El Nido Day Tour

Exploring the El Nido Day Tour: An Honest Look at the Experience

If you’re considering a day trip to El Nido from Puerto Princesa, you’re probably dreaming of turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and dramatic limestone formations. While this particular tour offers a convenient way to tick off El Nido’s highlights, reviews suggest it may not match the pristine image many travelers expect. We’ll break down what makes this trip worth considering—and where it might fall short—so you can decide if it’s right for you.

On the plus side, the natural beauty of El Nido is undeniable. The chance to visit iconic islands, enjoy stunning beaches, and experience the famous limestone cliffs makes this tour appealing. There’s also the lure of affordability, with a price point around $79 per person, and the promise of an entire day dedicated to island hopping. However, some travelers have voiced concerns about transportation logistics and organizational issues that can impact your overall experience. This tour is probably best suited for those seeking a quick, budget-friendly introduction to El Nido’s landscapes rather than a seamless, luxury excursion.

Key Points

• Affordable pricing makes this an accessible way to see El Nido’s highlights.
• Island hopping and beaches are the main attractions, offering stunning scenery.
• Transport and logistics may be inconsistent, affecting overall comfort.
• The tour’s organization might leave some travelers feeling uncertain or abandoned.
• Natural views are the standout feature, delivering postcard-perfect moments.
• This tour is ideal for adventurous travelers who prioritize scenery over comfort or flawless service.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the El Nido Day Tour

The tour kicks off early, with a pickup around 3:00 am. Long travel hours are a given—expect to leave Puerto Princesa around 7:00 am and spend roughly 10 hours on the road, with the return to Puerto Princesa scheduled for around 5:00 pm. The journey involves shared transport, often on older vans or public buses, which some travelers found less than ideal. As one reviewer pointed out, the ride can stretch longer than expected (up to 7 hours), especially if the driver makes frequent stops.

The Meeting Point

For those booked with BIZ IT Travel, the meeting point is conveniently marked “BIZ IT Travel under the arch” at coordinates 9.74565601348877, 118.75043487548828. It’s recommended to arrive early and be prepared for a potentially hectic start—communication about the pickup details has been inconsistent for some travelers.

The Island Tours

Once in El Nido, the actual island hopping segment is typically the highlight. The water activities, including snorkeling and swimming, often receive praise. Several visitors mention the stunning views and crystal-clear waters, which make the effort worthwhile. One reviewer noted, “The water part of the tour was wonderful,” confirming that if you love aquatic adventures, this part delivers.

However, reviews also highlight organizational hiccups—such as not being dropped off directly at the boat area or lacking clear instructions. This can cause confusion, especially for first-time visitors trying to navigate unfamiliar terminals. Expect to pay extra if you need to hire a tuk-tuk or other transport to reach the boats, as some travelers were left at the terminal without guidance.

Beaches and White Sand

The beaches visited during the tour are often the main photo opportunities. Visitors love the white sand and the chance to relax on a beautiful shoreline. Having ample time to lounge, snorkel, or explore makes for memorable moments. Still, the quality of the beaches can vary based on weather and the specific islands visited that day, especially since some reviews mention the weather was less than perfect—rain and overcast skies notable.

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The Return Journey

The trip back can feel rushed or disorganized. One traveler remarked, “We spent an extra hour in the van, and the driver was very late.” Some reviews describe the vehicles as being in poor condition, with bald tires and shocks that don’t work, raising safety concerns. The long hours in cramped, potentially uncomfortable transportation are a real consideration, especially if you’re sensitive to rough rides or delays.

Authentic Insights from Real Travelers

A review from Portugal lamented the poor organization, stating, “We received a confusing email about the meeting point, and the taxi driver discovered it was at the hotel only after being called twice.” This highlights the importance of clarifying logistics beforehand. Another traveler from Spain described their experience as a “nightmare,” citing being left in the rain waiting for nearly half an hour after arriving in El Nido, and then waiting again in the street on the return trip.

On the bright side, those who appreciated the water activities noted that “the water part of the tour was wonderful,” emphasizing that the natural scenery and aquatic experiences are genuinely impressive. For the price, many felt they received good value—if their expectations were aligned with a budget tour rather than a luxury service.

Transportation and Logistics: The Achilles’ Heel?

The main criticism revolves around transportation issues. The tour involves a significant amount of transit, and some travelers reported buses or vans in poor condition, with overloading and unsafe driving practices. One review mentioned drivers speeding dangerously, risking passenger safety, and delays that extended the day beyond the scheduled 10 hours.

Despite the potential for discomfort or stress, it’s important to remember that this is a budget-friendly tour. If you’re looking for a smooth, hassle-free experience, this may not be the best fit. But for those prioritizing stunning scenery and island activities over transportation comfort, it remains a viable option.

The Guide and Group Size

The tour features a live English-speaking guide, which is helpful for understanding the day’s itinerary and spotting interesting sights. The group sizes can be large, which can affect the intimacy of the experience—especially if the organization isn’t tight.

Accessibility and Cancellation

Good news for flexible travelers: the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now and pay later. It’s also wheelchair accessible, although the overall experience might still be challenging for people with mobility issues due to the long travel hours.

Is the El Nido Day Tour Worth It?

This tour offers an affordable, time-efficient means to see some of Palawan’s most breathtaking sights. If you’re someone who values natural beauty over luxury, and you’re willing to accept logistical imperfections, this could be a nice introduction to El Nido. You’ll love the views, beaches, and water activities, which are the star attractions.

However, the transportation quality and organizational issues are real drawbacks. If you’re a traveler who prefers seamless logistics, professional guides, and comfortable rides, you might find this tour lacking. It’s also important to have flexible expectations—this isn’t a luxury experience but rather a budget-friendly way to tick off the key sights.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This tour suits adventurous travelers on a budget who want a quick taste of El Nido’s scenery and don’t mind the rougher edges of transportation. If you’re comfortable with long hours on older vehicles and can handle some organizational hiccups, you’ll enjoy the water-based part of the trip.

It’s also ideal for those who want to see the iconic limestone cliffs and white-sand beaches without breaking the bank. However, if comfort, punctuality, or safety are your top priorities, you might prefer to look for more organized or premium options.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the total tour day?
The entire trip lasts about 10 hours, starting early in the morning and returning in the late afternoon or early evening.

What is included in the price?
The main attractions—boat trips to islands, snorkeling, and beach visits—are included. Transportation to and from Puerto Princesa is part of the package, but some reviews note that the quality varies.

Is transportation comfortable?
Transportation tends to be on older vans or buses, which some travelers find uncomfortable or unsafe. The ride can be long and sometimes delayed.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, but due to the nature of logistics and transport, some aspects might still be challenging.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the trip. You can also reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport, sunscreen, water, and any personal essentials. It’s also wise to carry some cash for extra expenses like transportation that might not be included.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant women?
No, pregnant women are advised not to join this tour, likely due to long hours of travel and variable transportation conditions.

To sum it up, the El Nido Day Tour offers a practical, budget-friendly way to experience some of Palawan’s most gorgeous sights. While the scenery and water activities truly shine, the organization and transportation logistics might require patience. Travelers who are flexible, adventurous, and prepared for some rough edges will find this trip rewarding. For those seeking a smooth, luxury experience, it might be worth exploring other options—just keep your expectations aligned with the price point. Ultimately, this tour provides a snapshot of El Nido’s stunning landscape, perfect for eager explorers ready to embrace the journey as part of the adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: