El Nido:Private Tour D with Highlights Small & Cadlao Lagoon

Small lagoons, quiet beaches, one very full day. El Nido Tour D packs kayaking at Small Lagoon, Cadlao Lagoon, lunch, swimming, and beach time into six to seven hours. I like the mix of active water time and slower beach stops, and I like that lunch, snorkeling gear, a licensed boat, captain, and guide are included. The main catch is the extra cost: kayaking, environmental fees, and Small Lagoon access are not part of the $24 price.

The route also suits anyone who wants a calmer outing. The available feedback points to a relaxed pace, good lunch, and a friendly crew, with a strong 4.9 rating from eight bookings. Still, you should be comfortable getting on and off a boat, swimming, and handling open-water conditions, since this tour is not suited to people with mobility impairments or serious seasickness.

Key points at a glance

• Small Lagoon kayaking: Paddle through clear water enclosed by tall limestone cliffs, with one-time access charged separately.
• Cadlao Island by kayak: Spend about an hour around Cadlao Lagoon, known for emerald water and dramatic rock walls.
• Several beach stops: Paradise Beach, Bukal Island, and a short secret stop add swimming, photos, and rest time.
• Good value at $24: A licensed boat, captain, guide, lunch, mask, snorkel, life jacket, and one bottle of water are included.
• Extra fees matter: Budget for the environmental fee, Small Lagoon fee, kayak rental, and optional water shoes or towel.
• Private group option: You can book a private group, but the supplied details do not specify the maximum group size.

What this El Nido day is really like

Tour D is best understood as a water-and-beach circuit rather than a single major attraction. You move between limestone cliffs, small coves, calm swimming areas, and two lagoons. The appeal is variety. If one stop feels busy or the sea conditions change, the next stop offers a different kind of pleasure.

The advertised price is only $24 per person, which is low for a half-day boat outing with lunch and equipment. But your final cost will be higher. The environmental fee is PHP 400 per person and remains valid for five days. Small Lagoon access costs PHP 200 per person for one visit, while a two-seat kayak costs PHP 300 and a three-seat kayak costs PHP 350.

That still leaves the outing with a fair value, especially if you want a guide and boat arranged for you. Just do the arithmetic before booking so the low headline price does not surprise you at the meeting point.

The tour begins at one of two possible locations, Marber’s or Marbers Beach Club, depending on the option you reserve. It finishes at Dockyard. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to arrange your own way to the starting place.

A quiet opening at the secret stop

The first listed stop is a secret location for about 40 minutes. It is used for a photo stop, a short visit, and a guided introduction to the area. Since the exact place is not named, you should treat this part as a pleasant surprise rather than a main reason to book.

That uncertainty can be a plus. The stop may give you time to get comfortable with the boat and understand the day before the more active sections begin. It also provides a useful photo window without asking you to rush straight into kayaking.

Bring your camera, but protect it from spray. El Nido’s scenery is easy to photograph, yet the best pictures often come when you are ready rather than when you are trying to organize your gear at the last second.

One hour around Cadlao Island and Cadlao Lagoon

The route then heads to Cadlao Island for about an hour of kayaking. Cadlao Lagoon is known for emerald water and large rock formations, giving this part of the trip a more enclosed, peaceful feel than a standard beach stop.

I like this section because kayaking lets you control the pace. You can look up at the cliffs, pause for photos, and get closer to the lagoon’s edges without relying only on the boat’s view. The water is also suited to swimming and snorkeling, although the exact time available for each activity will depend on the guide and sea conditions.

Kayak rental is extra. A two-person kayak costs PHP 300, and a three-person kayak costs PHP 350. If you are traveling with a companion, sharing can keep the added cost modest. A life jacket is included, but you should still listen closely to the guide before getting into the kayak.

Cadlao Island is one of the stronger reasons to choose this route. It offers active time, scenery, and a sense of being away from the main port. The limitation is simple: one hour passes quickly if you want to kayak, swim, snorkel, and take photographs.

Paradise Beach lunch break

Paradise Beach on Cadlao Island is scheduled for about an hour, with lunch included. This is the day’s main pause, and it breaks up the water activities at a useful point.

A supplied lunch saves you from arranging food separately, which is important on a boat day. You also receive one bottle of drinking water. Snacks are still worth bringing, especially if you prefer to eat between stops or need more food than a standard included meal provides.

The beach itself is meant for relaxing rather than a long stay. You can sit on the sand, swim, take pictures, or simply enjoy a quiet meal by the water. The available feedback specifically praises the lunch and the relaxed feel of the outing, so this stop seems to fit the tour’s easygoing character.

Do not expect a full restaurant lunch or unlimited drinks. Meals not mentioned are not included, and the instructions recommend bringing water. A refillable bottle is the sensible choice, though the tour also supplies one bottle.

Small Lagoon is the headline stop

Small Lagoon is the most recognizable stop on the route and receives about an hour for sightseeing and kayaking. You pass into clear water surrounded by limestone cliffs, with the rock walls creating a dramatic frame around the lagoon.

This is where the tour feels most scenic. The water, narrow setting, and cliffs make it a strong place for photographs. You can also swim and snorkel, though kayaking is the central activity.

There are two practical points to remember. First, the kayak rental is not included. Second, Small Lagoon access costs PHP 200 per person and allows one-time entry only. That fee is separate from the PHP 400 environmental fee, so count both when planning your budget.

The one-hour slot is enough to get a taste of the lagoon, but it is not a leisurely half-day visit. If you want long swims and many photos, you may feel pressed for time. The guide will also need to keep the group moving so the rest of the route stays on schedule.

Small Lagoon is a good fit for you if you want a famous El Nido sight without booking a full-day program. It is less ideal if you dislike shared access fees or prefer to spend most of the day in one place.

Bukal Island closes the day with swimming

The final major stop is Bukal Island, where you get about an hour for photos, a visit, and swimming. The clear water and marine life make it a natural closing stop after the more enclosed lagoon settings.

This part of the route gives you room to slow down. You can swim, snorkel with the supplied mask and snorkel, or stay on the beach and take pictures. After kayaking and moving between several locations, that flexibility is welcome.

Bukal Island also shows why this outing is more than a quick lagoon transfer. The route finishes with a beach-and-water stop rather than sending you straight back to the dock. If you like ending a day with a swim, this is a satisfying choice.

Water shoes are optional at PHP 100 per pair. They may be useful if you dislike rough surfaces or plan to spend much of the day stepping in and out of the water. A towel costs PHP 100, though bringing your own is easier if you have one.

Where do Pasandigan Beach and Serenity Beach fit?

The tour description also presents Pasandigan Beach and Serenity Beach as calm beach stops. Pasandigan is described as a white-sand beach with turquoise water and lush surroundings, while Serenity Beach is presented as a quiet place with soft sand and gentle waves.

The detailed route, however, specifically names Paradise Beach and Bukal Island, along with the secret stop, Cadlao Island, and Small Lagoon. That means you should confirm the exact beach sequence with the operator before departure, especially if Pasandigan or Serenity Beach is important to you.

This is not a reason to reject the tour. El Nido routes can depend on local conditions, timing, and the option selected. It is simply worth knowing that the short promotional description names more beaches than the timed route confirms.

What is included, and what you still pay for

The included package covers the core services you need for a boat day:

• Licensed tourist boat
• Licensed boat captain
• Licensed local English-speaking guide
• Life jacket
• Mask and snorkel
• Lunch
• One bottle of drinking water

That is a sensible package for the price. You are not only paying for transport. You also receive a guide, safety equipment, food, and basic snorkeling gear.

