Shared El Nido Tour D

Exploring El Nido’s Islands on a Shared Tour from Cavite: An Honest Look

If you’re looking for a day filled with natural beauty, water activities, and memorable scenery, the Shared El Nido Tour D offers a compelling option. Priced at just $27 per person, this 8-hour adventure takes you from Cavite—probably the furthest start point you’ll find for El Nido adventures—to five of the most famous islands in Palawan. Led by a friendly guide, this tour promises a blend of snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, and picture-perfect views.

What we love about this experience is the chance to get up close and personal with El Nido’s iconic lagoons and beaches, especially given the very reasonable price. The fact that it’s a shared tour, which allows you to meet fellow travelers from around the world, adds a communal feel to what can otherwise be a solitary paradise. Another highlight is the flexibility of activities—whether you’re into snorkeling, lounging on pristine beaches, or paddling around in kayaks, there’s something for all.

A potential consideration is the longer travel time since the tour departs from Cavite, which is quite a distance from Palawan itself. So, if you’re short on time, this might not be the most convenient option. However, for those craving an authentic, budget-friendly El Nido experience, this tour can be a fantastic choice. It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy meeting new people and are comfortable with a full day of water-based adventures.

This tour is perfect for budget-conscious travelers, adventure seekers, or anyone wanting an authentic group experience that combines scenic beauty with lively water activities. If you’re after a straightforward, value-packed day exploring some of the best islands Palawan has to offer, this tour could be just what you need.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At $27, this tour offers excellent value for a full day of island hopping.
• Multiple Island Visits: Includes five popular stops—Small Lagoon, Cadlao Lagoon, Ipil Beach, Paradise Beach, and Nat Nat Beach.
• Water Activities Galore: Snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, and marine life viewing are all part of the package.
• All-Inclusive: Picnic lunch, boat transfers, entrance fees, and a licensed guide are included.
• Shared Experience: Expect to join a group of 15-22 travelers, making the tour lively and social.
• Preparation Required: Bring swimwear, sunscreen, waterproof gear, and be aware of some restrictions like no high heels or smoking.

An In-Depth Look at the Shared El Nido Tour D

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour kicks off early at Marbers Beach Club in Cavite, where a team will handle the paper and document processes before setting sail. The meet-up is around 8:30-9:00 a.m., and from there, it’s a roughly 6-7 hour journey that culminates back at the same meeting point. This means you should prepare for a full day, with plenty of time on the water and exploring the islands.

Since it’s a shared tour, the boat capacity is about 15-22 people. The group size means you’ll enjoy a lively atmosphere but also need to keep in mind that your itinerary is shared with strangers. This setup often works well for those who enjoy socializing and making new friends. The meeting point and coordination with staff the day before are crucial, especially to ensure you have your permits and documentation sorted.

The Itinerary: What You’ll See and Do

The tour covers five main stops, each offering something special:

1. Small Lagoon – Known for its crystal-clear waters and hidden nooks, this spot is a picture-perfect lagoon where you can kayak or snorkel. It’s a favorite among travelers for its tranquil atmosphere and stunning rock formations.

2. Cadlao Lagoon – Larger and more accessible, this lagoon provides excellent snorkeling opportunities where you can observe vibrant marine life. The scenery is dramatic, with towering cliffs surrounding the tranquil waters.

3. Ipil Beach – A great place to relax, swim, or stroll along the powdery sands. The beach is often praised for its pristine condition and peaceful vibe, perfect for unwinding after water activities.

4. Paradise Beach – True to its name, this beach offers soft white sands and clear waters, ideal for swimming and taking in the scenery. It’s a popular spot for a leisurely lunch and soaking up the sun.

5. Nat Nat Beach – Known for its shallow, calm waters, this beach is perfect for wading or just lounging. It’s a quieter spot, providing a nice contrast to the busier beaches.

Activities and Experiences

During the day, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to snorkel, kayak, and swim. The marine life viewing element is a highlight—many guests mention how colorful the underwater environment is, making the snorkeling worthwhile even for beginners. Kayaking is available as a self-guided activity, adding a more active element to your day.

The lunch is included as a picnic-style meal, often enjoyed with a view of the islands. Many reviews emphasize how special it is to eat amidst such scenic surroundings, making the meal more than just fuel but part of the experience.

What Travelers Say

One reviewer notes, “We loved the way the water was so clear, and snorkeling was incredible,” highlighting how accessible and rewarding the marine life viewing can be. Another mentioned, “The group was lively, and our guide, Juan, kept things fun and organized,” emphasizing the importance of a good guide in making the most of the day.

Some travelers express that the long travel time from Cavite is a drawback, but most agree that the payoff in stunning scenery and water activities compensates for the extra effort. Others noted that the tour is quite packed, so if you prefer a more relaxed pace or private tour, this might not be ideal.

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Practical Considerations

Since this is a shared tour, it’s essential to coordinate ahead of time, especially regarding permits and meeting points. The tour explicitly advises bringing essentials like sunscreen, water shoes, waterproof bags, and motion sickness prevention if needed. The weather can vary, so being prepared for sun, rain, or wind is wise.

Guests should also note the restrictions—no high heels, smoking, or valuables to be left unsecured on the boat, and certain physical limitations (pregnancy, mobility issues) mean this tour isn’t suitable for everyone.

Pricing and Value

At $27, you get a full day of island hopping, including lunch, guides, boat transfers, entrance fees, and wharf fees. Compared to private tours, this is a very reasonable rate, especially considering the number of islands visited and activities included.

Additional costs are minimal but may include eco-tourism or lagoon fees (~Php400 and Php200 respectively), which are standard for protected areas in Palawan.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience works best for budget travelers, groups looking for social interaction, and those eager to explore Palawan’s popular islands without breaking the bank. However, it’s worth noting that the long transfer from Cavite is better suited for travelers already in the Philippines willing to devote a full day. If you’re after a more relaxed pace or private experience, you might prefer to book a different tour or take a direct flight to Palawan.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This shared El Nido Tour D offers an affordable, engaging way to experience some of Palawan’s most iconic islands, especially if you’re eager to see stunning lagoons and beaches and enjoy water activities like snorkeling and kayaking. The group setting fosters a fun, social atmosphere, perfect for solo travelers or groups. The value for money is hard to beat considering the inclusions, and the scenic beauty is genuinely breathtaking.

However, the long travel time from Cavite might be a consideration if you’re pressed for time or prefer more personalized attention. The organized, guided format ensures you see key sights without hassle, but it may feel a bit rushed for those who want all-day relaxation.

This tour is a great choice for adventurous, budget-conscious travelers who don’t mind a full day on the water and want to experience the highlights of El Nido with other travelers. It’s a strong option to consider if your priority is sensational views, fun water activities, and making new friends in a lively group setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early do I need to arrive for the tour?
You should plan to meet at Marbers Beach Club between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m., as the tour starts around that time, depending on availability.

What should I bring for the day?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, waterproof gear, water shoes, and a waterproof bag. Also, consider motion sickness prevention if you’re prone to seasickness.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
Since it’s a full-day water tour with some physical activity involved, it might not be ideal for very young children or those with mobility issues. Pregnancy, heart problems, or recent surgeries are also reasons to exercise caution.

How much are the additional fees?
Extra costs could include the Eco Tourism Development Fee (Php400) and Lagoon Fees (Php200), payable on-site. Other activities like kayak rentals are not included.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your travel plans shift unexpectedly.

Do I need to coordinate with the tour staff beforehand?
Absolutely. The tour recommends contacting staff at least a day before to confirm the exact meetup location and ensure all permits are sorted, especially since it’s a shared tour.

To sum it up, this Shared El Nido Tour D offers an affordable, lively way to explore some of Palawan’s most beautiful islands. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy group adventures, water activities, and scenic views without the hassle of planning every detail themselves. If you’re comfortable with a busy schedule and are in Cavite or nearby, this tour provides a memorable, picture-worthy day on the water—at a price that makes it hard to beat.

You can check availability for your dates here: