El Nido Island Hopping Guide: Which Tour Is Best? (A vs. B vs. C vs. D)

Planning an island hopping tour in El Nido? You're in the right place.

With four official island hopping tours—Tours A, B, C, and D—it can be difficult to know which one is actually worth your time. Each tour visits different islands, lagoons, and beaches, offering a completely different experience.

After exploring El Nido on both Tour A and Tour C as private tours, we've put together this complete guide to help you decide which tour is right for your trip. We'll compare the tour options, explain the highlights of each, discuss whether a private tour is worth the extra cost, and share our best travel tips so you can make the most of your time in one of the most beautiful places in the Philippines.

Whether you're visiting for one day or an entire week, this guide will help you plan the perfect El Nido adventure.

Why El Nido Should Be on Your Philippines Itinerary

El Nido, located on the northern tip of Palawan, is famous for its towering limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, powdery white-sand beaches, and unbelievably clear turquoise water.

It's consistently ranked among the most beautiful island destinations in the world—and after visiting ourselves, it's easy to see why.

While there are plenty of restaurants, cafés, and nearby beaches around El Nido Town, island hopping is the experience that brings travelers here. Many of the area's most spectacular locations are only accessible by boat, making an island hopping tour an essential part of any visit.

El Nido Island Hopping at a Glance

• Destination: El Nido, Palawan, Philippines

• Tour Length: Full-day tours (approximately 8–9 hours)

• Best For: First-time visitors, photographers, snorkelers, couples, families, water lovers

• Base Town: El Nido Town

• Transportation: Traditional Filipino outrigger boats (shared or private tours)

• Best Time to Visit: November to May (calmest seas typically from February to April; jellyfish season is approximately March to August)

• Famous For: Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Hidden Beach, Secret Beach, towering limestone cliffs, crystal-clear turquoise water, world-class snorkeling, and pristine white-sand beaches

Comparing Tour Options (A, B, C, and D)

Every official El Nido island hopping tour offers something different.

Some focus on famous lagoons, while others feature hidden beaches, snorkeling, caves, or quieter islands away from the crowds.

Here's what to expect from each.

Tour A: The Classic El Nido Experience

If you're visiting El Nido for the first time, Tour A is the tour most people recommend—and for good reason.

It includes many of El Nido's most iconic locations and delivers the postcard views you've probably seen all over social media.

Tour A Highlights:

• Big Lagoon

• Small Lagoon

• Secret Lagoon

• Shimizu Island

• Seven Commandos Beach

Best For:

• First-time visitors

• Photographers

• Kayaking

• Scenic lagoons

• Bucket-list destinations
  

If you only have one full day in El Nido, this is usually the tour to choose.

Tour B: The Underrated Option

Tour B receives less attention than Tours A and C, but that's exactly what makes it appealing.

Because fewer visitors choose this itinerary, you'll generally experience smaller crowds and a more relaxed pace.

Tour B Highlights:

• Snake Island

• Cudugnon Cave

• Cathedral Cave

• Pinagbuyutan Island

Best For:

• Cave exploration

• Quieter beaches

• Travelers looking to avoid crowds

• Repeat visitors
  

Tour C: Our Favorite Tour

If we could only recommend one tour based purely on our personal experience, it would be Tour C.

While Tour A showcases El Nido's famous lagoons, Tour C delivers incredible snorkeling, dramatic limestone scenery, beautiful beaches, and a greater sense of adventure.

We found the snorkeling noticeably better, the scenery just as spectacular, and several stops felt less crowded than Tour A.

Tour C Highlights:

• Hidden Beach

• Secret Beach

• Helicopter Island

• Talisay Beach

• Some of the best snorkeling in El Nido

Best For:

• Snorkeling

• Beach lovers

• Adventure travelers

• Limestone cliffs

• Repeat visitors

  
  

If snorkeling is high on your priority list, Tour C shouldn't be missed.

Tour D: The Hidden Gem

Tour D is often overlooked, but it's an excellent option for travelers looking for a slower, more relaxing day.

It visits several beautiful locations around Cadlao Island that many visitors never experience.

Tour D Highlights:

• Paradise Beach

• Cadlao Lagoon

• Bukal Beach

Best For:

• Relaxation

• Hidden beaches

• Smaller crowds

• Couples

• Travelers seeking a quieter experience

Which El Nido Tour Should You Choose?

Choose Tour A if...

• It's your first trip to El Nido.

• You want to visit the famous lagoons.

• Kayaking is on your bucket list.

• You only have one day.

Choose Tour B if...

• You want fewer crowds.

• You enjoy caves and unique rock formations.

• You want to visit Snake Island.

• You've already done Tour A.

Choose Tour C if...

• You love snorkeling.

• You prefer beaches over lagoons.

• You want slightly fewer crowds.

• You've already completed Tour A.

Choose Tour D if...

• You want a quieter, more relaxing day.

• You prefer hidden beaches and lagoons.

• You want to avoid the crowds.

• You're looking for a less-traveled itinerary.

  
  

If You Have Two Days...

Tour A and Tour C complement each other perfectly and showcase the very best that El Nido has to offer.

This is exactly what we did, and we wouldn't change a thing.

Group Tours vs. Private Tours

One of the biggest decisions you'll make is whether to book a group tour or a private boat.

After experiencing private tours ourselves, we'd absolutely recommend them if your budget allows.

Benefits of a Private Tour

• Avoid the largest crowds

• Spend more time where you want

• Skip locations that don't interest you

• Flexible departure times

• More relaxed pace

• Better opportunities for photography
  

While group tours offer excellent value, private tours make the entire experience feel significantly more personal.

For couples, families, or groups traveling together, the extra cost can be well worth it.

How Much Do El Nido Island Hopping Tours Cost?

Prices vary slightly between operators, but these are typical rates.

Group Tour Prices

• Tour A: $20–30 USD per person

• Tour B: $20–30 USD per person

• Tour C: $25–40 USD per person

• Tour D: $20–30 USD per person
  

Private Tour Prices

• Tour A: Around $150 USD per boat

• Tour B: Around $150 USD per boat

• Tour C: Around $170 USD per boat

• Tour D: Around $140–150 USD per boat

Tour C is typically the most expensive because its destinations are farther from El Nido Town, requiring more travel time and fuel. Tour D is often the least expensive private option since it visits islands closer to the mainland.

Additional Costs to Budget For

Besides your tour price, you'll likely pay for:

• Environmental Fee (approximately $4 USD per person and valid for five consecutive days)

• Kayak rental

• Snorkel fin rental

• Water shoes

• Drinks or snacks

Many small vendors only accept cash, so plan accordingly.

What to Pack for Island Hopping

We recommend bringing:

• Reef-safe sunscreen

• Hat

• Sunglasses

• Swimsuit

• Quick-dry towel

• Waterproof phone pouch

• Dry bag

• Reusable water bottle

• Cash

• Snorkeling gear (optional)
  

Packing light makes it much easier to move on and off the boat throughout the day.

Our Best Tips for Visiting El Nido

Book Early

Private tours frequently sell out during the busy season.

Consider Going Private

If your budget allows, the flexibility alone makes it worthwhile.

Bring Plenty of Cash

You'll need cash for environmental fees, rentals, and many small purchases around town.

Visit During Dry Season

The calmest seas generally occur between February and April, making island hopping even more enjoyable.

Pack Only the Essentials

You'll spend most of the day on beaches and boats, so avoid bringing unnecessary gear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which El Nido island hopping tour is the best?

For first-time visitors, Tour A is the classic choice because it includes El Nido's famous lagoons. If you have more than one day, we strongly recommend adding Tour C for its incredible snorkeling, stunning beaches, and dramatic limestone scenery.

Is a private island hopping tour worth it?

In our experience, yes. Having the flexibility to avoid crowds, customize the itinerary, and spend extra time at our favorite locations made the day significantly more enjoyable.

Can you do multiple tours?

Absolutely. The environmental fee remains valid for five consecutive days, making it easy to complete several different tours during your stay.

Which tour has the best snorkeling?

Tour C is generally considered the best option for snorkeling, offering vibrant coral reefs, abundant marine life, and multiple excellent snorkeling stops throughout the day.

Do I need to know how to swim?

No. Life jackets are provided on tours, and many visitors who aren't strong swimmers still enjoy snorkeling with flotation devices. However, you'll be more comfortable if you're confident in the water.

Final Thoughts

It's difficult to go wrong with any of El Nido's island hopping tours—they all showcase different sides of this incredible destination.

If you only have one day, choose Tour A to experience the iconic lagoons that made El Nido famous.

If you have two days, combine Tour A and Tour C for what we believe is the ultimate El Nido experience. Tour A delivers the classic scenery, while Tour C offers outstanding snorkeling, beautiful beaches, and a greater sense of adventure.

Whichever tour you choose, prepare for crystal-clear water, towering limestone cliffs, hidden beaches, and some of the most spectacular scenery you'll find anywhere in Southeast Asia.

Want to see what these tours are actually like before you book? Watch our El Nido Island Hopping Guide on YouTube, where we take you along on Tours A and C, share honest tips, compare private vs. group tours, and show you exactly what to expect at each stop.