El Nido: Hidden Beaches and Lagoons Boat Hopping Tour D

Small Lagoon is the star of the day. This seven-hour boat trip takes you around El Nido’s quieter corners, with time for kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, and a generous lunch. I especially like the calmer pace and the chance to reach beaches where your boat may be the only one in sight. The main drawback is the untidy start at Marber’s Beach Club, where meeting instructions can feel unclear, plus several extra fees once you arrive.

Tour D costs about $23 per person, which is a strong price for a full day on the water, entry fees, a guide, boat transport, life vests, and lunch. You should still carry cash for the El Nido Tourism Development Fee, Small Lagoon admission, and possible kayak rental.

Key points at a glance

• Small Lagoon by kayak: Paddle through a narrow opening between tall rock walls into clear, calm water.
• Quieter route: Tour D is often less crowded than Tours A and C, with a better chance of enjoying beaches at an easy pace.
• Two kayaking areas: Kayaking is available at Small Lagoon and Cadlao Lagoon, though you can choose to swim or snorkel instead.
• Strong snorkeling: Nat Nat and Paradise Beach can offer excellent shallow-water swimming and plenty of fish.
• Generous island lunch: The meal includes chicken and seafood, with enough food for the group.
• Bring extra pesos: The environmental fee, Small Lagoon entry, and kayak hire are not included in the basic price.

Why Tour D may be El Nido’s best fit for a quieter day

El Nido has several island-hopping routes, and Tour D is a good choice if you want scenery without spending the whole day in a floating traffic jam. It still delivers the pale sand, steep limestone walls, and clear green water that make this part of Palawan famous, but the route often feels more relaxed than the busiest boat circuits.

I like the balance here. You get famous sights such as Small Lagoon, then have time for lesser-known beaches and swimming spots. The crew generally gives each stop enough time for swimming, photos, snorkeling, or kayaking instead of pushing you back onto the boat after a quick look.

The quieter character is not guaranteed. Weather, boat schedules, and the number of operators at each site can change the feel of the day. Still, Tour D has repeatedly provided a less crowded experience, including occasions when the boat reached Small Lagoon without another tour boat present.

Meeting at Marber’s Beach Club

The meeting point is Marber’s Beach Club, and this is the least polished part of the experience. You should arrive with your booking details ready and allow time to sort out where your group is gathering. Several departures have felt hectic, with unclear instructions before boarding.

Once you are on the boat, the day usually becomes much more orderly. A licensed guide gives a safety briefing, life vests are available, and the crew handles the boat movements between islands. Guides praised by name include Mark, Arnold, Jordan, and TJ, though your guide will depend on the date and operator assignment.

Departure times can also slip. One boat had a technical problem and left about an hour late, while another departure started behind schedule. That delay may reduce time at the stops, although it can also mean arriving after some of the larger groups have moved on.

Small Lagoon: the main reason to choose Tour D

Small Lagoon is the most memorable stop on this route. You approach a break in the limestone cliffs, then pass into a sheltered pocket of water surrounded by tall natural rock walls. The water is clear, and the enclosed setting feels very different from the open sea.

Kayaking is the usual way to enter and explore the lagoon. The opening and inner water are best suited to a small kayak rather than a large boat, which lets you move at your own pace and look closely at the rock formations. Swimming is also possible, and some people choose to snorkel instead of renting a kayak.

There is one important catch: kayak rental is not included. The stated estimate is about Php 350 per person per kayak, although charges have varied by stop and day. At Small Lagoon, you should plan on needing extra cash and confirm the current rate before paying.

Small Lagoon can become crowded, so timing matters. Tour D’s less heavily used route may give you a better chance of enjoying it without a long line of kayaks. If this stop is your priority, ask the guide about the expected timing and be ready to get into the water when your group arrives.

Cadlao Island and its calm lagoon

Cadlao Island brings another change of scene. Its steep rock walls rise from the water, and the surrounding lagoon offers a calm place for kayaking, swimming, and photos. The setting is broad and scenic, while Small Lagoon feels more enclosed and intimate.

This is one of the tour’s strongest features for people who want more than a single famous photo stop. You get a second chance to paddle, or you can stay in the water and look for fish. A snorkel mask is not listed among the included items, so bring your own equipment if you have it, or ask what rental options are available.

Some people may find the allotted time at both kayaking locations generous. That is good news if you like to move slowly, take photographs, or spend time in the water. If you explore quickly, you may feel that the later part of a stop becomes a wait for the group.

Nat Nat Beach for snorkeling and easy swimming

Nat Nat is one of the quieter beach stops and suits swimmers who prefer shallow, calm water. The conditions described for the route are friendly to beginners, with gentle waves and a sandy shoreline.

This is also a useful stop for snorkeling. The water around Nat Nat has been praised for marine life, and one strong point of Tour D is that the snorkeling can be better than at some stops on other El Nido routes. You should not expect a formal reef lesson or a guided marine-life talk, however. The guide may point out good areas, but the focus is usually on enjoying the water.

Nat Nat works well after a longer boat ride because it gives you a simple beach break. You can swim, sit on the sand, take photos, or watch the crew prepare for the next move without feeling pressured to kayak.

Paradise Beach and the best shallow-water stop

Paradise Beach is another sandy stop with calm, shallow water. It is particularly good for beginners, families with confident swimmers, and anyone who wants an easy snorkel without a strong current.

Snorkeling here has been one of the most praised parts of the day. Fish are often visible in the clear water, and the beach itself gives you a pleasant place to dry off and relax. The stop can feel wonderfully peaceful when the boat arrives at a quieter time.

