El Nido Island Tour D

Small Lagoon is the star of El Nido Tour D, but the real appeal is the quieter route through two lagoons and three beach stops. You will see towering limestone cliffs, swim in clear coastal water, eat a picnic lunch, and have time for sunbathing or snorkeling.

I like the five-stop route, which gives you more variety than a beach-only trip, and I like that Tour D is generally less crowded than the better-known Tours A and C. The catch is timing: you meet before 8:30 a.m., then may wait until the boat leaves between 9 and 10 a.m., depending on Coast Guard clearance.

Key points before you book

• Five distinct stops: Small Lagoon, Cadlao Lagoon, Paradise Beach, Bukal Beach, and Pasandigan Beach.
• Usually a quieter choice: Tour D has fewer crowds than Tours A and C, though conditions can vary.
• Extra lagoon cost: The environmental fee is 400 pesos, and the lagoon fee is 200 pesos.
• Small Lagoon kayak rental: Kayaks cost 300 pesos per hour and are not included.
• Full-day timing: Meet before 8:30 a.m., leave around 9 to 10 a.m., and return between 3 and 5 p.m.
• Good basic package: You get a guide, life vest, boat permit, picnic lunch, and hotel pickup within El Nido Town.

Why Tour D is worth considering

El Nido is famous for its steep limestone cliffs and bright beaches, but the choice of boat route can shape your whole day. Tour A is often the first option people hear about, while Tour C is another popular pick. Tour D offers a different mix, with Small Lagoon and Cadlao Lagoon paired with three beaches.

That mix matters. You are not spending the entire day moving from one similar beach to another. One stop may be about cliffs and enclosed water, while the next gives you open sand, swimming space, or a place to sit down with lunch. You can also snorkel, play volleyball, sunbathe, or eat at a restaurant during the day, depending on the stop and what is available there.

I especially like the lower-crowd character associated with this route. One booking rated Tour D highly because it felt much less visited than Tours A and C, without giving up attractive places. That is useful if you want a calmer boat day and are willing to choose a route that is less famous.

Still, I would keep expectations practical. This is a shared island-hopping trip, not a private charter. One person found the boat small and disliked being told not to sit on the boat benches, while other boats allowed it. Service can also vary. Most feedback was positive, but one trip had guides who were not very engaging, and another group was moved from Tour D to Tour A shortly after booking.

Starting the morning beside El Nido Cliffside Cottages

Your morning begins at the Cliffside Travel and Tours booking office beside El Nido Cliffside Cottages. The stated meeting time is before 8:30 a.m., and free hotel pickup is available within El Nido Town only.

The boat itself departs from El Nido Town beach. The dispatch time is usually between 9 and 10 a.m., depending on Coast Guard clearance. That gap between the meeting time and departure is important. You may spend at least part of the morning waiting in town or at the beach before boarding.

The first boat ride takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes. Once the boat leaves, each destination usually receives about 40 to 50 minutes. That is enough time for a swim or a short look around, but it is not a long, unhurried stay. If you want extended snorkeling or a slow beach afternoon, the stop limits may feel brisk.

Bring a dry bag or another way to protect your phone and wallet. The supplied information confirms the use of a life vest, but it does not promise dry storage or other personal equipment. Wear something comfortable for getting in and out of the boat, and keep cash ready for the extra charges.

Small Lagoon: the main attraction

Small Lagoon is likely to be the most memorable stop on Tour D. The entrance is framed by limestone cliffs, and the sheltered water gives the place a different feel from an open beach.

A kayak is optional and costs 300 pesos per hour. The kayak fee is not included in the $22 tour price, and it is collected separately at Small Lagoon. If you want to paddle through the lagoon, budget for this before you arrive. The supplied details also note a small beach where you can stop when renting a kayak.

That kayak choice changes how you experience the stop. From the water, you can move at your own pace through the lagoon area. Without one, you can still enjoy the scenery and swim, but your time and movement may be more limited. I would decide early whether the extra fee is worth it for you, especially since the stop lasts about 40 to 50 minutes.

There is also a 200-peso lagoon fee, collected at the booking office. Since the tour price does not cover it, the advertised cost is not the full amount you should set aside. The 300-peso kayak rental is optional, but the 200-peso lagoon fee is listed separately from the package.

Cadlao Lagoon and the value of a second lagoon

Cadlao Lagoon gives Tour D a second major water stop. That is a strong reason to choose this route if lagoons are your priority.

The tour information does not promise kayaking at Cadlao Lagoon, so you should not assume that the Small Lagoon rental arrangement applies here. You can expect time for swimming and sightseeing, with the limestone cliffs providing the main setting.

Two lagoon stops also help spread out the day. Instead of making Small Lagoon carry the entire experience, Cadlao Lagoon adds another chance to enjoy enclosed coastal water and dramatic rock formations. The exact feel of each stop can change with weather, boat timing, and Coast Guard clearance, so allow some flexibility.

You should also remember that a 40 to 50 minute stop passes quickly. If you spend the first part of the visit finding a kayak, organizing your belongings, or waiting to enter the water, you may have less time than expected for swimming. Listen to the guide when the return-to-boat time is announced.

Paradise Beach, Bukal Beach, and Pasandigan Beach

The three beach stops give the tour its balance. Paradise Beach, Bukal Beach, and Pasandigan Beach are included as separate destinations, and each one provides a chance to leave the boat, stretch your legs, and enjoy white sand and coastal water.

The information does not assign a specific activity to each beach, so I would treat the schedule as flexible. You may be able to swim, sunbathe, snorkel, or simply sit on the sand. Volleyball and restaurant dining are also listed as possible activities during the tour.

This is where the picnic lunch fits into the day. Lunch is included and will be served at one of the islands. The package lists a picnic lunch, not a restaurant meal, so you should expect a simple shared tour meal rather than a menu-driven dining experience.

Food quality and quantity can be a point of difference between boat operators. One person found the meal less generous than food provided on other island tours and felt there was almost not enough. I would not book this trip for the lunch alone. Think of it as a convenient meal that keeps the day moving, not a culinary highlight.

The beaches may also be where the schedule feels most relaxed, but you should not count on a long stay at any single one. The usual allowance is about 40 to 50 minutes per destination. If you want to spend half a day on one beach, a private boat would likely give you more control, but that option is not part of this experience.

What the boat day feels like

Tour D is an organized shared trip with a licensed guide available for assistance. English and Tagalog are spoken, so communication should be straightforward for people who use either language.

The package includes a life vest, boat permit, guide, lunch, and hotel pickup within El Nido Town. Those inclusions make the $22 starting price attractive, especially for someone who wants a simple way to see several places without arranging a boat, permits, food, and transport separately.

The boat experience itself may be less consistent. One booking described the boat as small and found the seating rule uncomfortable, particularly because other boats on the same route allowed people to use their benches. That does not mean every departure will be the same, but it is a useful warning if boat comfort is important to you.

The tour also ends at El Nido Beach between about 3 and 5 p.m. The two-hour range is wide because dispatch depends on clearance and the day may run at different speeds. Avoid booking a fixed late-afternoon commitment immediately afterward. You need room for delays.

The real cost: more than $22

At $22 per person, Tour D is priced as an affordable group excursion. The basic inclusions are good: a guide, life vest, boat permit, picnic lunch, and hotel pickup within El Nido Town.

You also need to add the 400-peso environmental fee and 200-peso lagoon fee. These are collected at the booking office. That means every participant should plan for at least 600 pesos beyond the advertised tour price.

Kayaking at Small Lagoon adds 300 pesos per hour, and snorkeling masks can be rented at the beach during boat dispatch. The snorkeling rental price is not provided, so ask about the current charge before boarding if you do not have your own mask.

The price still offers fair value if you want five destinations in one day and do not mind the shared-boat format. I would judge the tour by the whole cost, not the headline rate. It becomes less of a bargain if you add kayaking, snorkeling gear, and other purchases, but the core package remains reasonably practical for a budget-conscious visit to El Nido.

