El Nido: Hidden Beaches and Lagoons Boat Hopping Tour D

El Nido Tour D is the island-hopping choice for quiet beaches and calm water, with a better chance of enjoying a lagoon without a wall of tour boats around you. The biggest draw is Small Lagoon, where limestone rocks close around clear green water and kayaking gives you a close look at the narrow passages.

I especially like the slower pace and the mix of activities. You can snorkel with plenty of fish at some stops, swim from sandy beaches, or rent a kayak at Small Lagoon and Cadlao Lagoon. Lunch is included, and guides such as Mark, Jordan, Arnold, and TJ have been praised for helping with photos and keeping the day friendly.

The weak point is the start. Meeting at Marber’s Beach Club can feel muddled, and boats do not always leave exactly on time. You should also budget for the 400 PHP environmental fee, the 200 PHP Small Lagoon entry, and kayak rental if you want to paddle inside the lagoons.

Tour D at a glance

• Small Lagoon is the star stop: Limestone walls, narrow water passages, and emerald water make this the most memorable part of the day.
• Less crowded than many El Nido routes: Tour D often reaches quieter beaches and can feel more relaxed than Tour A or C.
• Two good ways to enjoy the water: You can snorkel and swim, or rent a kayak at the lagoon stops.
• Lunch is more than a light snack: The included meal has been praised for generous portions, chicken, seafood, and good variety.
• Seven hours gives you time to linger: Stops are not rushed, though some people may find the time at quieter beaches a little long.
• Plan for added costs: The environmental fee, Small Lagoon entry, and kayak rentals are separate from the 23 USD tour price.

Why Tour D feels different from El Nido’s standard routes

El Nido’s island trips are usually sold by letter, and Tour D is often chosen by people who want the famous limestone scenery without spending the whole day in the busiest stops. It still gives you the classic Palawan combination of cliffs, clear water, beaches, lagoons, and snorkeling, but the route feels more spread out.

I would not book this tour only because it is called a secret or quiet route. Crowds depend on weather, boat schedules, and the number of tours running that day. Still, Tour D has a strong record of reaching beaches with few other boats, and at times the group has had Small Lagoon almost to itself.

The tour lasts about seven hours. You meet at Marber’s Beach Club, listen to a short safety briefing, then board the boat for the island route. The exact order and selection of beach stops can vary, but the main places connected with this tour are Small Lagoon, Cadlao Island, Nat Nat Beach, Paradise Beach, and Bukal Island. Some departures also refer to Cadlao Lagoon or Pasandigan Beach, so it is wise to treat the route as a flexible day at sea rather than a rigid checklist.

Small Lagoon: the reason to choose Tour D

Small Lagoon is the most distinctive stop. Tall rock walls rise from clear water, and the entrance leads into a more sheltered area where kayaking lets you move at an easy pace. The color of the water changes with the light, from pale green near the rocks to clearer blue in open areas.

You can usually rent a kayak for this stop. The supplied price is about 350 PHP per person per kayak, while one reported experience paid less, so confirm the current local price before you set off. One practical warning is important: access inside Small Lagoon may be difficult or restricted without a kayak, so bring enough cash if you want to see the full area.

If you would rather swim and snorkel, you may still enjoy the clear water around the lagoon. One traveler who skipped the kayak found the snorkeling particularly good, with more marine life than at some stops on other El Nido routes. Your guide can explain the current access rules when you arrive.

The main drawback is that Small Lagoon is not a secret in the usual sense. It is one of El Nido’s best-known sights, and it can be busy. Tour D gives you a better chance of a calmer visit, especially if the boat timing works in your favor, but there is no guaranteed crowd-free window.

Cadlao Island and its second lagoon

Cadlao Island brings the broadest views of the day, with steep rock formations and clear water around the boat. It is a good place to slow down, swim, and take in the scale of the Palawan coast.

The route may include Cadlao Lagoon, where another kayak rental is available. Having two paddling areas adds variety, since Small Lagoon feels enclosed and rock-lined while Cadlao offers a more open setting. If you want to kayak at both locations, ask the crew about the total charge before renting. The stated rate is about 350 PHP per person per kayak, but local prices can change.

You do not have to kayak to enjoy Cadlao. Swimming and snorkeling are sensible alternatives, especially if you prefer not to spend extra or if you are already tired from the first water stop. The tour provides life vests, and the crew can help you get in and out of the boat.

This part of the day suits you best if you like a little freedom rather than constant narration. One drawback is that the guiding can be light. Most guides speak English and Tagalog, and many are helpful and funny, but one departure felt more improvised and had limited English commentary. Expect assistance and local direction, not a formal guided lecture at every stop.

Nat Nat Beach and Paradise Beach

Nat Nat Beach and Paradise Beach are the gentler stops. Shallow water and calm waves make them comfortable for beginners, and you can swim close to shore without needing strong open-water skills.

Paradise Beach is particularly useful for snorkeling. The water is clear, and fish are often visible near the swimming area. If you want the best chance of seeing marine life, bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them, or ask about available equipment before the boat leaves. Fins are not included.

These beaches also show why the route appeals to people who find the busier island trips tiring. You can stretch out on sand, swim without a strict race against the clock, and enjoy the cliffs from water level. The crew may take photos, and guides such as Mark and Arnold have been singled out for being attentive and good with cameras.

Not every stop will feel equally special. One departure found the first 30-minute stop underwhelming, while the snorkeling at another beach was merely average. That is normal on a full-day route. The strongest parts are the lagoons and the better snorkeling spots, while a quieter beach may mainly serve as a pleasant place to rest.

