El Nido travel guide
Best Things to Do in El Nido
El Nido is famous for island-hopping in the Bacuit Archipelago — 45 limestone karst islands with hidden lagoons, secret beaches and turquoise water. The Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon are the signature sights, reached on boat Tours A–D. Nacpan Beach, a 4km golden twin beach, is the best on the mainland.
What to do in El Nido
El Nido is all about the water: one island-hopping tour per day, a kayak into the lagoons, and a sunset on the beach. Book tours the evening before — they fill up in high season.
The best things to do in El Nido
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Tour A — Big & Small Lagoons · Island hopping
The classic: kayak the Big and Small Lagoons and snorkel Seven Commandos Beach
Area: Bacuit Bay · Time needed: Full day · Cost: ₱1,200–1,600 + ₱200 eco-fee
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Tour C — Hidden & Secret Beaches · Island hopping
Dramatic karsts, Hidden Beach and Helicopter Island
Area: Bacuit Bay · Time needed: Full day · Cost: ₱1,400–1,800 + eco-fee
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Nacpan Beach · Beach
A 4km golden twin beach an hour north — El Nido’s most beautiful sand
Area: Nacpan · Time needed: Half to full day · Cost: Free (₱50 entry); tricycle ₱1,500 return
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Big Lagoon kayak · Kayaking
Paddle through a limestone gateway into a cathedral of still water
Area: Miniloc area · Time needed: 1–2 hours (within Tour A) · Cost: Kayak ~₱300
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Taraw Cliff (via Ferrata) · Viewpoint
A harnessed climb to the best sunrise view over town and bay
Area: El Nido town · Time needed: 2–3 hours · Cost: ₱700–1,000 guided
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Las Cabañas / Corong-Corong · Beach & sunset
The sunset beach with a zipline to a sandbar
Area: Corong-Corong · Time needed: 2–3 hours · Cost: Free
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best things to do in El Nido — FAQs
What is El Nido famous for?
El Nido is famous for island-hopping in the Bacuit Archipelago — 45 limestone karst islands with hidden lagoons, secret beaches and turquoise water. The Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon are the signature sights, reached on boat Tours A–D. Nacpan Beach, a 4km golden twin beach, is the best on the mainland.
Which El Nido tour is best — A, B, C or D?
Tour A is the best first choice in El Nido — it covers the famous Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon plus Seven Commandos Beach. Tour C is the favourite for dramatic karsts and Hidden Beach. Most visitors do two tours (A and C) over two days; Tours B (caves, Snake Island) and D (Cadlao Lagoon) suit a longer stay.
Last reviewed and updated: by the AmazingAsia editorial team. See our editorial policy.