Island hopping in El Nido – In-depth guide 2025

They also include a very impressive, fresh, and tasty Filipino lunch, which normally includes a variety of dishes. Over our years of travel, we have been lucky enough to do many island hopping trips around Asia. In our opinion, the island hopping trip in El Nido is uniquely beautiful and impressive. This really should be at the top of your list for Palawan.

How much does it cost to go island hopping in El Nido?

The exact price of island hopping in El Nido depends on how you book your trip (and also on whether you are willing and able to barter!). In general, prices range between 1,200 – 1,400 pesos per person (£17 – £20 or $20 – $25). This should include a guide, food, water and equipment (maybe not kayak). You generally need to pay extra for environmental fees (200 pesos), entry to the Big Lagoon (200 pesos) and kayak rental (300 pesos). So in total it may cost around 1,900 pesos which is roughly £25 or $30. 

TOP TIP – The environmental fees are valid for 10 days so you don’t need to re-pay if you would like to take a second trip.

What island hopping trips are available in El Nido?

There are so many beautiful lagoons, islands, and beaches around the El Nido bay area it is not possible to see everything in a single island hopping trip. For this reason, there are several different options that you can choose from. The island hopping trips are called Tour A, Tour B, Tour C, and Tour D. These tour labels are standard in El Nido, so for example, if you get a quote for Tour A with a particular travel agent, this will be the same (or very similar) itinerary as for Tour A with a different travel agent (this is super helpful because it enables you to compare prices for the same tour).

Each of the island hopping trips includes different attractions and highlights. It may seem exciting to have all of this choice; however, it can also feel overwhelming. To help you make the best choice, we will summarize the highlights and advantages of each of the options. Before you read on, it is important to recognize that all of the island hopping trips are genuinely beautiful and adventurous. So if you are struggling to narrow it down, don’t overthink it.

The Classic Option -Tour A

Big Lagoon, Payong Payong, Secret Lagoon, 7 Commando Beach & Zhimizu Island 

1,200 pesos per person.

This is the most popular tour, and it includes all of the main attractions and highlights in the area. If you’re not sure which tour to pick, then we recommend picking Tour A. This tour has a good balance of different types of attractions (lagoons, islands, and beaches); it is also the only tour that includes Big Lagoon (where you can kayak) and Secret Lagoon. The name “Secret Lagoon” is definitely a misnomer; there is nothing secret about this lagoon; it is part of the most popular tour and is almost always crowded. Some trips may take you to an alternative lagoon (which is genuinely more secret and tranquil). The main disadvantage of Tour A is the popularity. If you’re hoping to get off the beaten track and experience some more tranquil locations, then we recommend considering one of the other tours.

The Cave option – Tour B

Cathederal Cave, Cudugnon Cave, Snake Island, Entalula Island & Pinagbuyutan Island

1,300 pesos per person

If you are interested in exploring some remarkable sea caves, then we recommend Tour B. This tour visits two spectacular caves and a handful of beautiful islands. This is a great option if you are interested in snorkeling. It is important to note that this tour does not include any of the lagoons (so if you are dreaming of exploring a spectacular lagoon, we recommend Tour A or D).

The Beach lovers option – Tour C

Secret beach, Helicopter island, Talisay Beach, Hidden beach & Matinloo Shrine

1,400 pesos per person

This is the best option if you’re hoping to visit some beautiful islands and relax on tropical beaches. Tour C does not include any lagoons. It is also important to recognize that this tour is more expensive due to the increased distance. Tours C and D are generally the quietest.

The Alternative – Tour D 

Small Lagoon, Bukal Beach, Nat Nat Beach, Paradise Beach & Cadlao Lagoon 

1,200 pesos per person

If you have already done Tour A and you loved it, you may be looking for another island hopping fix. In this case, we recommend Tour D. This tour is essentially a less popular (and therefore more peaceful) alternative to Tour A. This tour includes a couple of more tranquil lagoons, islands, and beaches.

Which tour is best for you?

For most people, we recommend picking Tour A. This is the classic island hopping trip in El Nido, which includes the main lagoons, islands, and beaches. It is also slightly cheaper than Tour B and C.

Your trip itinerary may need to change

It is important to recognize that each of the island hopping trip itineraries is flexible. There are a range of different reasons that your boat guide may change the destinations on your trip. For example, in some cases, the lagoons can get overcrowded. The local guides are very good at finding alternatives (for example, on our most recent island hopping trip, the guides took us to a secret lagoon that is not included in the normal itineraries).

Weather conditions can also affect the island hopping itineraries. They generally try to do trips even in bad weather; however, if the weather is particularly bad, your trip may be canceled, or they may need to offer a more limited itinerary.

If you’re traveling to El Nido during the monsoon season, we recommend spending a few days in the area in case your trip is canceled; this will enable you to reschedule for another day. Finally, in some cases, the tide can affect your island hopping trip itinerary; some of the locations are not accessible during high tide (some of the lagoon have a concealed entrance that can be covered by water at high tide). So, even if you have selected a specific island hopping trip because you are hoping to see particular lagoons or islands, you need to be prepared for the itinerary to change at the last minute.

Getting to your boat

Boarding your boat may be one of the most challenging parts of the island hopping trip in El Nido. In most cases, you will need to paddle out to reach your boat. Most of the boats are anchored close to El Nido Beach. Paddling out to your boat can be quite challenging depending on the tide and also on the waves. If possible, it helps if you are already wearing your swimming stuff and you are prepared to get wet (the water is at least waist deep). We recommend having a sealed dry sack for any valuables (especially phones or money). You may also need to ask the guides to help you get your belongings to the boat. If you’re doing the island hopping trip with kids, it can also be quite challenging to reach the boat (we needed to carry our 4-year-old boy and bags).

Top tip: Island hopping tours in this area are relatively punctual. We recommend arriving around 10 or 15 minutes early. Most island hopping trips depart from the west side of El Nido Beach (not too far from the pier).

Can you do private island hopping trips in El Nido?

Yes, it is possible to do private island hopping trips in El Nido. It costs 10,000 pesos to do tour A as a private tour (this is around £140 or $180). The best way to arrange a private trip is to ask around tour operators on El Nido beach. Remember to check timings and what is included (environmental fees? Food? etc)

In fact, if you are able to budget for a private trip, then we highly recommend this. There are several reasons to take a private trip over a shared group tour. Firstly, if you take a private island hopping trip, you can customize and personalize your itinerary to include the attractions that you really want to see. For example, if you are particularly enamored by the idea of kayaking around a stunning lagoon, you can speak to your boat driver and have them spend longer at the lagoons.

Alternatively, if you are all about the snorkeling and coral reef, you can ask your guide to focus on this. Another advantage of taking a private trip is the ability to visit quieter destinations where you can escape the crowds. Island hopping in El Nido is genuinely a popular activity, and for good reason; however, the downside is that some areas can get pretty crowded. If you take a private trip, you can speak to your guide about visiting some quieter and less frequented locations.

Do you need to pay any additional fees for the island hopping trip?

When you are booking your island hopping trip, it is important to check exactly what is included in the price. For example, a good island hopping trip should include your guide, food and drink (including a tasty lunch), and also equipment rental, which should include a life jacket, snorkel, and mask. But, you may also need to pay some additional fees. In general, they will not include the cost of kayak rental (so you will probably need to pay around 300 pesos extra for this). Island hopping trips are unlikely to include environmental fees (200 pesos per person). You also need to pay 200 pesos for entry to the Big Lagoon. 

What kit can you rent in El Nido?

It is very hard to rent kit in El Nido. We asked around and were not able to find anywhere to rent swimming fins or diving weights. Your trip should provide a snorkel mask and life jacket and you can also rent a kayak on the trip. You will need to bring any other kit that you need.

What is the best way to book your island hopping trip in El Nido?

There are two main ways to book your island hopping trip in El Nido. Firstly, you can book your island hopping trip through a local travel agent in El Nido (there are lots of small travel agents around town). You only need to book your trip one or two days in advance. Booking through a local travel agent gives you the ability to barter (although, in our experience, the prices are relatively fixed; the best way to barter is to get other things included for free, such as environmental fees or free kayak rental).

You can also ask questions about the trips before you book. Booking through a local travel agent in El Nido is a similar price to booking your trip online in advance.

FIND OUT MORE – Is it worth staying in El Nido?

Secondly, if you like to get things organized in advance, you can book an island hopping trip on KLOOK. Booking your trip this way allows you security and transparency, and you can also get your trip booked before you travel (giving you peace of mind and something to look forward to). Prices are very similar if you book online in advance.

How long do the island hopping trips take?

The average length of an island hopping trip in El Nido is 7 hours. Most island hopping trips in El Nido depart by 8 am and return to El Nido Beach by 3 pm. Although this is a long day, it is also a very high-pace day, and at times, it can feel pretty rushed.

What do you need to bring on an island hopping trip in El Nido?

If you’re planning an island hopping trip in El Nido, it is important to be well prepared. We recommend packing a bag the night before. Use a small day bag, and if possible, put any valuables inside a sealed dry sack:

• Sunglasses and sun hat
• Sun cream (SPF 50)
• Towel
• Water bottle
• Waterproof camera (remember to charge your batteries the night before)
• Rash guards and swimming kit (we recommend that you wear your swimming stuff in the morning so you do not need to change)
• Dry clothes

Is island hopping in El Nido a family-friendly activity?

