El Nido Island Hopping Tour D with Small Lagoon and Beaches

Small Lagoon, Miniloc Island

The Small Lagoon is the jewel of El Nido Tour D. From the boat you paddle a kayak through a gap in the limestone just wide enough for one boat, and the rock opens into a hidden lagoon ringed by sheer cliffs, with clear turquoise water over white sand. At the back, a small opening in the rock leads to a second, even quieter pool.

Motor boats stay outside and entry is by kayak only, within daily limits set by the El Nido authorities. This option includes kayak hire and the Small Lagoon fee, so you just climb in and paddle for about an hour. Swimming in the lagoon is a highlight, and early arrival usually means calmer water and fewer kayaks.

Cadlao Island and Cadlao Lagoon

Cadlao is the largest island near El Nido town, a great forested mass of limestone whose jagged peak dominates the view from the main beach. On its sheltered side lies Cadlao Lagoon, a calm cove of emerald water surrounded by cliffs and jungle, where the sea is often glass-still even on breezy days. The boat ride from town takes only about fifteen to twenty minutes.

Most boats spend about an hour here, with time to swim, paddle along the walls and float in water so clear you can see the sandy bottom from the kayak. It is one of the most peaceful spots in Bacuit Bay and a favourite with families. Look up to see swiftlets darting along the cliffs.

Paradise Beach

Paradise Beach lies on the far side of Cadlao Island, a small beach of fine white sand framed by rocks and coconut palms and facing clear, turquoise water. Away from the busier stops of other routes, it lives up to its name on calm mornings, when the water is still and the sand is almost empty.

It is a good place to swim, snorkel along the rocks at either end and rest in the shade. On many days the packed lunch is served around here, typically rice, grilled fish or chicken and fruit. Halal-certified food is limited in El Nido, so share your dietary needs with us and we pass them on.

Pasandigan Beach, Natnat Beach and Bukal Island

Tour D includes up to three beach stops, chosen by the guide according to tides, wind and crowds. Pasandigan Beach is a pretty cove on the coast north of El Nido town, with soft sand, big boulders and calm water. Natnat Beach is a long, quiet strip of sand that often feels deserted, and tiny Bukal Island has a small beach and clear shallows.

Each beach stop lasts about thirty to forty-five minutes, long enough to swim and relax. Snorkel gear, fins and water shoes are not part of this option and can be rented in town. Please take all rubbish back to the boat and avoid standing on coral.

Is El Nido Tour D worth it, and best time to visit

Is El Nido Tour D worth it? If you want the lagoons of El Nido without long crossings, it is an excellent choice, and it pairs well with Tour A on another day: Tour A has the Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon, Tour D the Small Lagoon and Cadlao Lagoon. The boat rides are short, and the route stays close to the mainland.

How to get to El Nido: fly to the small El Nido airport (ENI) from Manila or Cebu, or drive about five to six hours from Puerto Princesa. The best time to visit El Nido is December to May. Because it is sheltered, Tour D sometimes runs when other routes are cancelled, but from June to November weather can still stop all boats.