El Nido: Island Hopping Tour B Cudognong Cave & More

Cudugnon Cave is the most unusual stop on this El Nido boat trip. You reach it from the water, then make your way into a low cave tied to stories of Japanese soldiers hiding there during World War II. Add a shifting sandbar, coral-rich snorkeling, and white sand, and you get a day that feels less like a beach transfer and more like a small expedition around Bacuit Bay.

I like the smaller-group feel this route often provides, with one group reporting only 13 people aboard. I also like the mix of stops: Snake Island gives you the classic photograph, Popolkan offers time in the water, and the caves add a little mystery. Guides such as Angelo, Arnold, Jake, and Dexter have been singled out for humor, care, and good timing.

The main catch is that the most interesting cave stops are not effortless. Cudugnon Cave can be hard to reach, and this outing is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. You will also need to budget for the 400 PHP El Nido Tourism Development Fee, plus rentals for aqua shoes, fins, or a kayak if needed.

Key points to know before you book

• Snake Island depends on the tide: Its famous sandbar changes shape and can look quite different from one visit to the next.
• Cudugnon Cave adds history: This is more than a quick photo stop, but reaching the cave may be physically awkward.
• Popolkan is the water stop: Expect snorkeling or swimming around reefs with tropical fish.
• The route is often quieter than Tour A: Small groups and less crowded locations are major reasons to choose Tour B.
• Lunch is included: Expect a shared island meal, with meat and fish often served in generous portions.
• Extra costs need attention: The environmental fee and equipment rentals are not part of the $25 price.

Why Tour B is a good alternative to El Nido’s busier routes

El Nido’s island tours are sold by letter, and Tour B is often overlooked beside the more famous lagoon routes. That can work in your favor. The route is built around the outer and inner reaches of Bacuit Bay, with more time devoted to beaches, caves, sandbars, and open-water scenery.

The advertised trip lasts about six hours. That is long enough to see five principal stops without turning the day into an exhausting full-day cruise. You board the boat, spend the day moving between islands and swimming areas, eat lunch during the outing, then return to the same starting point.

I would choose this route if you want variety and a somewhat calmer pace. It is not simply a succession of beaches. You get a geological oddity at Snake Island, marine life at Popolkan, two cave settings, and a final beach stop at Entalula.

Group size matters here. One recent group had 13 people, and another outing had only five aboard. That is not guaranteed, since group size can change by date and operator, but Tour B often feels more personal than a packed boat. Smaller groups also make it easier for a guide to help with swimming, cave access, and timing.

The boat may not always be operated exactly as expected. One person found that the group seemed to include people from another operator, though the day still ran well. This is a useful reminder that El Nido tours can involve shared boats or local operating arrangements. Ask at the meeting point who is running your boat and what stops are planned that day.

Snake Island and its shifting sandbar

Snake Island is named for its winding sandbar, not for a collection of snakes. The sandbar changes with the tide, creating a narrow strip of pale sand that reaches into the shallow water. It is one of the day’s best places for wide photographs because you can see water on both sides of the strip.

The shape and length of the sandbar are not fixed. A high tide may cover much of it, while low tide reveals more sand and gives you a longer walk. One group found the sandbar especially appealing but noted that a lower tide would have made the visit even better.

That makes timing important, but it also means you should not arrive expecting one exact postcard scene. The appeal is seeing the sandbar as it is that day. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and cash, and keep your phone or camera protected from splashes during the boat ride.

Snake Island is also where lunch may be served, according to the route details and the accounts of the day. Food is included, but do not confuse an included meal with every possible island charge. One person paid an extra fee when lunch was arranged on a private island, despite the food itself being included. Confirm any shore fee before you sit down.

Popolkan Island for snorkeling and swimming

Popolkan is the main stop for getting into the water. Its reefs support plenty of marine life, and the clear conditions can make snorkeling one of the strongest parts of the trip. The exact visibility depends on weather and sea conditions, so you should treat the water as a natural setting rather than a guaranteed aquarium.

You may swim from the boat or explore the reef with a mask and snorkel. The tour includes life vests, but it does not include fins or aqua shoes. Those can be rented, usually at an additional charge. If you already own comfortable water gear, bring it.

Aqua shoes are worth considering because the route includes rocky and cave access, not just soft beaches. They can protect your feet when entering shallow water or moving over uneven surfaces. Fins are useful if you want to cover more water while snorkeling, but they are not essential for a casual swim.

Several outings received praise for the coral and fish, and one person specifically found the snorkeling among the best parts of the day. I would put Popolkan near the top of your expectations, especially if you prefer seeing marine life to spending every stop on a beach.

Cudugnon Cave and its wartime stories

Cudugnon Cave gives Tour B its strongest sense of place. The cave is associated with Japanese soldiers who hid there during World War II. Your guide provides the story, making this stop more meaningful than a simple walk into a rock opening.

The approach may be difficult. You could need to climb or squeeze through a low entrance, and one person described the cave as impressive but hard to reach. That is why the tour is not recommended for people with mobility impairments.

This is a stop where practical footwear matters. Aqua shoes can be rented, and they are a sensible choice if you dislike walking barefoot on rough ground. Keep your hands free if possible, and take care around wet surfaces.

The cave will not suit everyone. If you prefer easy access and uninterrupted beach time, it may feel like work for a short visit. If you enjoy unusual geology and local wartime stories, the effort gives the route character.