Prepare well for the trip

Yes, island hopping is definitely a family-friendly activity. However, if you’re planning to do an island hopping trip with kids, there are a few things that you need to know and consider. Firstly, if you are planning to book an island hopping trip with young kids, speak to your tour operator and make sure that they have child-size life jackets available (these are not provided as a standard in the Philippines, so you do need to check that there will be child-size jackets available on the boat).

Looking after kids on the trip

On an island hopping trip, you naturally spend a lot of time around the water. If your kids are not strong swimmers, make sure that you supervise them carefully and make sure that they wear a life jacket anytime you are swimming or traveling on the boat.

In our experience, the food was delicious, fresh, healthy, and very tasty (they include things like rice, egg, chicken, barbecued fish, and fresh fruit). The local food in the Philippines does not tend to be too spicy; however, if your kids are fussy eaters, we do recommend bringing along some surplus snacks. It’s also important to be aware of the environment and conditions. Make sure that your kids keep drinking plenty of fluids throughout the trip. The sun in the Philippines can be very intense, and your kids may get a lot of sun exposure on the trip. We recommend using a high-factor sunscreen, also consider SPF50 rash guards.

In brief: The age kids need to pay for the trip depends how you book. If you book online kids 3 years and older may need to pay. If you book in El Nido you may be able to include older kids for free (our kids 4 and 5 were both free booking in El Nido). Kids 5 years and older need to pay the environmental fee. 

LEARN MORE – How to travel Palawan with kids

Are island hopping trips good for freediving?

If you are like us, you will jump at the first opportunity to get into some deep, clear water. So, are the island hopping trips in El Nido any good for freediving? The answer to this question depends on exactly what you are looking for. For example, if you were just looking for a few casual deep dives, then the island hopping trips are great for this. However, if you are looking for a full day of more challenging freediving where you can advance your skills, then the island hopping trip is probably not the best option.

1 The big lagoon

The best location for freediving is actually in the Big Lagoon, where water can reach a depth of 30 or 40m. The water in the lagoons is also very calm and reasonably clear (amazing for freediving). However, if you are doing a shared group tour, you will not spend very long in the lagoon, so if you are hoping to kayak and explore the Lagoon, you may only have time for one or two dives. The island hopping trips may also stop at some of the beautiful islands where you can jump into the water and snorkel.

2 The islands

Generally speaking, the water is not particularly deep at these locations (usually no more than 5 to 7m), so this is not a great option for freediving. It is also important to recognize that the island hopping trips are not set up for freediving, so you will not be able to get a line. You will also need to make sure that you have a suitably experienced and qualified freediving buddy (you should never attempt to freedive on your own!). In our experience, the island hopping trip was a lot of fun but quite rushed, so there is not a lot of time for freediving. If you are hoping to enjoy some freediving, we recommend that you arrange a freediving trip with Seaborn Freediving El Nido.

What are the best places to stay in El Nido?

El Nido may be beautiful but it’s not always easy to find good accommodation. Here are 4 fantastic places to stay in El Nido.

1 Forest Bay Inn El Nido

Amazing value for money. Much better than average guest houses in El Nido. Clean, lovely, well designed & tranquil. Nice natural vibes. Dorms & double rooms. £20 – £30 or $25 – $35. Reserve Forest Bay on Agoda or you can Reserve Forest Bay on booking.com

2 Spin Designer Hostel

Chilled, sociable and trendy hostel with dorms and private rooms. Great price and a good location in town. Prices generally range from £15 – £35 or $18 – $40. Book the Spin Designer on Agoda or book Spin Designer on booking.com

3 H Hotel El Nido

Stylish, comfortable and vegan friendly. Excellent location in the heart of El Nido. Trendy luxurious 4 star hotel – large windows and rooftop lounge to make the most of the views. Rooms range in price from £150 – £190 or $180 – $220. Reserve H Hotel on Agoda or H Hotel on booking.com

4 Cadlao Resort

Beautiful resort with spacious and luxurious cottages offering comfort privacy and beauty. Outdoor pool and stunning tranquil beach front location to the north of El Nido. Cottages range in price from £190 – £320 or $210 – $350. Book early – Cadlao Resort on Agoda or you can also book Cadlao Resort on booking.com

Other things to see and do in El Nido?

We do recommend spending a few days in the El Nido area. There is a lot to see and do in the area: 

• Sea kayaking – Rent a kayak on El Nido beach for around 300 pesos per hour
• Palawan zipline Adventures – 600 pesos to ride a zipline to an uninhabited island (Las Cabanas Beach)
• El Nido Via Ferrata Canopy Walk – Amazing views and canopy walkways 
• Freediving – Test your limits freediving in El Nido
• Visit a local fruit market – Connect with the culture & explore a local market
• Walk up the coast – Take a beautiful walk up the coast north of El Nido beach