photographers, families with older children. Rating: 4.4/5 from 1,900+ bookings on GetYourGuide.

Tour B: Caves and Cathedral

Key stops: Cathedral Cave, Cudugnon Cave, Pinasil Island, Dilumacad Island (Helicopter Island)

Tour B skips the famous lagoons for an exploration of El Nido’s cave formations. Cathedral Cave is the highlight: a large sea cave entered by boat at the right tide, with shafts of light illuminating the interior. Less visually dramatic than Tour A’s lagoons on social media but often more memorable in person.

Best for: Travelers who’ve done Tour A, those interested in geology and cave systems. Rating: Fewer bookings than Tour A; typically highly rated by those who choose it.

Tour C: Hidden Beaches and Shrines

Key stops: Hidden Beach, Secret Beach, Matinloc Shrine, Tapiutan Island

Tour C covers the outer edge of Bacuit Bay, visiting beaches that feel genuinely remote. Hidden Beach is a stretch of white sand enclosed by limestone walls and accessible only through a narrow gap you swim through. Secret Beach is even more tucked away. Matinloc Shrine adds a cultural element: a small chapel on a clifftop with sweeping views over the bay.

Best for: Those seeking privacy over famous sights, experienced swimmers. Rating: Slightly less reviewed than Tour A but consistently highly rated.

Tour D: Sandbar and Outer Islands

Key stops: Star Beach, Helicopter Island, Tapiutan Strait

Tour D is the least popular route and therefore the most peaceful. The stops are less dramatically beautiful than the other tours but offer space and quiet. Star Beach has a photogenic sandbar that extends at low tide.

Best for: Travelers on a second or third day in El Nido who want to see less-visited areas.

Booking Tips

Book independently through a licensed operator rather than through unlicensed touts on the beach. GetYourGuide lists vetted operators with real reviews, transparent cancellation policies, and fixed prices.

Group vs private: Shared tours cost ₱1,200–₱1,800 per person (approximately $20–$30). Private boat charters run ₱4,500–₱7,500 per boat ($75–$130), worthwhile for groups of 4–6 who want a flexible itinerary.

Environmental fee: El Nido charges an ₱600–₱1,500 tourism fee per person (Ecotourism Enterprise Zone fee — amount varies by zone visited). Operators typically include this in their quoted price; confirm before booking.