El Nido: Hidden Beaches and Lagoons Boat Hopping Tour D

El Nido Tour D is a good choice if you want clear water and fewer boats, not simply the standard island-hopping circuit. The best moments come at Small Lagoon and Cadlao Island, where steep limestone rocks frame green water and kayaking gives you time to look around at your own pace.

I like the quieter rhythm and the strong mix of activities. You can snorkel with fish at Nat Nat and Paradise Beach, then paddle through lagoons later in the day. Guides such as Mark and Arnold have been praised for taking good photos and keeping the group comfortable. The main drawback is the meeting point at Marber’s Beach Club, which can feel chaotic before boarding, and several stops may feel too long if you are not keen on swimming or kayaking.

• Small Lagoon by kayak: Paddle through a narrow opening between limestone rocks into calm, emerald-colored water.
• A quieter alternative: Tour D is often less crowded than Tour A, with some boats reaching beaches and lagoons before the main rush.
• Two strong water activities: You can snorkel in marine areas and rent kayaks at Small Lagoon and Cadlao Lagoon.
• Lunch is included: Expect a packed meal with chicken, seafood, and enough food for the group.
• Budget beyond the advertised fare: Bring cash for the PHP 400 environmental fee, the PHP 200 Small Lagoon entry fee, and kayak rental.
• Seven hours on the water: The tour is a full day out, with return to the original meeting place.

Why Tour D works well for a quieter El Nido day

El Nido’s famous tours can turn the most beautiful coves into a line of boats. Tour D is not empty or secret in the strict sense, but it usually feels calmer than the most popular routes. Several stops may have only your boat present, especially if the timing works in your favor.

At $23 per person, this is strong value for a seven-hour outing. The price includes the boat, guide, life vest, entry fees listed for most stops, and packed lunch. You still need to add the PHP 400 El Nido Tourism Development Fee, the PHP 200 Small Lagoon entrance charge, and any kayak rental.

That extra cost matters. A kayak is needed to visit Small Lagoon, according to the tour information, and kayaks are also available at Cadlao Lagoon. The listed rental price is about PHP 350 per person per kayak, though prices can vary, so bring enough cash and confirm the current charge before setting off.

I would choose Tour D for a couple, a small group of friends, or a solo visitor who wants a slower day with time in the water. It is less suited to anyone who wants a tightly narrated sightseeing trip, since one person found the English commentary limited and the schedule somewhat improvised.

Marber’s Beach Club and the start of the morning

The meeting point is Marber’s Beach Club. Plan to arrive ready for a little confusion. Several people found the pre-boarding process hectic, with unclear instructions about where to wait or which boat to take.

Once you are on board, the day appears much more organized. A short safety briefing comes first, followed by the boat ride out into the clear coastal water. The exact start time depends on availability, and delays are possible. One boat had a technical issue that pushed departure back about an hour, while another group waited for the captain.

That delay can be frustrating, but there is one small benefit: arriving later at a stop may mean missing the busiest wave of boats. Still, you should not book this tour if you need a perfectly timed airport transfer or another fixed appointment afterward.

Large bags and luggage are not allowed. Bring only what you need for the day, ideally in a small waterproof bag. Plastic bottles and smoking are also not allowed, so pack with those rules in mind.

Small Lagoon brings the most memorable scenery

Small Lagoon is the star of the route. The boat approaches a gap in the limestone, where the water changes from open sea to a sheltered pool surrounded by tall natural rock walls. The setting is dramatic without requiring a long walk or difficult climb.

Kayaking is the usual way to enter. You paddle through the opening and into the quieter water beyond, stopping to look at the rock formations and the reflections on the surface. The pace is gentle, and you can also swim if conditions allow.

The key practical point is the kayak fee. Small Lagoon charges a separate PHP 200 entry fee, and the kayak is an additional expense. The kayak is not a minor add-on here. Without one, you may not be able to see the lagoon properly.

Crowds vary greatly. On some departures, the group has found itself as the only boat inside, which changes the mood completely. On busier days, the narrow entry can feel less peaceful. Tour D gives you better odds of a calm visit than the most popular routes, but it cannot control every boat in El Nido.

If you are not comfortable paddling, ask the crew what options are available before paying. Life vests are included, and the guides can help with basic boarding and water activities, but the tour is not designed around wheelchair access or limited mobility.

Cadlao Island adds a second lagoon stop

Cadlao Island gives Tour D more than one good lagoon experience. The island is known here for its natural rock formations, clear water, and time for swimming or kayaking.

This stop is useful because it lets you compare two different settings. Small Lagoon feels enclosed and intimate, while Cadlao’s water areas offer more open space for swimming and paddling. If you enjoy taking photos, this is another place where a guide can help. Mark, Arnold, Jordan, and TJ are among the guides praised for friendly service and useful photos, though the assigned guide may differ on your departure.

Kayak rental may be available here as well. The listed information gives about PHP 350 per person per kayak at Small Lagoon and Cadlao Lagoon, but you should check the exact price locally. It is wise to carry Philippine pesos rather than rely on a card.

Some people may find the time at the kayak stops generous. That is good news if you want to paddle, swim, take photos, and sit quietly by the water. If you explore quickly, you could find yourself waiting for the group. I prefer this slower approach on a boat day, but visitors who want to pack in more locations may wish for shorter stops.

Nat Nat Beach is the snorkel-focused stop

Nat Nat Beach is one of the more relaxed parts of the route. The water is shallow in places, and calm conditions make it approachable for beginners. You can swim from the beach or use the stop for snorkeling.

The marine life is one of Tour D’s strongest features. Fish have been seen around the snorkeling areas, and some people found the snorkeling here better than at stops on other El Nido routes. Conditions will always depend on weather, water clarity, and the day’s timing, but this tour is a sound pick if you want more than scenery.