Your guide makes a real difference here. A good guide can explain the cave’s role, help people enter safely, and keep the group moving without rushing. Guides named Angelo, Arnold, Jake, and Dexter have been praised for being funny, friendly, supportive, and attentive to safety. Guide quality can vary by departure, but this is one route where a strong guide adds real value.

Cathedral Cave from the boat

Cathedral Cave is another memorable rock formation in Bacuit Bay. Its high interior and dramatic opening give it a cathedral-like appearance, especially when viewed from the water. Depending on the day’s conditions and the operating plan, you may see it from the boat rather than spend a long time ashore.

This stop is mainly about scale and shape. The cave shows how the limestone islands were carved over time by the sea. You will want a camera ready, but do not expect the same kind of activity as at Popolkan. Cathedral Cave is more of a scenic and geological pause.

The boat’s position, tide, and sea conditions affect the view. A calm day may allow a closer look, while rougher water can change how long the boat stays nearby. Your guide will manage the approach and explain what you are seeing.

Entalula Island and the final beach stop

Entalula Island is known for its white sand beach and clear water. It provides the classic tropical finish to the route, with time to swim, sit on the sand, or take photographs.

One account described seeing clownfish near the rock face at the last beach. That suggests Entalula may offer more than a scenic shoreline if you take time to look around the rocks, though fish sightings naturally depend on conditions and location.

The beach is also a welcome change after the caves. You can relax, dry off, and enjoy the setting without needing to climb into another opening or move straight back onto the boat. If your priority is a long, quiet beach stay, keep in mind that this is one stop within a six-hour shared excursion, not a private beach day.

Lunch, equipment, and the real cost

At $25 per person, this is a strong value if you want boat transport, a licensed guide, lunch, life vests, and several stops in one package. The price is particularly attractive for people who would otherwise need to arrange separate boat transfers and meals.

Lunch is one of the better parts of the package. Several outings included a generous spread of meat and fish, and the food received repeated praise. Do not expect a restaurant setting. You will eat during the island trip, likely in a simple shared arrangement, but that suits the day.

The advertised price is not the final amount for every person. The El Nido Tourism Development Fee is 400 PHP and must be paid before boarding unless you have already paid it. Keep your receipt and show it to the guide, since you may otherwise be asked to pay again.

The listing also names a 200 PHP Big Lagoon entry fee, although Big Lagoon is not part of the main five-stop route described here. One account did include Big Lagoon during the day. Ask before departure if it is included in your particular option and if that fee applies.

Equipment is another possible extra. Aqua shoes, fins, and kayaks are available to rent, but they are not included. A past booking also involved an extra private-island charge connected with lunch. These are not reasons to reject the tour, but they are reasons to carry cash and ask direct questions at check-in.

Weather, comfort, and what to bring

The trip runs in an exposed marine setting, so weather can shape the day. Rain does not necessarily ruin it. One group had rain all day and still enjoyed the caves, sandbar, lunch, and guide-led activities. Overcast skies can also soften the harsh tropical sun.

Still, wet weather makes boat transfers and cave access less comfortable. Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a sun hat, and cash. A waterproof bag for phones and spare clothing is a smart addition, although it is not listed as a required item.

You will be wearing a life vest during boat travel or water activities as directed by the crew. If you are not a confident swimmer, tell the guide early. The best guides on this route have been praised for helping children and making sure people felt safe and included.

The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Cudugnon Cave in particular may require difficult access. If you have a temporary injury or trouble walking on uneven ground, ask the operator about the current route before paying.

Who should book El Nido Tour B

I would recommend Tour B for you if you want a mix of snorkeling, caves, and beaches and prefer a route that may be less crowded than Tour A. It works especially well for couples, small groups, families with older children, and anyone who likes a guide-led day with several different settings.

It is also a good choice if you have already seen El Nido’s main lagoon scenery and want something different. Snake Island’s sandbar and Cudugnon Cave give the day a distinct identity, while Popolkan and Entalula cover the swimming and beach side.

I would choose another option if your main goal is a long stay in one lagoon, easy access at every stop, or a fully private boat. The cave entry can be awkward, group size is not fixed, and the route may change with tide, weather, or local operating arrangements.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later make the booking less rigid. Meeting points can vary by option, so read the exact meeting instructions carefully rather than assuming every Tour B departure leaves from the same spot.

Should you book this six-hour island trip?

Yes, if you want good value and a route with more texture than a beach-only cruise. For $25, the combination of boat travel, lunch, guide, life vest, five main sights, and a quieter feel is hard to dismiss.

Book it with realistic expectations. The sandbar may be partly covered, the caves may be challenging to enter, and rentals or local access fees may add to the cost. Bring cash, ask about the day’s exact stops, and keep your environmental-fee receipt.

Tour B is the better pick for an active, varied day around Bacuit Bay. It is not the easiest route, but that is also why it feels more memorable.

FAQ

How long is El Nido Tour B?

The tour lasts approximately six hours and returns you to the same starting point.

What places does Tour B visit?

The advertised route includes Snake Island, Popolkan Island, Cudugnon Cave, Cathedral Cave, and Entalula Island.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included in the tour price. However, an additional private-island access charge may apply in some arrangements, so confirm this before eating ashore.

Is the El Nido environmental fee included?

No. The El Nido Tourism Development Fee is 400 PHP and must be paid before boarding unless you have already paid it. Keep your receipt and show it to the guide.

Are snorkeling gear and kayaks included?

No. Life vests are included, but aqua shoes, fins, and kayaks are available to rent separately.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live guide service is available in English and Tagalog.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and Cudugnon Cave may be difficult to reach.