Crowds, changes, and service quality

Tour D is a good route to consider if you want fewer people at the stops. A highly positive booking specifically praised its lighter crowds compared with Tours A and C, while still finding the destinations attractive. That is perhaps the clearest reason to pick D.

However, fewer crowds are not guaranteed. Boat routes and conditions can change, and one booking was switched from Tour D to Tour A only five minutes after the company called to confirm the original plan. The substitute route felt crowded and did not visit the places the person had selected Tour D to see.

If Tour D matters to you, confirm the route again when you arrive at the booking office. Ask if the boat is definitely going to Small Lagoon, Cadlao Lagoon, Paradise Beach, Bukal Beach, and Pasandigan Beach. This takes little time and may prevent a frustrating surprise.

The service record is mostly favorable, with several high ratings for the staff and overall trip. One person praised the tour staff as cool, while another described the tour guides as less engaging than guides on previous outings. I would expect practical assistance, but not necessarily a highly theatrical or talkative guiding style.

Who will enjoy this route most

I would choose Tour D if you want to see several different settings in one day and prefer the possibility of lighter crowds. It suits you if you like limestone cliffs, short swims, white sand, a simple picnic, and a full schedule that covers five stops.

It also works well if you are trying to keep costs under control. The starting rate is low, and the main extras are clear once you know about the environmental fee, lagoon fee, and optional rentals.

I would think twice if you want a quiet private day, generous meal portions, guaranteed seating comfort, or long stays at each stop. The early meeting, possible wait at the beach, shared boat, and variable end time require patience.

Families and first-time visitors may find the included guide and life vest useful. People who want to kayak should bring enough cash and accept that the activity costs extra. If you are comparing routes mainly by crowd levels, Tour D has a good case. If the operator moves you to Tour A, ask about the reason and decide if the replacement still suits your plans.

Booking and cancellation details

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your El Nido plans are not fully settled.

The stated duration is eight hours, but the practical schedule runs from the morning meeting through a return between 3 and 5 p.m. Check the available starting time when booking, and arrive at the Cliffside Travel and Tours office before 8:30 a.m.

The route is operated by Cliffside Travel and Tours, a tourism-accredited agency based in El Nido. The tour guide speaks English and Tagalog, and the guide is available if you need assistance during the trip.

Should you book El Nido Tour D?

Book Tour D if you want five stops, two lagoons, three beaches, and a chance of fewer crowds for a low starting price. Small Lagoon and Cadlao Lagoon give the day more variety than a simple beach outing, while the included lunch, permit, guide, life vest, and town pickup keep the planning easy.

Go in with realistic expectations. Add 600 pesos for the environmental and lagoon fees, decide if a 300-peso kayak rental fits your budget, and confirm that Tour D is still operating rather than accepting an automatic switch to Tour A. If you can handle a possible wait before boarding and a basic shared-boat setup, this is a sensible way to see El Nido’s cliffs, lagoons, and beaches in one long day.

FAQ

How much does El Nido Island Tour D cost?

The listed price is $22 per person. You should also budget 400 pesos for the environmental fee and 200 pesos for the lagoon fee.

How long does Tour D last?

The activity duration is listed as eight hours. The tour usually ends between 3 and 5 p.m., depending on the day’s schedule and boat clearance.

Which destinations are included?

The five destinations are Small Lagoon, Cadlao Lagoon, Paradise Beach, Bukal Beach, and Pasandigan Beach.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at the Cliffside Travel and Tours booking office beside El Nido Cliffside Cottages before 8:30 a.m.

Where does the boat leave from?

The boat dispatches from El Nido Town beach, usually between 9 and 10 a.m., depending on Coast Guard clearance.

Is hotel pickup included?

Free hotel pickup is included within El Nido Town only.

Is kayaking included in the tour price?

No. Kayak rental is available at Small Lagoon for 300 pesos per hour.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. A snorkeling mask can be rented at the beach during boat dispatch, but the rental price is not specified.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live tour guide speaks English and Tagalog.