Top 10 El Nido Tourist Spots for Your Palawan Itinerary
If there’s only one word that describes El Nido, Palawan it would be PARADISE. Yes, think secluded islands, pristine white sand beaches, and boundless nature. Truly, it is one of the best beach destinations in the Philippines and the world. While we’ve been to most of these top El Nido tourist spots, we’ll surely be back to discover more!
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Top El Nido tourist spots for nature lovers
1. Big Lagoon
The Big Lagoon is almost always the representative image of El Nido island hopping tours. In fact, it is one of the first El Nido tourist spots we visited when we signed up for Tour A. When we arrived here, it was as if we entered another realm with its cerulean blue waters amid the karst landscape of Miniloc Island. While you’re here, don’t pass up the chance to explore this natural wonder on a kayak.
- How to get there: Via banca (outrigger boat) on El Nido Tour A
- Entrance fee: ₱200
- El Nido Eco-Tourism Development Fee (ETDF): ₱200 (one-time fee valid for 10 days)
- Kayak rental: ₱300-400
- Snorkel set: ₱150
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2. Small Lagoon
Close to the Big Lagoon is the Small Lagoon, which you can access by kayaking or swimming. We were enchanted by the breathtaking landscape and calm waters as we kayaked our way to the inner portion of this natural pool within Miniloc Island.
- How to get there: Via banca (outrigger boat) on El Nido Tour D
- Entrance fee: ₱200
- Kayak rental: ₱300
- Snorkel set: ₱100
JOIN EL NIDO TOUR D
3. Secret Lagoon
Secret Lagoon is one of El Nido’s best-kept secrets. Reaching it may be a bit of a challenge as you have to cramp yourself into a small hole to admire its hidden beauty. But it’s truly worth it!
- How to get there: Via banca (outrigger boat) on El Nido Tour A
- Entrance fee: Free when you already paid the one-time El Nido Eco-Tourism Development Fee of ₱200
- Kayak rental: ₱300-400
- Snorkel set: ₱150
JOIN EL NIDO TOUR A
4. Shimizu Island
Shimizu Island is one of our favorite El Nido tourist attractions since we had the chance to snorkel and see the vibrant marine life here. It’s a popular snorkeling area and an alternative stopover where the boatmen prepare food for lunch on your banca (outrigger boat).
- How to get there: Via banca (outrigger boat) on El Nido Tour A
- Entrance fee: Free when you already paid the one-time El Nido Eco-Tourism Development Fee of ₱200
- Kayak rental: ₱300-400
- Snorkel set: ₱150
JOIN EL NIDO TOUR A
5. Snake Island
Don’t worry, Snake Island is not an island where snakes live. It is actually named after the unique snake-like shape of the sandbar, which becomes more visible during low tide. When we arrived here, we hiked up a small hill to clearly see the stunning sandbar from a vantage point.
- How to get there: Via banca (outrigger boat) on El Nido Tour B
- Entrance fee: Free when you already paid the one-time El Nido Eco-Tourism Development Fee of ₱200
- Kayak rental: ₱300-400
- Snorkel set: ₱100
JOIN EL NIDO TOUR B
Top El Nido tourist spots for beach bums
6. Seven Commandos Beach
Seven Commandos Beach is one of our favorite El Nido beaches with its white sand beach fringed with coconut trees. We ended our exhilarating El Nido Tour A here where we cooled down and had some buko (coconut) juice before heading back to El Nido proper.
- How to get there: Via banca (outrigger boat) on El Nido Tour A
- Entrance fee: Free when you already paid the one-time El Nido Eco-Tourism Development Fee of ₱200
- Kayak rental: ₱300-400
- Snorkel set: ₱150
JOIN EL NIDO TOUR A
7. Hidden Beach
Hidden Beach is truly a hidden paradise with pristine white sand, crystal clear waters, and magnificent rock formations. As it is one of the main El Nido tourist spots in Tour C, there were lots of tourists when we arrived, so we really didn’t stay long here. Still, it’s a postcard-worthy beach destination in El Nido you should see for yourself.
- How to get there: Via banca (outrigger boat) on El Nido Tour C
- Entrance fee: Free when you already paid the one-time El Nido Eco-Tourism Development Fee of ₱200
- Kayak rental: ₱300-400
- Snorkel set: ₱100
JOIN EL NIDO TOUR C
8. Secret Beach
Of all the El Nido tourist spots, Secret Beach is probably the most challenging for us. It was high tide and the waves were crushing the narrow entryway so we didn’t risk it. It would have been awesome to marvel at its natural beauty hidden behind the limestone cliffs. Maybe next time!
- How to get there: Via banca (outrigger boat) on El Nido Tour C
- Entrance fee: Free when you already paid the one-time El Nido Eco-Tourism Development Fee of ₱200
- Kayak rental: ₱300-400
- Snorkel set: ₱100
JOIN EL NIDO TOUR C
9. Nacpan Beach
Located north of El Nido, Nacpan Beach is a beautiful beach with a long stretch of cream-colored sand and swaying coconut trees. To reach it, take a trike or join an El Nido Land Tour. If you can’t get enough of this unspoilt beach, you may want to consider staying at Nacpan Beach Resort.
- How to get there: Via tricycle or private transfer on El Nido Land Tour
- Entrance fee: Free
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10. Las Cabanas Beach
Las Cabanas Beach is also part of El Nido Land Tour along with Nacpan Beach and Lio Beach. This is the perfect place to admire the sunset or simply chill out. There are a few restaurants and bars here to while away the afternoon. You can even book a night or two at Las Cabanas Beach Resort if you want to stay longer.
- How to get there: Via tricycle or private transfer on El Nido Land Tour
- Entrance fee: Free
JOIN EL NIDO LAND TOUR
These are just some of the many El Nido tourist spots waiting for you to discover. Also, consider staying in one of the best El Nido resorts to make your escapade even more spectacular.