The extra charges are the part to watch:

• Kayak: PHP 300 for two seats or PHP 350 for three seats
• Environmental fee: PHP 400 per person, valid for five days
• Small Lagoon access: PHP 200 per person for one visit
• Water shoes: PHP 100 per pair, optional
• Towel: PHP 100 each, optional

Hotel transfers are not included. You also pay for meals not specifically listed. I would bring sunscreen, swimwear, spare clothes, a towel, sunglasses, snacks, and a reusable water bottle.

Use biodegradable sunscreen. The rules prohibit smoking, alcohol, drugs, littering, touching marine life, and touching plants. Those rules are not just formalities. Lagoons and shallow coastal areas are easy to damage, and careless contact can harm both animals and plants.

Timing, comfort, and the private option

The total duration is six to seven hours. That is long enough for several stops without committing your whole day to a single boat route. Starting times vary, so check availability when choosing your date.

A private group is available, which may suit families or friends who want a more personal schedule. The information does not state the maximum number of people, so do not assume the boat is exclusive unless your selected option clearly says so.

The tour is conducted in English. The licensed local guide should help with the route, safety instructions, and timing at each stop. The strongest practical praise is for the relaxed pace and nice crew, which matters on a day involving several transfers and water activities.

Still, this is not a low-effort outing. You need to board a boat, move around beaches and lagoons, kayak, and swim if you want the full experience. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. People prone to seasickness should also think carefully before booking.

Weather and sea conditions can affect comfort. The supplied information does not promise a fixed amount of kayaking or swimming time in every condition, so keep a flexible attitude. A calm day will make the route much more enjoyable.

Who should book Tour D?

I would recommend this experience to you if you want a reasonably priced introduction to several El Nido sights in one day. It works especially well for people who like a balance of kayaking, swimming, photographs, lunch, and short periods of beach rest.

It is also a practical choice for first-time visitors who do not want to arrange a boat, captain, guide, food, and snorkeling equipment separately. The included services remove much of the planning work.

You may want another option if you hate extra fees, dislike boats, or want a slow beach day with no schedule. You should also look elsewhere if Small Lagoon is your only priority and you want a longer visit there. The one-hour stop gives you a taste, not unlimited time.

The 4.9 rating from eight bookings supports the idea that this is a well-received, relaxed outing. The most useful praise is specific: not overcrowded, good lunch, and a nice crew. Those are meaningful advantages on a compact island tour.

Should you book this El Nido tour?

Book it if you want several natural stops for a low starting price, and you are comfortable adding the required fees and kayak rental. Small Lagoon and Cadlao Lagoon provide the strongest scenery, while Paradise Beach and Bukal Island keep the day from becoming one long paddle.

Before paying, confirm the meeting point, the exact beach sequence, and the full extra cost. If you pack swimwear, spare clothes, sunscreen, snacks, and water, you will be ready for the practical side of the day. For an active half-day with a relaxed mood, this is a solid El Nido choice.

FAQ

How long does El Nido Tour D last?

The tour lasts approximately six to seven hours. Starting times depend on availability for your chosen date.

What places are included on the route?

The detailed route includes a secret stop, Cadlao Island and Cadlao Lagoon, Paradise Beach, Small Lagoon, and Bukal Island. The wider description also refers to Pasandigan Beach and Serenity Beach, so confirm the exact sequence before departure.

Is kayaking included in the price?

No. Kayak rental costs PHP 300 for a two-seat kayak or PHP 350 for a three-seat kayak.

Is the Small Lagoon entrance fee included?

No. Small Lagoon access costs PHP 200 per person for one-time entry.

What equipment is included?

The tour includes a life jacket, mask, and snorkel. Water shoes and towels are optional extras.

Is lunch provided?

Yes. Lunch and one bottle of drinking water are included. Meals not specifically mentioned are not included.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off available?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The meeting point may be Marber’s or Marbers Beach Club, depending on the option booked, and the tour finishes at Dockyard.

Is this tour suitable for someone prone to seasickness?

The tour is not suitable for people prone to seasickness. It is also not suitable for people with mobility impairments.