El Nido is a standout destination for those craving a full-day adventure filled with pristine beaches, towering limestone cliffs, and colorful marine life. Its compact geography makes it ideal for day-long tours, whether you want to snorkel in turquoise waters, explore secret beaches, or sail on a luxury catamaran. We especially love tours that balance active exploration with relaxing beach time, like the El Nido Full Day Tour C with Buffet Lunch, which offers access to some of the most iconic spots such as Secret Beach and Helicopter Island. This tour is perfect for travelers seeking immersive experiences without breaking the bank, and it’s praised for its flexible schedule and friendly crew. For a more luxurious approach, the Full-Day Premium Island Hopping Catamaran Cruise offers elegant sailing and scenic vistas, ideal if you’re after a touch of indulgence.
If you’re interested in exploring El Nido’s caves and sandbars, the Tour B – Private or Group options deliver a blend of archaeological sites, natural wonders, and picture-perfect islands. For those who prefer to stay on land but still want a taste of El Nido’s stunning beaches, the Full-Day Beaches Land Tour with Lunch offers a relaxed day on multiple beaches, all with comfortable private transport.
1. El Nido Full Day Tour C with Buffet Lunch
At number 1 on our list is the popular El Nido Full Day Tour C with Buffet Lunch. This tour is highly rated (4.5/5 from 35 reviews) and offers a fantastic mix of iconic spots and hidden treasures. Key highlights include Secret Beach, with its secretive setting and limestone backdrop, and Helicopter Island, known for its unique shape and virgin beaches. The tour also visits Talisay Beach and Matinloc Shrine, a white-sand beach with towering cliffs, plus Dilumacad Island, famous for its helicopter shape and lush surroundings.
This tour lasts about 7 to 8 hours, making it a full-day experience packed with swimming, snorkeling, and exploring. The included buffet lunch on the beach adds a relaxed, communal vibe. Its affordability at around $45 per person gives good value considering the number of stops and the chance to swim in crystal-clear waters. Guests rave about the friendly crew, the ability to kayak to beaches, and the memorable sea urchin tasting. The main tip is to bring your own water and snorkel gear, as those aren’t provided.
Bottom Line: This tour strikes a great balance of price, scenery, and activity, perfect for travelers wanting a well-rounded day with plenty of swimming and snorkeling.
2. El Nido: Full-Day Premium Island Hopping Catamaran Cruise
At position 2, the Full-Day Premium Island Hopping Catamaran Cruise offers a more luxurious experience aboard a beautiful 50-foot sailing catamaran. For around $152, you get to sail past El Nido’s limestone cliffs, explore turquoise lagoons, and enjoy snacks and drinks in style. This tour is about soaking in the scenery while lounging on a spacious deck, away from the more crowded boat tours.
The main appeal here is the premium sailing experience combined with visits to some of El Nido’s most photogenic spots. It’s an excellent choice for travelers looking for comfort, elegance, and a more relaxed pace. Guests often mention the stunning views and the opportunity to capture perfect photos, especially during the sailings and at lagoons. Since it’s a private or semi-private experience, it’s best suited for those seeking a quieter, more refined day.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a more exclusive, premium experience with the chance to relax and enjoy El Nido’s natural beauty in style.
3. El Nido Tour B – Private Tour with Lunch
Number 3 on our list is the El Nido Tour B – Private Tour with Lunch. This full-day adventure (7-8 hours) takes you to Snake Island, famous for its winding sandbar, and Pangalusian Island with its 750-meter stretch of white sand. The tour also visits Cudugnon Cave, where you can see artifacts and bones dating back to the Sung Dynasty, and the Cathedral Caves, notable for their limestone formations.
What makes this tour stand out is the private setting, allowing for a more personalized experience. The highlights include walking along Snake Island’s sandbar, snorkelling near Pangalusian, and exploring archaeological caves. The guide is knowledgeable, sharing insights into the caves’ history and the surrounding wildlife. With a price of about $148, it offers excellent value considering the inclusions, especially the lunch and the private nature of the tour.
One reviewer notes, “Our journey with El Nido Tour B was a blissful escape,” emphasizing the friendly crew and memorable stops. The trade-off is that it’s slightly more pricey than group tours, but the intimacy and flexibility often make it worth it.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a customized, private day with access to some of El Nido’s coolest spots and archaeological sites.
4. El Nido Group Tour B with Lunch
Coming in at number 4, the El Nido Group Tour B with Lunch offers a similar itinerary to the private version but in a group setting. You’ll visit Snake Island, Pangalusian Island, Cudugnon Cave, and Cathedral Caves, with the added benefit of shared costs. At around $47 per person, it’s a budget-friendly way to explore El Nido for about 7-8 hours.
The reviews highlight its friendly crew and the beautiful scenery. While you won’t have the same level of privacy, many travelers appreciate the lively, social atmosphere. The lunch is described as delicious, and the crew takes extra care to help travelers, especially during cave explorations. Some mention the boat as being a bit basic, but overall, the experience is positive.
This tour is best suited for solo travelers, couples, or small groups who want a well-organized, affordable day out without the expense of a private tour.
Bottom Line: A smart choice for budget-conscious travelers who don’t want to compromise on seeing the highlights of El Nido.
5. El Nido Tour D Full Day with Beach Lunch
At number 5, Tour D offers a slightly different vibe, focusing on secret beaches and scenic lagoons. The day includes visits to Small Lagoon, Nat Nat Beach, Cadlao Lagoon, and Paradise Beach. You’ll enjoy crystal waters for snorkeling, relaxing on white sandy beaches, and a beachside lunch.
This tour is noted for its variety of stops and the chance to swim in calm, shallow waters. Some reviews mention the need to bring wet shoes due to rocky beaches, but most find the experience worth it. The tour is suitable for travelers who want diverse scenery—from lagoons to beaches—and don’t mind a mix of activities.
At roughly $110, it’s a middle-ground option with a good balance of value and variety. An reviewer describes it as “an incredible way to explore beyond El Nido,” appreciating the friendly crew and the beautiful locations.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers wanting a comprehensive day exploring multiple lagoon and beach spots with a good mix of snorkeling and relaxing.
6. El Nido: Full-Day Beaches Land Tour with Lunch
Number 6 offers a more relaxed, land-based experience. It takes you to Vanilla Beach, Lio Beach, Nacpan Beach, and Duli Beach. You’ll enjoy beachside lunch and golden sands, avoiding boat rides if you prefer staying on land.
This tour is ideal for those who want to see El Nido’s beaches without the hassle of boat travel, or for travelers with limited time and prefer a more comfortable, land-based day. The cost, at around $110, includes private transport and a guided experience. Since reviews are limited, it’s best suited for families or less mobile travelers who want to enjoy the beaches at a leisurely pace.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a relaxed, scenic day on land with minimal water activities.
$110 per person
How to Choose the Right Full-Day Tour in El Nido
When selecting your ideal full-day tour, consider your budget, interests, and physical activity level. If you want a budget-friendly experience with plenty of swimming and snorkeling, the Tour C or Group B are excellent choices. For those after a more luxurious or private experience, the Premium Catamaran Cruise or private Tour B are worth the splurge.
If your main goal is beach relaxation without boat rides, the Land Tour offers a scenic, comfortable day on solid ground. And remember, booking early can ensure availability, especially during peak seasons, and bring essentials like water, snorkels, and sun protection to make your day smoother.
El Nido’s full-day tours offer a wonderful balance of adventure and relaxation, with options suited for every type of traveler. Whether you prefer budget-friendly group excursions or a luxury sailing experience, the choice is yours. For the best experience, plan ahead, be prepared, and book early to secure your spot on these unforgettable journeys.