El Nido: Private Cadlao Lagoon and Beaches Tour

El Nido, located in the Philippines, is famed for its incredible limestone formations, crystal-clear waters, and secluded beaches. The Private Cadlao Lagoon and Beaches Tour offers an intimate way to explore these natural wonders, with a personalized guide leading you through some of the area’s most stunning spots. For $215 per person and about six hours of adventure, this tour promises a balance of scenic beauty, fun water activities, and relaxing beach time.

We love how this experience includes visits to Hidden Beach—a true secret tucked behind towering cliffs—and offers opportunities to kayak in Cadlao Lagoon, soaking up the scenery at your own pace. Plus, the inclusion of a professional guide makes for a smooth, informative journey that feels tailored just for your group.

On the flip side, one thing to consider is that the tour is quite full, with multiple stops in a relatively short period. If you’re looking for a slow, unhurried day, this might feel a bit packed. Also, remember that it’s not suitable for pregnant travelers or those with mobility issues, so check your comfort level with boat trips and water activities.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a well-rounded, scenic experience—especially those eager to explore secluded beaches and lagoons away from the crowds. If you are comfortable in water and enjoy seeing nature’s dramatic limestone landscapes, you’ll find plenty to love here.

Key Points

• Private Experience: A personalized boat tour tailored to your group for a more intimate adventure.
• Variety of Spots: Includes hidden beaches, lagoons, coral gardens, and iconic islands like Helicopter Island.
• Active and Relaxing: Opportunities for kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, and leisurely beach walks.
• Authentic Views: Experience stunning limestone formations and pristine waters with fewer crowds.
• Cost & Value: At $215 per person, it offers a comprehensive day with guided insights and equipment.
• Environmental Consideration: An environmental fee is not included but is worth budgeting for.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Cadlao Lagoon and Beaches Tour

Starting Point and First Impressions

The tour begins at Marber’s, located at Calle Hama Beach Front, where your guide will meet you and set the tone for your day. This casual start means no long lines—just a friendly introduction and a quick briefing before boarding your private boat. The personalized aspect is a key feature, allowing a flexible pace and stops based on your group’s interests.

The Magic of Hidden Beach

Your first major stop is Hidden Beach, one of El Nido’s most celebrated secrets. Tucked behind towering limestone cliffs, this beach is accessible through narrow rock passages. We loved the way your boat navigates tiny waterways, revealing a pristine stretch of white sand and inviting water. It’s a location that looks like it belongs to a postcard, and the experience of arriving feels like uncovering a treasure.

The tour includes a photo stop and a guided visit, giving you plenty of chances to snap pictures or just soak in the tranquility. Many reviews mention how the peaceful, less-crowded environment makes this a highlight of the trip—it’s a perfect spot to swim or just relax in the sun.

The Serenity of Calmong Island

Next, you’ll visit Calmong Island, a quiet retreat away from tourist crowds. Its soft sands and surrounding shallow reefs make it ideal for a laid-back walk or a swim. Travelers often quote how the coral gardens just off the beach are fantastic for snorkeling, revealing vibrant marine life in clear waters.

Here, you might set up a picnic under the shade of coconut palms— a simple pleasure that many find makes the trip worth it. The guide usually offers some history or local insights, adding depth to this peaceful stop.

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The Crown Jewel: Cadlao Lagoon

The centerpiece of the tour is Cadlao Lagoon on Cadlao Island, the largest in El Nido’s Bacuit Bay. Imagine a calm, turquoise bay framed by lush green cliffs and dramatic limestone formations—that’s what you’ll see here. Many travelers describe this as breathtaking with views that seem almost unreal.

You’ll love the chance to kayak through the lagoon’s hidden nooks, exploring secluded corners that many visitors miss. If you’re into snorkeling, vibrant coral reefs await beneath the surface, filled with schools of tropical fish, clownfish, and occasionally rays. Floating in this peaceful lagoon, surrounded by towering cliffs and lush greenery, feels like stepping into a nature documentary.

Helicopter Island: A Visual Treat

Next, the tour visits Helicopter Island (Dilumacad Island), famously named for its resemblance to a helicopter from afar. The island’s long, sandy beaches are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or just lying back and listening to the surf. Many reviews highlight snorkeling here as outstanding, with coral reefs teeming with marine life.

