El Nido Tour D – Lagoons & Beaches Premium tour(Private / Shared)

El Nido Tour D packs its best moments into a pleasing mix of limestone lagoons and quiet beaches. You’ll kayak and swim at Cadlao Lagoon and Small Lagoon, then slow down at Nat Nat, Pasandigan, Paradise, and Serenity beaches. It is a full day on the water, but the hour-by-hour rhythm keeps it from feeling rushed.

I like the range of the day: you get the drama of narrow rock-framed lagoons and the easy pleasure of white sand. I also like the helpful crew, with guides Joshua and Bernard singled out for staying close, offering assistance, and keeping the day moving. The main caution is reliability: pickup problems have been reported, and the non-refundable policy leaves little room for error.

Key points at a glance

• Cadlao Lagoon opens the day with turquoise water, limestone walls, and kayak access.
• Small Lagoon is the most dramatic stop, with swimming, kayaking, and possible cliff jumping.
• Four beach stops spread out the pace, giving you time to swim, snorkel, picnic, or simply sit under the palms.
• Lunch, drinking water, boat transport, life jackets, and crew service are included.
• A private tour includes a kayak, while the shared and private format needs confirmation before you pay.
• The $40 price is attractive, but add the environmental fee, possible entrance charges, and mask rental.

Why Tour D works when you want lagoons and beaches

Many El Nido boat days focus heavily on one type of scenery. Tour D gives you a broader sample of Bacuit Bay. The lagoons provide the grand views and a little adventure, while the beaches make room for a slower hour with a swim or a stretch of sand.

The advertised duration is about seven hours. That is enough time to visit six stops without turning the day into a race, though actual time can shift with weather, boat movement, and conditions at each site. Expect a full morning and afternoon around the bay, followed by a return to the El Nido floating dock.

The tour is priced at about $40 per person. For that amount, you receive the boat transfer, hotel pickup, an experienced crew, a life jacket, drinking water, and a picnic lunch with fruit. That is solid value if you want one organized day and would rather not arrange a boat, food, and safety gear separately.

The extras matter. The environmental fee is PHP 400 per person and is valid for five days. A snorkeling mask costs PHP 150 per person. A PHP 200 entrance fee is listed for Big Lagoon, although Big Lagoon is not one of the stated stops here, so ask the operator exactly which charges apply to your route.

Cadlao Lagoon starts the day in bright water

Cadlao Lagoon is the first major scenic payoff. Its clear turquoise water sits inside a ring of limestone, creating the sort of setting that makes you reach for your camera before you even leave the boat.

The plan calls for about an hour here. You can kayak toward the shore, look through the clear water, and take in the rock walls from a low position on the water. That kayak approach is a big part of the appeal. From a small kayak, the lagoon feels more immediate than it would from the main boat.

Kayaking is listed as included for private tours only. That distinction is important. If you choose a shared departure, do not assume a kayak will be waiting for you. Ask before booking, especially if paddling is one of your main reasons for choosing this trip.

Cadlao is also a good first stop because it sets the tone without demanding too much physical effort. You can paddle, swim, or simply enjoy the view. The water is described as crystal clear, but visibility and comfort always depend on the day’s conditions.

Small Lagoon brings the most drama

Small Lagoon is the stop I would watch most closely. It is a compact inlet enclosed by high limestone walls, with a more enclosed feel than Cadlao Lagoon. The setting is tighter, quieter, and more theatrical.

You can kayak and swim here, and cliff jumping is listed as an option. Treat that last activity as optional, not required. Only jump if the crew confirms the conditions and you feel comfortable. A life jacket is supplied, and you should use it as directed.

There is a separate admission charge listed for Small Lagoon, though the amount is not given in the supplied details. This is another reason to confirm the exact cost before departure. The advertised $40 price does not cover every possible fee.

Allow about an hour. That sounds generous, but it can pass quickly once you have paddled into the inlet, taken photos, and found time for a swim. If you want a calm visit, resist the urge to spend the whole stop taking pictures. The enclosed rock walls are best appreciated from the water.

Nat Nat Beach gives you a softer hour

After the lagoons, Nat Nat Beach changes the pace. This Cadlao Island beach has soft white sand and clear water, making it a simple place to swim or lie down for a while.

The stop is described as usually less crowded than some other El Nido locations. That can make it useful after the more active lagoon visits. You get a chance to dry off, stretch your legs, and enjoy the setting without needing to keep paddling.

The beach stop lasts about an hour. Bring patience with the schedule, though. Boat tours sometimes adjust stop lengths based on weather and water conditions, and the exact order can change. The value here is not a long list of activities. It is the breathing room between the more famous natural sights.

Pasandigan Cove is the best snorkeling break

Pasandigan Cove adds a little more variety. The cove has a broad range of plant and marine life, and the planned activities include swimming and snorkeling from the isolated beach.

This is where the snorkeling mask fee becomes practical. A mask is not included and costs PHP 150 per person. If you already have your own, bring it. If not, budget for the rental rather than arriving expecting all water gear to be supplied.

The cove works well for nature lovers because the interest is not limited to the sand. You can spend part of the hour in the water, then return to shore and relax. Clear water is mentioned as a feature of the tour, but snorkeling quality can vary with visibility, tide, and weather.

I would not choose this trip solely for snorkeling. The stronger reason is the combination of lagoons and beaches, with snorkeling as a pleasant extra. That keeps your expectations in the right place.

Paradise Beach is built for doing very little

Paradise Beach is the most straightforward relaxation stop. It has powdery white sand, green water, coconut trees, and a remote feel. The planned hour gives you time to wade, swim, sunbathe, or sit quietly.

This stop may be especially welcome if Small Lagoon is busy or if the boat ride has left you ready for a slower stretch. There is no need to force an activity into every minute. A beach day in El Nido should include a little time when you do nothing but look at the water.

The phrase premium in the tour name should not lead you to expect a luxury boat or resort service. The included features point to a practical island-hopping outing: boat transport, crew, lunch, water, and safety equipment. Paradise Beach is premium mainly in the sense of scenery and a carefully filled route, not polished amenities.

Serenity Beach closes the day quietly

The final stop is identified as Serenity Beach in the Bacuit Bay section. It is a small white sand beach suited to a picnic and a quiet rest before returning to El Nido.

That makes a sensible ending. The day begins with enclosed lagoons and ends on an open, peaceful beach. You can use the last hour to cool down, eat fruit, take a final swim, or enjoy the surrounding rock formations without the pressure of a major activity.

The supplied description calls it an oasis for relaxing and a good place for a picnic. Since picnic lunch is included, this may be where the food fits into the schedule, though the exact lunch location can vary. The meal includes fruit and a choice or mix of seafood and pork or chicken, based on the food details provided for the tour.

Lunch and crew service add real value

Lunch is one of the stronger practical inclusions. You receive a picnic meal with fruit, and the food has been described as including seafood plus pork or chicken. That gives the meal more substance than a token snack, especially during a seven-hour outing.

Drinking water is also included. Bring your own reusable bottle if you prefer, but you should not need to plan for a full day without water. A life jacket is supplied as well, which matters during boat movement, lagoon transfers, and swimming.

Crew service can shape the whole day. Joshua received particularly warm praise for being kind and helpful from start to finish. Bernard was also noted for being informative and attentive. Another strong point was a driver and boat crew who stayed alert throughout the day and kept the ride smooth.

Those details matter more than fancy wording. On a boat tour, you want clear direction when getting in and out, help with equipment, and someone paying attention to changing conditions. The best reports of this tour focus on exactly that.

Private or shared: check the format before paying

The experience is presented as private or shared, but the supplied details also describe it as a private activity for your group alone. Kayaking is specifically listed for private tours only. These points do not line up perfectly, so confirm the format before you book.

A private departure can be worth paying extra for if you want control over the pace or have a group with different interests. You might spend longer at a beach, adjust the order, or request a more personal route. One booking was accommodated with a bespoke selection of destinations, so flexibility may be possible, but do not assume every request can be granted.

A shared boat may offer a lower total cost, but the schedule will be less personal. You may have less say over how long you stay at each stop, and kayak access may not be part of the package. The $40 per-person rate is most appealing for solo visitors or small parties who want a fixed-cost day.

Group discounts are advertised. Ask how the discount works and whether it applies to private departures, shared seats, or a certain number of people. Get the boat type, group size, kayak access, and pickup point in writing.

The pickup warning deserves attention

Hotel pickup is included, which is convenient if it works as planned. The return point is the El Nido floating dock. You should receive confirmation at booking, and the area is near public transportation if you need to reach the meeting point yourself.

Still, pickup is the weak point in the practical side of this experience. One serious complaint described a missed hotel pickup, an unanswered phone, and a long wait at the stated meeting point. That does not prove every departure will have a problem, but it is enough reason to double-check the details.

Before the tour day, confirm:

• Your exact pickup time and location
• The name and phone number of the local contact
• Whether pickup is at your hotel or at the floating dock
• The private or shared format
• Kayak availability
• Which entrance and environmental fees apply

The experience has an overall rating of 3.8 out of 5 from 16 ratings, so the picture is mixed rather than perfect. Most of the strong comments focus on the crew, smooth boat ride, scenery, lunch, and Small Lagoon. The weak point is not the natural setting. It is communication and booking follow-through.

What to pack for seven hours on the water

Keep your bag simple. Bring swimwear, sun protection, a towel, dry clothes, and a waterproof way to carry your phone. You will be moving between a boat, beaches, lagoons, and shallow water, so anything that cannot handle splashes should stay protected.

Bring a snorkeling mask if you own one. If not, set aside PHP 150 for rental. The tour supplies a life jacket, but your own dry bag, hat, and reef-safe sun protection can make the day easier.

You also need to think about fees. Set aside PHP 400 for the environmental fee, valid for five days, plus any applicable lagoon or other entrance charges. Because the stated PHP 200 Big Lagoon fee does not clearly match this route, ask which fee applies to Tour D rather than paying by assumption.

Most people can take part, according to the supplied information. Even so, swimming, boarding a traditional island boat, paddling, and walking on sand require a reasonable level of movement. If you have a specific mobility concern, ask the operator before booking.

Who should choose this El Nido boat day?

I would point this tour toward you if you want variety. It suits someone who does not want to spend seven hours at only one lagoon, and it gives beach lovers enough sand and swimming time to balance the more active stops.

It is also a good match for small groups who value a private outing, especially if kayak access and a flexible route matter. Families and mixed-interest groups may appreciate the choice between swimming, snorkeling, paddling, photography, and resting.

You may want a different option if your top priority is a luxury boat, a guaranteed private guide arrangement, or a completely dependable hotel pickup system. The title suggests a premium product, but the included service is closer to a well-equipped practical boat excursion.

The route is also not ideal if you dislike changing locations often. Six stops in seven hours means regular transfers, getting in and out of the boat, and a schedule that can feel busy. The beaches are there for rest, but this is still an active island-hopping day.

Should you book Tour D?

Book it if you want Cadlao Lagoon, Small Lagoon, and four beach stops in one day, and you are comfortable confirming the details before payment. The natural setting is the clear reason to go. Small Lagoon is likely to be the highlight, while Paradise and Serenity beaches provide welcome quiet later on.

The $40 price offers good value once you account for boat transport, lunch, water, life jackets, and crew service. Just add the environmental fee, possible entrance charges, and mask rental. I would book only after confirming pickup, tour format, kayak access, and the final fee list.

If the operator responds clearly and your weather window looks good, this is a worthwhile choice for a varied El Nido day. If communication is vague, wait and arrange the details locally, since the strict non-refundable rule means a careless booking can become an expensive mistake.

FAQ

How long does El Nido Tour D last?

The tour lasts approximately seven hours, including visits to two lagoons and four beaches around Cadlao Island and Bacuit Bay.

What stops are included?

The planned stops are Cadlao Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Nat Nat Beach, Pasandigan Cove, Paradise Beach, and Serenity Beach.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup is listed as included, and the tour returns you to the El Nido floating dock. Confirm the exact pickup time and meeting point before departure because a pickup problem has been reported.

Is kayaking included?

Kayaking is listed as included for private tours only. Since the experience is presented as private or shared in different sections, confirm kayak access and the exact tour format before paying.

What is included in the price?

The price includes hotel pickup, boat transport, crew service, a life jacket, drinking water, and a picnic lunch with fruit. Kayaking is included for private tours only.

What costs extra?

The environmental fee is PHP 400 per person and is valid for five days. A snorkeling mask costs PHP 150 per person. A PHP 200 Big Lagoon entrance fee is listed, although Big Lagoon is not one of the stated stops, so ask which fees apply to your route.

Can most people participate?

The supplied information says most people can participate. The day includes swimming, snorkeling, kayaking on private tours, boat transfers, and time on beaches.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

The tour requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you will be offered another date or a full refund. If you cancel or request a change for another reason, the experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed.