El Nido: Hidden Beaches and Lagoons Boat Hopping Tour D

Small Lagoon is the star of this seven-hour boat trip, especially when your boat arrives before the crowds. You paddle or swim beneath pale rock walls, then continue to Cadlao Island, Nat Nat Beach, Paradise Beach, and other quiet stops for a full day on the water.

I like the calmer route and the time allowed at each stop. The snorkeling, especially around Paradise Beach and Cadlao Lagoon, can be excellent, and the lunch is generous. The catch is the start: meeting at Marber’s Beach Club can feel confused, and the advertised $23 price does not include the environmental fee, Small Lagoon entry, or kayak rental.

El Nido Tour D at a glance

• Small Lagoon is the main prize: Clear water and tall limestone walls make this the most memorable stop, with kayaking or swimming available.
• Quieter than Tours A and C: The route often reaches less crowded beaches, and some boats have found themselves alone at Small Lagoon.
• Strong snorkeling stops: Nat Nat and Paradise Beach offer calm, shallow water, with plenty of fish reported around several sites.
• Packed lunch is included: Expect a filling meal with chicken, seafood, and enough food for the group.
• Bring extra cash: The 400 PHP environmental fee, 200 PHP Small Lagoon fee, and kayak rentals are separate.
• A seven-hour active day: You will spend much of the day in a boat, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and walking on beaches.

Why Tour D is often the quieter choice

El Nido’s island-hopping tours are usually grouped into familiar routes. Tour A is the famous first choice for many people, while Tour D covers a mix of lagoons, beaches, and less-visited stops. That difference matters most if you dislike following a large line of boats from one postcard view to the next.

Tour D is not empty or secret in the strict sense. El Nido’s popular routes are well known. Still, this schedule can feel more relaxed. Boats have reached Small Lagoon with few or no other boats nearby, and several beach stops have had only one boat in view.

I like that the trip is not built around one single activity. You can kayak at Small Lagoon and Cadlao Lagoon, snorkel near the beaches, or simply swim in the clear water. If you prefer a slow beach day, you are not forced to spend every stop paddling.

The tradeoff is that the route can feel less polished at the beginning. Instructions at the meeting point have been unclear at times, and one departure was delayed by about an hour because of a boat problem. Once underway, the day has generally run better than the gathering beforehand.

Meeting at Marber’s Beach Club

The meeting point is Marber’s Beach Club. Give yourself enough time to find the correct group and listen for instructions, since several boats and tour groups may be preparing to leave in the same area.

This is the weakest part of the experience. The initial process can feel hectic, with no obvious direction about where to wait or when to board. That does not mean the boat day will be poorly managed, but you should expect a loose island-tour atmosphere rather than a tightly choreographed departure.

After boarding, you receive a short safety briefing. Life vests are included, and the boat heads into the clear water around El Nido. English and Tagalog are the tour languages.

The standard group size is not stated, and the experience can vary depending on the day. A private group is available if you want more control over the pace and company. For the regular trip, the appeal is often the route itself, not luxury transport.

Small Lagoon, the day’s main attraction

Small Lagoon usually provides the strongest visual moment. Limestone walls rise around a narrow opening, and inside, the water takes on a greenish, glassy look. The setting feels enclosed and quiet compared with the open sea.

Kayaking is the usual way to explore this stop. Kayaks are not included, and the rental costs about 350 PHP per person per kayak according to the tour information. The separate Small Lagoon entry fee is 200 PHP.

Bring the extra cash. The kayak cost has been quoted differently by travelers on the ground, and one recent experience paid 200 pesos per kayak at each of two locations. The safest approach is to budget for roughly 350 PHP per person for a kayak at Small Lagoon, plus the 200 PHP entry fee, and confirm the local price before paying.

You can choose to swim and snorkel instead of kayaking, but access and conditions may affect what you can do. One person specifically found the snorkeling here better than at other stops, with plenty of marine life. Still, the tour is clearly designed with kayaking in mind, so do not book it expecting a pure snorkeling itinerary.

The timing is another point to consider. One guest felt 30 minutes at an early stop was too long, while other stops also left time to spare after exploring. That is good news if you prefer not to rush, but less ideal if you want a packed schedule with constant movement.

Cadlao Island and its lagoon

Cadlao Island brings another set of limestone formations and clear water. The tour may stop at Cadlao Lagoon for swimming or kayaking, giving you a second chance to paddle through a sheltered setting.

I like the contrast with Small Lagoon. You are not simply repeating the same beach stop all day. The two lagoon areas give you time to see the rock formations from the water, swim, and take photographs from different angles.

The crew may also take photos for you. Guides named Mark, Arnold, Jordan, and TJ have received particular praise for friendly service, helpfulness, humor, and photography. Do not assume you will have one of those guides on your departure, but the guide team is a real part of the experience. A good guide can make boarding, kayaking, and group photographs much easier.

One caution: the guiding can be light. The main guide may explain the stops, but some departures feel more like a relaxed boat outing than a detailed nature tour. If you want long talks about geology, wildlife, or local history, this may not satisfy you.

Nat Nat Beach and Paradise Beach

Nat Nat Beach and Paradise Beach are the more open, easygoing parts of the route. The water is shallow in places, the waves are generally calm, and beginners can get in without feeling they need strong swimming skills.

Paradise Beach has been especially good for snorkeling on some departures. You might see plenty of fish close to shore, making this a useful stop even if you do not want to kayak. Nat Nat also offers a chance to swim near marine life.

Conditions can change with weather, tide, and water clarity. No island tour can promise the same underwater view every day, so bring realistic expectations. The stronger point is the variety: you can swim, snorkel, sit on the sand, or take photographs without needing to cover a long distance.

These beaches also help explain why Tour D suits a mixed group. Experienced swimmers can snorkel, while beginners can stay in shallow water. If you are pregnant, use a wheelchair, or have a mobility impairment, this tour is not considered suitable.

Bukal Island and the less predictable stops

Bukal Island is included among the route’s main stops, along with other beach or lagoon areas that may be named differently depending on the day. The written route highlights up to three sandy beaches and two lagoons, but actual stop names can vary.

That flexibility is part of the charm and part of the uncertainty. One departure included Pasandigan Beach, where tropical rain arrived during the final stop. Rather than ending the day badly, the group enjoyed swimming and playing in the rain. Weather is often part of the experience in Palawan, and a light shower may simply change the mood of the afternoon.

Not every stop will feel equally special. One person found the first stop unremarkable and suggested using that time for another location. That is fair criticism. El Nido’s famous lagoons and rock formations set a high bar, so a small beach stop can feel ordinary by comparison.

You may also find that the tour leaves you with extra time at a lagoon or beach. Some people will appreciate the slower pace. If you prefer more stops and constant sightseeing, Tour D may feel slightly underfilled.

Lunch, swimming, and what is included

A packed lunch is included, and food has been one of the strongest practical points of the day. Meals have included chicken, seafood, and a variety of side dishes, with enough for everyone to eat well.

That matters because a seven-hour boat trip is tiring when lunch is small or poorly timed. Here, the meal provides a proper break between swimming and boat travel. You should still bring cash for drinks or personal purchases, since those are not listed as included.

The package includes a licensed guide, boat transport, entry fees other than the specific charges listed separately, life vests, and lunch. Aqua shoes, fins, and kayaks are not included.

Plastic bottles are not allowed, so do not arrive with a disposable bottle. Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen, and cash. Aqua shoes may be useful around rocky entries, but they must be rented or brought separately.

The real price of a $23 island day

At $23 per person, Tour D is strong value for a full day on the water. Your basic cost covers the boat, guide, lunch, life vest, and most tour arrangements. For a seven-hour outing in one of Palawan’s most scenic areas, that is an appealing starting price.

The advertised figure is not the final amount for most people. You must pay the El Nido Tourism Development Fee, also called the environmental fee, of 400 PHP before boarding unless you have already paid it. Keep the receipt and show it to the guide so you do not pay twice.

Small Lagoon costs another 200 PHP. Kayaking at Small Lagoon and Cadlao Lagoon is extra, with the listed estimate at about 350 PHP per person per kayak. Add those costs before comparing Tour D with another package.

For someone who wants to kayak at both lagoons, the extras can become a noticeable part of the budget. For someone happy to swim, snorkel, and stay on the beach, Tour D remains quite affordable.

Timing, weather, and comfort on the boat

The activity lasts about seven hours, but the exact start time depends on availability. Delays are possible. One boat had a mechanical problem and left about an hour late, while another start was simply described as late.

A delayed departure can have one odd benefit: your boat may reach the stops after other groups have moved on. That happened on one delayed trip, helping the group find quieter sites. You should not count on that outcome, but it shows how timing can affect crowd levels.

Expect sun, salt water, and a fair amount of movement. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, so bring only what you need for the day. The tour returns to the same meeting area at the end.

Who should book Tour D?

I would choose this tour if you want a slower mix of lagoons, beaches, snorkeling, and kayaking rather than a nonstop checklist. It is especially good for people who have already seen Tour A and want a quieter second day, or for anyone who wants to avoid the busiest route.

It also works well for mixed abilities. Calm, shallow beach water gives beginners an easier place to swim, while stronger swimmers can look for fish farther out. Couples, small groups, and people who enjoy taking photographs should find plenty to like.

I would hesitate if you need exact departure times, detailed commentary at every stop, or a highly polished meeting process. The experience is practical and fun, but it can feel improvised. If you dislike paying add-on fees or renting gear locally, calculate the complete price first.

Should you book El Nido Tour D?

Book it if Small Lagoon, quieter beaches, and a relaxed pace sound better than joining the busiest island route. The combination of clear water, good snorkeling, generous lunch, and friendly crew makes this one of the better-value ways to spend a day around El Nido.

Plan for extra fees, bring cash, and accept that the first meeting point may be messy. If you can handle a little local-style uncertainty, Tour D gives you plenty of water time and a good chance of finding quieter corners around Cadlao Island and the nearby beaches.

FAQ

How long does El Nido Tour D last?

The tour lasts about seven hours. Starting times vary, so you need to check availability when booking.

Where does the tour meet?

The meeting point is Marber’s Beach Club. The boat returns to the same meeting area at the end of the day.

What places does Tour D visit?

The route includes Small Lagoon, Cadlao Island, Nat Nat Beach, Paradise Beach, and Bukal Island. The exact beach stops may vary, and the tour visits up to three beaches and two lagoons.

Is kayaking included?

No. Kayaks are available to rent, with the listed cost at about 350 PHP per person per kayak at Small Lagoon and Cadlao Lagoon.

What extra fees should I budget for?

The El Nido Tourism Development Fee is 400 PHP, and Small Lagoon entry is 200 PHP. These are not included in the $23 tour price. Show your environmental-fee receipt if you have already paid it.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A packed lunch is included, and meals may include chicken, seafood, and several side dishes.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users or pregnant women?

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