El Nido Tour D – Lagoons & Beaches Premium tour(Private / Shared)

Cadlao Lagoon gives this El Nido island-hopping day its best opening act: clear blue-green water, steep limestone walls, and a quiet paddle toward the shore. You also get Small Lagoon, four beaches, picnic lunch, and time for swimming or snorkeling. I like the mix of active lagoon stops and slower beach breaks.

I especially like the chance to shape a private trip, something guide Joshua helped arrange for one group, and the crew’s attentive service, praised by several customers. The main catch is that the $40 price is not the final cost: environmental and lagoon fees, plus a snorkeling mask, are extra. Pickup also needs careful confirmation.

Key points to know before you book

• Cadlao Lagoon opens the day with kayaking and clear water, surrounded by tall limestone walls.
• Small Lagoon is the strongest stop for many visitors, with kayaking, swimming, and possible cliff jumping.
• Four beach stops keep the pace varied, from quiet Nat Nat Beach to picnic-friendly Serenity Beach.
• Lunch includes seafood, pork or chicken, and fruit, with drinking water provided.
• Kayaks are included only on private tours, so check the exact booking type before paying.
• The $40 rate excludes several fees, including a PHP 400 environmental fee valid for five days.

Six stops in seven hours around Bacuit Bay

This is a full half-day on the water, not a quick ride to one beach. The plan gives roughly an hour at each of six stops, though actual timing can change with weather, boat movement, and local conditions.

You begin with Cadlao Lagoon, then continue to Small Lagoon. After the two lagoon visits, the day shifts toward swimming, snorkeling, sun, and a picnic lunch at a run of white-sand beaches. You return to the El Nido floating dock at the end.

That structure suits you if you want variety. You are not spending the entire day on one beach, and you are not moving from one photo stop to another without time to get wet. The tradeoff is simple: six stops in about seven hours means each place gets a limited window.

Cadlao Lagoon: a strong first stop

Cadlao Lagoon is described as a clear, turquoise inlet enclosed by limestone walls. The main activity here is kayaking toward the shore, with views back across the water and up toward the surrounding rock.

This is the sort of place where the water does most of the work. You can paddle, swim, or simply take in the contrast between the pale water and dark stone. The lagoon is also noted as a good viewpoint for the surrounding area, so bring a camera that can handle sun and water.

For a private booking, a kayak is included. That matters because paddling is part of the appeal here, not just an optional extra. If you book a shared version, confirm how kayak access works before you go, since the included equipment is specifically stated for private tours.

Cadlao is likely to feel most rewarding if you enjoy gentle activity rather than a day spent sitting on a boat. It is also a useful first stop because it gives you an early chance to swim or paddle before the beach visits begin.

Small Lagoon: the day’s signature setting

Small Lagoon is a compact inlet surrounded by limestone walls. You can kayak, swim, and, according to the supplied tour details, cliff dive there. I would treat the cliff jumping as an option, not an expectation, and only do it if local staff confirm that conditions are safe.

The setting is tighter and more enclosed than a wide-open beach. That gives Small Lagoon a different feel from Cadlao Lagoon. Instead of broad views, you get a close look at the rock walls and the waterway inside them.

There is a listed PHP 200 admission fee for Big Lagoon under the exclusions. The tour itself names Small Lagoon, so the fee description is not perfectly clear. Ask the operator exactly which entrance charge applies to your chosen route. That small check can prevent an awkward surprise at the dock.

Several positive comments single out Small Lagoon as the best part of the day. I can see why: it combines the scenery people come to El Nido for with actual things to do. You are not only looking at the lagoon. You can paddle through it, swim, and spend time close to the limestone walls.

Nat Nat Beach: a quieter pause on Cadlao Island

Nat Nat Beach offers soft white sand and clear water on Cadlao Island. The stop is presented as less crowded than some other El Nido locations, which makes it useful after the more active lagoon visits.

This is a good place to slow down. You can swim, lie on the sand, or simply give yourself a break from kayaking. The beach is not described as a major activity center, and that is part of its value. A day with several water stops needs a quiet interval.

The one-hour schedule gives you enough time to enjoy the beach without turning the stop into a long stay. If you want a full afternoon at one stretch of sand, this tour will feel too busy. If you like sampling several places, Nat Nat fits the plan well.

Pasandigan Cove: the snorkeling stop

Pasandigan Cove is described as a beach with variety both above and below the water. Swimming and snorkeling are the main reasons to stop here, along with time to lie on the sand.

You need to budget for the mask. A snorkeling mask costs PHP 150 per person and is not included. Bring your own if you have one, or confirm availability with the operator before departure. The tour includes a life jacket, but that is not the same as snorkeling equipment.

Pasandigan is a good match for you if you want more than scenery. The supplied description points to underwater variety, while the beach itself offers a quieter place to rest. As with any snorkeling stop, water conditions will affect what you can see, and the tour data does not promise a specific marine life encounter.

Paradise Beach: simple time to switch off

Paradise Beach is built around its setting: powdery white sand, green water, coconut trees, and a remote feel. The suggested activities are uncomplicated. Wade in the water, sit in the shade, get some sun, or forget the clock for a while.

I like this kind of stop in a packed island-hopping schedule. After two lagoons and a snorkeling cove, you may not need another major attraction. You may want a clean beach and half an hour with no task beyond staying cool.

The name sets a high expectation, so keep it in perspective. This is one stop in a broader route, not a private beach stay. The appeal comes from the combination of sand, water, palms, and quiet surroundings rather than from a long list of organized activities.

Serenity Beach at Bacuit Bay: a calm final stop

The final stop is described as Serenity Beach, a small white-sand beach in Bacuit Bay. It is presented as a quiet spot for relaxing and a picnic, with scenic surroundings and time to unwind.

This makes sense as the last beach break. You can finish the day at an easier pace before returning to the floating dock. The tour includes picnic lunch with fruit, and one detailed account describes a meal with seafood, pork or chicken, and fruit. That gives you a better idea of the spread than the basic inclusion list alone.

Do not expect a large dining setup. The appeal is a meal on or near a small beach, not restaurant service. Bring patience and a flexible attitude, since boat-based lunches depend on the day’s conditions and the crew’s arrangement.

What is included, and what will cost extra

At $40 per person, the tour can offer solid value if you want transport, several stops, and lunch arranged in one booking. You receive hotel pickup, boat transfer, an experienced crew, a life jacket, drinking water, and picnic lunch with fruit.

Private tours include a kayak. The private format also means only your group participates, which can make the day easier to adjust. One customer was able to create a bespoke route with help from Joshua, so private booking may be worth considering if flexibility matters more to you than the lowest possible rate.

The extra charges need attention:

• Environmental fee: PHP 400 per person, valid for five days.
• Big Lagoon admission: PHP 200 per person, though you should confirm how this applies to the Small Lagoon route.
• Snorkeling mask: PHP 150 per person.
• Kayak: included for private tours only.

Group discounts are offered, which may improve the value for families or friends booking together. The tour page also presents private and shared options, so compare the exact inclusions rather than assuming the $40 rate covers every version.

Crew service and the importance of confirming pickup

The strongest service feedback centers on the crew and guides. Joshua is praised for being kind and helpful from start to finish, while Bernard is described as helpful and informative. Another account notes an attentive driver and boat crew, along with a smooth boat ride and a well-equipped vessel.

That kind of support matters on a water-based day. You want clear help with boarding, life jackets, kayaking, and moving between stops. The crew cannot control the weather, but good organization can make the day feel much less tiring.

Pickup needs more care. Hotel pickup is listed as included, yet one customer reported waiting at the stated meeting place until 9 a.m. without finding the company or reaching anyone. I would confirm the pickup time, location, and contact number directly before the morning of the tour. If you are staying outside the normal pickup area, ask where you must meet the boat.

This is not a reason to dismiss the experience, but it is a reason to avoid assuming that selecting pickup guarantees a smooth handoff. Keep the confirmation message accessible and arrive early.

Private or shared: which version fits you?

A private trip is the better choice if you want your group alone, hope to request a custom mix of stops, or care about having a kayak included. It can also make the day more comfortable for people who want a slower pace or extra help from the guide.

A shared trip may suit you if your main goal is to see the lagoons and beaches at the lowest available cost. The tour description does not provide a fixed shared group size, so ask how many people will be on the boat and what equipment is included.

The reviews include both strong praise and a serious complaint, so I would put service expectations high on your checklist. Ask for written confirmation of the meeting point, inclusions, extra fees, and private or shared status. That takes only a few minutes and can protect the start of your day.

Who should book this El Nido tour?

I would recommend Tour D to you if you want a broad sample of El Nido’s lagoon and beach scenery in one day. It works especially well for people who like alternating activity and rest: kayak at a lagoon, swim, snorkel, eat lunch, then relax on white sand.

It is also a good fit for groups. Private booking gives you more control, and group discounts may lower the per-person cost. Families and mixed-age groups may appreciate having beach stops where not everyone must paddle or snorkel.

You may want a different plan if you prefer one long, quiet beach day, dislike boat transfers, or need a very precise schedule. The route has six stops, and weather can affect the outing. The tour requires good weather, and if poor conditions cancel it, you are offered another date or a full refund.

The cancellation rule is strict for personal changes: the experience is non-refundable and cannot be amended after booking. That makes weather protection useful, but it also means you should not prepay until your plans are firm.

Should you book El Nido Tour D?

Book it if the combination of two lagoons, four beaches, kayaking, snorkeling, and lunch sounds better than choosing just one highlight. The itinerary gives you a full picture of the area, and the best service accounts point to an attentive crew, smooth boat handling, and guides such as Joshua and Bernard who stay involved throughout the day.

Before paying, confirm four things: the pickup point, the private or shared format, the kayak arrangement, and the extra fees. If you want a custom route, choose private and request it in writing. If the operator answers clearly, the $40 base price can be good value for a seven-hour island day. If pickup details remain vague, wait until they are settled.

FAQ

How long does El Nido Tour D last?

The tour lasts approximately seven hours.

What places does the tour visit?

The route includes Cadlao Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Nat Nat Beach, Pasandigan Cove, Paradise Beach, and Serenity Beach in Bacuit Bay.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup is listed as included. Confirm the exact time and meeting point before the tour because one reported experience involved a missed pickup.

Is this a private tour?

The experience is offered as private or shared. On a private tour, only your group participates.

Is kayaking included?

Kayaking is included for private tours only. Confirm the arrangement if you choose the shared option.

What food and drinks are provided?

The tour includes drinking water and a picnic lunch with fruit. The meal may include seafood, pork or chicken, and fruit.

What fees are not included?

The environmental fee is PHP 400 per person and is valid for five days. A Big Lagoon admission fee of PHP 200 per person is also listed, though you should confirm how it applies to this route. A snorkeling mask costs PHP 150 per person.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. Personal cancellations or amendments are non-refundable.