The word paradise gets used freely in El Nido, but this beach earns the name through its simple pleasures: pale sand, warm water, fish close to shore, and time to enjoy the setting. It is not a large resort beach with facilities and services, so bring what you need from the boat and keep your belongings secure.

Bukal Island and the changing final stop

Bukal Island is included among the route’s principal destinations, though the exact sequence and final beach can vary. Some itineraries refer to Pasandigan Beach as a later stop, so you should treat the day’s order as flexible rather than fixed.

That flexibility is common on boat trips in El Nido. The crew may adjust the order to avoid other boats, respond to weather, or work around a delayed start. A stop that feels quiet one day may be busier the next, and a beach may be replaced by another nearby location.

The benefit is a more relaxed day with room for local judgment. The tradeoff is that the tour may feel less like a tightly scripted sightseeing program. One recent assessment found the English commentary limited and the route somewhat improvised. If you want detailed explanations at every stop, ask questions directly. If you prefer a friendly crew, good swimming time, and attractive scenery, the flexible approach may suit you.

Lunch is better than the price suggests

Lunch is included, and it is more substantial than the low tour price might lead you to expect. The meal has included chicken and seafood, with enough variety and quantity for everyone in the group.

Food quality can make a big difference on a seven-hour boat day. You are spending much of the day in the sun and water, so a proper meal is far more useful than a small snack. Several visitors have specifically praised the lunch, and the crew generally makes sure the group has enough to eat.

You should still bring cash for drinks or personal purchases, as these are not listed as included. Plastic bottles are not allowed, so check your water container before leaving. Sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen, and a small amount of cash belong in your day bag.

What the $23 price really covers

At about $23, Tour D offers strong value. Your basic price includes the boat, licensed guide, entry fees listed by the operator, life vests, and packed lunch. For a full seven hours among El Nido’s islands, that is a reasonable starting cost.

The advertised price does not cover everything you may need. The El Nido Tourism Development Fee is Php 400, and the Small Lagoon entry fee is Php 200. These charges must be paid before boarding unless you have already paid and can show your receipt.

Kayak hire is another cost. Small Lagoon and Cadlao Lagoon both offer kayaking, with the stated estimate around Php 350 per person per kayak. Rates can differ, so carry enough pesos and ask before choosing a kayak. Aqua shoes and fins are also extra rentals.

The tour is still good value if you mainly swim and snorkel. It becomes a more expensive day if you add kayaks at both lagoons, rent equipment, and pay the required environmental charges. I would budget beyond the headline price rather than treating $23 as the final total.

Group size, guide quality, and the general mood

Tour D can be available as a private group, but the standard experience is a shared boat unless you select the private option. Group size affects everything from boarding to how quickly you can enter the water, so check the booking choice carefully.

The guides are a major strength. Mark has been praised for taking photographs and helping the group, Arnold for his energy and attention to everyone’s comfort, and Jordan and TJ for their friendly approach. The crew also receives credit for preparing lunch, helping with kayaks, and keeping the day moving.

The tone is more relaxed than formal. You may get jokes, photographs, and useful help, but not a long lecture at every island. English and Tagalog are the available tour languages. If detailed interpretation matters to you, ask questions as the boat travels between stops.

Practical limits and who should skip it

This is an active day on and around a boat. You will need to board from the shore, move around on beaches, and manage swimming or kayaking. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or people with mobility impairments.

Large bags and luggage are not allowed. Pack a small waterproof day bag with swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and cash. Keep electronics protected because you will be moving between boat, beach, kayak, and water.

I would choose Tour D for couples, friends, solo visitors, and families with older children who want a full day outside. It is especially suitable if you prefer snorkeling and quiet beach time over a heavily scheduled route.

I would think twice if your priority is a perfectly timed departure, constant historical commentary, or a completely all-inclusive price. Meeting arrangements can be messy, delays can happen, and extra charges are part of the day.

Should you book El Nido Tour D?

I would book Tour D if you want El Nido’s famous limestone scenery with a calmer rhythm. Small Lagoon is the main draw, but the combination of Cadlao Island, Nat Nat, Paradise Beach, and other possible quiet stops gives the day variety.

Choose it over a busier route if you value time in the water, good snorkeling, and beaches that may be nearly empty. Bring extra pesos, expect some flexibility in the schedule, and arrive ready for an occasionally chaotic meeting point.

For the price, the included lunch, friendly crew, and chance of having Small Lagoon or a beach nearly to yourself make this one of El Nido’s better-value boat days. Just remember that the final cost is higher than the advertised fare once fees and kayak rental are added.

FAQ

How long is El Nido Tour D?

The tour lasts about seven hours, including the boat ride and stops for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and lunch.

Where does Tour D meet?

The meeting point is Marber’s Beach Club in El Nido.

What places does Tour D visit?

The route includes Small Lagoon, Cadlao Island, Nat Nat Beach, Paradise Beach, and Bukal Island. The exact order and some later stops can vary.

Is kayak rental included?

No. Kayaks are not included in the basic price. Rental is available at Small Lagoon and Cadlao Lagoon, with an estimated cost of about Php 350 per person per kayak.

What other fees must I pay?

The El Nido Tourism Development Fee is Php 400, and Small Lagoon has a Php 200 entry fee. If you have already paid the environmental fee, show your receipt before boarding to avoid paying twice.

Who should not take this tour?

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or people with mobility impairments. Large bags and luggage are also not allowed.