El Nido Island Tour D

El Nido Island Tour D: A Practical Look at an Affordable Island Adventure

If you’re dreaming of turquoise waters, towering limestone formations, and pristine beaches, El Nido Island Tour D offers an accessible way to experience some of the best that northern Palawan has to offer. For just around $22 per person, you’ll spend roughly 8 hours exploring five breathtaking destinations—including Small Lagoon, Cadlao Lagoon, Paradise Beach, Bukal Beach, and Pasandigan Beach. The tour departs from El Nido town, with pickup arrangements available within the town area, and promises a full day of swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and relaxing amidst stunning natural scenery.

What we love most about this tour is its value for money—you’re getting a lot for a reasonable price, especially considering the variety of sites you visit. The expert guides are knowledgeable and helpful, making sure you get the most out of each stop, whether you’re paddling a kayak in the lagoon or lounging on a beach. Plus, the included picnic lunch allows you to fuel up without worrying about additional costs, giving you more time to enjoy the scenery.

One potential consideration is the small boat size and some reported discomfort, such as restrictions on sitting on the benches, which can make the ride less pleasant for some. Also, there are some extra fees (environmental and lagoon fees) that are payable locally, so be prepared for those additional costs. This tour is best suited for travelers who seek authentic, less crowded sites and are comfortable with a somewhat basic boat experience.

Overall, El Nido Island Tour D is ideal for those who want a budget-friendly way to see several of El Nido’s top spots without the crowds or high prices of more popular tours. If you’re looking for a relaxed day of beach hopping in a beautiful setting with knowledgeable guides, this tour will likely suit your style.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At around $22, this tour provides good value for multiple stops.
• Multiple Destinations: Includes Small Lagoon, Cadlao Lagoon, Paradise Beach, Bukal Beach, and Pasandigan Beach.
• Guided Experience: Tour guides are licensed, helpful, and make the trip easier.
• Facilities & Activities: Snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing, volleyball, and dining at beaches.
• Extra Fees: Expect to pay additional environmental (400 pesos) and lagoon fees (200 pesos).
• Boat Comfort: Some travelers find the small boat uncomfortable and restrictions on sitting on benches frustrating.
• Timing & Duration: Starts early, with pickups before 8:30 am, and wraps up by mid-afternoon, around 3-5 pm.
• Booking Flexibility: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, with the option to reserve now and pay later.
• Limited Capacity: Smaller tour group size means fewer crowds, but also fewer amenities onboard.

An In-Depth Look at El Nido Island Tour D

The Itinerary Breakdown

Starting from Cliffside Cottages, the tour guide typically meets you early in the morning at the booking office. After a quick briefing, a boat takes you on a scenic 20-30 minute ride across the waters to your first stop. The schedule is tight but manageable, with about 40-50 minutes at each destination to explore and enjoy.

Small Lagoon is often the first stop, and here you’ll see why it’s so popular—its narrow entrance opens into a tranquil, crystal-clear lagoon where kayaks (if rented) can be your best friends. You’ll love the way the towering limestone cliffs frame the water, creating a surreal setting perfect for photos.

Next, the boat heads to Cadlao Lagoon, which offers similarly stunning scenery, often less crowded than the more famous lagoons. The calm waters are ideal for snorkeling, and the guides can point out marine life if you’re interested.

By midday, you’ll arrive at Paradise Beach where the white sands and inviting waters beckon for a swim or sunbathing. The tour includes a picnic lunch—usually a simple but satisfying meal—served on one of the islands. After lunch, you’ll visit Bukal Beach and Pasandigan Beach, both offering quieter spots to relax, swim, and enjoy the natural beauty.

What to Expect at Each Stop

• Small Lagoon: Kayaking, swimming, photography. The lagoon’s narrow entrance and serene waters make it a scenic highlight. Expect to rent kayaks for around 300 pesos/hour if you want a more active experience.
• Cadlao Lagoon: Less crowded, great for snorkeling and relaxing on the water.
• Paradise Beach: White sands perfect for lounging or beach games like volleyball.
• Bukal Beach & Pasandigan Beach: Quiet, less visited areas to unwind and soak in the views.

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Authentic Experiences and Real Traveler Insights

Several reviews mention the charm of visiting less crowded spots—Giselle noted, “This tour is much less visited than A & C, but does not lead to any less beautiful places.” This means you’ll avoid the overwhelming crowds common on more popular tours, giving you a more intimate experience.

However, some feedback highlights comfort issues. One traveler shared frustration about not being allowed to sit on the boat’s benches and the boat being small and less comfortable. These are factors worth considering, especially if you’re prone to seasickness or prefer a smoother ride.

Getting the Most Out of Your Day

Since the tour is scheduled from early morning to mid-afternoon, you’ll want to come prepared. Bring sunscreen, a hat, waterproof camera, and a towel. If you plan to snorkel, renting masks at the beach is straightforward and inexpensive. Water shoes are optional but helpful on rocky beaches.

The tour guides are licensed and fluent in English and Tagalog, providing valuable local insights. They are available to assist if you need help, whether it’s with snorkeling or finding shade.

Considering the Costs

While the $22 price seems very reasonable, remember that additional fees are payable on-site—400 pesos for the environmental fee and 200 pesos lagoon fee. These are standard charges in El Nido and are necessary to support local conservation efforts and lagoon maintenance.

The optional kayak rental adds 300 pesos per hour at Small Lagoon, which can enhance your experience but also adds to your costs.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour suits travelers who prioritize cost-effectiveness and want to see a variety of beautiful sites without the crowds of more popular tours. If you enjoy relaxed beach days, snorkeling, and natural scenery, you’ll find plenty to love here. It’s also a good choice if you’re comfortable with a smaller, less comfortable boat experience and don’t mind paying a few extra fees upon arrival.

However, if you seek luxury amenities or a more comfortable ride, you might find this tour somewhat basic. The boat size and seating restrictions could be drawbacks for some, but for those who want authentic, less crowded spots and a laid-back pace, this fits the bill.

Final Thoughts: Is It Right for You?

El Nido Island Tour D offers a budget-friendly way to explore some of the most beautiful parts of Palawan’s limestone coast. The tour’s focus on natural beauty and less crowded sites makes it ideal for travelers who want authentic experiences rather than crowded tourist hotspots. The guides’ local knowledge and the variety of destinations will keep you engaged throughout the day.

You’ll appreciate the flexible booking options and the included picnic meal, which adds convenience. Just remember to be prepared for extra fees, a small boat ride, and some basic facilities onboard.

If you’re comfortable with a more straightforward boat experience and eager to explore less visited beaches and lagoons, this tour offers great value and plenty of photo-worthy moments.

FAQ: Common Questions About El Nido Island Tour D

What time does the tour start?
Meet-up is in the Cliffside Travel and Tours booking office before 8:30 am. The boat departs between 9:00 and 10:00 am, depending on clearance.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 8 hours, typically ending around 3 to 5 pm.

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes 5 destinations, life vest, tour guide, boat permit, picnic lunch, and free hotel pickup within El Nido town.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, expect to pay 400 pesos for the environmental fee and 200 pesos for the lagoon fee, both payable at the booking office. Kayak rentals and snorkeling masks can be rented at the beaches.

Is the boat comfortable?
Some travelers find the boat small and uncomfortable, especially with restrictions on sitting on the benches. It’s a basic boat ride, not a luxury cruise.

Can I rent a kayak or snorkeling gear?
Yes, kayak rentals are available for 300 pesos/hour at Small Lagoon, and snorkeling masks can be rented at the beach.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
While specific age restrictions aren’t mentioned, considering the boat size and some restrictions, it’s best for travelers comfortable with basic boat rides and simpler facilities.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility if your plans change.

Who operates this tour?
Cliffside Travel and Tours, a licensed and locally based operator in El Nido.

Final Words

Choosing El Nido Island Tour D means opting for an affordable, authentic experience in some of the Philippines’ most spectacular coastal scenery. It’s a good match for travelers who value natural beauty over luxury, seek less crowded spots, and are comfortable with basic boat amenities. With knowledgeable guides, a flexible schedule, and stunning destinations, it offers a genuine taste of what makes El Nido a top travel destination.

If you’re ready for a laid-back, scenic day that showcases limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and white-sand beaches without the hefty price tag, this tour is well worth considering. Just come prepared for a straightforward boat ride and some extra fees, and you’ll likely leave with memories of some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

You can check availability for your dates here: