El Nido, the paradise of The Philippines
El Nido, Palawan Travel Guide
The Ultimate Island-Hopping Paradise in the Philippines
Planning a trip to the most beautiful island in the world? El Nido, Palawan, is a dream destination, but with changing regulations and rising prices, you need an up-to-date plan. In this El Nido Travel Guide 2026, we share everything we learned from our family travels—from the secret lagoons to the best island-hopping tours. Whether you’re looking for budget tips or the most stunning limestone landscapes, this guide ensures you won’t miss a thing in this Philippine paradise.
Watch our video travel guide here about El Nido in Palawan, The Philippines, and read the complete blog below!
🌴 Is El Nido worth it? First impressions of Palawan"
El Nido is a small coastal town on the northern tip of Palawan. Palawan is one of the islands of the Philippines. Despite its worldwide fame, it still feels cozy and laid-back. The town consists of just a few streets lined with restaurants, beach bars, and small hotels, and the best way to get around is by hopping on a local tricycle.
The views are jaw-dropping — towering limestone cliffs rise from the sea, reminiscent of Ha Long Bay in Vietnam or Krabi in Thailand, but with a uniquely Filipino charm.
🚤 Island-Hopping Around El Nido
If you visit El Nido in Palawan, you can’t miss the famous island-hopping tours. Generally speaking, there are four main group tours (A, B, C, and D), each visiting different beaches and lagoons. However, to maximize our experience and avoid crowds, we decided to go for a private tour, which consequently allowed us to combine the best spots from each itinerary — and it was absolutely worth it. For instance, our boat took us through crystal-clear waters dotted with 45 small islands, each surrounded by vibrant coral reefs and white sandy beaches. Overall, this approach provides the most tailored and memorable adventure.
What is the difference between Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon in El Nido?
The main difference between Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon is the scale and accessibility. Big Lagoon (Tour A) is famous for its massive limestone cliffs and deep turquoise water where boats anchor outside, and you explore the vast area by kayak. Small Lagoon (Tour D) offers a more intimate experience; you enter through a narrow opening into a hidden, quiet chamber. Both lagoons require a mandatory User Fee of 200 PHP per person and are subject to daily visitor caps, so booking in advance is essential.
🏝️ Secret Lagoon & Miniloc Island
Our first stop was the Secret Lagoon — a hidden chamber of turquoise water surrounded by towering rocks. It’s not that secret anymore, but still breathtaking to see in real life. From above, Miniloc Island looked exactly like the photos in travel magazines — a true tropical paradise.
🤿 Snorkeling at Shimizu Island
Next, we anchored near Shimizu Island for snorkeling. The coral gardens were alive with colorful fish, including Nemo, pufferfish, and even a majestic blowfish hiding in the sand.
🛶 Kayaking the Small Lagoon
We switched to kayaks to enter the Small Lagoon, gliding through calm turquoise water surrounded by massive limestone walls. For a few minutes, we were completely alone — no other boats, no sound except the water and birds. It felt like stepping into another world.
From above, the lagoons looked like liquid jewels — shades of blue and green blending like watercolor.
🐠 A Fresh Lunch by the Sea
Our crew first prepared a fresh seafood lunch on a nearby beach — grilled fish, tropical fruits, and rice. Ultimately, this simple, delicious meal was perfectly suited for island life.
🏖️ Nacpan Beach – One of the World’s Best
Afterward, on the next day, we took a private van north to Nacpan Beach, which is in fact ranked among the Top 10 most beautiful beaches in the world on TripAdvisor. Even though the weather was cloudy, the long stretch of white sand, palm trees, and crystal-clear water looked like paradise.
There’s only one beach restaurant — serving fresh seafood and cold drinks — and a small cocktail bar where they serve mojitos in coconuts and bamboo cups. Consequently, this spot is absolute blis
🌅 Las Cabanas & Marimegmeg Beach
Finally, on our last day, the sun returned, and we visited Las Cabanas Beach, just a few kilometers south of town. In short, it turned out to be the perfect ending to our time in El Nido — thanks to the white sand, calm waves, and sunset views over the islands.
Moreover, if you have time, definitely also visit Marimegmeg Beach, a local favorite and great for sunset drinks.
Plan Your Trip to El Nido
How to get there:
Fly to Puerto Princesa from the capital of Manilla and take a shared van or bus north to El Nido (5–6 hours).
OR Fly directly to El Nido from Manilla.
Best time to visit:
December–May for sunny weather and calm seas.
Must-do activities, which you can book by clicking here:
Private island-hopping tour (mix of tours A–C)
Snorkeling at Shimizu Island
Kayaking in the Small Lagoon
Day trip to Nacpan Beach
Sunset at Las Cabanas Beach
El Nido Island Hopping Prices 2026
How much do El Nido island hopping tours cost in 2026?
The standard prices for shared island-hopping tours in El Nido for the 2026 season are:
Tour A: 1,200 – 1,400 PHP (Most popular: Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon)
Tour B: 1,300 PHP (Cudugnon Cave, Snake Island)
Tour C: 1,400 – 1,600 PHP (Best snorkeling: Hidden Beach, Matinloc Shrine)
Tour D: 1,200 PHP (Small Lagoon, Cadlao Lagoon)
Important additional costs:
Eco-Tourism Development Fee (ETDF): 400 PHP per person (valid for 10 days).
Lagoon User Fee: 200 PHP per person (for Big or Small Lagoon).
Kayak Rental: 300 – 400 PHP per kayak.
BOOK YOUR TOURS WITH DISCOUNT!
Use code WOUTOFTHEWORLD5 at GetYourGuide to get an exclusive discount on all tours.
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