El Nido Tour D – Island Hopping Tour in El Nido Palawan

Escape busy routes and explore quiet lagoons, beautiful beaches,
and peaceful island stops in El Nido.

Tour D Overview

El Nido Tour D is a calmer option among El Nido island hopping tours, built for travelers who want to relax away from larger crowds. Seek solace in this gentle journey, which focuses on quiet lagoon stops, soft sand beaches, and slow-paced island hopping in the Bacuit area of Palawan.
Compared with Tour A and Tour C, Tour D is usually chosen for comfort, easier pacing, and less crowded destinations. If you are visiting El Nido town and want one tour centered on nature instead of high-traffic stops, El Nido Tour D is a practical choice.
This route is also searched as Nido Island Hopping Tour and Tour D in El Nido Island Hopping listings. Tour D is widely considered the most tranquil and underrated route among the main El Nido tours. It is often less popular than other routes, but many travelers choose it for unique scenic views and a quieter overall experience.

Who This Tour is Best For

Tour D is best for travelers who prefer a private or small group island-hopping experience focused on hidden lagoons, clear waters, quiet beaches, relaxing swim stops, and scenic photo opportunities away from crowded landing points.

Why Choose Tour D

Less crowded route than many island hopping tours
Calm lagoon and beach sequence for a relaxed trip
Great for private tour pacing and flexible stop timing
Strong option in high season when popular routes get busy
Good balance of snorkeling, kayaking, and low-stress water activities
Often considered underrated despite excellent scenery
Tailored for lounging on sandy beaches and exploring peaceful coves (compared with Tour B’s caves/sandbar focus)

SCHEDULE: Group / Public Tour

Start Time
9:30–10:30 AM
Return to the Port
3:30–4:30 PM

SCHEDULE: Private Tour

Pickup Time
8:00–8:30 AM
Start Time
9:00–10:00 AM
Return to the Port
3:00–4:00 PM

*Private tours can be flexible in terms of time

Note: some operators may run Tour D as private-only on certain dates if minimum shared-boat participants are not met.

Destinations in El Nido Tour D

01 Cadlao Lagoon (Cadlao Island)

Cadlao Lagoon is a quiet lagoon surrounded by limestone walls on Cadlao Island. It is one of the best spots for calm boat riding, kayaking, and snorkeling in clear waters.

02 Small Lagoon (Miniloc Island Area Access Pattern)

Small Lagoon is reached through a narrow opening and is known for calm sea conditions and dramatic rock walls. Depending on conditions, entry is by swim or kayak rental. Many guests consider Cadlao Lagoon and Small Lagoon the two lagoons that define this itinerary. Small Lagoon is also treated as a premium scenic stop.

03 Bukal Beach

Bukal Beach is a less busy beach stop with white sand beach sections, soft sand, and easy swimming access. It is ideal for travelers who want quiet time between lagoon visits.

04 Nat Nat Beach / Nat Nat Beach

Nat Nat Beach (also written as Nat Nat Beach) is a peaceful island stop with open shoreline and fewer crowds. It is a good place to relax, swim, and enjoy natural beauty.

05 Paradise Beach (Pasandigan Beach)

Paradise Beach, also called Pasandigan Beach in some listings, is often a last stop for beach time and photos. Surrounded by greenery and sea views, it offers a true paradise setting and some of the best spots for sunset-like light during afternoon returns.Paradise Beach is known for soft white sand and coral areas for snorkeling. Pasandigan Beach is also known for strong snorkeling conditions and scenic views.

06 Ipil Beach (operator-dependent stop)

Ipil Beach is accessible only by boat and is known for clean, clear water.

Tour Boat

El Nido group tour boat cruising through Bacuit Bay during island hopping tour

Boat

Group Boat

₱2,100
per person
The most affordable option, ideal for solo travelers or small groups who want to join others and share the experience.

Included

  • Lunch
  • Drinking water
  • Lagoon fee
  • Environmental fee
Exclusions:
Optional equipment rental: snorkeling mask ₱100, fins ₱100, aqua shoes ₱100, kayak ₱150. Boat capacity: 18–22 guests.
A blue and white traditional Filipino outrigger boat anchored on a white sand beach next to clear turquoise water and dark limestone cliffs.

Boat

Private Boat

₱12,000
2 Pax
Extra
₱1,500
/per guest
The perfect choice for travelers looking for a classic Filipino island hopping experience with a strong balance of comfort, authenticity, and price.

Included

  • Transfer to port / Hotel town pickup
  • Lunch
  • Drinking water
  • Guide
  • Lagoon fee
  • Environmental fee
  • Snorkeling mask
  • Kayaks (in lagoon)
Exclusions:
Transfer from harbor to town, fins ₱100, aqua shoes ₱100.
High-angle shot of a large white and green traditional wooden outrigger boat anchored in clear turquoise ocean water next to towering, tree-covered limestone cliffs.

Boat

Premium 2D X Outrigger Boat

₱20,000
2 Pax
Extra
₱2,000
/per guest
The premium choice for guests who want the traditional island hopping experience with additional comfort, privacy, and onboard amenities.

Included

  • Transfer to port / Hotel town pickup
  • Lunch
  • Drinking water
  • Guide
  • Lagoon fee
  • Environmental fee
  • Snorkeling mask
  • Kayaks (in lagoon)
Exclusions:
Transfer from harbor to town, fins ₱100, aqua shoes ₱100.
High-angle shot of a long white speedboat named Azure with a white canopy anchored in turquoise water near an island beach in El Nido.
Recommended Choice

Boat

Speed Boat

₱26,000
2 Pax
Extra
₱2,000
/per guest
The tour length remains the same, but faster transfers allow you to enjoy more of the experience where it matters most — on the islands themselves.

Included

  • Transfer to port / Hotel town pickup
  • Lunch
  • Drinking water
  • Guide
  • Lagoon fee
  • Environmental fee
  • Snorkeling mask
  • Kayaks (in lagoon)
Exclusions:
Transfer from harbor to town, fins ₱100, aqua shoes ₱100.
High-angle view of a large white sailing catamaran named Marta anchored in calm, deep blue ocean waters near a lush green tropical coastline.

Boat

Catamaran

₱50,000
Tour
Extra
₱5,000
/per guest
Ideal for guests seeking a stylish and comfortable day at sea with flexible routing based on conditions.

Included

  • Transfer to port
  • Lunch
  • Water & Drinks
  • Snorkeling mask
  • Kayak (on board)
  • Captain & Fuel
Exclusions:
Transfer from harbor to town.
Note: Lunch is typically served on a beach and usually includes grilled fish, chicken or pork, rice, and local fruits. Many travelers report the lunch is tasty and plentiful. Tour D usually includes snorkeling opportunities at multiple stops with clear water and reef areas. Snorkeling gear policy depends on package, so confirm whether mask and tube are included or rented. Many guests also appreciate the friendly and accommodating guides on Tour D.

Practical Facts Before You Book

Everything you need to know before planning your
island expedition experience.

Pricing, Booking, and Policy Notes

You can book El Nido Tour D through trusted tour companies by WhatsApp, email, or website form.

Typical Price Range:
  • Shared boat: ₱2,100 per person, lunch included
  • Private boats from ₱12,000 per boat (see the boat options above)
Before payment, confirm:
  • Total price and inclusions
  • Environmental fee status
  • Any additional fees
  • Cancellation terms and full refund conditions
  • Rebooking options for a different date when weather blocks departure
Boarding Note:

Expect to get wet when boarding, since many local boarding points do not have a dock.

Fee Notes:
  • A one-time environmental fee of ₱400 per person applies to El Nido island hopping tours if not yet paid/activated.
  • A lagoon fee of ₱200 per person applies to visitors of Small Lagoon and Big Lagoon where applicable.

Pricing, Fees, and Payment Notes

  • El Nido Tour D costs ₱2,100 per person on a shared boat and from ₱12,000 for a private boat.
  • An environmental fee of ₱400 per person applies for island hopping in El Nido. This fee is typically valid for 5 days. In most cases, it is already included, but it is always recommended to confirm with our customer support team.
  • Booking is made in advance and requires a deposit payment to secure your reservation. The remaining balance can be paid on the day of the tour.
  • Payments can be made in cash or via online methods, depending on your preference and arrangement.
  • There are several ATMs available in El Nido, but they may not always operate reliably. We recommend preparing in advance. Our team can always assist with alternative online payment options if needed.

TOUR D — Important Notices

  • All entrance fees and permits are included in the quoted tour price unless stated otherwise
  • Environmental fee may apply if not yet paid separately
  • Route order may change due to sea state, tide, and bad weather
  • Boarding can involve shallow-water access from shore to boat
  • Some add-ons (kayak rental, premium gear, soft drinks) may have additional fees
  • Water shoes are recommended for rocky or coral shoreline entries
  • This is a guided tour with a licensed tour guide and trained boat crew
  • Tour D is generally not wheelchair accessible due to boat boarding and uneven beach landings

Tour D Compared With Other Routes

Tour D differs from the other El Nido tours:

  • Tour A usually includes Big Lagoon and El Nido Big Lagoon traffic areas
  • Tour C is known for Hidden Beach and Secret Beach access
  • Tour D focuses more on quiet lagoon and beach flow than caves or high-traffic stops
  • Tour B is more cave/sandbar focused, while Tour D is more beach-lounging and peaceful-cove focused

If your priority is to avoid busy zones and discover peaceful destinations, Tour D is often the better fit.

Booking Process

All bookings are handled through customer support.

  • Contact us via request form, WhatsApp, or email.
  • Our team checks availability and confirms boat/date options.
  • We share full details (inclusions, fees, timing, and policy notes).
  • A deposit is required to secure your reservation.
  • Final confirmation is issued after deposit receipt.

What to Bring

  • Water shoes / aqua shoes (recommended for sharp rocks and shallow entries)
  • Waterproof bag or pouch for phones and valuables
  • Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses for sun protection
  • Light dry bag and change of clothes for return
  • Snorkeling gear (if not included in your package)
Final Thoughts: El Nido Tour D is a calm island hopping option for travelers who want to explore the quieter side of El Nido, Palawan. With Cadlao Lagoon, Small Lagoon access patterns, Bukal Beach, Nat Nat Beach, and Paradise Beach, it delivers an amazing time for guests who prefer space, comfort, and natural scenery over crowded routes.

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