Bukal Island and the flexible final stops

Bukal Island is one of the less familiar names on the route. It fits the overall character of Tour D: a sandy place to swim, relax, and enjoy the sea away from El Nido’s busiest core.

The information for this tour also refers to Pasandigan Beach on some departures. A tropical shower there did not ruin one outing, and the group ended up enjoying the rain. That is a useful reminder to pack with island weather in mind. A waterproof pouch for your phone and a dry bag for valuables are sensible, though large luggage and bulky bags are not allowed on the tour.

The order of stops matters less than the overall rhythm. You will likely spend time getting on and off the boat, swimming, kayaking, eating, and waiting for the crew to move the boat into position. This is not a private yacht charter with minute-by-minute control. It is a shared boat day with a relaxed island pace.

Lunch, crew, and the feel on board

Lunch is included and has been one of the reliable strengths of the outing. Expect a packed meal with a mix of chicken, seafood, and other dishes. Several people found there was plenty for everyone, and the meal was described as tasty rather than merely functional.

The crew makes a real difference. Guides named Mark, Jordan, Arnold, and TJ have all been praised for being friendly, funny, helpful, and good at taking photographs. The strongest guides keep an eye on swimmers, help people in and out of the water, and make sure quieter members of the group do not get left out.

I would keep your expectations practical. The tour is not always heavily narrated, and English explanations may be brief. You are booking a day of scenery and water activities, with a guide who manages the outing, not a detailed cultural tour of Palawan.

The boat itself has generally been considered comfortable enough and not overcrowded. There have been occasional delays caused by a technical issue or a late departure. One delay changed the timing enough to reduce crowding at the stops, but you should not count on a late start producing the same benefit.

What the 23 USD price really covers

At 23 USD per person, this is good value for a seven-hour boat trip that includes the licensed guide, boat, entry fees listed for the general island route, life vests, and lunch. Comparable private arrangements would normally cost much more, though this is a shared experience unless you specifically arrange a private group.

The price does not cover everything. You must pay the 400 PHP El Nido Tourism Development Fee, also called the environmental fee, before boarding. If you already paid it, keep the receipt and show it to the guide so you are not charged again.

Small Lagoon has a separate 200 PHP entry fee. Kayaks are also extra, with the stated cost about 350 PHP per person per kayak. Aqua shoes and fins are not included either. Bring cash, and keep a little extra aside for the lagoon and water equipment rather than assuming the advertised tour price is the final amount.

The cost is strongest for swimmers, snorkelers, and couples or small groups who will use several stops. If you do not want to kayak, you can still enjoy the beaches and swim, but you may miss part of what makes Small Lagoon special.

Meeting point, timing, and what to bring

The meeting point is Marber’s Beach Club. Allow extra time to find the correct group and listen for instructions. The start has been chaotic on some days, with unclear directions before boarding, even though the boat portion itself ran smoothly afterward.

Bring:

• Swimwear and a sun hat
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Cash for fees and rentals
• A towel and a waterproof way to protect your phone
• Your environmental-fee receipt, if you have already paid

Plastic bottles, smoking, luggage, and large bags are not allowed. This is not a suitable trip for wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, or pregnant women. You need to manage beach landings, boat transfers, and water activities.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option. Starting times depend on availability, so check the departure time when booking and allow flexibility if your travel plans are tight.

Who should book this island day

I would choose Tour D if you want a quieter alternative to El Nido’s most crowded routes, especially if Small Lagoon is high on your list. It is also a good fit if you like choosing between snorkeling and kayaking instead of being pushed into one activity.

The tour suits confident swimmers, casual swimmers who prefer shallow beaches, couples, groups of friends, and anyone who values time at each stop. It also works well as a final full day in El Nido because the pace is generally laid back rather than packed with constant movement.

I would look elsewhere if you need a fully narrated tour, strict departure times, wheelchair access, or an all-inclusive price with no extra payments. You may also prefer a different route if you want every stop to be a famous landmark rather than a mix of well-known lagoons and quieter beaches.

Should you book Tour D?

Yes, if your priorities are Small Lagoon, snorkeling, and fewer crowds. For 23 USD, the combination of boat transport, lunch, a guide, life vests, and seven hours on the water is strong value, even after adding the environmental fee, lagoon entry, and optional kayak rental.

Book with realistic expectations. The meeting point may be untidy, the boat may start late, and not every beach will be a highlight. But the best parts are excellent: clear water, good snorkeling, generous lunch, helpful crews, and a real chance to enjoy parts of El Nido at a calmer pace.

FAQ

How long does El Nido Tour D last?

The tour lasts about seven hours.

Where does the tour meet?

The meeting point is Marber’s Beach Club.

Which places does Tour D visit?

The main named stops are Small Lagoon, Cadlao Island, Nat Nat Beach, Paradise Beach, and Bukal Island. Some departures also refer to Cadlao Lagoon or Pasandigan Beach, and the order can vary.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A packed lunch is included, with chicken, seafood, and other dishes.

Is the environmental fee included?

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

Is the Small Lagoon entry fee included?

No. Small Lagoon has a separate 200 PHP entry fee.

Do I have to rent a kayak?

Kayaking is not included. Kayaks are available to rent at Small Lagoon and Cadlao Lagoon for about 350 PHP per person per kayak. Local access arrangements may make a kayak necessary for entering parts of Small Lagoon, so confirm this with the crew.

Are snorkeling gear and fins provided?

Life vests are included, but aqua shoes and fins are not. Ask about available rentals or bring suitable equipment if you have it.

What languages does the guide speak?

The tour is offered in English and Tagalog.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users or pregnant women?

No. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users.