If you’re searching for things to do in El Nido, this guide covers everything you need to plan your trip. I visited El Nido in February 2026, and in this blog, I’ll share my full experience — from island hopping tours to logistics and what to expect on the ground.
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El Nido Travel Guide
Why El Nido is So Famous
Located in Palawan, El Nido is known for its dramatic limestone cliffs, turquoise lagoons, and pristine white sand beaches. It is frequently listed as one of the top island destinations in the world, and once you see Bacuit Bay for yourself, it becomes clear why.
The scenery is incredibly diverse — from hidden beaches accessible only by swimming through narrow openings in limestone rocks, to calm emerald lagoons surrounded by towering karst formations. Whether you are kayaking, snorkelling, or simply relaxing on the beach, El Nido offers a uniquely varied island experience.
When is the Best Time to Visit?
The best time to visit El Nido is during the dry season (November to May), when the seas are calm and visibility is excellent for island hopping. During my February 2026 trip, the weather was consistently sunny with ideal sea conditions almost every day.
How to Get to El Nido
There are two main ways to reach El Nido:
- Fly direct to El Nido Airport (Lio Airport)
- Most convenient option
- Approximately 10–15 minutes to El Nido town
- Higher cost compared to other options
- Fly to Puerto Princesa + land transfer
- More budget-friendly
- Land transfer travel time: typically 5–6 hours, can extend to 6–8 hours depending on traffic and stops
How to Explore El Nido
The main things to do in El Nido revolve around its well-known standardised island hopping tours — Tour A, B, C, and D.
These tours follow fixed itineraries, and all tour agencies in El Nido offer the same routes and stops. This means that regardless of which agency you choose, the core experience of each tour will be largely the same.
Most visitors will typically complete 2 to 3 island tours, depending on the length of their stay.
In addition to island hopping, there is also a simple land tour option that allows you to explore beaches and attractions on the mainland by tricycle.
- Tour A/B/C/D: PHP 1,000 – 1,400 per person
- Land Tour: ~PHP 1,500 per tricycle (up to 2 persons)
How It Works (Island Hopping Tour)
- Easy to book via hotels or walk-in tour agencies in town
- Boats depart from El Nido Beach at around 8:30 AM
- Tours usually end around 4:00 PM
- Lunch is typically included at one of the island stops
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Things to Do in El Nido
Tour A — Big Lagoon and Classic Highlights
Among the island hopping routes in El Nido, Tour A is often considered the most popular and scenic. This tour focuses on the iconic limestone cliffs and turquoise lagoons of Bacuit Bay.
The highlight is the famous Big Lagoon, where visitors kayak through calm emerald waters surrounded by towering karst formations. It is one of the most recognisable landscapes in El Nido.
- Cost: PHP 1,000 – 1,200 per person
- Duration: Approximately 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Tour A Stops
- Seven Commandos Beach
A large scenic beach surrounded by limestone cliffs. This stop offers ample space to relax, swim, and enjoy the tropical scenery. - Big Lagoon
One of the most iconic locations in El Nido. Visitors enter by kayak and paddle through calm waters enclosed by dramatic limestone formations. - Shimizu Island
A popular lunch stop where many tours serve meals on the beach. The surrounding waters are also ideal for snorkelling. - Secret Lagoon
A hidden lagoon accessible only by swimming through a small opening in the limestone rocks. - Payong Payong Beach
A smaller but picturesque beach commonly used for snorkelling, with coral and marine life close to shore.
Verdict: A must-do highlight, especially for first-time visitors.
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Tour C — Hidden Beaches and Adventure
Tour C is often regarded as one of the most adventurous routes, taking visitors to more secluded beaches and locations that require swimming through narrow openings in limestone cliffs.
This tour stands out for its dramatic scenery and sense of exploration.
- Cost: PHP 1,200 – 1,400 per person
- Duration: Approximately 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Tour C Stops
- Cadlao Lagoon
A stunning lagoon beside Cadlao Island, with calm emerald waters ideal for kayaking. The area also offers opportunities for aerial photography. - Helicopter Island
Named for its distinctive shape, this island features a long stretch of white sand beach and clear waters suitable for swimming. - Hidden Beach
One of the most famous spots in El Nido. Visitors swim through a narrow opening in the cliffs to reach a secluded beach enclosed by rock walls. - Talisay Beach
A scenic stop where most tours serve buffet lunch. The calm waters and limestone backdrop make it highly picturesque. - Secret Beach
A unique hidden beach accessed through a small hole in a limestone wall, revealing a concealed lagoon-like setting.
Verdict: Best for dramatic landscapes and a more adventurous experience.
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Tour D — Quiet and Relaxed Experience
Tour D is a more relaxed and less crowded route, focusing on calm lagoons and quieter beaches around Bacuit Bay.
Compared to other tours, it offers a more laid-back experience, ideal for those who prefer fewer crowds and a slower pace.
- Cost: PHP 1,000 – 1,200 per person
- Duration: Approximately 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Tour D Stops
- Cadlao Lagoon
A peaceful lagoon with calm waters, suitable for kayaking and relaxing. - Serenity Beach
A quiet beach with clear water, ideal for swimming and snorkelling. - Small Lagoon
One of the highlights of Tour D, featuring narrow entrances leading into a beautiful enclosed lagoon. - Pasandigan Beach
A relaxing beach surrounded by limestone cliffs. Note that drone flying is not permitted here. - Paradise Beach
A scenic white sand beach with clear waters, perfect for swimming and unwinding.
Verdict: Best for relaxation and avoiding crowds.
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El Nido Land Tour
While island hopping is the main highlight, a land tour by tricycle is an easy way to explore the mainland.
This trip is simple to arrange — you can approach any tricycle driver in town or ask your hotel to organise one, and departures are usually immediate.
- Cost: PHP 1,500 per tricycle (up to 2 persons)
- Duration: Approximately half-day
Land Tour Stops
- Nacpan Beach – One of the most famous beaches near El Nido, known for its long stretch of golden sand and relaxed atmosphere.
- Lio Beach – A well-developed beachfront area near the airport, with restaurants and cafés.
- Las Cabanas Beach – A popular sunset viewpoint overlooking Bacuit Bay.
Verdict: A simple and worthwhile addition if you have extra time.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to things to do in El Nido, island hopping is clearly the main highlight — but each tour offers a distinct experience.
A good approach is to combine Tour A or C for iconic scenery with Tour D for a quieter day, and add the land tour if your schedule allows.
El Nido consistently delivers on expectations — every lagoon, beach, and viewpoint feels like a postcard setting.
Our Other Blogs on Philippines
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- Kawasan Canyoneering Adventure (Cebu, Philippines)
- Boracay 2024: Revisiting After 7 Years – What’s Changed?
- Things to Do in Boracay (2017)
- How to Get to Boracay (2017)
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