El Nido Tour D Overview
- Discover scenic island hopping in El Nido
- Enjoy a delicious free lunch on the boat
- Explore natural wonders like lagoons and beaches
El Nido is famous for having some of the finest island scenery in the Philippines, and the best way to see it is on a shared boat tour.
The island hopping tours in El Nido are divided into 4 different areas of coverage: A, B, C, and D. Each tour offers unique experiences and breathtaking views.
This page covers El Nido Tour D and what you can expect to see there: Paradise Beach, Pasandigan Cove, Cadlao Lagoon, and the Small Lagoon. Therefore, you will find it informative and resourceful for your travel plans.
El Nido Tour D – What To Expect
El Nido Tour D is the least popular of all the tours; however, many visitors overlook its charm. In fact, it’s quite underrated.
All of the sights are spectacular, and this tour is the only place where you can see two stunning lagoons. Generally, it includes 4-5 scenic island stops, allowing for about 60-90 minutes at each one.
It’s worth noting that your tour guide may mention 45 minutes at each stop, but usually, you will end up spending over an hour at each location due to leisurely exploration.
The tour typically runs from 9 AM to 3 PM (or later) as you will spend some time on the boat riding between islands. No worries, because even the transit time offers scenic views and ample photo opportunities!
Lunch Included
Free lunch on the boat is part of every tour, with a typical meal including grilled fish, pork, chicken, vegetables, rice, and plenty of fresh fruit like pineapple and watermelon.
All of the food was delightful. While some travelers worry about hygiene and food preparation safety on these boat tours, during our extensive experiences, we faced no issues with food safety at all!
Rules for Island Hopping
At the beginning of the tour, your guide will outline some essential island hopping rules. For instance, there are strict rules against picking up coral, sand, or marine life like starfish. This regulation is crucial for protecting the beautiful islands from the increasing tourist traffic.
Life jackets are required during boat travel, although enforcement is lax except during departures from the harbor.
Furthermore, plastic water bottles are technically prohibited on the boat tours; however, adherence is not strict. Please ensure you dispose of any waste responsibly when you return to El Nido town!
Conservation Fee
A conservation fee of 200 pesos ($4 USD) per person is required for island hopping in El Nido. This fee is essential for maintaining the environmental integrity of the area.
This ticket is valid for 10 days, so you will only need to pay once, but ensure you keep it safe to avoid extra costs.
Lagoon Fee
Since November 2018, there has been a new lagoon fee of 200 pesos per person that applies to visiting the El Nido Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon. This fee is separate from your tour costs and applies to those who wish to explore these premium destinations.
The intention behind this fee is to manage the influx of visitors and reduce crowding at these renowned sites.
Things To See – Tour D
• Paradise Beach
The first stop on Tour D typically takes you to Paradise Beach, located on the southeast end of Cadlao Island. It features soft white sand and vibrant coral, providing excellent snorkeling opportunities.
This beach is composed of two sections divided by a rock formation, and the western beach includes a stairway leading to a viewpoint for stunning vistas.
• Pasandigan Cove
Within the tour, you will visit Pasandigan Cove, an area rich with snorkeling opportunities and breathtaking landscapes. Those with drones can capture amazing aerial shots!
• Cadlao Island
Your lunch stop is typically at either Bukal Island, Natnat Beach, or among the stunning beaches of Cadlao Island. Our group enjoyed a small unnamed beach with majestic cliffs and no crowds.
• Cadlao Lagoon
Another highlight of the tour is exploring the turquoise lagoon on the west side of Cadlao Island. Rent a kayak to navigate through the lagoons and observe the striking limestone formations closely. The snorkeling is also excellent just outside the lagoon at the entrance.
• Small Lagoon
The Small Lagoon, located at Miniloc Island, is a newer addition to Tour D, having been previously included in Tour A. You will discover why it has become one of the must-see places in El Nido, with its enchanting scenery and picturesque layout.
Best El Nido Tour Package
Klook offers highly-rated El Nido boat tours at competitive prices, making it a great option for tourists.
The package for Tour D costs 900 pesos ($17 USD) and includes popular stops such as Paradise Beach, Natnat Beach, Cadlao Lagoon, and Small Lagoon. Free lunch and hotel pickup are also provided, making it a fantastic choice for convenient island hopping!
More Palawan Travel Tips
If you’re looking for more detailed information on Palawan Island in the Philippines, check out iBestTravel’s comprehensive guides for tips, photographs, and a plethora of travel resources.
Where We Stayed
We chose to stay at David’s Guesthouse in El Nido town, for 1,600 pesos ($31 USD) per night. This accommodation provided a comfortable environment with cold A/C and a private bathroom.
Given the remote nature of El Nido, lodging options can be limited, but we found this hotel to be one of the best budget-friendly choices, with a prime location just a short stroll from the beach and excellent dining establishments.
Prices can fluctuate, so be sure to monitor for any good deals!
