One of the best-known destinations when traveling to the Philippines lies north of the beautiful island of Palawan. El Nido isn’t exactly a town you’d call pretty or charming, but when it comes to things to do in El Nido, its secret is only revealed by boat or kayak: the Bacuit Archipelago.
This group of karst islands leaves every traveler who makes it here open-mouthed, with hidden lagoons, paradise-like white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, colorful reefs, and jaw-dropping, one-of-a-kind scenery. Still, there’s much more to see and do in El Nido and, at Travel Around the Philippines, where we’ve been enjoying this corner of the country since 2010, we want to tell you everything.
Is El Nido overcrowded?
Traveler to traveler, we have to warn you that El Nido has changed a lot in recent years. Over roughly the last 10 years, its surge in popularity has made it a slightly crowded destination, though not to the same extremes as other tourist hot spots in Thailand, for example. The number of agencies, hotels, shops, and restaurants has grown exponentially without any real planning, and it can feel a bit chaotic. In fact, certain measures were introduced in 2018 that tried (with mixed success) to minimize tourism’s impact in the area—and you may have landed here because you found conflicting info that’s left your head spinning.
All that said, we visit El Nido frequently and it’s a place we’ll always go back to. This very 2025 we did all the tours again (A, B, C, and D) and we were COMPLETELY ALONE at most of their stops. No matter how much of the Philippines we know, the grandeur of its landscapes is undeniable and, to be 100% honest with you, they’re more impressive than those of Coron.
We’ve also done a motorbike route through northern Palawan starting from El Nido and can confirm we barely saw anyone—and, for example, we spent a couple of nights in Nacpan and enjoyed the beach as if it were ours. What we want to say is that El Nido is an incredible place and there are ways to enjoy it. So when people decide to skip it because they’ve heard it’s crowded, it grates on us. Obviously, it’s one of the most famous destinations in the Philippines, but avoiding it just because it’s popular seems like a mistake.
Because nothing beats a friendly tip, we’re going to recommend things to do in El Nido so you can enjoy this wonderful place calmly. We’ll not only give you advice on how to do the famous island hoppings (we’ve done them many times), but also talk about a few less-visited beaches and extra activities that might suit you. Let’s go!
How many days do you need in El Nido, and what itinerary can you follow?
We believe the minimum number of days needed to visit El Nido, Palawan, is 4. If you spend 4 full days (not counting travel days), you can devote at least a couple of days to island hopping, another to discovering the beaches we’ll talk about below (especially Nacpan Beach and Las Cabañas), and another to relaxing, to another activity (like kayaking), or as a “buffer” in case of bad weather.
In other words, a possible 4-day El Nido itinerary would be:
- Day 1: island hopping A. If you arrive in time, you can go watch the sunset at Las Cabañas.
- Day 2: island hopping C. Same as the previous day, you can head to Las Cabañas, Corong Corong, or Lio Beach for sunset.
- Day 3: day trip to beaches such as Nacpan, Duli, Lio, and Las Cabañas.
- Day 4: day to book diving, kayak to 7 Commandos and other beaches, or another island hopping.
If you have less time, 3 full days can be enough; in that case, we’d stick to the first 3 days above. If on one day you arrive around 9:00–12:00 in the morning (for example), since tours leave early, we’d rent a motorbike or a tricycle with driver to go to Nacpan, Duli, and Lio to make better use of your time. If you arrive a little later, you can always go to Las Cabañas and then watch the sunset there.
That said, if you have doubts about how to organize yourself, you can leave us a comment below and we’ll gladly help.
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What to see and do in El Nido – 2025 Guide
Without beating around the bush, here are the best activities to do in El Nido and, more importantly, how to do them so you enjoy them to the fullest.
1. Island hopping in El Nido
It would be pointless to go to El Nido and not do an island hopping. As the name suggests, these are day boat trips that “hop between the islands” of the Bacuit Archipelago. They combine lagoons hidden among towering limestone walls, caves, beaches, sandbars, and snorkeling spots that have made El Nido famous worldwide—and it would be a shame to miss them.
You can read all the information you need about these excursions in Island hopping in El Nido, our extensive, detailed guide to this activity.
As soon as you reach town and see the beach packed with boats, you’ll realize that what you came to do in El Nido is exactly what everyone else does. In El Nido Town you’ll find dozens of agencies offering the same tours. They’re all quite similar in price (between 1,200 and 1,400 pesos per person, sometimes negotiable if you book multiple tours) and in service. The typical features of El Nido tours are:
- They usually depart around 9:00–9:30 and return around 16:00. If they’re private (which we recommend), they leave at 7:00 or whenever you want. The starting point is usually El Nido Town beach or the agency itself.
- Tours are canceled if the coast guard says so, which is usually at 7:00 a.m. the same day. This tends to happen when rough seas or wind are forecast. Sometimes only tours to the farther points (usually C) are canceled.
- They include a meal consisting of fish, some chicken, cucumber-and-tomato salad, rice, sauces, and fruit. Note that since 2023, cooking on board is no longer allowed as before, due to a measure to minimize the food poisonings that had been occurring for years; instead, food now comes prepared. Some agencies now offer a tray prepared by local restaurants.
- They carry a tank with drinking water and some soft drinks like Coca-Cola or the Filipino “Fanta.” If you want alcohol, you can buy it in advance or from kayak vendors at the usual lunch beaches.
- Lunch is usually on a beach, though sometimes it’s on the boat itself.
- They include a mask and snorkel and, sometimes, a towel. As we mention in The Philippines Packing List: What to bring, it doesn’t hurt to bring your own snorkeling gear (for hygiene and condition) and some water shoes. The latter are particularly useful here.
- Besides the crew, there’s an English-speaking guide who explains a few details of the trip and keeps time. If you don’t speak good English, don’t worry. Don’t expect long speeches about the place—just enjoy nature.
- On top of the tour price you need to add an environmental fee, the Eco Tourist Development Fee, of 400 pesos. This fee is valid for 5 days, so if you’re doing more than one island hopping in El Nido, ask for the receipt so you don’t have to pay it again.
- For certain stops (basically to enter the lagoons) you must rent a kayak, which isn’t included in El Nido tour prices. Ask your agency in any case.
Remember this: the key to enjoying El Nido is to do a PRIVATE TOUR with a good company. We’ll talk about this below, but if you need a good contact, leave us a comment and we’ll send you all the info.
There are 4 different tours in El Nido called tours A, B, C, and D. The difference between them is the stops they visit, which are usually grouped by area. We’ve done them all several times, and here’s what they’re like.
One thing to consider: in 2018 a tour regulation was implemented in El Nido that limits the number of people and boats that can enter two places: Small Lagoon (tour D) and Big Lagoon (tour A). To visit them, you must pay an additional fee of 200 pesos (each) and make a reservation in advance. It’s also mandatory to rent a kayak to visit them (not included in the tour price, 300 for a 2‑seater and 350 for a 3‑seater).
Tours in El Nido
Because they’re so similar, choosing the best El Nido tour is the hardest task.
Tour A
This is our favorite El Nido tour because of its spectacular scenery. It’s the most photogenic, as it visits the two most beautiful lagoons (crystal-clear pools surrounded by El Nido’s signature karst walls) and a beach we love: Seven Commandos.
Places visited on El Nido’s Tour A:
- Big Lagoon El Nido
- Payong Payong Beach
- Secret Lagoon
- Shimizu Island
- 7 Commando Beach
Price: 1,200 pesos + 200 pesos for Big Lagoon
Book Tour A on KLOOK for just 950 pesos
Tour B
Less popular but equally beautiful, the star of this tour is Snake Island, a huge sandbar you can admire from a small hill. You also make more snorkeling stops.
Places visited on El Nido’s Tour B:
- Entalula Island
- Snake Island
- Popolkan Rock
- Snake Island
- Cudugnon or Cathedral Cave
- Some snorkeling spot
Price: 1,300 pesos
Book your Tour B here for just 1,300 pesos
Tour C
Along with Tour A, this is the best-known and our second favorite. You’ll visit smaller, almost secret-feeling enclosures that, once you enter, simply leave you speechless. One of them is the famous Secret Beach, which inspired Alex Garland’s novel “The Beach,” internationally known for the film starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
There are also stops for snorkeling such as Star Beach or Helicopter Island. Add to that the fact that Hidden Beach (the one in the photo below) is among the most incredible beaches we’ve ever seen, and you’re set.
Places visited on El Nido’s Tour C:
- Helicopter Island
- Hidden Beach
- Secret Beach
- Talisay Beach
- Hidden Beach
Price: 1,400 pesos
You can book Tour C here for just 1,200 pesos
Check out this island hopping on Civitatis
Tour D
This is the least interesting tour in terms of “landscapes,” but the one where you can enjoy more time on the beautiful beaches to see in El Nido. Even so, with the recent changes and the inclusion of Small Lagoon (formerly on Tour A), we think it’s a great option.
Places visited on El Nido’s Tour D:
- Small Lagoon El Nido
- Cadlao Lagoon
- Nat Nat Beach
- Paradise Beach
- Serenity Beach
Price: 1,200 pesos + 200 pesos for Small Lagoon
Read reviews and book your Tour D
Here’s a map to give you an idea of where El Nido’s tours are located.
Which El Nido tour should you choose?
In our opinion—and in that of many travelers who’ve told us—the best tours in El Nido are A and C.
If you have two days to devote to these excursions, do both, one per day. Previously, most companies offered combinations of them, usually A+B, A+C, or C+D. However, after the new regulation many companies are reluctant (we can advise you on how and with whom to do it) and don’t even offer it. What is possible is to tweak the itinerary a bit with a private tour.
The most important thing of all is: DO A PRIVATE TOUR. Why? Because unfortunately the tourism boom has reached El Nido and that means everyone’s in the same place at the same time, so you may not enjoy it as you deserve—or even leave horrified. Plus, having around 30 people per boat isn’t unusual…
If you book a private tour, you have a much better chance of deciding where to go and how long to stay in most places. You can go at different times and thus avoid crowds. It’s more expensive, since prices are around 10,000–12,000 pesos for a boat from 4 people (if there are more of you, a bit more is added, though the per-person price goes down), but believe us, it’s worth it. Some travelers also do combinations of destinations and add either Small or Big Lagoon, depending on their reservation. In short, you have more freedom.
Need a private tour contact in El Nido? Leave us a comment on this article and we’ll give you all the details for our super trustworthy, very family-run agency we’ve used for years.
Alternative to the traditional tours in El Nido: speedboat
With so much tourism, you also have the option to do the tours by speedboat. These are much smaller and the tours are more expensive, but obviously they reach everywhere much faster. You’ll see them advertised at different local agencies, but the best-known company is this one.
As you can see, it’s a shared tour of about 3–4 hours, which lets you do other things in the afternoon. The first variant (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays) includes Big Lagoon, Shimizu, Star Beach (they own the beach and are the only ones who visit it), Hidden Beach, and Seven Commandos. The second (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays) includes Cadlao Lagoon, Helicopter Island, Star Beach, Small Lagoon, and Papaya Beach.
2. Beaches to visit around El Nido
You’ll soon notice that the town beaches aren’t at all paradise-like. On the contrary, the water is often a bit murky and swimming isn’t appealing with so many moored boats. However, the list of things to see and do in El Nido doesn’t end with island hopping—there are gorgeous beaches to visit that will win you over instantly.
Discover the best beaches in El Nido (without island hopping)
a) Nacpan Beach, one of the best beaches to see in El Nido
If you only have time to visit one beach in El Nido, we think it should be this one. Located north of town, it takes about 40 minutes to get there, where you’ll find a huge beach lined with coconut trees and bathed by clear, turquoise waters.
You could spend the whole day at Nacpan Beach (and, in fact, there are hotels to stay the night and, if you have days to spare, don’t hesitate to stay one because you’ll love it). There are loungers and a few beach bars/hotels to eat or sip a fresh coconut. Plus, it faces west, so sunsets tend to be fabulous.
We recommend walking to the northern end of the beach, where you’ll always find a little spot to be by yourself, and then to the south, where the two beaches meet.
Heads up: on one of our visits to Nacpan Beach we got dozens of bites from sandflies (nik nik for Filipinos). Over the years we’ve found that some people are much more prone than others. In any case, it’s better to use mosquito repellent or, even better, coconut oil to deter them. If you’ve already been bitten, go to the pharmacy and buy calamine lotion, a white lotion that will soothe the itching.
How to get there
To get to Nacpan from El Nido, you have three options:
- Renting a motorbike: rental prices are around 500 pesos for the whole day. Note that if it’s rained a lot in the previous days, the last stretch to Nacpan Beach can be tricky because it gets very muddy. We also have a motorbike rental contact in El Nido for 450 pesos—or 400 if you rent several days. Leave us a comment and we’ll pass it along! They’re lovely girls and, most importantly, VERY RELIABLE.
- Hiring a tricycle: you can negotiate the price with the driver, but it’s usually about 1,200 pesos round trip. A tricycle fits about 4 or 5 people.
- Booking a transfer with an agency: from El Nido, vans depart roughly every hour to Nacpan Beach. The round trip costs 700 pesos per person.
- Doing the so‑called INLAND TOUR (land tour): a shared tour that takes you to several beaches accessible by land; it’s a good idea if you don’t drive or want to save a bit, since it includes lunch. You can book it here.
b) Las Cabañas (Maremegmeg Beach) and its famous zipline
Las Cabañas or Maremegmeg Beach (now also known as Vanilla Beach) is one of the most beautiful beaches to see in El Nido. It’s just 15 minutes from town and has a great vibe. It lost its virgin feel some years ago and now has a few bars, the odd hotel, and a new mall with a McDonald’s at the entrance, but it’s much quieter than El Nido Town beach. Las Cabañas is an ideal place to watch the sunset in El Nido, with the sun dipping behind the lovely islets of the Bacuit Archipelago.
If you’re into adrenaline, there’s a zipline 1.4 kilometers long that runs from the beach to Depeldet Islet. The price is 600 one way and 1,100 round trip, and we advise patience because the usual wait is at least an hour in line. Since it opens at 8:30, if you can be there around 8:00, even better. Otherwise, it’s best to go at lunchtime, though note they stop between 12:00 and 13:00.
To get to the beach, you can go on your own motorbike or by tricycle. These usually charge about 150 pesos for the ride and fit up to 4–5 people. On the way back you’ll find them waiting outside the mall.
Travel Around the Philippines tips: try to visit at high tide, because at low tide it looks much less appealing. That said, the section next to the mall is always fairly deep, so you can always swim. Check the tide times here.
Also, if you prefer having the beach to yourself, we recommend walking toward “Maregmegmeg Corner” (you’ll see it labeled that way on Google Maps and we’ve marked it on the El Nido map below). The beach is shallower there and swimming is less comfortable, but honestly it’s worth it. It’s exactly the area in this photo:
c) Duli Beach, perfect if you want to surf in El Nido (even as a beginner)
This beautiful 2‑kilometer beach lies even farther north than Nacpan Beach, so a great El Nido day out is to combine the two. The motorbike ride between them takes about 30 minutes.
You can sit back and enjoy this wild, paradise landscape or opt to go surfing. Duli Beach is the best spot to get on a board and tame some waves. Several shops rent surfboards for 250 pesos per hour and 600 pesos if you need an instructor. There are also a few beach bars and a couple of resorts.
Want to adventure a bit more? Keep heading north and check out Verde Safari Beach (watch the road conditions…), Bucana, Sibaltan, and Mariposa Beach—hardly known beaches to see in El Nido.
d) Lio Beach (relax and sunsets)
This is one of our latest discoveries among the beaches to see in El Nido. It’s just 15 minutes from the town center and has a few high-end resorts, yet it’s usually much quieter than the other beaches near town.
To get there, go by motorbike or tricycle for around 250 pesos. Entrance is free and there are free loungers to sit on. There are also several restaurants, so it’s a good spot for lunch or to while away a few hours. It’s also positioned for sunset.
Curiously, Lio is right next to El Nido Airport, so you’ll see AirSwift planes up close. Don’t worry—it’s not dangerous, nor are there so many flights a day that it becomes a nuisance. However, flying drones is forbidden for safety reasons.
e) Corong Corong Beach (sunset/drinks/dinner)
Although Corong Corong Beach isn’t one of our favorites (swimming is tricky, especially at low tide), it’s worth strolling to discover this very peaceful place near El Nido. This is the trendy area to stay during your time in El Nido because it’s calmer, there’s a better selection of beachfront accommodation, and, above all, you get incredible sunsets. No wonder people are starting to call it Sunset Beach.
f) Seven Commandos
As a bonus track, if you’ve got a free day in El Nido, a great idea is to spend it at Seven Commandos Beach. Although this beach is usually part of the Tour A island hopping, if you visit outside the docking hours of those boats (typically about 14:00–16:00), you can have it almost to yourself.
In our opinion, it’s a fabulous beach. There are lovely palm trees for shade, a small bar with cold beers, a snorkeling area, and, above all, a stunning panoramic view over the rest of the Bacuit Archipelago. Plus, because it’s fairly deep, it’s always perfect for swimming.
To get there, you can go by kayak (below we tell you what other stops you can combine it with) or, if you’re lucky—because it’s getting harder—by hiring a bangka. They usually charge about 700 pesos round trip for the whole boat from Corong Corong Beach. Head to the beach and agree on a pickup time.
3. Kayaking in El Nido
Tired of so many tours? A great thing to do in El Nido for those who want to step off the usual routes is to rent a kayak and explore a few pretty nearby beaches. Rental is around 500 pesos for a full day and can be done at Corong Corong Beach, which is the departure point we recommend.
If you want to take it easy, you can visit the following spots in a day:
- Lapus Lapus Beach (sometimes known as Yoga Beach)
- Papaya Beach
- Seven Commandos Beach (it’s usually quiet until 14:00)
If you’re up for paddling and got an early start, you can continue to the following:
- Ipil 2 Beach
- Ipil Ipil Beach
- Nat Nat Beach
- Paradise Beach
These last two beaches are more accessible from El Nido Town, and we only recommend going if you’re quite experienced with a kayak and ready for a workout. Keep in mind that from midday onward there’s usually more swell/wind, so if you can start early, even better. Don’t forget a dry bag to keep your things from getting wet.
If you want a good-value rental contact, leave us a comment and we’ll send you the info.
Here’s a map showing the kayak route you can do in El Nido:
4. Diving in El Nido
Although El Nido isn’t one of the very best diving destinations in the Philippines, there are indeed nice dive sites where you can enjoy marine life. In the Bacuit Archipelago you’ll find around 15 sites with reef, wall, and the odd interesting tunnel dives. What might you see underwater? Turtles, manta rays, nudibranchs… If you have experience, The Tunnel is a top dive, although keep in mind sea conditions need to be very good because of the type of entry.
The best season for diving in El Nido is from April to December. The best visibility (10 to 30 meters) is usually from April to June. In addition, the dives aren’t usually very demanding, so it’s a good place for beginners (you can get your Open Water in a couple of days by doing the theory online—you can see it here) or for people who want to do a discover scuba dive. If you’ve already logged more dives, you might prefer to save your budget for more spectacular spots like the ones we cover in Diving in the Philippines.
If diving is on your list of things to do in El Nido, be aware you’ll need to dedicate a full day of your trip. Trips run daily from about 8:00 to 15:00 with 2 or 3 dives. Prices are around 6,000 pesos for 3 dives, including equipment rental and lunch.
Book a discover scuba dive HERE
If you’re certified, book this full‑day trip
Get your Open Water certification HERE
By the way, if you want to go a bit further, it’s also possible to dive on the other coast of Palawan, in Sibaltan, about an hour by land from El Nido. We stayed here several days, though it’s also feasible to do it as a day trip—and you can see manta rays (we did). You can book your dives here.
5. Watching the sunset in El Nido
It may sound like filler, but believe us: one of the best things to do in El Nido is to enjoy one of its sunsets. We don’t know exactly why, but we’ve always fallen in love with this corner of the world at dusk. The sky turns golden, pink, purple—sometimes even deep red.
The best places to catch a great El Nido sunset are:
- Corong Corong Beach
- Las Cabañas
- Lio Beach
- On the far right side of El Nido Town, where you’ll also find beer and cocktail happy hours. The photo below is from this exact area.
You can read much more in our article The best places to watch the sunset in El Nido.
6. Escape to Darocotan or Sibaltan
One of our latest discoveries in Palawan is the small island of Darocotan, located just 45 minutes from El Nido and the perfect counterpoint to a destination as touristy as El Nido Town. If you want to feel like a castaway, sleep in seafront huts (just take a look at these or these to see what we mean), enjoy great snorkeling and, most importantly, picture‑perfect beaches, then you should definitely add one or two nights on this island to your list of things to do in El Nido.
Sound good? You’ll find everything in detail in our Darocotan Guide.
Another destination that might suit you is Sibaltan, an hour by road from El Nido. It offers quiet beaches, kitesurfing (in season), manta diving, and a really cool island hopping that no one else does. In fact, it’s possible to combine Darocotan with Sibaltan over a few days. You can read more in What to do in Sibaltan.
7. El Nido–Coron Expedition (or vice versa)
This is something that blows us away, and we don’t hesitate to recommend it and book as soon as possible, since more and more travelers are going for it: the Expedition from El Nido to Coron, or vice versa.
It’s a 4 days/3 nights journey between El Nido and Coron (or the other way around), stopping at deserted islands, sleeping in beach huts, enjoying phenomenal snorkeling, and switching off completely, as the crew takes care of absolutely everything—including preparing what will likely be the best meals of your whole trip.
Bear in mind that the main companies operating the route—because the sea tends to be rougher from August to October—only run it from mid‑October to mid‑July. In our article El Nido–Coron Expedition we tell you more.
If you still want to do it in August and September, or you’re looking for a slightly shorter experience (3 days/2 nights) or something more budget‑friendly, we recommend checking out this company. They’ve given us a code for a 5% discount: TRAVELPHILIPPINES.
8. Taraw Via Ferrata (formerly Taraw Cliff)
We must have been among the last people allowed to do the route up to Taraw Cliff before it was banned—and rightly so. They used to let you climb to the top of the karst mountain in El Nido Town, but the path was extremely dangerous and there were multiple accidents, so it was prohibited. For that reason, we’ve had to remove it from this list of things to see in El Nido.
Even so, there’s now a much less dangerous alternative: the Canopy Walk or El Nido Via Ferrata Canopy Walk—a route over much safer bridges. Although it’s at a lower elevation and the views are a bit less dramatic, it’s definitely more worthwhile than the previous option (and you won’t be risking your life). The usual price is 430 pesos per person. You can add the dreamcatcher section, which is even more photogenic. The experience takes about 45 minutes, in case you want to plan other things to visit in El Nido the same day.
Book the Canopy Walk for just 375 pesos (cheaper than at the ticket office)
9. Waterfalls to see in El Nido: Bulalacao Falls and Nagkalit‑Kalit
Missing a bit of fresh water? Another thing to do in El Nido is to visit the waterfalls in the surrounding area. We only recommend visiting if you’re in the mood for something different from the beach, as they aren’t the best waterfalls in the Philippines and, on top of that, it’s all become a bit of a show because both require a mandatory guide, which makes the experience poorer value for money.
- Bulalacao Falls: about 20′ from town heading toward Sibaltan. Once you reach the parking area, it’s roughly a 30′ hike crossing 5 rivers (not very deep—don’t worry). You’ll have to pay entrance and a guide and, depending on who you get, it will cost between 300 and 400 pesos per person. In our opinion, these are prettier than Nagkalit‑Kalit.
- Nagkalit‑Kalit: also about 20′ from El Nido Town heading toward Nacpan Beach—and you won’t miss it because there are signs almost everywhere urging you to stop. The reason? Each stop charges an entrance fee and a guide, which you don’t really need because the trail is quite straightforward, though it’s true it’s about a 20′ walk and you have to cross 9 small rivers. The price depends on where you stop, but the most common is around 400 pesos per person for the entrance and guide service.
Other things to see and do in El Nido
So as not to go on too long, we’ve grouped together other things to do and places to visit in El Nido for those looking to go further or for different kinds of experiences:
- El Nido Town: it isn’t a particularly pretty town, but it’s true it has improved over the years. Make the most of the huge selection of restaurants, bars, shops, and tattoo studios. At night, part of Hama Street is closed to traffic and that’s where most travelers gather. They also set up more stalls.
- Massages in El Nido: absolutely—there are tons of places to treat yourself here at lower prices. You’ll see them from 500–600 pesos per hour, and of course there are more upscale options. Ones we’ve tried and can recommend are The Organic Spa and Sunset Relaxing Spa.
- Go out for a bit of a party: together with Siargao, El Nido is one of the liveliest places to grab a drink. The bars that are usually most happening are Amigos and Tribu Kuridas, and there’s often a party at Lio Beach or Las Cabañas during the full moon.
- Jeepney Tour: if you’re traveling solo or in a group and want a fun day meeting people, there’s also this tour, which takes you to Lio Beach and Nacpan Beach, lets you enjoy an authentic Filipino meal (the so‑called boodle fight), visit a farm, and relax at a beach club. You can book it here.
- See turtles hatch in El Nido: yes—at both Duli Beach and Bucana (also Mariposa, Dagmay, and Diapila, though they’re harder to see) a little over 250 green and hawksbill turtles lay eggs each year, so with some luck—since this can’t be predicted—you may see them hatch and/or make for the sea between January and May (most often between January and March) on those beaches. To protect them (as dogs and cats often prey on them), several accommodations have built turtle hatcheries and, when the eggs hatch, they release many of them at once. The one most active in this regard is this one, so if this is a big wish for you, we recommend spending one or two nights there or at places in the Bucana area (this one is top). Otherwise, you can always ask around when visiting these beaches. We were lucky enough to witness this on our last visit to Bucana, and it was one of the most exciting moments we’ve lived in the Philippines—but obviously it was pure chance, as we discovered one had just hatched in our hotel’s hatchery.
- Ille Cave: this is something almost no one realizes you can do in El Nido, but if you’re after something different, you’ll like it. It’s a karst mountain that houses a 60‑meter‑deep cave full of bats and fossilized marine creatures. There’s a small museum at the entrance with artifacts found there. Admission is 350 pesos for the entire group, which is pretty good. For planning, it’ll take about 40 minutes to get there from El Nido Town. If you want even more adventure, you can climb to the top of the mountain and enjoy the views, but keep in mind you’ll need proper footwear, to be in decent shape, and to set aside roughly an hour and a half. In this case, the guide fee is 500 pesos.
