El Nido: Highlights Island Hopping Tour, Lagoons & Beaches

El Nido: Highlights Island Hopping Tour, Lagoons & Beaches — A Complete Review

Imagine winding through crystal-clear waters, surrounded by towering dark limestone cliffs, and discovering secret beaches and vibrant marine life — this is what a 2-day island hopping tour in El Nido promises. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, based on comprehensive descriptions and traveler reviews, it looks like a well-rounded way to experience the best of Palawan’s famed natural beauty.

What makes this tour particularly appealing? First, the stunning lagoons and beaches are enough to take your breath away. Second, the knowledgeable guides seem to enhance the experience with local insights and care. Third, the two-day structure offers a balanced way to cover numerous islands without feeling rushed.

However, one point to consider is that tour groups can be quite large—up to 25 people—so if you prefer intimate trips, that might be a factor. Still, for those eager to see a variety of sights with a reliable operator, this tour offers excellent value.

This experience suits travelers eager for a robust adventure in nature, those interested in photo-worthy spots, and anyone looking to explore Palawan’s iconic lagoons and beaches in a structured but flexible way.

Comprehensive Two-Day Itinerary: Covers ten islands, including lagoons, beaches, and hidden spots.
Expert Guides: Friendly, attentive English-speaking guides enhance the trip with local knowledge.
High-Quality Views: Expect dramatic limestone cliffs, pristine beaches, and tranquil lagoons.
Group Size: Boat capacity of 25 persons balances social experience and comfort.
Flexibility & Convenience: Free cancellation up to 24 hours, and pickup from centrally located hotels.
Authentic Experience: Focus on natural beauty and relatively untouched locations for genuine exploration.

What to Expect from the El Nido Island Hopping Tour

This two-day adventure is designed to introduce you to the most famous and some lesser-known parts of El Nido’s marine and terrestrial environment. It’s clearly intended for travelers who want a broad overview of the area’s natural wonders, with enough time at each stop to soak in the scenery.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Day 1: Tour A — Discovering the Iconic Spots

Starting early around 8-9 am with hotel pickups in the town proper or Corong-Corong area, the first day kicks off with visits to five remarkable islands. You’ll spend roughly six to seven hours on the water, with the tour wrapping up around 4 pm.

Big Lagoon, perhaps the most recognizable of El Nido’s sights, offers towering limestone walls and calm, reflective waters that lend themselves perfectly to photos. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to enter the lagoon since access is limited; if not, guides will take you to alternative locations nearby.

Next is the Secret Lagoon, a tranquil, hidden spot perfect for relaxing away from crowds. The guide mentioned that access might be restricted sometimes, but they always find a beautiful alternative. Expect to snorkel and swim in these serene waters.

Shimizu Island is renowned for vibrant coral reefs and a fantastic beach, ideal for a quick snorkel or sunbathing session. Travelers report that guides like Bryan are attentive and add value by sharing his knowledge of marine life and local history.

Payong-Payong Beach offers a quieter stretch of sand and gentle waves—great for a laid-back stop—and 7 Commandos Beach is perfect for a picnic or a stroll along its expansive shoreline.

Overall, Day 1’s itinerary blends iconic sights with opportunities to relax, swim, and take pictures.

Day 2: Tour C — Exploring Hidden Gems

The second day follows a similar structure, starting with hotel pickups around 8-9 am. The day includes visits to Helicopter Island, known for its distinct shape and excellent snorkeling, and Matinloc, which features dramatic rock formations and lush surroundings.

The Secret Beach and Hidden Beach are true hidden gems, often cited as highlights by travelers. These spots are less crowded, offering a more intimate experience with nature. Expect to snorkel in clear waters, searching for colorful fish and coral.

Tapiutan Island wraps up the tour with its untouched beaches and tranquil waters, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploration.

Throughout both days, the tours emphasize the beauty of natural landscapes and the importance of respectful interactions with the environment. The guides are praised for their friendly attitude, knowledge, and ability to make everyone feel comfortable.

Transportation & Group Dynamics

The boat capacity is capped at 25 people, which helps maintain a lively but not overly crowded environment. The boats are fast and sturdy, making the transfers between islands comfortable.

Timing is well-paced, with most stops lasting around an hour or more, allowing enough time for swimming, snorkeling, and soaking in the scenery. The tours run from about 8-9 am to 4 pm, with no drop-off at your hotel—so you should plan for a quick taxi or walk back after the tour ends.

What’s Included & What to Bring

The tours include the boat rides, guide services in English, and hotel pickup within town proper or Corong-Corong. It’s recommended to bring sunscreen, beachwear, a towel, cash, a change of clothes, and your passport or ID.

It’s worth noting that luggage and large bags are not allowed, and plastic bottles or bags should be avoided to help preserve these pristine environments. Entry to Big Lagoon can sometimes be limited, but guides will suggest alternative beautiful spots if necessary.

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The Value of the Experience

Considering the price, the tour offers a well-rounded way to see El Nido’s most celebrated spots without the hassle of planning each detail yourself. The inclusion of knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and access to top sights makes it a good value for travelers wanting a rundown.

While some might find the group size a bit large, the guides’ attentiveness and the quality of the stops tend to make up for it. As one traveler mentioned, Bryan was “very attentive with the clients,” which can make a big difference when navigating busy tourist spots.

Authentic Encounters & Traveler Tips

From reviews, we learn that travelers highly appreciate the guides’ friendliness and attention to detail. For example, Bryan’s care and local knowledge stood out, making the experience feel more personal and educational.

Expect to get your feet wet during snorkeling, and bring cash for souvenirs or snacks on the islands. Travelers also suggest packing a waterproof phone case for photos and extra sunscreen to avoid sunburns.

One participant mentioned that the access to Lagoon spots can sometimes be restricted, so flexibility and patience are key. Guides adapt by showing alternative beautiful locations, which keeps the experience satisfying even if the main attraction is closed.

Practicalities & Final Thoughts

The tour is suitable for most travelers in good health, as it involves boat rides and some walking around rocky or sandy beaches. It’s a great choice for those who want to see as much of El Nido as possible in a short time.

Cost-wise, the tour’s value is boosted by the inclusiveness of transportation, guides, and stunning locations. However, do remember that no drop-off at your hotel is included, so plan for an easy walk or short taxi afterward.

Booking ahead is recommended, especially during peak seasons, but the flexible cancellation policy provides peace of mind.

Who Should Take This Tour?

If you’re looking for a well-organized, value-packed way to see El Nido’s best lagoons and beaches in just two days, this tour is an excellent choice. It’s perfect for first-timers wanting an overview and seasoned travelers eager to tick off the must-see spots with reliable guidance.

Those who prefer a more intimate experience might find the group size slightly large, but the guides’ friendliness typically makes up for it. Nature lovers and snorkelers will particularly enjoy the variety of underwater and land-based sights.

In summary, this tour offers a solid blend of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty—delivered by friendly guides who know how to show off Palawan’s best bits. It’s a practical way to make the most of your time in El Nido, especially if your schedule is tight but you crave authentic experiences.

FAQ

What is included in the tour? The tour covers boat rides, guide services in English, and hotel pickup within the town proper or Corong-Corong area.

How many islands will I visit? You’ll visit a total of ten islands over two days, including lagoons, beaches, and hidden spots.

What should I bring? Sunscreen, beachwear, towel, cash, change of clothes, and your passport or ID. Luggage and large bags are not allowed on the boat.

Are there any restrictions to entering certain lagoons? Entry to Big Lagoon can sometimes be limited; if access is unavailable, guides will suggest alternative beautiful locations nearby.

What is the group size? The boat can carry up to 25 persons, ensuring a lively atmosphere but still allowing everyone to enjoy the scenery.

Can I cancel the tour? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers? Generally yes, but consider the boat rides and walking involved at some stops.

How long are the stops on each island? Most stops last around an hour or more, giving ample time for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing.

In the end, the El Nido Highlights Island Hopping Tour offers a balanced, enjoyable way to see some of Palawan’s most iconic natural attractions. With stunning views, friendly guides, and well-chosen stops, it’s an adventure worth considering for your trip to this tropical paradise.

You can check availability for your dates here: