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Planning a trip to El Nido? You’re in the right place!
Tucked away in northern Palawan, this slice of paradise is famous for its towering limestone cliffs, secret lagoons, and beaches that look like they’ve been lifted straight from a postcard.
When we first arrived, we were blown away by how many islands there were to explore, each one more beautiful than the last. From hopping between hidden coves to cruising over turquoise waters, El Nido has a rhythm that just sweeps you along.
We’ve rounded up the top things to do that will show you the very best of El Nido. Your island adventure starts here!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in El Nido was this private island-hopping tour! We swam in turquoise lagoons, snorkeled vibrant reefs, and stopped at secluded coves with no one else around. It’s pure paradise!
Things to do in El Nido, Philippines
1. Visit Linapacan Island
- Duration: 8 to 9 hours
- Time: 8 am start time
- Highlights: Swim in some of the clearest waters in the world, snorkel vibrant coral gardens, walk along powdery white-sand beaches, and enjoy stunning island sunsets
- Inclusions: Buffet lunch, hotel pickup and drop-off, snorkeling equipment, licensed tour guide
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
A trip to El Nido wouldn’t be complete without venturing out to Linapacan Island, a destination often praised for having some of the clearest waters on Earth. Joining this full-day private tour means you’ll have the time to soak up every moment, from snorkeling in crystal-clear water to wandering quiet stretches of beach that feel untouched.
When we visited, the first thing we noticed was how clear the water was! Snorkeling felt like floating over a giant aquarium, with schools of fish swimming in and out of colorful corals just beneath us. On land, the beaches were absolutely gorgeous: soft, powdery sand underfoot and palm trees swaying lazily in the breeze. We loved that many stretches were quiet and uncrowded; it felt like having a private island to ourselves.
After snorkeling and exploring, we tucked into a beachside buffet lunch, the perfect way to recharge before more swimming and relaxation. As the day wound down, the sunset painted the sky in pinks and oranges, a picture-perfect finale that we still talk about today.
If you’re looking for a full-day escape that combines snorkeling, scenery, and total tranquility, Linapacan is a must!
Read glowing reviews and book your Linapacan Island trip here!
2. Relax on a private “Tour A” island hopping adventure
- Duration: 7 to 8 hours
- Time: 8:30 am or 9 am start time
- Highlights: Discover El Nido’s highlights on a private sailing tour, enjoy the flexibility to customize your route, explore off-the-beaten-path spots, and snorkel through stunning lagoons
- Inclusions: Lunch with drinks, hotel pickup, professional tour guide, environmental fees, lagoon entrance fees
- Rating: 4.6 stars (check 50+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Tour A is one of El Nido’s most popular island-hopping routes, known for its stunning lagoons, snorkeling spots, and postcard-perfect beaches. Joining this private full-day version of Tour A means you’ll enjoy all the highlights without the hassle of a crowded group boat. Instead, you’ll have the freedom to set your own pace and explore with the comfort of a dedicated guide.
We loved how this trip felt both iconic and personal. Our guide made sure we visited famous lagoons and beaches, but also slipped into quieter corners where we could swim and snorkel without another boat in sight.
Having the freedom to adjust the route was a real treat. One moment, we were snorkeling over a colorful reef, and the next, we were pulling up to a hidden cove that most travelers completely miss. It felt like discovering our own slice of El Nido.
Lunch was served right on the boat, complete with refreshing drinks and the kind of views that make you pause to appreciate where you are. Between swims, our guide shared little stories about the islands that made the day feel more immersive.
If you want to see the highlights of El Nido in comfort and style, this private version of Tour A is the way to go.
Check dates and reserve your spot on this private Tour A here!
3. Explore Hidden Beach, Secret Beach, and more on “Tour C”
- Duration: 7 to 8 hours
- Time: Multiple starting times between 8:30 am and 9 am
- Highlights: Visit Hidden Beach, Secret Beach, and Helicopter Island, swim among dramatic limestone formations, relax on Talisay Beach, and explore some of the most iconic spots in El Nido
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup from town, lunch on the beach, professional guide
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Tour C is another of El Nido’s famous island-hopping routes, and this full-day adventure is all about dramatic scenery and hidden gems. Think limestone cliffs, secret coves, and beaches that look like they’ve been carved straight out of paradise. This tour’s highlights include some of the most iconic stops in Palawan, such as Hidden Beach, Secret Beach, and Helicopter Island.
We couldn’t get enough of Hidden Beach, which really does live up to its name. Swimming through a natural opening in the rocks and suddenly arriving at a sheltered cove felt like stepping into another world.
Secret Beach was even more dramatic. A narrow entrance, framed by karst limestone, led us into a dazzling pocket of white sand and turquoise water. It’s no wonder this spot is one of the most photographed places in El Nido.
Lunch on the beach was a highlight in itself. Our guide set up a spread of fresh seafood and tropical fruit while we relaxed with our toes in the sand at Talisay Beach. Between bites, we looked out at the jagged cliffs of Helicopter Island; it really does resemble a helicopter from certain angles!
If you’re after a mix of adventure, scenery, and those “can you believe this?” moments, Tour C delivers. But don’t just take our word for it—check out the five-star reviews here to find out why visitors call this the highlight of their trip!
Secure your spot on Tour C with free cancellation, check dates here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
4. Take “Tour B” to explore caves, islands, and beaches
- Duration: 7 to 8 hours
- Time: 9 am
- Highlights: Explore Cathedral Cave’s dramatic limestone formations, visit the archaeological Cudugnon Cave, walk the sandbar of Snake Island, and relax on the pristine shores of Pinagbuyutan Island
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup from town, environmental fees, lunch, professional guide
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Tour B is often described as the “mystery and history” route of El Nido, and this private full-day tour showcases a different side of Palawan. Instead of just beaches and lagoons, you’ll also discover caves, archaeological sites, and unique landscapes that make the experience stand out from the rest.
We started with Cathedral Cave, where sunlight bounced off the water and lit up towering limestone walls. It felt almost like stepping into a natural cathedral.
At Cudugnon Cave, our guide shared stories about Neolithic inhabitants who once lived there, and we could still see the textures in the rock that hinted at its past. It was a fascinating mix of culture and nature that gave the day a special depth.
Snake Island was another highlight, with its sandbar stretching gracefully through the sea. Walking across it with water on both sides was a surreal experience we’ll never forget. The day ended with time to relax on the powdery sand of Pinagbuyutan Island, where the views of surrounding cliffs and turquoise water made it hard to leave.
If you want more than just to visit pretty beaches, Tour B adds history, adventure, and variety to the mix.
Discover caves, sandbars, and hidden secrets on Tour B—book here!
5. Go island hopping on a luxury catamaran yacht
- Duration: 7 hours
- Time: 9 am start time (available Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday)
- Highlights: Sail aboard a 50ft catamaran, explore lagoons and hidden beaches, enjoy access to a private island, and relax in style while meeting fellow travelers
- Inclusions: Lunch, professional tour guide, private beach access, towels, life jackets, environmental fee
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 110+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Exploring El Nido is magical on any boat, but stepping aboard a luxury catamaran makes the journey that much more unforgettable. Operated by the El Nido Yachting Club, this full-day experience blends island-hopping with the ease of cruising aboard the Seacret, a sleek 50-foot (15-meter) sailing yacht.
We loved how different this felt compared to the usual banca boat tours. Stretching out on deck with a cold drink in hand, we watched the limestone cliffs drift by before stopping at dreamy spots like Big Lagoon, Hidden Beach, or Helicopter Island. Having access to the Yachting Club’s private beach at Pasandigan made the day feel even more exclusive. It was the kind of place where you could simply lounge, swim, and forget the world.
Lunch was served on board, and the pace of the day was wonderfully relaxed. Between snorkeling stops and beach time, we met fellow travelers and swapped stories, making it a sociable yet still laid-back way to explore El Nido. The only thing to keep in mind: departures only run on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with a minimum of six guests.
If you’re after a touch of luxury with your island-hopping, this is the tour to pick! And we clearly aren’t alone—scroll through over a HUNDRED five-star reviews here to see why travelers rave about the experience!
Sail El Nido in style on a luxury catamaran—reserve your spot today!
Where to Stay in El Nido, Philippines
El Nido has plenty of great places to stay—whether you’re after a luxury getaway, a stylish mid-range retreat, or a budget-friendly base close to the action. From modern hotels steps from the beach to simple yet comfortable stays, there’s something here for every travel style and budget.
To make things easy, we’ve highlighted three of the best options across different price ranges. If you spot availability for your dates, it’s smart to book quickly—these hotels tend to fill up fast, especially during peak season!
H Hotel El Nido – $$$
For a stay that blends comfort with style, H Hotel El Nido is hard to beat. The rooms are spacious and modern, complete with air-conditioning, balconies, and thoughtful touches like walk-in showers, and all the amenities you could expect from a luxury stay.
The on-site restaurant serves everything from Filipino favorites to European brunch, all in a sleek setting that works just as well for a family meal as it does for a romantic dinner! With free WiFi, airport transfers, and a prime location just steps from El Nido Beach, the hotel makes it easy to relax and explore.
Rooms usually average $300–400 USD per night, so this is definitely a splurge-worthy choice if you want luxury and convenience right in the heart of El Nido. Check availability and book H Hotel El Nido here!
S Resort El Nido – $$
S Resort El Nido offers the perfect middle ground for travelers who want comfort without the luxury price tag. Rooms come with air-conditioning, private balconies or terraces, and little extras like seating areas and work desks that make them feel spacious and inviting.
Breakfast is a treat, with à la carte and Asian options served either in the restaurant or outdoors on the terrace. We love that the hotel adds thoughtful touches like menus for special diets and plenty of cozy seating areas to unwind. At around $200 USD per night, S Resort offers great value for a stylish stay in the heart of El Nido. Check availability and book S Resort El Nido here!
J Boutique Hotel El Nido – $
If you’re traveling on a budget but still want comfort, J Boutique Hotel El Nido is a great pick. Rooms are simple yet well-equipped, with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, bidets, showers, and handy extras like TVs and kettles. Family rooms are also available, making it a solid choice if you’re visiting with friends or relatives.
Here, you’ll get all the essentials that matter most, reliable WiFi, a convenient location, and the option of a paid airport shuttle. Prices generally range between $35 and $330 USD per night, depending on the season. Check your dates and secure your stay here!
Related Read: For even more options, check out our full guide on where to stay in El Nido here—it’s packed with tips to help you find the perfect base for your trip.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
El Nido is the kind of place that sticks with you long after you’ve left—whether you’re snorkeling through crystal-clear lagoons, discovering hidden beaches framed by limestone cliffs, or sailing past islands that feel untouched by time. We hope this guide helps you plan a trip that’s every bit as adventurous, relaxing, and unforgettable as this Palawan gem deserves to be.
We’ve spent plenty of time exploring El Nido and beyond, and if you’re dreaming of more adventures across Asia, don’t miss our other Asia blogs here for tips, itineraries, and hidden gems throughout the region. We think you’ll love them just as much! Here are a few of our favorites to get you started:
6 Best Things to do in Cebu, Philippines