- Dewil Eco Mangrove Tour: we think it’s a cool thing to do in El Nido with kids or if you’re looking for something different from the beach. It’s past the cave mentioned above and consists of a small‑boat ride through the mangroves while they share information about local flora and fauna. With luck you’ll see monkeys, snakes, and various bird species. It costs 550 pesos per person and includes a coconut. If you pay extra (1,200 pesos per person), they’ll also take you to a snorkeling area that’s pretty good. It’s organized in a way that supports the entire community, which we find really interesting. Allow a little over an hour’s travel from El Nido Town; the tour itself lasts between 1 and 2 hours, depending on the option you choose.
- Relax at the pool: if your hotel doesn’t have a pool and you want a few hours’ soak, you’ll be glad to know you can use the one at La Plage restaurant or at Las Cabanas Beach Resort. Obviously you’ll need to order something, but it’s worth it.
- Shopping in El Nido: in town you’ll find stalls selling the usual souvenir T‑shirts, dry bags, and more. If you’re after something more special, we suggest heading to Kalye Artisano in Lio Beach, as they have handicrafts. Another recent discovery is a small workshop roughly here that makes items from nipa (a palm typical of the Philippines)—bags, lamps, etc. For fruit and veg, you’ll find variety at the public market opposite the bus and van terminal.
- Mt. Mansilawit: if you want to stretch your legs, this mountain north of El Nido (you’ll spot it quickly on the way to Nacpan Beach thanks to its distinctive shape) offers lovely views from the summit. The ascent takes between 1.5 and 2 hours and requires good footwear. You need to hire a guide (done on the spot roadside) and it costs 500 pesos—a fair price considering the effort put into making and maintaining the trail.
Tips for visiting El Nido
Here are some tips for visiting El Nido from our own travels that will help you get the most out of your trip:
- WITHDRAWING CASH: there have been ATMs for years; however, they sometimes stop working or, during peak tourist periods, run out of cash—and every time you withdraw 10,000–20,000 pesos, they all charge a 250‑peso fee. Because of this, the best option is Remitly, which not only doesn’t charge fees, but with our link you get a better exchange rate and $10 free. There are several pawnshops in both El Nido Town and Corong Corong (this one, this one, or this one are some locations). Believe us—although it may sound odd, this is the best way to get cash in the Philippines, and thousands of travelers have done it this way. Check our article on money in the Philippines for more information.
- EXCHANGING MONEY: opposite Angel Wish restaurant on Serena St., there’s a small exchange booth that usually offers a decent rate.
- FOOD SAFETY: be very careful with food and drinks in El Nido. In recent years there have been cases of food poisoning due to contaminated water. Always drink bottled water and, if you can, brush your teeth with bottled water. We also recommend trying to eat at restaurants that look hygienic. If you get sick, contact your insurance and be very careful with dehydration. We’ve never had any issues at the places we recommend in Best restaurants in El Nido.
- HEALTHCARE: medical services in El Nido are fairly basic (we’ve marked them on the map below) and you’ll have to be taken to Puerto Princesa—4 hours away—if you need a hospital. We stress the importance of having a good travel insurance for the Philippines.
- WHAT TO BRING: remember to pack in your The Philippines Packing List: What to bring some water shoes and a sturdy dry bag—you’ll miss them during the island hoppings. It’s highly advisable to bring plenty of sunscreen (ideally reef‑safe) or clothing that protects you from the sun. Why? One of the most common scams in the Philippines (especially in Palawan) is selling you body lotion in sunscreen bottles, leaving you badly sunburned…
- BOOK ACCOMMODATION IN ADVANCE: El Nido is one of the most touristy places in the Philippines and value for money is low, so if you don’t book early you’ll be left with the worst options. Below we share our favorite places.
- IT’S WISE TO BOOK THE CORON–EL NIDO FERRY DURING BUSY TIMES: at times like Christmas, Easter, and peak season (April/May) it’s often difficult. You can book from this link.
- TAKE ADVANTAGE AND VISIT NEARBY DESTINATIONS: if you can, pair your El Nido trip with the nearby town of Port Barton—we promise you’ll fall in love with it. Another great alternative is Darocotan, and, as we mentioned, the El Nido–Coron Expedition is one of the best things we’ve done in the Philippines (and we’ve done quite a few xD).
- RESPONSIBILITY: please be a responsible traveler: try not to generate waste and be careful when snorkeling. Don’t stand on coral, don’t touch marine life, and don’t take starfish out of the water. It’s also important to respect locals, not haggle over a few cents, and remember that we are the visitors.
Where to stay
Deciding where to stay is trickier than you think. There are different areas to choose from, and you’ll like some more than others depending on your travel style. In Where to stay in El Nido, Best resorts in El Nido, and Best hostels in El Nido we give you tons of information, but here’s a small selection:
- Best hostel for backpackers: Spin Designer Inn
- Best value for money: South Anchorage Inn
- A little luxury: Maligaya Beach Bungalows
How to get there
Eager to arrive? In this article you’ll find up‑to‑date information on how to get to El Nido from different parts of the Philippines. We can already tell you that El Nido has a small airport receiving flights mainly from Manila, Clark, Cebu, Coron, and Bohol, but they’re a bit pricey, so it’s usually cheaper to fly to Puerto Princesa and then take a van (5 hours) to El Nido.
You can also get there by van from Port Barton and by ferry (or by plane) from Coron. Plus, you can do the Coron–El Nido Expedition we mentioned if you want a top experience and have several days.
When to visit El Nido
The best time to visit El Nido and enjoy all its attractions is during the dry season, which we already cover in our article on the best time to travel to the Philippines. In Palawan’s case, this runs from December to May, with the driest months being February, March, and April.
During August, September, October, and November, El Nido can be affected by the Habagat rains and winds, the southwest monsoon. This means cloudier skies and, sometimes, rain and winds that occasionally cause sea excursions to be canceled—especially Tour C, which involves more navigation.
Either way, if you’re thinking of visiting El Nido in the rainy season, don’t worry. As we always say, the wet season doesn’t mean it will rain nonstop. Showers are usually occasional unless there’s a weather event like a tropical storm or typhoon. To check if that’s happening, rely on official pages like Pagasa (the Philippine weather agency) or the Windy app.
We also recommend avoiding peak tourist times such as Christmas (and the weeks leading up to it), Holy Week, Chinese New Year, or the May long weekend. In these cases, besides foreign travelers, you’ll find a lot of domestic tourism that can dampen your trip a bit. If you’re traveling during these periods, we strongly advise booking your accommodation in El Nido as soon as possible (which already doesn’t offer great value for money) and consider spending a bit more on a private excursion to avoid crowds. We talk more about that below.
Where to eat and drink
Since it’s a tourist destination, you won’t be short of options. From cheap carinderias to gourmet‑style spots, plus vegan restaurants that can win over any palate. What’s more, in El Nido you’ll always find a lively atmosphere for a beer (or something stronger) every night. Find all this information (which we update constantly) in Where to eat in El Nido.
How to get around El Nido
El Nido Town is small and you won’t need more than your feet to explore it. If you’re staying in Corong Corong, tricycles usually charge 20 pesos per person to El Nido Town. This is the local fare, but as a tourist they may not want to charge it. Try negotiating 50 pesos for 2 people.
To get to Las Cabañas, the price for a full tricycle (for everyone who fits) is 150 pesos. On the way back, you’ll easily find others at the McDonald’s in the mall.
If you’re making many trips because you plan to visit places like Lio Beach, Nacpan, or Las Cabañas on the same day, it’s well worth it to rent a motorbike in El Nido, especially if there are two of you. Prices are around 500 pesos per day. We have a 100% trustworthy agency contact who usually offers them for 450 pesos or cheaper if you rent for more days. Leave us a comment and we’ll send you all the info.
Be very careful when parking your motorbike in El Nido Town because lately they’ve been issuing lots of fines—clamping wheels and dampening a few hours of your trip (you’ll have to pay 1,000 pesos). It’s important not to ignore the signs and to look for designated areas. There’s a parking lot next to the town hall.
El Nido map
Here’s a map with everything important to see and do in El Nido to help you get your bearings:
Frequently asked questions about El Nido – FAQ
We answer the most common questions when visiting El Nido:
What’s the best time to travel to El Nido?
The best time is from December to May, during the dry season, when the sea is calmer and days are sunny. February, March, and April are the driest months.
How many days do you need to visit El Nido?
Ideally 4 full days, devoting at least 2 to island hopping, 1 to nearby beaches, and 1 to extra activities or relaxing.
Which island hoppings are most recommended in El Nido?
The most popular are Tour A and Tour C for their lagoons, beaches, and spectacular landscapes. If possible, do them privately to avoid crowds and have more freedom.
How much does island hopping cost in El Nido?
Shared tours cost between 1,200 and 1,400 pesos per person, plus the 400‑peso environmental fee (valid for 5 days) and possible additional fees for Big Lagoon or Small Lagoon.
Do you have questions or comments about any of these things to do in El Nido? We’d love to hear them!
