El Nido: Hidden Beaches and Lagoons Boat Hopping Tour D

El Nido Tour D saves its best trick for the water: it reaches Small Lagoon and quieter beaches while many boats are busy elsewhere. You get seven hours among limestone cliffs, clear green water, shallow swimming areas, and bright coral life, with time to kayak or simply float.

I like the less crowded route and the crew’s habit of giving each stop enough time. Guides such as Jordan, Mark, Arnold, and TJ have earned praise for taking photos, keeping the mood light, and helping people in the water. The main catch is extra cost: you need 400 PHP for the environmental fee, plus lagoon and kayak charges.

I also like that Tour D is not only about taking photographs. At Nat Nat and Paradise Beach, you can snorkel in shallow water, while Small Lagoon and Cadlao Lagoon give you a chance to paddle beneath tall rock walls. The meeting point at Marber’s Beach Club can be hectic, and departures sometimes run late, so arrive ready for a little island-style confusion.

Key points to know before booking

• Small Lagoon is the star stop: Paddle or swim through clear water enclosed by dramatic limestone rock.
• Tour D is usually calmer than Tours A and C: Several boats have reached beaches and lagoons with very few other people around.
• Snorkeling is a real strength: Nat Nat and Paradise Beach can offer plenty of fish, especially for confident swimmers.
• Kayaking costs extra: Budget for the environmental fee, Small Lagoon entry, and kayak rental if you want to paddle.
• Lunch is part of the deal: Expect a generous packed meal, with chicken and seafood included on some departures.
• The meeting point needs patience: Marber’s Beach Club is the stated meeting place, but the boarding process may lack clear directions.

Why Tour D can be El Nido’s best boat day

El Nido’s famous boat routes can feel like a parade of bangkas, the local outrigger boats, all heading toward the same postcard view. Tour D takes a different approach. It still gives you the limestone cliffs and bright water you came for, but its route often feels more relaxed.

That matters because the scenery is only half the experience. A beach loses some of its magic when several boats unload at once. On this route, you may get a quieter swim, a less crowded stretch of sand, or a lagoon where your boat is the only one in sight.

The tour costs about $23 per person, which is a strong base price for a full day on the water. It includes the licensed guide, boat, entry fees listed by the operator, life vests, and lunch. You should still carry cash because the 400 PHP El Nido Tourism Development Fee is separate, and Small Lagoon costs another 200 PHP.

Kayaks are also extra. The listed rental price is about 350 PHP per person per kayak at Small Lagoon and Cadlao Lagoon. Prices and local arrangements can vary, so I would bring more than the bare minimum. If entering Small Lagoon requires a kayak on the day, you do not want to miss the main attraction because you left your wallet at the hotel.

Starting at Marber’s Beach Club

The meeting point is Marber’s Beach Club. The tour begins with pickup arrangements and a short safety briefing before the boat heads out.

This is the least polished part of the day. The boarding area can be confusing, with unclear instructions about where to wait or which boat to join. Some departures have also started late, including one delayed by about an hour because of a technical problem.

I would arrive early, keep your phone available, and ask staff to confirm the boat and group. Do not treat the printed start time as a guarantee that you will be moving across the bay at that exact minute. Once you are on board, the day generally becomes much more orderly.

The boats are equipped with life vests, and the crew helps people get on and off at each stop. Large luggage is not allowed, so bring only a day bag. Plastic bottles and smoking are also prohibited. Use a reusable container if you need extra water, and keep your phone or camera protected from spray.

Small Lagoon: the day’s visual highlight

Small Lagoon is the stop that gives Tour D its strongest identity. The approach brings you toward steep natural rock walls and water that shifts between clear turquoise and deep emerald tones.

You can explore by kayak or swim, depending on conditions and the local access rules. Kayaking lets you move quietly through the narrow passages and look up at the unusual rock shapes. Swimming gives you a more direct feel for the clear water, though you should be comfortable in the sea and follow the guide’s instructions.

One practical point matters here: the 200 PHP entry fee is separate from the tour price. Kayak rental is also extra, and some departures have required a kayak for access into the lagoon. If Small Lagoon is your main reason for booking, budget for the rental rather than assuming swimming alone will be enough.

The lagoon can be wonderfully quiet. Some departures have found only one or two boats there, while others may encounter more activity. Timing, weather, and the day’s boat flow all matter. The guide may adjust the order of stops to avoid the thickest crowds.

Bring aqua shoes if you have them, or rent a pair locally. The rocks and shallow entrances can be awkward underfoot. Fins may also help at the snorkeling stops, but they are not included.

Cadlao Island and its calm lagoon

Cadlao Island adds another layer of rock scenery and open water. It is one of the larger islands near El Nido, and the stop usually focuses on swimming, kayaking, and enjoying the surrounding cliffs.

The lagoon here gives you more room than Small Lagoon. You can paddle at an easy pace, swim, or stay on the boat if you prefer a rest. Several people have found the kayaking worthwhile, but you are not forced to rent a boat if you would rather snorkel or swim.

I like this stop because it breaks up the day. Small Lagoon is enclosed and dramatic. Cadlao feels more open, with a different rhythm and more room to move. The two lagoons are similar enough to fit the same theme, but distinct enough that the second does not feel pointless.

The drawback is pacing. The itinerary allows substantial time at the kayaking locations, and some people may feel they have seen everything before the scheduled departure. If you paddle quickly, use the extra time to swim, take photos, or simply sit in the shade if the boat provides it.

Nat Nat Beach and the best snorkeling

Nat Nat Beach is one of the quieter sandy stops on the route. Its shallow water and gentle waves make it a friendly place for beginners, provided sea conditions remain calm.

The snorkeling here can be one of Tour D’s best features. You may see plenty of fish in the clear water, and the stop works well for people who want more than a quick swim. Bring your own mask if you have a good one, although the tour information only confirms life vests and does not promise snorkeling equipment.

This is also a good place to slow down. The day is not designed as a race from one viewpoint to the next. You can swim, snorkel, walk along the beach, or remain on the sand while the more active members of your group head into the water.

Some people find the snorkeling merely decent rather than exceptional, so I would not book this tour as a specialist reef trip. Its strength is variety: you get fish, beaches, lagoons, cliffs, and open sea in one outing.

Paradise Beach, shallow water, and easy swimming

Paradise Beach brings another broad strip of sand and calm, shallow water. It is especially suitable if your group includes beginners who may not want to swim far from shore.

The beach is also a strong snorkeling stop. The water can be clear enough to spot fish without needing advanced skills, and the calm setting makes it easy to alternate between swimming and relaxing on the sand.

This is where the flexible pace matters. Some boats spend enough time for you to enjoy the water without feeling hurried. On a busy route, you may get a short photo stop and little else. Tour D is better suited to you if you prefer a proper swim and a lazy beach break.

The word paradise should not make you expect a private island. El Nido’s beaches can change quickly with boat traffic and weather. Still, the route’s quieter timing often gives this stop a more peaceful feel than the busiest island-hopping circuits.

Bukal Island and the final beach stop

Bukal Island is included among the main locations, along with up to three sandy beaches and two lagoons. The exact sequence can change, and one departure included Pasandigan Beach as a final stop.

That flexibility is common on a sea tour. Weather, boat traffic, mechanical delays, and local conditions can affect the order. You should focus less on checking off every name and more on the overall mix of swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and beach time.

A later beach stop can be particularly pleasant because you have already spent the morning moving between major sights. If rain arrives, do not assume the day is ruined. A tropical shower can turn the final swim into a funny, memorable part of the outing, though you should protect electronics and expect the sea to feel less calm.

Lunch, crew service, and the human side of the day

Lunch is included, and it is more substantial than a token sandwich. Meals have included chicken and seafood, with enough food for the group. For a seven-hour boat trip, that makes a real difference. You can spend your energy swimming instead of worrying about finding food between stops.

The crew is one of the most praised parts of this experience. Guides including Mark, Jordan, Arnold, and TJ have been singled out for being friendly, funny, helpful, and good at taking photos. That last detail is useful if you want pictures of yourself in the lagoon rather than only pictures of the scenery.

Do not expect a formal lecture at every island. The strongest version of this tour has a guide who explains the places, watches the group, helps with water activities, and keeps everyone moving without pressure. One recent departure felt more improvised and used less English explanation, so the guiding style may vary.

English and Tagalog are offered. Private groups are available if you want more control over the pace and group dynamic, though the price for a private booking is not provided here.

What the $23 price really covers

At $23, Tour D offers good value for a full day on the sea. The boat, guide, life vests, entry fees listed by the operator, and lunch cover the main costs that can make an island day expensive.

Your actual budget should be higher. Add:

• 400 PHP for the El Nido Tourism Development Fee
• 200 PHP for Small Lagoon entry
• About 350 PHP per person for a kayak at Small Lagoon or Cadlao Lagoon
• Extra money for aqua shoes, fins, or additional rentals if needed

The kayak fees are the biggest surprise for many people. If two people rent kayaks at both lagoon stops, the total can rise quickly. I would ask at the meeting point exactly which rentals are needed and what the current price is.

The tour still compares well with a private charter because you receive a full itinerary, food, and crew support without paying for the entire boat. A private group may suit families or friends who want to choose how long to swim, but the regular group trip is the better budget choice.

Timing, comfort, and who should book

This is a seven-hour day, and much of it takes place outdoors. You need to be comfortable with sun, sea spray, wet clothes, and getting in and out of a boat several times.

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen, and cash. A waterproof phone pouch is sensible, though it is not listed as required. Pack light because large bags are not allowed.

Tour D suits you best if you want:

• A quieter alternative to the most famous El Nido routes
• Several chances to swim and snorkel
• Kayaking through scenic lagoons
• A relaxed day rather than a tightly packed sightseeing schedule
• Friendly crew support and help with photos
• A good balance of beaches, rock formations, and clear water

It is not a good match for pregnant people, wheelchair users, or anyone with a mobility impairment. Boarding a boat, moving across uneven beaches, and entering the water require physical effort.

The tour also may not suit you if you need exact departure times or a highly scripted guide presentation. The start can be disorganized, and some guides may offer more commentary than others.

Cancellation and practical booking notes

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option gives you some flexibility if your El Nido plans are still shifting.

Before boarding, make sure you have proof of payment for the El Nido Tourism Development Fee. If you paid it earlier, show the receipt so you are not charged again.

Ask three questions before leaving the meeting point: Which boat is mine, what is the stop order today, and do I need to rent a kayak to enter Small Lagoon? Those answers remove most of the uncertainty.

Should you book El Nido Tour D?

I would choose Tour D if you want El Nido’s famous water and rock scenery without spending the entire day in the thickest crowds. Small Lagoon is the main reason to go, but the beaches, fish, lunch, and easygoing crew make the day feel complete.

Book it if you are happy to carry extra cash for fees and rentals, accept that departure times can slip, and prefer a relaxed boat day to a tightly managed schedule. If you need wheelchair access, dislike swimming, or want a perfectly punctual and heavily narrated tour, choose another activity.

For most active visitors, Tour D is a strong-value choice. It gives you the scenery people come to Palawan for, plus enough quiet time to actually enjoy it.

FAQ

How long does El Nido Tour D last?

The tour lasts about seven hours, including the boat ride and stops for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and lunch.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at Marber’s Beach Club. Boarding can be confusing, so arrive early and confirm your boat with the staff.

What places does Tour D visit?

The route includes Small Lagoon, Cadlao Island, Cadlao Lagoon, Nat Nat Beach, Paradise Beach, and Bukal Island. The exact stop order can vary, and some departures may include Pasandigan Beach.

Is kayaking included in the tour price?

No. Kayak rental is extra, with the listed cost at about 350 PHP per person per kayak at Small Lagoon and Cadlao Lagoon. Small Lagoon also has a separate 200 PHP entry fee.

Do I need to pay an environmental fee?

Yes. The El Nido Tourism Development Fee costs 400 PHP and must be paid before boarding. If you already paid it, show your receipt to avoid paying twice.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen, and cash. Large bags, plastic bottles, and smoking are not allowed.