El Nido Guide
The two most popular island-hopping routes compared — what you'll see on each, which suits you, and how to do both in one day.
El Nido's island hopping is split into set routes — and the two everyone debates are Tour A and Tour C. They visit different islands, so the right pick depends on what you want from the day.
| Tour A — The Lagoons | Tour C — Hidden Beaches | |
|---|---|---|
| Signature stops | Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon | Hidden Beach, Secret Beach, Matinloc Shrine |
| Also includes | Shimizu Island, 7 Commandos Beach | Helicopter Island, Star Beach |
| Scenery | Iconic lagoons & cliffs | Wild, dramatic, remote |
| Snorkeling | Good | Best of the two |
| Crowds | Busiest route | Quieter |
| Best for | First-timers, photographers | Return visitors, snorkelers |
This is the route that put El Nido on every feed. Big Lagoon is the headline — towering karst walls around glassy emerald water. You'll also kayak Small Lagoon, swim into Secret Lagoon, and stop at Shimizu Island and 7 Commandos Beach. Because it's the most popular route, timing matters: arrive early or the lagoons fill with boats.
Tour C trades lagoons for drama. Hidden Beach and Secret Beach are tucked behind rock walls, Matinloc Shrine has the best viewpoint in Bacuit Bay, and Helicopter Island has the best snorkeling reef of the day. It's wilder, more remote, and usually quieter.
You don't actually have to choose. On a private speedboat the faster transfers let us build a custom route — Big Lagoon at first light, then push out to Hidden Beach and Helicopter Island before the group boats arrive. That's the day a fixed group bangka simply can't deliver.
Tip: whichever route you pick, the single biggest upgrade to your day is arriving early. A speedboat gets you to the headline stops before the crowds.
FAQ
Tour A is the classic lagoons, best for first-timers. Tour C is dramatic hidden beaches and the best snorkeling, best for repeat visitors. On a private speedboat you can combine both.
Yes — on a private speedboat. The faster transfers make a custom combined route possible, which a traditional bangka cannot do.
Big Lagoon is on Tour A, with Small Lagoon and Secret Lagoon.