The island’s distinctive silhouette makes it a favorite photo spot, and snorkeling around the edges reveals marine creatures like parrotfish, clownfish, and even rays, according to some travelers.

The Quiet of Serenity Beach

Your final stop is Serenity Beach, a perfect place to unwind after a busy day of exploring. It’s less visited, more peaceful, and offers a calm setting to stroll along the shoreline or take a dip in warm waters. Many find this spot to be the ideal place to reflect on the day’s highlights while enjoying the sunset with a cold drink in hand.

Practical Details and What to Expect

The tour lasts about six hours, starting from Marber’s and ending at Dockyard. It includes a private boat, a professional guide, mask and snorkel gear, and a lunch—a decent value considering the number of stops and activities packed into the day.

Not included are environmental fees and kayak rentals, so plan to bring some cash for extras. The boat is private, so you won’t be sharing space with strangers, which makes for a more relaxed experience. The itinerary is flexible, depending on weather and group interests, but the sequence generally includes all the stops described.

The guide, Annabelle, and her team are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and patience, making the experience more engaging and comfortable.

What We Loved and What to Consider

We appreciated the intimate atmosphere of a private tour, which lets you linger at spots like Hidden Beach or Cadlao Lagoon without feeling rushed. The stunning limestone formations and clear waters truly live up to the hype, offering countless photo opportunities and moments of awe.

However, a full schedule means you’ll be moving quite a bit in six hours, so if you prefer a slow, laid-back day, you might find this a bit energetic. Also, the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility issues, because of boat travel and water activities.

Overall Value and Suitability

At $215, you’re paying for a comprehensive, guided experience that covers some of El Nido’s most beautiful and lesser-known spots. If you’re looking for an authentic, personalized way to see the lagoons and beaches—and don’t mind the activity level—it’s a solid choice.

This tour works especially well for couples, small groups of friends, or families who want a curated day of exploration, photography, and swimming. For those wanting a quiet, unstructured beach day, you might prefer to visit a single spot on your own.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re eager to see secluded beaches and lagoons without the hassle of large crowds, this private tour will be perfect. You get to explore at your own pace, with a knowledgeable guide to share stories and insights. It’s ideal for travelers who want a balanced mix of adventure and relaxation, and who are comfortable with water-based activities like kayaking and snorkeling.

Couples and small groups looking for a personalized experience will find this particularly worthwhile. It’s also great for those who truly want to capture the stunning scenery with plenty of photo opportunities.

Final thoughts

This private tour of El Nido’s lagoons and beaches offers a beautiful, authentic glimpse into the area’s natural splendor. From the hidden tranquility of Hidden Beach to the spectacular limestone vistas of Cadlao Lagoon, you’ll leave with memories of places most visitors only dream of.

While it’s not the best choice for those seeking a slow, easy day or with mobility limitations, for active travelers and those eager to see a variety of spots in a single day, it’s hard to beat. The blend of adventure, stunning views, and personal service makes this a worthwhile addition to any trip to El Nido.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the description doesn’t specify age restrictions, given the water activities like kayaking and snorkeling, it’s best suited for children comfortable in water. Supervision and safety should be considered.

How long is the boat ride between stops?
The exact duration isn’t specified, but given the full itinerary and multiple stops, expect some short boat rides between locations, typically under 30 minutes each.

Are meals included?
Yes, the tour includes a lunch, which is usually a basic meal to keep you energized for the day’s activities.

Can I bring my own snorkel gear?
The tour provides masks and snorkels, but bringing your own might enhance comfort and fit.

Is this tour eco-friendly?
An environmental fee isn’t included, so travelers are encouraged to respect local regulations and avoid touching or disturbing marine life and plants.

What should I bring?
Pack a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, snacks, sunscreen, and water. It’s also wise to have cash for additional fees or souvenirs.

Is there a minimum or maximum group size?
Since it’s a private tour, the group size is limited to your party, offering a more personalized experience with no large crowds.

This detailed look at the El Nido Private Cadlao Lagoon and Beaches Tour highlights its focus on natural beauty, personalized service, and a well-rounded day of exploration. For those ready to embrace the water, the scenery, and the quiet moments, this is a trip worth considering—just be prepared for a busy, activity-packed day.

You can check availability for your dates here: