El Nido Island Hopping: The Complete Guide to Palawan's Best Tours (2026)

El Nido, Palawan is consistently ranked among the most beautiful places on earth — and for good reason. Towering limestone karsts, emerald lagoons, hidden beaches, and some of the most pristine coral reefs in the world. But here's what most travel guides don't tell you: the way you experience El Nido makes all the difference.

In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about island hopping in El Nido — the best spots, the different tour options, what to expect, and why more and more travelers are choosing private tours over shared group experiences.

What is El Nido Island Hopping?

Island hopping in El Nido means spending a full day on a traditional Filipino bangka boat, visiting a curated selection of islands, lagoons, snorkeling spots, and beaches across the Bacuit Archipelago. The archipelago contains over 45 islands and islets, each with its own character — some dramatic and wild, others calm and intimate.

There are four official tour routes in El Nido — Tour A, Tour B, Tour C, and Tour D — each covering different parts of the archipelago. Most travelers do at least Tour A, which includes the famous Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon.

The Best Spots in El Nido: What You'll See

Big Lagoon

One of El Nido's most iconic sights — a massive, calm lagoon enclosed by towering limestone cliffs, best explored by kayak. The water shifts from turquoise to deep green depending on the light. This is included in Tour A and is the most photographed spot in all of Palawan.

Secret Lagoon

Accessed through a small opening in the rock, Secret Lagoon lives up to its name. Inside, a hidden world of calm water, dramatic limestone walls, and soft sand awaits. It feels like a discovery — even when shared with a few other boats.

Snake Island (Vigan Island)

Named for its long, winding sandbar that snakes into the sea at low tide. Walking the sandbar with panoramic views of the archipelago on both sides is one of El Nido's most memorable experiences — and one of the best spots for photos.

Small Lagoon

Smaller and more sheltered than Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The water is exceptionally clear and calm, and the cliffs that surround it create a dramatic natural amphitheatre.

Shimizu Island

One of the best snorkeling spots in the archipelago. Shimizu Island has healthy coral gardens, clear visibility, and a good chance of spotting sea turtles, parrotfish, and other colorful reef life.

Group Tour vs. Private Tour: Which Should You Choose?

This is the most important decision you'll make when planning your El Nido island hopping experience. Here's an honest comparison:

Shared Group Tours

Shared tours are the cheapest option — typically ₱600–₱1,200 per person for a day tour. They're fine if you're on a very tight budget, but there are real trade-offs: boats carry 15–25 strangers, stop times are fixed, you follow the same route as every other boat, and the most popular spots can feel crowded. Lunch is usually a simple shared buffet on the beach.

Private Tours

A private island hopping tour means the entire boat is reserved for your group only. The crew is dedicated to you, the itinerary is flexible, and you can adjust stops, timing, and pace on the fly. Private tours cost more per person for small groups, but for groups of 4 or more they become genuinely competitive in price — while delivering a completely different experience.

The key advantages of a private tour in El Nido:

• No strangers on your boat — just your group

• Flexible itinerary — linger longer at spots you love

• Better timing — arrive at popular spots before or after the group-tour rush

• More personalized service and attention from the crew

• Custom lunch — dietary needs and preferences can be accommodated

• Better for families with young children, couples, and anyone who values privacy

What's Included in a TropicalVista Private Tour?

Our private island hopping tours are fully all-inclusive. Here's everything that's covered in the price:

• Private boat and dedicated crew for your group only

• Hotel pickup from El Nido town or Corong-Corong

• Professional English and Tagalog-speaking guide

• Authentic Filipino buffet lunch prepared on board

• Drinking water and soft drinks throughout the day

• Kayaks, life vests, and towels

• Beanbags on the upper deck for relaxing between stops

• All eco-tourism fees (ETDF) and lagoon entrance fees

When Is the Best Time to Go Island Hopping in El Nido?

El Nido can be visited year-round, but understanding the seasons will help you plan better.

Dry Season: November to May

This is the peak season, with the most reliable sunshine and calmest seas. December to February is especially popular — expect more tourists and higher accommodation prices. If you're visiting in peak season, booking your private tour well in advance is essential, as boats fill up quickly.

Green Season: June to October

The wet or green season brings occasional rain, but also significantly fewer tourists, lower prices, and lush, vivid landscapes. Many days in the green season are perfectly sunny — the rain tends to come in short bursts. The sea can be rougher on some days, but experienced local guides know which spots are sheltered and safe. It's genuinely one of the best times to visit if you want a quieter, more intimate experience.

Practical Tips for Island Hopping in El Nido

• Book early — private boats are limited and sell out, especially in peak season

• Bring reef-safe sunscreen — regular sunscreen harms the coral reefs

• Wear water shoes — some beach entries are rocky

• Bring your own snorkel mask if you have one — rentals are available on-site for ₱50

• Bring a dry bag for your phone and valuables

• Stay hydrated — the tropical sun is intense, especially on open water

• Respect the environment — El Nido is a UNESCO biosphere reserve

How to Get to El Nido, Palawan

El Nido is served by El Nido Airport (ENI), with direct flights from Clark operated by AirSWIFT/Cebu Pacific. Alternatively, you can fly to Puerto Princesa (PPS) and take a 5–6 hour van or bus ride to El Nido, or join a shared shuttle. Puerto Princesa is served by multiple airlines including Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia.

Ready to Book Your Private Island Hopping Tour?

TropicalVista has been taking small private groups on island hopping tours in El Nido for years. We're a local couple — Glezel and Marcos — who have lived in El Nido for over 20 years and know every hidden corner of the archipelago.

Our tours are fully private, all-inclusive, and designed for groups of up to 8 guests. We handle everything — from hotel pickup to lunch on board — so you can focus entirely on enjoying one of the most beautiful places on the planet.

Check our availability and book your private tour today — boats are limited and we fill up fast, especially during peak season.