El Nido Day Tour

Planning a day trip from Puerto Princesa to El Nido offers a tantalizing taste of Philippines’ most iconic natural beauty. For $79 per person, this 10-hour adventure promises visits to stunning white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and the dramatic limestone cliffs that make El Nido famous. The tour includes island hopping, beach time, and a glimpse of the Bacuit archipelago, making it an attractive option for travelers short on time but eager to experience some of Palawan’s top sights.

What we like about this tour is its focus on the natural highlights—those breathtaking views and beaches are genuinely what draw so many visitors. We also appreciate the live English-speaking guide, which can make the experience more engaging and informative. However, a word of caution: based on recent reviews, the overall experience can be quite uneven, with some travelers encountering logistical issues and safety concerns.

This tour might suit adventurous travelers who are flexible and open-minded about potential hiccups, especially if they prioritize seeing El Nido’s natural scenery over flawless service. If you’re looking for a very structured, hassle-free experience, you may need to consider other options or prepare for some surprises along the way.

Key Points

• Cost-effective way to see El Nido’s main sights in a single day.
• Includes island hopping, beaches, and limestone cliffs—classic Palawan scenery.
• Mixed reviews highlight issues with transportation, organization, and safety.
• Good value for money if you’re comfortable with some logistical unpredictability.
• Ideal for travelers who want to maximize sightseeing with limited time.
• Important to manage expectations about safety and the quality of transport.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What You Can Expect from This El Nido Day Tour

The typical day begins early, with a 3:00 am departure from Puerto Princesa, giving travelers a hefty start to maximize their time in El Nido. After a roughly four-hour journey, you arrive around 7:00 am, ready to jump into what most consider the highlight: the Island Tours. These usually run until around 4:00 pm and include stops at stunning beaches and limestone formations. Then, by 5:00 pm, you’re heading back, with a return trip arriving in Puerto Princesa late in the evening.

Transportation and Logistics

One of the most contentious aspects of this tour is transportation. According to reviews, travelers are picked up in old vans—not the most comfortable or modern—and the journey back can be unexpectedly long, sometimes taking 2 hours more than planned. Reviewers report that drivers stopped frequently, dropped people off at different locations, and appeared to be more focused on other concerns like selling tickets or making extra money.

Joana from Portugal described her experience as “the travel took 2 hours more than it should,” emphasizing how the disorganized transport soured what should have been a memorable day. Plus, some travelers noted they were left without clear instructions upon arrival, having to figure out how to access the boats on their own, which can be frustrating if you’re expecting a smoother experience.

Island Hopping and Beach Time

Once in El Nido, the island hopping portion is what many look forward to. The crystal waters and white sand beaches don’t disappoint, and some reviews highlight the water activities as the most enjoyable part of the trip. One traveler mentioned, “the water activities were wonderful,” indicating that, despite the transportation issues, the actual scenery and activities are worth experiencing.

However, it’s worth noting that the organization on the ground can be lacking. One review recounted being dropped at a terminal without guidance on where to go to find the boat, leading to confusion and extra costs for a tuk-tuk ride to the marina. Such issues can detract from the overall experience, especially if you’re expecting a seamless trip.

The Experience of the Guides

The tour includes a live English guide, which is helpful for understanding the sites and keeping the group informed. Yet, reviews do not mention much about the guide’s knowledge or enthusiasm, leaving us to assume their role is more about logistics than storytelling. If you enjoy engaging guides, be prepared for a possibly more transactional interaction.

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The Cost and Value

At $79, this tour offers a reasonably priced day of sightseeing. It includes transportation, boat trips, and a guide, making it a decent deal for those on a budget. Still, the value depends heavily on your tolerance for logistical challenges. Some travelers found the water activities worth the price, while others felt the transportation safety issues and organization problems diminished the overall value.

Why This Tour Might Be Right for You

If your main goal is to see El Nido’s stunning scenery in a single day and you’re okay with some disorder and unpredictability, this tour could work. It’s suitable for adventurous spirits willing to accept the potential for delays or confusion, especially if you prioritize the scenery and beaches over perfect organization.

However, if you’re risk-averse or traveling with small children or pregnant partners, the reported safety concerns and logistical issues might make this less appealing.

The Early Start and Long Drive

Starting at 3:00 am, the trip from Puerto Princesa to El Nido is long but necessary for a day trip. The roughly four-hour drive is often on older vans, and reviews suggest the journey can be uncomfortable and slow. Joana from Portugal notes the “van is not provided by the agency,” and the stop-and-go pace caused her travel time to extend by two hours, which can cut into your precious daylight hours in El Nido.

Arrival at El Nido and the Island Hopping

Once in El Nido, the adventure truly begins. The island hopping tours typically include visits to secluded beaches, limestone cliffs, and snorkeling spots. For many, these are the highlights – the white sands and crystal waters are a photographer’s dream. Get set for some photo-worthy vistas and the chance to relax on quiet beaches.

According to one review, “the water activities were wonderful,” confirming that when the boat is moving smoothly, the scenery and snorkeling are impressive. However, the logistical chaos before the boat departs can be frustrating. Many travelers have to figure out where to go on their own, sometimes paying extra for local transportation.

The Return Trip and Disorganization

The journey back is often the most disappointing part. Travelers report overcrowded vans, dangerous driving, and long delays. Sara from Spain described her experience as “a nightmare,” highlighting that she was left waiting in the rain for half an hour and then faced a dangerously fast and reckless driver on the way back. Such reports are concerning and should be a significant consideration if safety is a priority.

The Overall Experience and Authenticity

While the scenery and water activities are consistently praised, the poor organization and safety issues are recurring themes. The tour’s value depends on your willingness to accept these inconveniences for the chance to see the sights. For some, the beauty of the beaches and limestone formations outweighs the negatives, but for others, the disorganized logistics and safety concerns are deal-breakers.

This El Nido Day Tour offers a budget-friendly opportunity to experience some of Palawan’s most iconic island scenery. If you’re adventurous and flexible, ready to handle potential logistical hiccups, and primarily interested in seeing beaches and limestone cliffs, it could be a good fit. The water activities and views are truly beautiful and worth the price for many travelers.

However, if you prefer well-organized, comfortable travel with safety as a top priority, you might want to explore other options. The reports of unsafe driving and disorganization suggest caution, especially if traveling with family or in a group seeking a relaxed experience.

This tour is best suited for independent travelers who don’t mind a bit of chaos and are eager to experience El Nido’s natural beauty on a budget. Be prepared for a long day, some uncertainty, and the possibility of memorable scenery—both breathtaking and, at times, stressful.

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, transportation is included, but reviewers report the vans are quite old and not always comfortable. The return trip can be longer than expected owing to stops and traffic.

What should I bring for the tour?
You should bring your passport for security and identification. It’s also wise to bring water, snacks, and sun protection since you’ll be outdoors most of the day.

Are there safety concerns on this tour?
According to recent reviews, some travelers experienced dangerous driving and overcrowded vans. If safety is a priority, consider this before booking.

Is the tour suitable for children or pregnant women?
It appears not, as the tour is not recommended for pregnant women, and safety concerns could pose risks for children as well.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your plans change.

How long is the journey from Puerto Princesa to El Nido?
It takes approximately 4 hours in the early morning. The return trip can sometimes take more than 6 hours, based on reviews.

Will I have guidance during the island hopping?
Yes, a live English-speaking guide will accompany you, helping to explain the sights and organize the stops.

This tour offers a chance to glimpse some of Palawan’s best beaches and limestone scenery without breaking the bank. Just keep in mind that organization, safety, and comfort levels vary, so go with an open mind—and possibly some extra patience.

You can check availability for your dates here: