el nido palawan boat tour

THE 10 BEST El Nido Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in el nido.

• Scuba & Snorkeling
• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Boat Rentals
• Speed Boats Tours
• Stand-Up Paddleboarding
• Water Sports
• Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing
• Fishing Charters & Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Seven Commando Beach
• Lagum Adventure
• Secret Lagoon Beach
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. El Nido Private Tour A w/ Lunch

2. El Nido Full Day Tour C with Buffet Lunch

3. El Nido Island Hopping Tour A with Lunch

4. Seacret Luxury Catamaran Yacht Group Island Hopping Tour

5. EL Nido Tour A

6. El Nido Tour Group B with Lunch (Full Day)

7. El Nido Tour A - Group w/ Buffet Lunch

8. El Nido Tour B - Caves and Islands Tour (Private / Shared)

9. Linapacan Island Palawan 2 Days 1 Night Camping Expedition Trip

10. El Nido Island Hopping Day Tour from Puerto Princesa City

11. Private Underground River Day Tour with Lunch from El Nido

12. 5D4N Puerto Princesa & El Nido Experience

13. El Nido Palawan Private Tour C, with Lunch

14. El Nido Island Hopping Tour C with Lunch

15. Port Barton Full Day Island Hopping with Buffet Lunch

16. El Nido Tour C - Hidden Beaches & Snorkeling tour(Private/Shared)

17. El Nido Tour A - Big Lagoon Premium Tour (Private / Shared)

18. Small-Group El Nido Island Hopping Tour

19. Private Linapacan Island Day Trip with Buffet Lunch

20. Coron Island Escapade Group Tour with Island Lunch

21. El Nido Tour B - Private Tour with Lunch (Full Day)

22. 3D2N El Nido Experience

23. El Nido Tour D Full Day w/ Beach Lunch

24. El Nido Highlights Tour w/ Island Lunch

25. 6D5N Puerto Princesa and El Nido Tours with hotel

26. Private El Nido Tour A Island Hopping

27. Balabac Palawan Island Expedition - 4D/3N with Full Board Meal

28. Private El Nido Tour B Island Hopping

29. Tour A Island Hopping El Nido by Haqqy Life

30. Palawan Highlights 4 Days Ultimate Getaway

What travelers are saying.

• El Nido Full Day Tour C with Buffet Lunch
• El Nido Private Tour A w/ Lunch
• Seacret Luxury Catamaran Yacht Group Island Hopping Tour
• El Nido Tour A - Group w/ Buffet Lunch
• El Nido Tour B - Caves and Islands Tour (Private / Shared)
• El Nido Paradise
• Turtle Divers
• Tribe Banua
• El Nido Yachting Club
• Ape Tours El Nido
• Umi Travel and Tours
• El Nido Boutique & Artcafe
• Nativ'Exploration Palawan
• Kraken El Nido
• Nomads Diving Center
• Dive Sibaltan

• Request Tickets
• EL NIDO YACHTING CLUB
• FAQs (updated 2023)

El Nido's iconic island hopping. Elevated.

Unlock the SeaCret of El Nido

Discover the marine treasures under the crystal-clear blue waters and the secret lagoons behind those towering limestone cliffs aboard the SeaCret, our 50ft sailing catamaran.

Indulge in a day of Seaduction

Make your tropical fantasies come alive with an exhilarating ride on a luxury speedboat, VIP-style, and hideaway into a secluded private white-sand beach…possibly all to yourself.

Epitome of luxury with the SEAcation

Experience the Lagoon 450F Catamaran Yacht, a floating haven designed for indulgence in El Nido.

Come and sail with us and discover El Nido's beautiful islands, towering limestone cliffs, clear turquoise water lagoons, and stunning white sand beaches, while relaxing in one of our stylish and comfortable boats. We are the only premium island tour boat operator in the island with a brand new fleet of speedboats, a catamaran yacht, and a wooden boat. Get away from the crowds and enjoy the experience of cruising in the safety and comfort of your own private catamaran yacht while being surrounded by the views of El Nido, home to the majestic ancient karst limestone formations, secret lagoons with crystal-clear waters, pristine white sand beaches, marine sanctuaries teeming with tropical life,voted the world’s best island in 2020. 

Book your most unforgettable tropical paradise experience NOW with El Nido Yachting Club  

El Nido Tour A Island Hopping – Complete 2024 Guide

El Nido Tour A is one of the best things to do in Palawan and this particular tour is the most popular among the other El Nido boat tours such as B, C, and D.

Island-hopping in El Nido has been on my bucket list for years and I’m stoked to have finally ticked it off. That being said, I guarantee you will enjoy El Nido Tour A just as much as I did.

I have put together this complete guide of Tour A El Nido including where to book, how much it costs, and what to expect on the tour.

Table of Contents

WHERE TO BOOK EL NIDO TOUR A

There are countless tour agencies in the town offering El Nido Island Hopping Tours and it can be very overwhelming trying to find the right company at the right price.

I personally booked Tour A El Nido online in advance with Viator and it couldn’t have been easier!

This is the most top-rated El Nido Island Hopping Tour A with great reviews.

The tour includes a full day of island hopping on an outrigger boat to Seven Commandos Beach, Big Lagoon/Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and a BBQ lunch on the boat.

BEST EL NIDO TOUR PACKAGE

The BEST Island Hopping trip you can get is the El Nido Tour A !

It includes hotel pickup, lunch, entrance to the lagoon, the environmental fee, and a fun guide to spend the day with!

EL NIDO TOUR A PRICE

Prices range from 1200 pesos ($21) to 2200 (about $40). While you can book with agencies in El Nido Town, I recommend pre-booking online for different reasons:

First, tours on Viator include hotel pickup, the environmental fee, and the entrance to the lagoon, which are excluded with other tour operators.

Secondly, El Nido Tour A is the most popular of them all and, therefore, it sells out very fast. I tried to book in town twice before giving up and booking 2 days in advance on Viator.

Lastly, the best time of the day to visit is in the morning, and some tour operators will only depart in the afternoon, which isn’t convenient.

Check out the tour here below.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON TOUR A EL NIDO

El Nido Tour A begins at the meeting point on the beach in El Nido Bay to sign in to the registrar and meet the other travelers joining in on the adventure.

These tours El Nido start at around 9 am and returns between 4 pm – 5 pm.

Do note that an additional environmental fee of 200 pesos is valid for 10 days, so hang on to the ticket if you plan on doing other El Nido boat tours.

You will also have to pay a 200 pesos fee to enter the big and small lagoons.

Before jumping on the boat, there are many beach vendors selling waterproof phone cases, dry bags, reef booties, and other products that you may be interested in purchasing. Prices vary so put your bartering skills to the test.

Once you’re all geared up, head to the boat to begin the El Nido island-hopping adventure!

SEVEN COMMANDOS BEACH

The first stop on the tour is Seven Commandos Beach and what a place to begin. As our boat was pulling into the cove, I couldn’t believe the epic landscape in front of my eyes.

Azure waters, glistening white sands, coconut palm trees, and a few beachside shacks line the shores.

This is what the Philippines is all about and Seven Commandos Beach is hands-down one of the best beaches in El Nido!

We spent around 45 minutes on 7 Commando Beach, soaking up the sun and taking several dips in the ocean to cool off.

You can also purchase a fresh coconut from one of the beach hut vendors for as little as 50 pesos. Hold off on plastic straws and help to reduce the use of single-use plastic.

There are some fun-fuelled activities to be had on Seven Commandos Beach such as playing a game of beach volleyball with your mates or flying out over the water’s edge on the tree swing.

If you want to get an Instagram-worthy photo, head to the cluster of palm trees at the eastern end of 7 Commando Beach and work some angles before continuing on to the next location.

BIG LAGOON – EL NIDO TOUR A

The next stop of Tour A El Nido is the famous Big Lagoon at Miniloc Island.

When we arrived on the boat I could finally see why Big Lagoon was at the top of everyone’s list of things to do in El Nido!

The towering limestone cliffs of Miniloc Island are other-worldly and the deep blue-colored waters inside Big Lagoon are too inviting not to go for a swim!

One of the best activities to do at Big Lagoon El Nido is to rent a kayak and paddle your way through the opening of the lagoon and explore the deep blue waters inside.

The cost to rent a kayak is an additional 250 pesos which is worth every cent.

If you opt not to go kayaking in Big Lagoon, it’s possible to swim from the boat into the opening of the lagoon where the water is quite shallow.

From here you can walk around beneath the curving limestone cliffs and take a moment to let the phenomenality of this place soak in.

I decided to fly my drone camera to capture the beauty of it all from a birds-eye perspective. Safe to say these were my favorite photos I took on the El Nido island hopping tour!

The BEST Hotel in El Nido

Need a place to stay? Lagùn Hotel is conveniently located in the heart of El Nido Town.

Whether you’re here to explore the sights or relax in comfort, Lagùn Hotel offers the best of both worlds.

Take Your Photos & Videos To New Heights!

The DJI Mini 3 Pro is the most affordable, user-friendly drone camera suitable for all levels!

This travel-sized drone captures 4K/60fps video, 48MP photo, and has 34 minutes flight time.

SECRET LAGOON EL NIDO

Secret Lagoon El Nido is around the corner from Big Lagoon which is the next stop on the tour.

The name isn’t quite fitting for this location as it’s one of the more popular spots for most El Nido boat tours.

Despite its popularity, Secret Lagoon is something you just have to see with your own eyes!

Our boat anchored just off the shore from Secret Lagoon and the boat crew started to prepare lunch while we were off exploring.

We had around 45 minutes to check out the small caves and sandy coves that surround the lagoon.

The limestone cliffs that envelop Secret Lagoon are some of the most impressive ones that you’ll come across when Island Hopping in El Nido.

You could marvel at these classic El Nido cliffs for hours and ponder how they came to be.

Buffet Lunch is served on the boat and what a spread it is! A mix of BBQ prawns, fish, chicken, pork and fresh salads, noodles, rice, and fruits.

SHIMIZU ISLAND

Last but not least on Tour A El Nido is Shimizu Island. Yet another natural beauty that lies in the archipelago of islands in the north of Palawan!

We were one of just three other boats at Shimizu Island so it was far less crowded than some of the other spots on the El Nido Island hopping tour package.

There’s quite a bit of exploring to be had on the island to its number of secluded beaches, small caves, and snorkeling around the colorful coral reefs.

The turquoise waters surrounding the island are more vibrant than the other islands we visited that day and it seriously looked good enough to drink!

The sun was already starting to set which cast some pretty cool shadows of the cliffs on the top of the ocean.

After an epic day on the water, it was time to make the return journey back to El Nido which takes approximately 1 hour.

Salty, sun-kissed, and exhausted, I think a beer is in order at one of the beachside bars to conclude your El Nido Tour A!

Capture All Your Adventures!

I’m sure y’all know by now that GoPro’s are arguably the best action cameras on the planet!

The new GoPro HERO 11 boasts 5.3K video, 27MP photo, HyperSmooth stabilization, and waterproof up to 10m!

OTHER EL NIDO ISLAND HOPPING TOURS

Looking for the best El Nido Island Hopping Tours?! The options are El Nido tour A, B, C, D.

Visit the Viator website to see all of the top-rated tours in El Nido. Make sure to book online in advance to be guaranteed the best rates!

WHERE TO STAY IN EL NIDO

El Nido has hundreds of accommodation options to choose from, so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay to fit the needs of budget backpackers, luxury travelers, and everyone in between.

See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend:

Luxury: Lagùn Hotel

Lagùn Hotel is one of the best and most modern hotels in El Nido featuring an outdoor swimming pool, terrace, restaurant, bar, and free wifi throughout the property.

The rooms are fitted with a flat-screen tv, wardrobe, work desk, fridge, kettle, private bathroom, and some with a balcony.

Recommended place to stay for couples, families, or friends after enjoying an island hopping El Nido.

Mid Range: Sea Cocoon Hotel

I personally stayed at Sea Cocoon Hotel which is located right in the heart of El Nido town and just a minute’s walk to the beach.

Sea Cocoon Hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, terrace, restaurant, bar, and a shared lounge.

The rooms are spacious and modern with air-conditioning, large comfy beds, a wardrobe, a balcony, and a private bathroom. A buffet breakfast is also included for all guests.

Affordable place to stay for couples, families, or friends.

Budget: One Hostel El Nido

One Hostel is one of the best budget accommodations in El Nido which is centrally located and within walking distance of the bus terminal, shops, cafes, bars, restaurants, and beaches.

There are dorm rooms, double rooms, and quadruple rooms available with air-conditioning. The hostel also has free wifi and a shared lounge area for guests to hang out.

It’s the perfect place to stay in El Nido for solo travelers, couples, or friends on a budget.

FOR ALL OTHER PLACES TO STAY IN EL NIDO, SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM

What to pack for the philippines.

When visiting the Philippines, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you:

Must-Have Travel Essentials

Hidden money wallet.

Keep your cash and other valuables safe with this anti-theft hidden money wallet!

Reusable Water Bottle

The GRAYL GeoPress is the best reusable bottle that allows you to purify water from anywhere!

Travel Backpack

The Nomatic Travel Backpack has 20+ innovative features, perfect for everyday use!

Quick-Dry Travel Towel

The most compact, lightweight, and quick-dry towel for traveling!

Portable PowerBank

Keep your phone, laptop, and accessories charged while you’re on the go with the Anker PowerBank!

More Philippines Travel Guides

Click the button below to view all articles related to the Philippines!

FINAL THOUGHTS – EL NIDO TOUR A

I hope you enjoyed reading this El Nido blog about island hopping El Nido and if you have any questions at all about El Nido Tour A ,   please leave me a comment below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.

TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!

Search and book accommodation worldwide.

Compare and book cheap flights to anywhere.

Find tickets, tours, and experiences around the world.

Book buses, trains, and transfers online in advance.

Search all rental cars in your next destination.

Need travel insurance for your next trip?

THANKS FOR READING

Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide!

Please know this post may contain affiliate links. When making a purchase through one of my links, I earn a small kickback at no extra cost to you and it’s a big help to keep the site up and running. Rest assured, I only promote products and services that I personally use and recommend.

Click here to find out how you can support the site organically .

Many thanks!

2 thoughts on “El Nido Tour A Island Hopping – Complete 2024 Guide”

Thank you for your web site. This has the most helpful information of any site I’ve found so far, and puts me more at ease in making plans for February. Please send information as far as the boat used for the El-Nido A tour. Such as: the size, how many people on the boat., and restroom facilities. I wish you much sucess with your site. Gordon

Hi Gordon, thanks for the positive feedback! The boat is a traditional bangka boat and usually the tours have around 6-10 people. There are no toilets on board the boat but there are some toilet facilities on the islands that you will visit. Have a fantastic trip!

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EL NIDO ISLAND HOPPING TOUR A

Welcome to El Nido, a breathtaking paradise where crystal-clear waters, hidden lagoons, and pristine beaches await you. Embark on an unforgettable island-hopping tour, exploring some of the most iconic and enchanting destinations in this tropical wonderland. Whether you're seeking adventure with a group of like-minded explorers or a more intimate experience on a private tour, El Nido has it all:

- Big Lagoon : Start your journey with a visit to the stunning Big Lagoon, a place where the azure waters blend with towering limestone cliffs, creating a picturesque natural masterpiece.

- Secret Lagoon : Discover the well-kept secret of El Nido, the Secret Lagoon. Accessible only through a small crevice, this hidden gem offers a sense of mystery and wonder that's sure to enchant you.

- Shimizu Island : Snorkel and swim in the vibrant coral gardens surrounding Shimizu Island. Witness a kaleidoscope of marine life, making it a paradise for underwater enthusiasts.

- 7 Commando Beach : Relax on the powdery sands of 7 Commando Beach, named after a group of Japanese commandos who took refuge here during World War II. Enjoy the sunshine, beach games, or simply soak up the tropical atmosphere.

- Payong-Payong Beach : Experience the serene Payong-Payong Beach, a peaceful cove where you can savor the tranquility and untouched beauty of El Nido.

Shimizu Island El Nido

Big lagoon El Nido

Payong-Payong beach El Nido

SCHEDULE 8.00-8.30am pick up (group tours)

9.00am starts tours 3.30-4.30 back to port Corong-Corong

Private tours can s tart 7am -11am

PRICES FOR ISLAND HOPPING TOURS IN EL NIDO

GROUP OR PRIVATE ISLAND HOPPING TOUR IN EL NIDO

GROUP BOAT tour 1600php. 

Inclusions: transfer to port, lunch, water. lagoon fee, environment fee.

PRIVATE BOAT tours starts from 10k for 2 people, 1000php additional for each one.

Inclusions: transfer to port, tour guide, snorkelling mask, kayak, lunch, lagoon fee and environment fee.

PREMIUM 2 DECKS OUTRIGGER YACHT   starts from   18k for 2 people , 1500p extra for each person .  Inclusions: transfer to port, tour guide, snorkelling mask, kayak, lunch,  lagoon fee and environment fee.

SPEED BOAT  tours starts from 22k for 2 people, 1500php additional for each one.

CATAMARAN   from 60k for 6 people, 10k php additional for each one.

Choose between a group tour for a more social experience, connecting with fellow travelers, or opt for a private tour for a personalized adventure with friends or loved ones. Our experienced guides will cater to your preferences, ensuring you get the most out of your El Nido island-hopping adventure.  In El Nido, each island you explore reveals a different facet of paradise. Join us on this extraordinary journey, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Don't miss out on the opportunity to witness the natural wonders of El Nido, one of the most stunning destinations in the Philippines.

SEE OTHER TOURS IN EL NIDO

ISLAND HOPPING EL NIDO TOUR B

ISLAND HO PPING EL NIDO TOUR C

ISLAND HOPPING EL NIDO TOUR D COMBINATION TOURS AB AC CD

GROUP EXPEDITIONS EL NIDO CORON PRIVATE EXPEDITIONS EL NIDO CORON

BOOK 1 DAY ISLAND HOPPING TOUR IN EL NIDO

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El Nido Island Hopping: A Full Guide to Tours A-D

Island Hopping in El Nido is an absolute must-do in the Philippines. Take a boat tour along the stunning lagoons and paradise islands in Bacuit Bay. The protected bay hosts 45 islands that belong to the most beautiful destination in the world. There are four El Nido island hopping tours that all take you along different islands. Read everything you need to know about the El Nido Tours.

El Nido Island Hopping Tours A-D

All well-rated island hopping tours include drinking water, snorkel gear, a kayak, the new (2019) environmental tax, and a delicious lunch on the beach. The lunch usually consists of fish & chicken, rice, eggplant salad, and freshly cut fruits. You can sometimes request collection from your hotel, too.

Here are all your hotel options in El Nido.

El Nido Tour A

Island Hopping Tour A takes you around Miniloc Island. Discover Secret Lagoon, kayak in the stunning and popular Big Lagoon, lunch at Shimizu Island, and experience sunset at 7-Commando Beach. Costs: 1200 – 2200 PHP/Pax. (~ 23 – 42 USD)

See tickets and availability for this tour

Please note: You can’t bring any plastic bottles on the El Nido island hopping tours with you. Read more tips on how to reduce plastic while traveling .

El Nido Tour B

Sail to the white sandbank called Snake Island, Entalula Island, movie-like Pinagbuyutan Island, and the Cathedral & Cudugnon Caves. Costs: 1200 – 1600 PHP/Pax. (~ 23 – 31 USD)

Book El Nido Tour B online

Good to know: Due to a new environmental policy, all combination and party boat tours are banned.

El Nido Tour C

Discover Hidden and Secret Beach, snorkel at Matinloc Shrine, and explore stunning Tapiutan and Helicopter Island. There is a big chance to see turtles on this tour in the Philippines .   Costs: 1200 – 1700 PHP/Pax. (~ 23 – 33 USD)

Pre-book your island hopping tour C here

Please note: Smoking on the El Nido island hopping tours is prohibited.

El Nido Tour D

Swim in the popular Small Lagoon, go beach hopping around Cadlao Island (for good snorkeling) and visit Pasandigan Cove, Nat Nat Beach, and Bukal island. Costs: 1200 – 1500 PHP/Pax. (~ 23 – 30 USD)

See availability for El Nido Tour D here

Private island hopping tours in El Nido

The absolute best way to experience El Nido’s Bacuit Bay is by private boat. This way, you can avoid all tourists, combine the above locations, and create your own tour. This does have a price tag, but will be 100% worth your money. Book a private tour at ArtCafe .

Best Island Hopping Tour in El Nido

Which of these El Nido tours should you book? A few years ago, tour A and tour C were the most popular. However, due to recent changes to put less pressure on the environment, all tours are equally very impressive. We personally would recommend adding tours A, B, or D to your Philippines Travel Guide .

Where to book an El Nido Island Hopping Tour?

Since the new regulations in 2019, there is a limited amount of people per day that may enter Bacuit Bay. We recommend you book at least two days ahead to be sure you have a spot. There are a few things to keep an eye on while booking an El Nido boat tour. Book a tour online or in town at ArtCafe .

• Don’t go for the lowest price! The lowest-priced tours will mix you with another group, so they get a full boat. The quality of these tours can’t be guaranteed.
• Make sure drinking water is included because you are not allowed to take plastic bottles.  
• Check if the tour includes the environmental tax. (200PHP) – Feb 2019
• Check if snorkeling gear & kayak are included.
• Try checking the company’s reviews on TripAdvisor.

By purchasing through our links, you support us at no additional cost. Thank you for your support. ♥️

• Find Hotels via Booking.com
• Find a Rental Car via Sunny Cars
• Find Flights to El Nido via Skyscanner
• Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
• Book Tours & Attractions via GetYourGuide
• Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go

Philippines Travel Guide: The Ultimate 3-week Itinerary

How to get to el nido in palawan, the most beautiful resorts & hotels in el nido.

Looking for more travel information? Plan a chat with us for personalised travel advice or get an answer from the Salt in our Hair Travel Community on Facebook.

My family of 5 decided to do tour A using a private speed boat. How much do you suggest we tip the workers?

Hey! We’d usually opt for 10% of the total price but try to pay the workers directly and not the operator. 😊

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THIS IS NOT JUST A BOAT TRIP...

THIS IS A JOURNEY TO EXPLORE THE 250KM OF REMOTE TROPICAL ISLANDS BETWEEN EL NIDO, LINAPACAN AND CORON IN NORTHERN PALAWAN.

NEXT DEPARTURES

If you can’t find what you are looking for contact us through Live Chat.

WE ARE A TRIBE OF OVER 300 ISLANDERS WORKING TOGETHER WITH PRIDE.

DISCOVER HOW TAO PIONEERED THE ORIGINAL PALAWAN EXPEDITION AND CREATES a social gathering for mindful travelers, hosted by a proud community.

DISCOVER HOW TAO PIONEERED THE ORIGINAL PALAWAN EXPEDITION AND CREATED a social gathering for mindful travelers, hosted by a proud community.

AN ISLAND EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER 3 TO 6 Days of nomadic tropical bliss

What experience is right for you.

5 Days is our Original and classic trip. action, ADVENTURE and relaxation.

3 Days is OUR Express version for TRAVELLERS who HAVE A SHORT TIME.

6 Days IS OUR CLASSIC TRIP PLUS sailing in El Nido Bay ON OUR UNIQUE TAO Paraw.

Plan an ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME for groupS of friends AND familY.

We PUT together the best itinerary depending on the wIND, waves and vibe of YOUR group.

WE BELIEVE TOURISM SHOULD CREATE A POSITIVE IMPACT FOR THE HOST AND A DEEPER CONNECTION FOR THE TRAVELER.

Our Philosophy

Your Hosts- The Lostboys

Tao Women’s Association

Tao Food and Culinary Pride

Tao Kalahi Foundation

Tao Bamboo Design and Architecture

Tao Farm Project

About the Tao Experience

Tao Paraw Project

Noun/ta-o/ filipino person, human people, tao travel tips.

ALL THE INFO YOU NEED TO PLAN YOUR TRIP TO TAO AND THE PHILIPPINES!

Travel Tips

How to Book

Planning Your Philippines Itinerary

10 Tips to Prepare for your Tao Experience 

Packing List

Health & Safety in the Islands

Coron Travel Guide

El Nido Travel Guide

Palawan Travel Guide

Health and Safety

“the best experience”, the care and love we received was amazing.

JAMES WOOD, NOV 2023, TAO ORIGINAL 5 DAYS EXPERIECE

"DO YOURSELF A FAVOUR AND BOOK TAO"

Absolutely amazing experience and views thank you tao for best memories.

ANDREEA MAXIM, NOV 2023, TAO PARAW SAILING

★★★★★ REVIEWS

[email protected]

1.1. All contractual agreements for shall be entered into with TAO LOST BOYS, INC., a juridical entity created under the laws and regulations of the Republic of the Philippines, with office and mailing address at Tao House, Barangay Corong-corong, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines, 5313, hereinafter referred to as the “TAO”.

1.2. Any person signing a contractual agreement to avail of the expedition services of TAO shall be hereinafter referred to as the “CLIENT”.

1.3. The Client warrants that it has full authority to sign on behalf of other members of his/her group availing of TAO’s expedition services.

2. Services and Responsibility

2.1. TAO will provide a three-day expedition, five-day expedition, a combination of three-day expedition and two-night island stay, or other services as outlined and published in its catalog and on its website collectively as “Expedition”.

2.2. TAO will provide highly qualified professional tour operators and expedition leaders to organize the Expeditions. TAO may contract the services of third-party transportation carriers, accommodations, ground operators, and other service providers connected with specific expeditions. The said third party providers are solely responsible and liable for providing their respective services.

2.3. Services included in each Expedition may vary for every location, which include but are not limited to the following: Accommodations, meals, educational materials, pre-departure information, entrance fees, Environmental Fees, kayak rent, rent of materials, all gratuities except for those for the crew, ground transportation during the Expedition, transportation during the Expedition, services of local guides, lecturers, Expedition leaders, and any other charges, taxes, port charges, baggage handling and service charge. Clients will be fully informed of the said inclusions through TAO’s websites and brochures.

2.4. TAO reserves the right, without penalty, to intentionally withhold from the Client the details of the itinerary of the expedition as part of the experience that TAO is selling. The Client by virtue of registration waives the right to be informed on the details of the itinerary in favor of TAO as manifestation to subscribe to the experience that TAO and the tour operator is selling. Clients will be partially informed of the itinerary as published in the website. TAO reserve the right, without penalty, to make changes whenever, in their judgment, conditions warrant of they deem it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of the Clients.

2.5. TAO shall advise its Clients to allow at least two days buffer period both from the booked start date of the expedition and the booked end date of the expedition due to the occurrence of unpredictable weather patterns in the Philippines. Neither TAO, nor the tour operator, will be liable for any carrier’s cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable ticket to or from the Client’s expedition departure or arrival point. It is also the responsibility of the Client to secure valid visa or entry documents and by virtue of registration warrants TAO that he/she would be eligible to enter the territory of the Philippines. TAO will not be held liable for any delay or concerns arising from immigration or the transit of the Client from their home country to the Philippines.

2.6. Baggage and personal effects are at all times the sole responsibility of the Client. TAO, during the trip, will be providing a locker where the baggage and other personal belongings of the Client would be stored. TAO will not open the locker during the trip. TAO or the tour operator warrants the safety of the property placed inside the locker from any loss or damage unless the loss or damage is a result of wreckage, shipwreck, or any causes that is beyond the control of TAO or the tour operator. If at any point of the trip the locker was opened due to the persistent demand of the Client, the limited warranty from loss or damage is hereby void in favor of TAO or the tour operator.

3. Basis of Rates

3.1. During an open expedition, defined as any expedition published in the catalog or website not contracted as a private expedition where the number of guests varies per trip depending on the boat offered by the company. The client has no control over the enrollment of any other Client in the trip, the basis of rates shall be based on the lodging and consumption of one person over the span of the expedition.

3.2. During a private expedition, defined as the expedition wherein a set of Clients rented out a boat for a private expedition and wherein the Client has control over the Clients that would be joining the expedition, the minimum price for renting the private expedition shall be based on the minimum rate of 10 pax. Any additional person to the minimum number of 10 shall incur an additional charge.

3.3. All prices shall be quoted in U.S. Dollars or Philippine Peso depending on the preference of the Client. The rates shall be based on tariffs, currency values, and third-party charges as of publication date and are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. While TAO will do everything possible to maintain the listed prices, if it is necessary to levy a surcharge, TAO reserves the right to do so, and notification will be given at the time of final invoicing.

4. Eligibility

4.1. Potential Clients under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or qualified legal guardian for the entire Expedition. All legal guardians must accomplish necessary documents to justify the legality of their guardianship and he/she warrants by virtue of signing the consent form that he/she is in fact the legal guardian of the minor that he/she is bearing and further testify that he/she have obtained the consent of the biological parents or holder of the custody of the minor.

5. Accommodation

5.1. TAO reserves the right to arrange for the Client the accommodation arrangement which may or may not be in one of the patented huts as published in the website or the catalog. Due to the nature of the expedition and the experience that TAO Philippines is selling the Client understand that TAO reserves the right to withhold this information in order to preserve this experience. TAO also reserves the right to change without notice the accommodation arrangement without compromising the experience that TAO is selling to the Client.

6. Payments

6.1. A slot can only be booked if the Client was able to pay in full. Upon submission of the application, the clients will receive a notification through e-mail confirming his/her application and his/her slot will be held in trust for two (2) days. The Client would then be required to pay in full within the two (2) days period. If the Client would fail to pay within the two (2) days period, the slot would be deferred in favor of TAO.

6.2. TAO reserves the right to accept bookings that are paid at least 50% with the assurance that the remaining balance would be paid thirty (30) days before the target date of departure. However, if TAO would not receive a full payment at most thirty (30) days from the target date of departure, TAO would be allowed to cancel the reservation of the booking.

7. Assumption of Risk and Waiver

7.1. Clients availing of TAO’s Expeditions, by signing all contractual agreements related such Expedition, are fully aware of their exposure to the potential risks and hazards that are part of the Expedition which may include but not limited to physical discomfort, inconvenience, severe weather conditions, serious physical injury, temporary or permanent physical disability, loss or damage to personal property, and death. The Client also understands that, while TAO and its personnel will exert utmost effort to minimize the risks and hazards, access to emergency medical evacuation, and medical supplies may not always be available while the Client is in remote areas during Expedition.

7.2. TAO, including its parent, subsidiaries, and their respective employees, affiliates, officers, directors, successors, representatives, assigns and the tour operator or the expedition leader will not be held liable for any physical discomfort, inconvenience, serious physical injury, temporary or permanent physical disability, loss or damage to personal property, and death occasioned directly or indirectly by an act or omission of any of its service providers, including but not limited to any defect in any water craft and other vehicles and any loss or damage due to delay, cancellation, or disruption in any manner caused by the laws, regulations, acts or failures to act, demands, orders, or interpositions of any government and subdivision agent thereof, or by acts of God, strikes, fire, flood, war, rebellion, terrorism, insurrection, sickness, quarantine, epidemics, theft, or any other cause(s) beyond their control.

7.3. The Client assumes the risks and waives any right to claim against TAO and/or the tour operator or the expedition leader for any such loss, damage, injury, or death.

7.4. By registering for an Expedition, the Client certifies that he/she does not have any mental, physical, or other condition or disability that would create a hazard for himself or herself or other Client. TAO and the tour operator reserve the right in their sole discretion to accept, decline to accept, or remove any Client on an Expedition.

8. Cancellations and Refunds

8.1  CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY

The ONLY time we cancel our expeditions is when a severe weather warning has been announced and when the Coast Guard did not grant us clearance to travel. When our expeditions get cancelled, we automatically reschedule within the next two days. If you cancel within this period, no refund shall be made. Please make sure that when this occurs, your travel insurance will shoulder it.

We will only issue a full refund if we, Tao Philippines, cancel the full trip. If you wish to cancel your trip, then you will be charged a cancellation fee of 50USD per person. 50% of your full payment will be forfeited if notice to cancel, is less than 30 days before your scheduled trip.

We will not refund any amount if you cancel 3 days prior to your expedition date. This also applies to cancellation or reducing the number of traveler or trip. No refunds will be made if you do not show up for your scheduled departure. You may wish to avail yourself of our Booking Protection for 90USD which includes re-booking your trip.

REBOOKING POLICY

Rebooking or Changes can be made up to 14 Days before your scheduled departure, but this is subject to availability and rebooking fee of $50 USD per person will apply. 

Your reservation is transferable to another traveler but a $50 USD per person will be charged.

Should you decide to rebook from a longer Tao trip experience to a shorter one, no refund will be made and a rebooking fee will apply.

BOOKING PROTECTION

When you add on our Booking Protection option, you can benefit from the following:

• Rebooking or traveler name changes up to 3 days before your trip.

• Rebooking if you fall ill on the day of departure.

• Claim of a 50% refund if you cancel 3 days prior to your trip.

Please note: Booking Protection is non-refundable and must be paid at the time of booking. Rebooking  is subject to availability and price difference. If you choose not to add on Booking Protection, our  standard cancellation policy will apply.

8.2 TAO reserves the right to cancel any Expedition because of insufficient processing of documents, inclement weather, non-compliance of clients and failure to operate an inspection prior to Expedition. TAO operates under good faith in order to promote the safety, health, or welfare of the Clients. If an Expedition is canceled prior to departure, the tour operator will provide the Clients with an option to reschedule the Expedition.

8.3 In cases wherein due to the inclement weather or due to the no-sail warning issued by the Philippine Coast Guard wherein the Expedition is barred to either start or to continue, TAO reserves the right to either offset the expedition to another date or to offer an additional stay to one of the basecamps of TAO. Except as outlined above, TAO and the tour operator have no responsibility for any expenses, including any non-refundable expenses, incurred by the Clients in preparing for a cancelled Expedition or for any additional arrangements should the Clients embark prior to the scheduled group departure date.

8.4 Any revisions made within the Cancellation Penalty Period, such as a change in departure date or choice of Expedition, are subject to this cancellation policy. Any airline tickets issued are subject to the carrier’s refund policy. Arriving late or leaving an Expedition in progress, for any reason whatsoever, will not result in a refund, and no refunds will be made for any unused portions of an Expedition.

9. Documentation

9.1. Clients shall be responsible for obtaining any documents required for their participation in the Expedition such as a valid passport, all visas, vaccination certificates, and any other documents. Failure to obtain documents does not negate the terms and conditions, and any extra costs incurred for rerouting due to travel without the necessary documents will be the Client’s responsibility.

10. Health Requirements

10.1. Clients must be in good physical and mental health. Any physical condition, diet, or treatment requiring special attention must be reported in writing when the reservation is made. TAO encourages Clients to consult a doctor for specific medical advice about any activities or destinations. Certain Expeditions may require that the Client obtain medical consent prior to departure as a condition of participation.

11. Medical Authorization and Coverage

11.1. In the event the Client becomes sufficiently incapacitated as to be unable to direct his or her own care, there is no one on the Expedition who can direct Client’s care, and TAO is unable or does not have time to contact Client’s emergency contact, the Client, by registering and paying a deposit for an Expedition, authorizes any medical treatment deemed necessary in the event of any injury or illness while participating in the activity including, but not limited to, X-ray, examination, anesthetic, medical or surgical diagnosis, or treatment and hospital care which is deemed advisable by, and is to be rendered under the general or specific supervision of, any physician and/or surgeon licensed in the Philippines, or by a duly licensed physician deemed competent to render the necessary care. In addition, the Client certifies that they have medical insurance which will cover personal accidents, medical expenses, medical evacuation, air ambulance, loss of effects, repatriation costs and all other expenses which might arise as a result of loss, damage, injury, delay or inconvenience occurring to the Client, or that in the absence of this medical insurance coverage, the Client agrees to pay all costs of rescue and/or medical services as may be incurred on the Client’s behalf.

12. Photography

12.1. TAO and the tour operator and the Expedition leader reserve the right to take photographs or videos during the operation of any Expedition or part thereof and to use the resulting photography, videos, or recordings for promotional or commercial use. By making a reservation on an Expedition, the Client agrees to allow his/her likeness to be used by TAO and authorized third parties, and the tour operator without compensation to the Client. If the Client prefers that his/her likeness not be used, he/she must notify TAO and/or the tour operator in writing prior to departure of the Expedition.

12.2. Copyright in all photographs, video, and related materials created by the Client (“Expedition Materials”) will belong to the Client upon creation. However, the Client shall grant TAO a non-exclusive, worldwide, irrevocable license to use any Expedition Materials provided to TAO and/or the tour operator in any media for the following limited purposes: editorial use, promotion of this editorial use, promotion of TAO’s travel programs, or promotion of the mission of TAO.

13. Severability

13.1. In the event that any provisions found on this Terms and Conditions is rendered void, unconstitutional, invalid, or unenforceable by operation of applicable laws or regulations, the remaining valid provisions shall not be affected and remain effective.

14. Force Majeure

14.1. Tao shall not be held liable to its clients / guests for any loss or damage, of whatever kind or nature, which may be suffered by the clients / guests including but not limited to delay/ cancellation of flights, missed flights, unused room reservations, other itinerary and prohibition of boat navigation as mandated by the government authorities due to weather disturbance as a direct or indirect result of the failure on the part of the company to fulfill and/or comply with its obligations under its Booking Policy with the said clients / guests if said fulfillment and/or compliance were prevented, hindered, delayed or rendered impossible by reason of circumstances or events beyond the reasonable control of the company., including but not limited to acts of God, acts of any governmental authority, war, rebellion, epidemic, riots, strikes and/or other labor disputes or disturbance, accident, fire, flood, storm, or other related circumstances or events affecting the capability of the company to fulfill and/or comply with its aforesaid obligations.

15. Governing Laws and Venue

15.1. The Terms and Conditions shall be governed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the Republic of the Philippines. Any and all disputes arising out of, in connection with or in relation to these Terms and Conditions shall first be settled by the parties through negotiation in mutual good faith.

15.2. In case of any breach of the Terms and Conditions and failure to settle disputes amicably, either party may bring a claim against the other before the proper Court of Makati City to the exclusion of all other courts.

In consideration of TAO Lostboys Inc. furnishing boat expedition and/or remote island stay to enable me to participate in an expedition trip from El Nido to Coron/ Coron to El Nido, I agree as follows:

• I fully understand and acknowledge that together with the adventure and remote Island expedition experience that TAO Lostboys Inc. is offering there are concomitant risks and dangers that exists during an expedition such as allergies, dehydration, inclement weather, rough seas that might result to sea sickness, and other allied risks. Despite the above enumerated circumstances, TAO Lostboys Inc. trained its staff to respond and mitigate the risks by laying out risk mitigating procedures to ensure that the health and safety of their guests are taken care of.
• I fully understand that my participation in the activities lead and facilitated by TAO Lostboys Inc. or any of its affiliates and subsidiaries may result in injuries due to circumstances beyond the control of the TAO Lostboys Inc. and its affiliates considering the nature of the trip.
• I fully understand that at times of inclement weather the Philippine Coast Guard or any other competent government agencies may issue gale and no sail warning. I fully understand that this is beyond the control of TAO Lostboys and that I subscribe to the policy and guidelines of TAO Lostboys Inc. regarding cancellation of trips knowing that such cancellation will be done to my best interest and safety.
• I fully understand that these risks and dangers may arise from foreseeable or unforeseeable causes and by my participation in the expedition and/or use of their facilities I hereby assume all risks and dangers and all responsibility for any losses and/or damages arising from circumstances beyond the control of the Company and other unforeseen sources.

With and in consideration of the foregoing risks and danger,  I, on behalf of myself, my personal representatives and my heirs, hereby voluntarily agree to release, waive, discharge, hold harmless TAO Lostboys Inc. and its owners, agents, officers, employees, its affiliates and subsidiaries, from any and all claims, actions or losses, for bodily injury, property damage, wrongful death, loss of services or otherwise which may arise out of my participation in the expedition or by my stay in their facilities.

Except for those gross misconduct directly and solely causing the claims and/or losses, I specifically understand that I am releasing, discharging, and waiving any claims or actions that I may have present or in the future for the negligent acts or other conduct by the owners, agents, officers, employees, subsidiaries or affiliates of TAO Lostboys Inc.

I further agree to allow in compliance with the DATA PRIVACY ACT OF 2012, without compensation, my likeness and/or name to appear, and to otherwise be used, in material, regardless of media form, promoting TAO Lostboys Inc., and/or its expeditions, events and activities, including those of its representatives and licensees.

AS FULLY EXPLAINED IN A LANGUAGE KNOWN TO ME, I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD THE ABOVE WAIVER AND RELEASE AND, BY SIGNING IT, I WILLINGLY, VOLUNTARILY AND WITH FULL KNOWLEDGE OF MY RIGHTS UNDER THE LAW, AGREE THAT IT IS MY INTENTION TO EXEMPT AND RELIEVE TAO LOST BOYS INC., ITS OWNERS, AGENTS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, AND ITS AFFILIATES AND SUBSIDIARIES FROM LIABILITY FOR PERSONAL INJURY, PROPERTY DAMAGE, OR WRONGFUL DEATH CAUSED BY NEGLIGENCE OR ANY OTHER CAUSE.”

Data Privacy

The Data Privacy Act of 2012 (“Act” or “DPA”) or Republic Act No. 10173, which took effect on 8 September 2012, is the governing law on data privacy matters in the Philippines.

In 2022, two bills (House Bill No. 892 and House Bill No. 898) were filed in the House of Representatives of the Philippines, seeking to amend the DPA. The proposed amendments under House Bill No. 892 broadly include:

• Increasing the penalties (both the period of imprisonment and monetary fines) for violations of the DPA; and
• Providing for perpetual absolute disqualification as a penalty for a public official or employee who violates provisions of the DPA. On the other hand, the proposed amendments under House Bill No. 898 broadly include:
• Defining biometric and genetic data.
• Expanding the exclusions on the applicability of the DPA.
• Redefining “sensitive personal information” to include biometric and genetic data, and labor affiliation. Clarifying the extraterritorial application of the DPA by specifying clear instances when the processing of personal data of Philippine citizens and / or residents is concerned.
• Defining the digital age of consent to process personal information as more than fifteen (15) years, applicable where information society services are provided and offered directly to a child.
• Including the performance of a contract as a new criterion of the lawful basis for processing of sensitive personal information.
• Allowing Personal Information Controllers (“PIC”) outside of the Philippines to authorize Personal Information Processors (“PIP”) or any other third party in the country, in writing, to report data breaches to the National Privacy Commission (“NPC”) on behalf of the PIC.
• Modifying criminal penalties under the DPA, giving the proper courts the option to impose either imprisonment or fine upon its sound judgment.

The said bill remains pending before the Philippine House of Representatives.

A further bill was filed in 2022 and is pending before the Philippine Senate (Senate No. 1367) likewise seeking to amend the DPA. Specifically, the bill seeks to exclude the applicability of the DPA to personal information and sensitive personal information that are necessary to address a health crisis during a period of a declared national emergency or pandemic.

Given the rigorous process of passing a law in the Philippines there are no indications that any of these pending bills will be passed into law within the next 12 months.

Booking Protection

When you add our Booking Protection option, you can benefit from the folowing:

• Rebooking or traveler name changes up to 3 days before your trip. • Rebooking if you fall ill on the day of departure. • Claim of a 50% refund if you cancel 3 days prior to your trip.

Please Note: Booking Protection is non-refundable and must be paid at the time of booking. Rebooking is subject to availability and price difference. If you choose not to add on Booking Protection, our standard cancellation policy will apply.

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Welcome to Big Dream Boatman Expeditions.

Big Dream Boatman Expeditions specialises in award winning multi-day Island Expeditions in Coron and El Nido, Palawan.  

We have one aim : to make our guests happy... and we love what we do!

We're very proud to be Trip Advisor's Best Philippines Expedition .

Instagram: @bigdream_boatman

We are Big Dream Boatman Expeditions.

We specialise in award winning multi-day Island Expeditions in Coron and El Nido, Palawan.  

Instagram: @bdbm_coron

"Hidden beaches and coves, private lakes and emerald lagoons, fresh native cuisine and rustic and comfortable cabins, cottages and camping are Big Dream Boatman's signature experiences. Travel with them and you'll get to know the region's hidden gems" - Lonely Planet

Step 1 : Select Your Expedition

ALL TRIPS BOOKED THIS MONTH ARE AT DISCOUNT RATE! ADDITIONAL 10% PROMO FOR GROUPS OF 3 OR MORE WITH CODE '3ORMORE'

Regular: $599 USD Now: $549 USD! SAVE $50 USD

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The best experience we had so far!

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If you guys are headed to Coron or El Nido I so recommend these guys!

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About Big Dream Boatman

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Customer Service & Booking/Reservations: Please fill in the form below or; Cath +639985977880 (WA) Marketing/PR/Collabs: [email protected]

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El Nido Tour A Island Hopping Guide: Most Popular Palawan Activity

How to Book an El Nido Island Hopping Tour A

El nido island hopping tour a itinerary attractions, secret lagoon, payong payong beach, shimizu island, seven commandos beach, el nido island hopping tips.

El Nido , located on the northern tip of mainland Palawan Island, boasts stunning beaches, diverse marine life, and iconic limestone formations. With over 40 islands and islets, there’s no shortage of places to explore and things to do in El Nido . It's one of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines , offering fun activities like island hopping, diving, snorkeling, and lounging on beaches.

Island hopping is one of the most popular El Nido tours . There are four main El Nido island hopping tours to choose from, each offering unique attractions and activities in El Nido, Palawan . El Nido Tour A takes you to beautiful lagoons and beaches, while El Nido Tour B explores underrated beaches and caves. El Nido Tour C showcases stunning rock formations and snorkeling spots, and El Nido Tour D lets you discover remote islands and beaches. 

If you’re unsure which tour to book for island hopping in El Nido , note that El Nido Tour A and Tour C are the most popular among travelers.

For this article, we’ll discuss El Nido Tour A so you can learn about all the must-see attractions and must-do activities that you shouldn’t miss in your Palawan vacation.

See our popular El Nido Island Hopping Tours

Palawan el nido shared island hopping tour a with lunch & transfers | secret lagoon, shimizu island, palawan el nido shared island hopping tour c with lunch & transfers | secret beach, hidden beach, palawan el nido shared island hopping tour d with lunch & transfers | cadlao lagoon, paradise beach.

El Nido Island Hopping Tour A is one of the best tours to book in El Nido . To book an El Nido Island Hopping Tour A, you have several options. You can either book in advance through accredited tour operators or travel agencies like Guide to the Philippines that offer El Nido island hopping tour packages , book with your hotel, or head into town and book directly with vendors there. For a smoother vacation, it's best to book ahead to get the best deals on an all-inclusive El Nido day tour , including lunch and El Nido airport transfers .

There are two types of tours: private and shared/joiner tours. Private tours are more personalized, flexible and are ideal for groups. On the other hand, shared/joiner tours are best for solo travelers and are a budget-friendly option, great for meeting new people.

If you're looking for something extra special, Guide to the Philippines offers El Nido private luxury boat tours for a premium experience. These El Nido boat tours promise a luxurious adventure surrounded by breathtaking Palawan tourist spots .

• Check out our guide on how to go to El Nido and discover its top tourist spots

See our popular El Nido Transfers

El Nido Island Hopping Tour A is one of the most popular tours in Palawan . Booking an El Nido island hopping tour will let you discover these pristine beaches in Palawan with crystal-clear waters and stunning lagoons with limestone rock formations. Lunch is usually included in an island hopping tour, with a change in serving style since 2023 from picnic or boodle fight to packed lunches. Here are the must-see attractions on an El Nido Tour A itinerary:

See our popular El Nido Tours and Activities

El Nido island-hopping boats used to go inside the Big Lagoon, but the local tourism office changed this. Now, the only way to go inside is by swimming or paddling a kayak through the narrow passageway. Once inside, enjoy swimming in its crystal-clear blue waters, with sunlight peering through the beautiful rock formations. 

To reach the Secret Lagoon or Hidden Lagoon, your El Nido Tour A boat will dock near a small white sand beach in the southern part of Miniloc Island. You'll have to get off the boat and pass through a rocky cave-like opening, so watch your head, especially during high tide. If it's low tide, you can easily wade into the opening.

Inside, you'll find a small natural pool surrounded by tall limestone cliffs. You can take a refreshing dip in the cool water and enjoy the soft white sand. Unlike other lagoons, the water here stays cooler because of the cliffs that provide shade.

Another stop on this tour is Payong Payong Beach, located in the southern part of Miniloc Island in El Nido. The beach has stunning cliffs, rocks, and shady trees, perfect for picnics. Snorkeling is popular here due to the clear waters filled with fish and coral, and the gentle waves are great for swimming. 

Keep in mind that there aren't any sports or activities available, so it's mainly a place to relax. Here, you can lounge on the sandy beach, swim, take photos, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of this secluded spot.

See our popular El Nido Vacation Packages

Shimizu Island, one of the islands in El Nido’s Bacuit Bay, is the ideal tropical escape with its serene white-sand beach and vibrant marine life. Once you make your stop here, you can relax on the pristine beach or snorkel to discover a plethora of fish species in various colors and sizes. 

Legend has it that the island got its name from a scuba diver named Shimizu, whose body was found on the island after he went missing exploring underwater tunnels in the area.

Shimizu Island is a popular lunch stopover for El Nido Tour A island-hopping. After enjoying a meal, you can continue swimming or rest under the shade of the limestone cliffs.

Seven Commandos Beach, another renowned beach in El Nido , stretches 320 meters and boasts pristine white sand, coconut trees, and towering limestone cliffs in the backdrop. Although technically connected to the mainland of El Nido in Palawan, it can only be reached by boat.

Legends surround the beach's name; some say it's named after stranded soldiers, while others claim it's linked to a fishing vessel or a carved stone found by locals. 

The beach offers ample space for activities like beach volleyball. Its gentle waves make it perfect for swimming and snorkeling, where you can discover its rich marine life.

• Book a Manila to El Nido package for a hassle-free getaway
• Torn between Coron vs El Nido ? Follow a Coron to El Nido itinerary for the best of both islands

See our popular Coron to El Nido Palawan Tour Packages

Amazing 12-day islands, lagoons & lakes tour to coron & el nido palawan from manila, epic 3-day palawan boat expedition island tour from el nido to coron with accommodations & meals, exciting 10-day islands & adventure tour to cebu, coron & el nido palawan package from manila.

One of the best ways to enjoy the stunning tourist spots of El Nido is through an island hopping tour. Here are some essential tips to make the most of your experience:

When you're heading out for El Nido island hopping , make sure you've got these essentials: sunscreen to protect your skin, a towel for drying off after swimming, drinking water to stay hydrated, and aqua shoes for comfortable walking on the beach and in the water.

Don't worry about bringing your own life vest; they're already provided in the boats. Just strap one on before you set out to explore the best beaches in El Nido .

If you want to go snorkeling, remember that snorkeling gear might not be included in your package. You can usually rent for an extra fee, or if you have your own gear, feel free to bring it along for the tour.

Kayaks are available as add-ons, giving you the chance to paddle around the crystal-clear waters and discover hidden coves and beaches at your own pace.

Each stop during your island-hopping tour usually lasts around an hour. Use this time wisely to enjoy the beauty of each location, whether it's lounging on the beach, snorkeling among colorful fishes, or snapping photos of the breathtaking scenery.

Keep in mind that the itinerary might change depending on the season or water conditions.

Your safety is important. Pay attention to any warnings from the Coast Guard, as tours might be canceled if conditions are deemed unsafe. When booking your tour, talk to your operator about refund policies in case of cancellations.

Help keep El Nido beautiful by not littering. Remember to take all your trash with you when you leave, leaving the islands pristine for future visitors to enjoy.

• Discover which tour is the best to book in El Nido during your vacation
• Find out where to stay in El Nido , such as El Nido budget hotels , during your Palawan getaway

Experience the Best of El Nido with Island Hopping Tour A

From towering cliffs to hidden lagoons and pristine beaches, the El Nido Island Hopping Tour A takes you on a breathtaking trip through stunning attractions. Aside from booking a guided tour, it’s highly recommended to book an El Nido Palawan tour package that also includes transfers, hotels, and meals for a hassle-free vacation.  When planning your next trip to the Philippines, you can also include other destinations in your Palawan itinerary , such as Puerto Princesa and Coron . For a fuss-free experience, you can check out other Palawan tour packages , such as El Nido to Puerto Princesa tour packages and El Nido to Coron tours .

Private El Nido Palawan Lio Airport to or from Any El Nido Town Hotel Transfer Service

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Boracay Island

Bohol Island

Cebu Island

Coron Palawan

El Nido Palawan

Siargao Island

Iloilo City and Nearby

We specialize in organising your private tour. Our speedboat takes you to the islands fast and comfortable. As we can move fast, we easily visit the islands avoiding the other packed slow boats. Scrumptious lunch included!

FAST ACCESS, AVOID THE CROWDS

No need to join the crowds on the islands, we arrive before the other tours.

MAKE YOUR OWN ITINERARY

We suggest an itinerary based on your preferences. Then you simply enjoy the islands at your own pace.

CHOOSE YOUR OWN TOUR

Since our boat can cover a wide area you don't need to make difficult choices but see the islands you wish.

PRIVATE SPEEDBOAT TOUR ₱23,000 *

You will get the speedboat only for you or for your company

Make your own itinerary

Departure at your desired time

Make suggestions for lunch

Price for 6 guests - Additional 3.000 /pax

Including mask, snorkel, BBQ lunch on private island, coffee, drinking water

GROUP SPEEDBOAT TOUR ₱3,000 *

Join a small group

Itinerary based on our suggestion

Departure at 9.30 am

Minimum 6 pax, Maximum 12 pax

* Prices are excluding ₱ 200 Eco-Tourism Development Fee ( ETDF ) and ₱200 Big or Small Lagoon entrance fee per person

El Nido, located in the province of Palawan in the Philippines, is a tropical paradise renowned for its stunning landscapes and crystal-clear turquoise waters. With its picturesque beaches, towering limestone cliffs, and vibrant marine life, El Nido offers an abundance of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy.

Palawan is often hailed as one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. Palawan’s pristine, white-sand beaches, colorful underwater ecosystems, clear blue waters, and stunning landscapes truly grab travelers’ attention.

Snorkeling is a fantastic way to explore the underwater world, observe marine life, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the ocean. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced snorkeler, this guide will provide you with valuable tips and information to enhance your snorkeling experience.

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The Best Private Boat Tour in El Nido, Palawan

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Booking a private boat tour in El Nido is the ultimate way to go if you want to experience Palawan in the Philippines without the hoards of tourists. So if exploring limestone islands, lying on an empty sandy beach, snorkelling among neon-coloured fish and colorful reefs is your idea of fun, then this is the post for you! Doing a private tour gives you the opportunity to customize the tour to your favorite places and arrive to them before the super-packed tourist boats arrive.

Boat Tours in El Nido

Before I start explaining how we booked our private boat tour in El Nido, I will share with you which tours are usually offered in El Nido. You can choose between 4 different tours. Each will have 4-6 destinations. Usually, the most popular tours are A and C. Due to their popularity, you will see a lot of people there at the same time. If I were on a limited budget, I’d choose tour B and try to see both Entalula Island and Pinagbuyutan Island. They were also our choice on the private tour and the highlight of our trip to El Nido.

• Tour A:  Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and 7 Commando Beach
• Tour B: Cudognon Cave, Cathedral Cave, Snake Island, Entalula Island (or Pinagbuyutan Island), and Popolkan Island
• Tour C:  Secret Beach, Hidden Beach, Matinloc Shrine, Tapiutan Island, and Helicopter Island
• Tour D:  Small Lagoon, Cadlao Lagoon, Nat Nat Beach, Pasandigan Cove, Paradise Beach, and Bukal Island

The best private boat tour in El Nido

We spent about half a day trying to find a place that offers private, customized tours. It was already late and as didn’t find anything to fit our wishes, we decided to head for dinner at Frendz Hostel. On our way there we saw a small tourist office right next door. Figuring, if it’s next to the hostel so it must be quite popular, so we walked in asked about private tours.

To our surprise, we got a great offer for 8,000 PHP boat coast, no matter how many people we are. With this cost, you can also choose 5 destinations to visit from any tour – as long as they are not too far apart (see map above to have an idea of choices). And as our luck was on a roll, the next day we also found a great couple to share the boat with! This then came to 2,000 PHP per person.

While I don’t have the name for the agency we booked with and it’s not on Google Maps, here is how you can find them. Go to Frendz Hostel and on the left side of it, you’ll see the place. Here are the photos of what it looks like from the outside. The photos are not the best quality since I never expected to use them, but hopefully, it helps!

Best time to visit El Nido, Palawan

This island is warm all year round and it’s best to travel here between November and May. While the highest temperatures are in April and May, they are also the driest months. We were there in April and while it was quite hot, it was bearable. Read more on best times to visit the Philippines in general here .

1. Pinagbuyutan Island

The first stop was truly the best way to kick-start our private boat tour in El Nido. When we arrived, we couldn’t believe that we had this huge sandy beach and copious amounts of palm trees all to ourselves. Pinagbuyutan Island is absolutely stunning and the huge limestone cliffs make it very unique as well. We were the only boat on the entire island and we really took advantage of that!

2. Snake Island

Snake Island is essentially a long sandbank, shaped like a snake. The sandbank connects the island to the mainland. It’s very popular to take a walk in the sea and swim here, but beware – due to it’s unique look it tends to be quite popular!

3. Entalula Island

Arriving on this island was an absolute dream. This is where our lunch was served and it really couldn’t be more perfect! We spend about 1,5 hours here and a max of 2 boats parked there at the same time! We ate, swam, sunbathe, and hung out. This island is usually part of tour B and just as we were leaving the location, about 10 boats, with around 30 people in each, arrived. Wow, we were very happy to be leaving and can’t even imagine how crowded that tiny beach was afterward. Yet another advantage to the private tour!

4. Shimizu Island

Originally we chose to see the Cathedral Cave as our fourth stop, but the crew told us that at this time of the year there are dangerous sea snakes swimming there, so they recommended we go to another place. So then the fourth stop was Shimizu Island. We spent the entire time snorkeling here and absolutely loved it! The visibility was perfect, the reef was colorful and there were so many interesting fish to follow around.

5. 7 Commando Beach

Our last, and least favorite stop on our private boat tour in El Nido was the famous 7 commando beach. This is also the last stop for tour A, so we definitely didn’t get to experience the peace and quiet of previous islands. It was loud, crowded and at least 30 boats were blocking the shore. We wanted to snorkel, but the boats kept coming in and out and we really didn’t feel like having an accident. So we decided to walk a little lower down the beach by the beach-volley place, to sunbathe. This is the only place we would skip. However, if you like a lively island party to end your private tour with, then you’re in for a treat!

Disclaimer:

Combination and party boat tours are currently forbidden in El Nido. This new policy has been implemented to help minimize the negative impact of tourism in El Nido. These attempts are made to limit the number of tourists visiting El Nido’s most popular destinations (Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Beach). You will find that there are still tour offices going around this rule though.

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Philippines

Friday 5th of January 2024

Hi! Thank you for all the information :) Which tour did you book for this Itinerary? Thank you!

Sunday 11th of February 2024

@Sia, thank you for that info! Super useful 💖

Tuesday 23rd of January 2024

This was a private tour and they have since become forbidden :(

Thursday 23rd of June 2022

Was your lunch included? If no, which island did you end up having lunch?

Monday 4th of July 2022

Hey! It was, you can choose where you want to have it :)

Jessica Kelly

Tuesday 24th of December 2019

What time were you able to start your private tour? I’ve heard that most wont leave before 9am meaning!

Wednesday 25th of December 2019

I can't remember what time we started, but the law is the same for everyone and they don't allow to start tours earlier (except for some very special trips). The difference was that we went to those further away first, so we managed to get there before the bigger groups arrive. And that is only possible with a private tour :) Hope it helps!

Travelling Tam

Sunday 1st of December 2019

Great post! I did tour A and C on my visit but if I had time I would have done B as well. Youve captured it so well - love your photos!

Thank you! I would love to do all of them but the time was just too tight. So I'm happy we opted for private combo tour when they offered it :)

Omggg my friend just got back from doing this but she couldn't remember any of the detailsssss. SO THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS INFO!! I love a good private tour, and the destinations just make it that much better!!

You're welcome Kay! It's not easy to remember all the details since there is so much info to take in :D But lucky for me I saved all my IG stories and could just go back to remember :) Glad it helps!

El Nido Island Hopping by Private Boat

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• Cancel up to 48 hours
• Flexible timing
• Private Tour

Description

Booking notes.

Experience the ultimate sense of freedom as you explore the multitude of islands that dot Bacuit Bay in El Nido, with our Island Hopping Tour on a Private Boat. This is the ideal choice for families, couples, or small groups who want to discover the wonders of El Nido independently.

Unlike our standard itineraries (Tour A, Tour B or Tour C), our El Nido Private Island Hopping Tour allows you the flexibility to create your own adventure. You have the option to choose from one of our existing itineraries or create your own, tailored to your personal preferences.

El Nido Tour A : Big Lagoon, 7 Commandos Beach, Secret Lagoon and Shimizu Island.

El Nido Tour B : Snake Island, Cudugnon Cave, Cathedral Cave, Entaluala Island and Popolkan Island.

El Nido Tour C : Secret Beach, Hidden Beach, Matinloc Shrine, Tapiutan Island, and Helicopter Island.

El Nido Tour D : Small Lagoon, Cadlao Lagoon, Pasandigan Beach, Nat Nat Beach, Bucal Island, and Paradise Beach.

Please contact us to   request a customized itinerary .

• Bacuit Bay boasts a collection of awe-inspiring islands and beaches, each with unique natural features, crystal-clear waters, and a rich diversity of marine life. Exploring these hidden gems is truly a mesmerizing experience. The real standout feature of this trip is the private boat experience in Bacuit Bay, which allows you to travel at your own pace and avoid the crowds that can often spoil the natural beauty of the area.
• Transfer by private boat Local guide Picnic lunch Drinking water
• Hotel pick up/drop off El Nido Environmental fee (PHP 400 per person) Big/Small Lagoon User Fee (PHP 200 per person) Snorkeling set and kayak (available for rent)

The price provided is intended as a guideline and is based on a private boat tour for two people on Tour A. Please feel free to contact us for a personalized quote.

₱  9,800.00

Key Features

Customizable itinerary, flexible schedule, group discount, photo opportunities, snorkeling opportunities, suitable for kayaking, you might also like....

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