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El Nido is a truly unique and stunning destination situated on the northwest coast of Palawan. If you are planning to go kayaking in El Nido in 2025, please read this article carefully. We will tell you everything you need to know to plan your own adventures, including how to rent a kayak, where to go kayaking, and what to expect. We will also include top tips and safety information to help you plan your trip.
On a personal level – we really enjoyed Kayaking in El Nido. We have personally tried each of the options we share in the article. We have also explored the coastline around El Nido – looking for the BEST spots to kayak, snorkel, swim and relax – so that we can help equip you to plan your own Kayaking adventures in El Nido.
Why Should You Go Kayaking in El Nido?
El Nido is genuinely one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. This stunning beach is beautifully framed by steep jungle-covered peaks. Kayaking is a fantastic way to see and experience this stunning coast from a different perspective. You can also take fins, snorkel, and mask to explore some of the beautiful reefs in the El Nido Bay area. You can also kayak to Cadlao Island, a stunning remote island, and visit Paradise Beach, a spot that can only be accessed by boat or kayak. So, if you want to get to some more tranquil and secluded spots, you will need to go by kayak.
What Are the Best Ways to Go Kayaking in El Nido?
There are two main options if you want to go kayaking in El Nido. If you have a few days in the area, you can do both of these options. Each of these options offers a very unique and different experience.
Option 1 – Rent a Kayak on El Nido Beach
The cheapest and simplest way to go kayaking in El Nido is to go to El Nido Beach and rent a kayak. There are several different shops offering kayak rental along the beach. The quickest way to find them is to look for the kayaks, which are generally left sitting out on the sand. (If you are struggling to find somewhere, there is a kayak rental shop situated on the northeast side of El Nido Beach next to Havana.)
All you need to do is approach the shop and ask for their price. Kayak rental generally ranges between 300 – 400 pesos per hour (this should include a life jacket). You may be able to negotiate a better deal if you are renting a kayak for a few hours. If you rent a kayak from the beach in El Nido, you will be responsible for the kayak and also for your own safety. This price only includes kayak rental and will not include a guide. If you do want to get a guide, we recommend speaking to one of the tour operators on El Nido Beach and explaining that you would like to take a guided kayaking trip in the area. Expect to pay around 700 – 1,000 pesos for a 1-hour guided kayaking trip.
We have included a map with some recommended kayaking routes in the El Nido Bay area. If you want to kayak to Cadlao Island, it takes around 30 minutes each way. There is a beautiful secluded beach called Paradise Beach on the south of this island. You can also find some vibrant coral reefs situated around 50 meters out from Paradise Beach.
Option 2 – Take an Island Hopping Trip
The most scenic, unique, and beautiful kayaking in the area can be experienced at the Big Lagoon. Unfortunately, the Big Lagoon is too far to access from El Nido Beach (i.e., it is not possible to kayak from El Nido Beach all the way to this lagoon). So, if you want to go kayaking at the Big Lagoon, you will need to book an island hopping trip in El Nido.
Island Hopping Trip Tour A includes a visit to the Big Lagoon. Most boats give you the option of renting a kayak so that you can explore the Big Lagoon. You normally need to pay an additional fee for kayak rental (normally around 300 pesos). You also need to pay 200 pesos for entry to the lagoon and 200 pesos for environmental fees. Island hopping trips normally cost around 1,200 pesos if you book your trip with a local tour operator in El Nido (there are a lot of tour operators situated along the beachfront).
If you take an island hopping trip, you will normally have around 45 minutes to 1 hour to explore the Big Lagoon by kayak. Not only can you explore the lagoon itself, but there are also some very beautiful waterways and deep crevices to the side of the lagoon. You are also allowed to jump in and swim or snorkel in the Big Lagoon. Be aware that the water is very deep in places.
Looking for a simple and straight forward option? Book your island hopping trip on KLOOK…
Kayaking in El Nido: Safety Tips
If you’re planning to go kayaking in El Nido, it is very important to be aware of safety. We recommend checking the weather and the water conditions before you go kayaking. Always make sure you have plenty of daylight and don’t attempt anything too ambitious late in the afternoon. If you have never tried sea kayaking before, you can arrange a guide in El Nido. Always wear a life jacket when you are sea kayaking. We also recommend that you bring a water bottle and plenty of drinking water. If you are kayaking during the day, use a sun hat, sun cream, and a factor SPF 50 rash guard.
If you’re bringing along valuables, we recommend using a high-quality dry sack to make sure that everything remains sealed and dry. Don’t bring any unnecessary valuables (we recommend a waterproof camera rather than a mobile phone). Before you depart, speak to your kayak rental shop about your planned route, destinations, and your intended return time. If you are planning to go swimming or snorkeling, make sure that you have someone in your kayak or make sure that your kayak has safely landed on a beach. Take particular care when you are setting off from the beach. Remember, the waves can be big, which can be very challenging. You may need to cut out and push your kayak a little. Always try to hit the waves head-on where possible.
