Private El Nido Island Hopping Tours A and C with Entalula Island

Big Lagoon on Miniloc Island

Big Lagoon is the signature sight of El Nido Tour A: a broad sheet of emerald water enclosed by sheer black limestone on Miniloc Island, entered through a narrow channel from the sea. Engines are not allowed inside, so you paddle in by kayak; one two- or three-seat kayak is included for your group. The water shifts from turquoise in the shallows to deep jade where the cliffs close in.

Access is managed with time slots and a user fee paid locally, and with a private speedboat our crew can aim for an early slot when the lagoon is calm and nearly empty. Allow about an hour to paddle, take photos and swim. Is El Nido Big Lagoon worth visiting? It is the classic El Nido image, and arriving early on your own boat makes it truly special.

Matinloc Island: Hidden Beach and Secret Beach

Matinloc is a long, narrow limestone island at the western edge of Bacuit Bay and the heart of El Nido Tour C. Its coastline hides small beaches enclosed by cliffs: Hidden Beach, reached by wading through a gap in the rocks into a cove of white sand and green water, and Secret Beach, entered by swimming through a narrow opening in the rock wall when the sea is calm.

On the island's hilltop stands Matinloc Shrine, a quiet chapel with a viewpoint over the cliffs and the open sea; entry is optional and paid locally. Expect around an hour on Matinloc, depending on how many coves you visit. The best time to visit El Nido for Tour C is the dry season from December to May, when the outer islands are calm.

Snorkelling spots of Tours A and C

Between the lagoons and beaches, your guide picks the best snorkelling spots of the day from the classic routes, such as the reefs around Shimizu Island and Helicopter Island, named for its shape when seen from a distance. Here you float over hard and soft corals with parrotfish, clownfish, angelfish and giant clams, often in water only a few metres deep.

Masks, snorkels and life jackets are provided, and the guide stays close to anyone less confident in the water. Please do not touch or stand on the coral and use reef-safe sunscreen. With a private boat you can stay longer at a reef you love or move on quickly if another boat arrives.

Entalula Island

Entalula Island, usually part of Tour B, is added to this private day for a beach that many consider among the finest in Bacuit Bay: soft white sand at the foot of tall cliffs, clear water and coral close to shore. It is a peaceful place for the picnic lunch prepared for your group, followed by a long swim and some time in the shade.

Lunch is local food such as grilled fish or chicken, rice and fresh fruit, with drinking water. Halal food is limited in El Nido, but fish and vegetable dishes are easy; tell us your needs when booking and we will arrange them. Plan on about an hour and a half here, including lunch.

Why a private speedboat in El Nido

A private El Nido speedboat tour means the boat, captain and guide are reserved only for your group. You choose your start time, from 6:00 to 10:00, and the crew adapts the order of stops to avoid crowds, follow the light and fit the lagoon slot. A speedboat is faster than the traditional outrigger boats, which is how Tours A and C plus Entalula fit into about seven hours.

It is the most comfortable option for families with children, couples and friends who prefer space and flexibility. Please note that the environmental fee and the Big Lagoon fee are mandatory and paid locally, and hotel pickup is not included. Boat trips may be cancelled by the Coast Guard in rough weather, especially from June to November; we move your date if that happens.