If you’re planning to travel to Philippines, El Nido island hopping is an absolute must do activity. El Nido is located in the stunning Palawan province, and is home to some of the most picturesque islands in the Philippines, each offering unique landscapes and pristine beaches.
For more context, Palawan is the largest province in the Philippines – a true tropical paradise renowned for its stunning natural wonders and beautiful islands. Palawan has a mountainous stretch that runs its entire length and reaches its highest peak at Mount Mantalingajan (a gem for adventure lovers/ hikers). Almost all the islands in Palawan province boast of dramatic limestone cliffs, pristine white-sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs, crystal-clear turquoise waters and diverse marine life – that is all so unique to this area.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, here’s a few of the Islands you must explore during your El Nido island hopping tours:
- The famous Secret Lagoon, big lagoon and small lagoon
- Shimizu Island
- Pinagbuyatan Island
- Cadlao Island (highest island)
- Snake Island
Wondering which tours to take? Check out our reel that has all the El Nido island hopping tours and the places your visit with each tour. We hope that helps!
El Nido has over 45 islands and islets, some of which are not covered by the 4 tour options given by island hopping tour companies, but you can always customize your private tour depending on your travel interests.
To make the most of your Philippines adventure, grab our Palawan travel guide that helps you plan and visit the beautiful islands in this province easily and at your own pace.
When taking the El Nido island hopping tours, prepare to be picked from the local beach at El Nido – where all the boat tours take off for your day trip (or half day trip). Depending on the tour you choose – you get the chance to visit several islands in one trip. All tour operators have the basic 4 tours one can take: Tour A, Tour B, Tour C and Tour D. Be sure to book an El Nido island hopping tour package that includes top spots like the Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, and one of the relaxing islands as well. For those who prefer more seclusion, you request a private tour and explore many hidden beaches in El Nido that are only accessible by boat. These untouched gems will leave you in awe of the natural beauty of the area.
How to do island hopping in El Nido is relatively simple: most tours can be booked locally (a day before) or online. There’s a range of El Nido boat tours that fit various budgets and timeframes. Remember, the best time for island hopping in El Nido is between November and May, when the weather is sunny and calm, making for ideal boat conditions.
If you want to make your trip to El Nido even more seamless or if you are looking to visit other neighboring islands within Palawan province – grab our Palawan travel guide today!