Bring your own mask and fins if you have them. Aqua shoes, fins, and kayaks are not included, though rentals are available. Aqua shoes can be useful around rocky shorelines, and the tour information specifically suggests packing or renting them rather than assuming the boat provides them.

Nat Nat is also a good place to slow down. The tour is not only about jumping in, taking one photo, and climbing back aboard. Guides have generally allowed enough time at the stops, although one person felt the first stop did not justify a full 30 minutes.

Paradise Beach offers easy swimming and good snorkeling

Paradise Beach is another shallow-water stop, with calm waves that suit beginners. It is a pleasant contrast to the rockier lagoon settings. You get sand, open water, and a chance to swim without needing to paddle through a narrow entrance.

The snorkeling here has received particular praise. Fish are often the main attraction, and the water can be clear enough to make a short swim worthwhile. Kirk specifically singled out the snorkeling at Paradise Beach, while another person described seeing many fish across the day.

Do not expect a large resort beach with facilities and loungers. This is an island-hopping stop, so the appeal comes from the water, sand, and surroundings rather than developed services. Keep your belongings close and avoid bringing anything you do not need.

The beach can be nearly empty, which is part of the pleasure. It can also become busier if several boats arrive together. Your guide may adjust the order of stops to avoid the worst crowds, but there is no guarantee.

Bukal Island and the less predictable final stops

Bukal Island is included among the route’s island stops, with time for swimming and enjoying the shoreline. The precise order can change according to weather, sea conditions, and boat timing.

The published route also refers to secret beaches, while several accounts mention Pasandigan Beach as a final stop. This suggests the beach selection can vary rather than follow one rigid pattern every day. That flexibility is useful when the crew is trying to find calmer water or less crowded places.

The tradeoff is a little uncertainty. One person described the tour as relaxed but somewhat improvised, while another felt the first stop was not worth the time. If you want a fixed checklist with identical stop lengths, Tour D may feel loose. If you like having a day shaped by conditions, the approach can work well.

Rain is possible, especially later in the day. One group had tropical rain at its final beach and still enjoyed the stop. Bring a dry bag or a plastic-free waterproof pouch for your phone, money, and camera.

Lunch, crew service, and the pace between stops

Lunch is included, and it has been one of the stronger parts of the day. The meal can include chicken and seafood, with generous portions and enough variety for the group. You should still bring cash for extras, but you do not need to plan a separate full meal while on the boat.

The crew does more than steer the boat. Guides help people get in and out of the water, manage the kayaks, and take photos. Names change by departure, but Mark, Arnold, Jordan, and TJ have all been singled out for friendly service, humor, or good photo skills.

English and Tagalog are offered. Do not expect a formal lecture at every stop. The tour is more about showing you the places and giving you time to enjoy them. If detailed history and constant commentary are important to you, this may feel light on explanation.

The seven-hour duration gives the day a comfortable pace, but not everyone will want so much time at each location. One person preferred adding another stop and shortening some of the longer breaks. I would see this as a swimming and kayaking day first, sightseeing day second.

What to pack for Tour D

Keep your packing simple:

• Swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat
• Cash for the PHP 400 environmental fee, Small Lagoon entry, and kayak rental
• Aqua shoes or fins, if you already own them
• A waterproof pouch for your phone and money
• A small bag only, since large luggage is not allowed

The tour does not allow plastic bottles, so use an approved reusable option if you bring water. Life vests are supplied, but other water equipment is not automatically included.

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or people with mobility impairments. You will need to board a boat, move around the deck, and get in and out of the water.

Is the $23 price good value?

Yes, provided you budget for the extras. The base price covers the main cost of a full day on the water, including the boat, guide, lunch, life vest, and most entry fees. That is a fair deal for El Nido.

The real cost rises once you add PHP 400 for the environmental fee, PHP 200 for Small Lagoon, and kayak rental. For two people who both rent a kayak, these additions can change the budget noticeably. Confirm the current kayak price before departure, since the amount may vary.

Tour D offers better value for people who will actually swim, snorkel, or kayak. If you plan to stay on the boat and only photograph the beaches, a shorter sightseeing trip might suit you better.

Should you book El Nido Tour D?

Book it if you want a less crowded island-hopping day, strong snorkeling, two lagoon settings, and plenty of time in the water. Small Lagoon is the main reason to choose it, while Nat Nat and Paradise Beach add easy swimming and marine life.

Choose another option if you dislike schedule changes, want a heavily narrated tour, or need fully accessible boat travel. Also arrive early at Marber’s Beach Club and bring extra cash. With those points handled, Tour D gives you a relaxed, good-value day around some of Palawan’s most striking coastal scenery.

FAQ

How long is El Nido Tour D?

The tour lasts about seven hours and returns you to the original meeting place.

Where does the tour meet?

The meeting point is Marber’s Beach Club.

What places does Tour D visit?

The listed route includes Small Lagoon, Cadlao Island, Nat Nat Beach, Paradise Beach, and Bukal Island. The order and exact beach stops may vary.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A packed lunch is included, and it may include chicken and seafood.

Is the El Nido environmental fee included?

No. The PHP 400 El Nido Tourism Development Fee must be paid before boarding unless you have already paid it and can show your receipt.

Is the Small Lagoon entrance fee included?

No. Small Lagoon requires a separate PHP 200 entry fee.

Are kayaks included?

No. Kayaks are available to rent at Small Lagoon and Cadlao Lagoon. The listed price is about PHP 350 per person per kayak.

Can I snorkel on this tour?

Yes. You have time to snorkel at stops such as Nat Nat Beach and Paradise Beach. Aqua shoes and fins are not included but may be rented.

What languages are spoken?

The tour is offered in English and Tagalog.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, or pregnant women.