EL NIDO: Sharing/Joiner Island Hopping Tour B

El Nido: Sharing/Joiner Island Hopping Tour B offers an engaging glimpse into some of Palawan’s most captivating sights. For just $29 per person, you’ll spend roughly 8 hours exploring a mix of pristine beaches, dramatic limestone formations, and intriguing caves. Your adventure takes you to Snake Island, with its iconic S-shaped sandbar, Pinagbuyutan Island‘s towering cliffs, the mysterious Cudugnon Cave, the awe-inspiring Cathedral Cave, and the idyllic Entalula Beach.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how diverse the experience feels—from scenic walks on sandbars to exploring caves with a hint of history. The lunch included is a big bonus, allowing you to relax and refuel amid the natural beauty. Plus, the licensed guides and crew ensure safety and provide insights, making the day both fun and educational.

However, a point worth considering is the large group size, which can sometimes make the experience feel crowded and less intimate, especially at popular stops like Snake Island. If you prefer quiet, secluded spots, this might be something to keep in mind. Still, for travelers eager to see the highlights without breaking the bank, this tour offers solid value.

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors to El Nido wanting a rundown, or those who enjoy social group tours that pack a lot into a single day. If you’re comfortable with some crowds and are keen to see a broad swath of what Palawan has to offer, you’ll likely find this tour well worth the price.

Key Points

• Affordable price point at $29 for a full day of sightseeing.
• Variety of stops including caves, beaches, and limestone cliffs.
• Includes lunch, water, and fruit, adding convenience and value.
• Group size can be large, leading to crowded spots.
• Guided experience with licensed guides and crew.
• Good for first-timers or those seeking a broad overview of El Nido’s highlights.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Tour Experience

El Nido’s Tour B packs an impressive array of sights into one day, offering a well-rounded taste of what makes this part of Palawan special. We found that the itinerary’s variety helps keep the day lively and interesting, especially since each stop has a distinct character.

Starting Point and Pickup

The tour begins with pickup options at El Nido Town Proper or Corong Corong Beach, making it convenient whether you’re staying centrally or slightly outside the main town. We recommend confirming your hotel details early to ensure smooth pickup. The tour operator provides free pickup, which is a thoughtful touch.

First Stop: Entalula Beach

Our first stop was Entalula Beach, a serene stretch of powdery white sand with clear waters perfect for snorkeling or just lying in the sun. The beach’s peaceful vibe makes it a great introduction to the day, and the vibrant coral reefs nearby offer an excellent chance to see marine life up close. Expect around an hour here, giving enough time to relax or explore.

Snake Island: The Iconic Sandbar

Next is Snake Island, famous for its S-shaped sandbar that emerges at low tide. Walking along this narrow strip of sand surrounded by shallow waters is both fun and photogenic. We loved the way the guide explained the significance of this natural feature and how it offers breathtaking views from the middle of the sandbar.

Some visitors mention crowds here, which is typical, but the scenery remains compelling. We also appreciate that the guide will choose the lunch spot, which can change depending on weather conditions—an adaptable approach that ensures safety and comfort.

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Cudugnon Cave: A Peek into History

The tour then takes you to Cudugnon Cave, where crawling through a small opening adds a sense of adventure. Inside, the cave reveals impressive rock formations and a skylight, creating a magical atmosphere. Historically, it was a burial site for local tribes, with archaeological finds like pottery shards enhancing its intrigue. It’s a quiet spot where you can imagine the stories of those who once used it.

Cathedral Cave: Natural Majesty

The Cathedral Cave is a highlight for its grand interior—high ceilings and stalactites that resemble a cathedral’s arches. The boat ride to get there is scenic, flanked by towering limestone cliffs. The atmosphere inside is serene and mystical, with natural light playing tricks on the rock formations. It’s an awe-inspiring sight, and we found it to be a welcome moment of calm amid the tour’s activity.

Pinagbuyutan Island: Limestone Majesty

Our final island stop was Pinagbuyutan, where towering limestone cliffs create a dramatic backdrop to a pristine white beach. The waters here are perfect for snorkeling, with vibrant marine life visible just beneath the surface. The lush greenery atop the cliffs adds to the island’s visual appeal. This is a great spot for swimming and soaking up the last rays of sun.

Final Relaxation at Entalula Beach

The tour wraps up back at Entalula Beach, giving you a chance to unwind, swim, or snorkel before heading back. This quiet time is perfect for reflecting on the day’s adventures or simply relaxing on the soft sands.

Transportation and Practical Details

Your experience is facilitated by a licensed tourist boat with a professional captain and crew, ensuring safety on the water. The entire day runs on a flexible schedule, with start times depending on availability, so it’s best to check and book in advance.

The 8-hour duration is filled with sightseeing and activities, but keep in mind that group size can be large, which might affect the intimate feel of some stops—especially at popular sites like Snake Island, where crowds are common.

The cost includes lunch, water, and fruits, making it a good value for the comprehensive experience. Additional expenses like environmental fees (400 pesos) are separate, along with optional extras such as kayak rentals or hotel drop-offs.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included are the pick-up service, buffet lunch, water, fruits, and all necessary safety gear. Not included are the environmental fee, drop-off back to your hotel, or extra activities like kayaking. It’s worth budgeting a little extra for souvenirs or extra snacks if you wish.

Authentic Experiences and Guest Feedback

From the reviews, one key takeaway is that many visitors value the stunning scenery and good value for money. The price point makes it accessible for most travelers, and the diverse stops keep the day lively.

However, some comments point to crowding, particularly at Snake Island, which can detract from the experience if you’re seeking solitude. One traveler noted, “There are way too many people on this tour,” emphasizing that the large group size can diminish the sense of adventure. Plus, some experienced minor disruptions like boat repairs, which can cause delays but are generally manageable.

Despite these, most appreciate the variety of sights and the chance to see multiple highlights in one day. The guides are generally knowledgeable, and the included lunch is considered a good value.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re someone who enjoys seeing a variety of sites in a single day, appreciates good value, and doesn’t mind some crowds, this tour fits well. It’s especially suitable for first-time visitors to El Nido who want a rundown without the hassle of planning each stop.

Travelers with limited time or those wanting to relax on a beautiful beach after some adventure will find that this tour balances activity and downtime effectively. Conversely, if you prefer more secluded or private experiences, you might want to explore less crowded options or private tours.

The Sum Up

El Nido’s Tour B offers a well-rounded day through some of Palawan’s most photogenic and fascinating spots. It’s a great value for the price, especially considering the included lunch and guided service. While crowds are inevitable at certain sites, the variety of stops—from caves and limestone cliffs to white beaches—ensures you’ll leave with plenty of memorable moments.

This tour is perfect for adventurous travelers eager to tick off multiple sights in one go, or those new to El Nido who want an easy, no-hassle way to see its highlights. If you’re comfortable with some groups and seeking value-packed fun, this experience will serve you well.

For travelers looking to avoid crowds or seeking a more private, tranquil experience, you might consider other options. But if the idea of a full day of scenic variety and adventure appeals to you, Tour B promises a memorable journey through some of Palawan’s most stunning natural wonders.

FAQ

What is the price of the tour? The tour costs $29 per person, which includes most activities, lunch, and safety gear.

How long does the tour last? The entire experience takes about 8 hours, but exact start times depend on availability.

Are meals included? Yes, a buffet lunch, along with water and fruits, are included in the price.

Does the tour pick me up from my hotel? Yes, free pickup is offered from El Nido Town Proper and Corong Corong Beach.

What should I bring? It’s recommended to carry a towel, beachwear, water shoes, and cash for extras or souvenirs.

Is there an environmental fee? Yes, a 400 pesos government tax must be paid separately.

Can I snorkel at the stops? Yes, several locations like Entalula and Pinagbuyutan are excellent for snorkeling.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly? It’s generally suitable, but crawling into caves might be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues.

In the end, El Nido’s Tour B offers a lively, scenic, and value-packed way to experience some of the best sights Palawan has to offer. Just go with the expectation of some crowds and a full day of adventure—you’re sure to come away with fantastic memories.

You can check availability for your dates here: