El Nido: Hidden Beaches and Lagoons Boat Hopping Tour D

Paradise is better without the crowds. El Nido Tour D offers a quieter day on the water, with Small Lagoon, Cadlao Island, Nat Nat Beach, Paradise Beach, and Bukal Island on the plan. I like the relaxed pace and the chance to snorkel with plenty of marine life, especially around Nat Nat and Paradise Beach. The main catch is that the advertised $23 price does not include every cost, and the meeting point at Marber’s Beach Club can feel confusing before departure.

This is a good choice if you want more time at each stop instead of racing from one famous site to another. I also like that the route can feel less crowded than El Nido’s better-known tours, although the quality of the guiding can vary. Some guides, including Mark, Arnold, Jordan, TJ, and Aquaman, have been praised for their warmth, photography, and care, while one recent account found the English commentary limited.

Tour D at a glance

• Small Lagoon is the star stop: Clear water, tall rock walls, and a kayak route make this the most memorable part of the day.
• Quieter than many El Nido routes: Boats may have certain beaches or lagoons nearly to themselves, especially outside the busiest periods.
• Five-stop island day: Expect a mix of lagoons, sandy beaches, snorkeling areas, and island scenery around Cadlao and Bukal islands.
• Snorkeling is a real strength: Nat Nat and Paradise Beach offer shallow water, calm conditions, and plenty of fish.
• Lunch is included: The packed meal is often described as generous, varied, and tasty, with chicken and seafood options.
• Budget beyond the headline price: Add the 400 PHP environmental fee, the 200 PHP Small Lagoon entry fee, and possible kayak rental.

Why Tour D feels calmer than El Nido’s famous routes

El Nido has no shortage of boat tours, and the most popular routes can gather several boats at the same beach. Tour D is appealing because it leans toward quieter spots and spends more time moving around Cadlao Island, Bukal Island, and smaller beaches.

I would not promise solitude. Conditions, departure times, weather, and the day’s boat traffic all matter. Still, the pattern is clear: this route often feels more laid back than Tour A or Tour C. Some groups have found themselves alone at Small Lagoon or sharing a beach with very few other boats.

That makes Tour D especially useful if you have already seen the busiest parts of El Nido or if you simply dislike standing in line to paddle through a scenic spot. You get the same dramatic limestone scenery, but the day is less focused on checking off crowded photo stops.

The tour lasts about seven hours. After meeting at Marber’s Beach Club, you receive a short safety briefing before heading into the clear water. The boat returns to the same meeting area at the end of the day.

Small Lagoon brings the big scenery

Small Lagoon is the most distinctive stop. The boat takes you toward a narrow opening in the rock, where steep limestone walls surround clear emerald-colored water. The setting feels enclosed and quiet, even when other boats are nearby.

Kayaking is the usual way to explore. You can paddle into the lagoon, look up at the rock walls, and reach corners that are not as easy to see from the main boat. Swimming is also possible, and several people have chosen to snorkel instead of renting a kayak.

There is an important cost and access detail here. The 200 PHP entry fee to Small Lagoon is not included. Kayaks are also extra, with the listed cost around 350 PHP per person per kayak, though prices can vary locally. One recent account said a kayak was needed to enter the Small Lagoon, so bring enough cash and ask the guide exactly what is required on the day.

The lagoon is beautiful, but you should not expect a completely private outing. Its popularity can bring other boats, even on a quieter route. The advantage of Tour D is that your timing may work in your favor, and several groups have arrived when the lagoon was nearly empty.

Cadlao Island adds a second taste of lagoon life

Cadlao Island is another major stop, with clear water, large rock formations, and a lagoon suited to kayaking or swimming. The route description places Cadlao after Small Lagoon, though the exact order may change according to boat traffic and local conditions.

This stop gives you a different feel from Small Lagoon. Small Lagoon is enclosed and dramatic, while Cadlao offers more open views and a broader sense of the island setting. If you enjoy paddling, this is one of the places where a kayak can make the visit more rewarding.

You can also choose to swim or snorkel instead. One useful point from the experience is that you do not have to rent a kayak at every stop. If you prefer to save money, ask whether swimming access is allowed and decide based on the guide’s instructions.

The main drawback is pace. One person found the kayaking stops long enough that they were looking for ways to pass the remaining time after exploring. I see that as a minor issue for some and a benefit for others. If you like slow mornings on the water, the generous stop length will feel welcome. If you want constant movement, it may feel loose.

Nat Nat Beach is made for easy swimming

Nat Nat Beach is one of the quieter sandy stops on the route. Its shallow water and gentle waves make it a friendly place for beginners who are not fully confident in the sea.

This is also one of the better places to slow down. You can swim, look for marine life, or simply sit on the sand while the crew prepares the next part of the day. The experience is not built around a packed schedule, and that is part of its value.

Snorkeling quality can depend on water clarity and the exact area chosen by the boat. Still, the route has a strong reputation for fish and marine life. One person who compared several El Nido routes found Tour D especially good for snorkeling, with more fish than at some other stops.

Do not expect every beach to feel completely untouched. The phrase secret spot can raise expectations too high. Think of Nat Nat as a pleasant, less hectic beach stop where you can enjoy the water without feeling rushed.

Paradise Beach offers calm water and good snorkeling

Paradise Beach is another sandy stop with shallow water and mild waves. It suits people who want a simple swim rather than a demanding water activity.

The snorkeling here has been singled out as excellent, with fish visible in the clear water. Bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them, but the tour includes a life vest rather than personal snorkeling equipment. Fins and other water gear may be rented separately.

This is also a good place for families with confident older children, couples who want a quiet swim, and anyone who would rather enjoy the sea at an easy pace. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users, and boarding a traditional island boat can be physically awkward.

Some groups have enjoyed having Paradise Beach nearly to themselves. Others have encountered a few boats. The practical lesson is simple: go for the beach and water, not a guarantee of total isolation.

Bukal Island and the changing final stop

Bukal Island is included among the advertised stops and adds another piece of El Nido’s island scenery. The route also highlights natural rock formations and clear water, so you can expect another chance to swim, take photographs, or enjoy the view from the boat.

The exact final stop can vary. One account described Pasandigan Beach as the last stop, with tropical rain arriving there. Rather than treating the day’s place names as fixed minute by minute, you should see Tour D as a flexible island route built around several beaches and lagoons.

That flexibility can work in your favor. If one area is crowded or the weather shifts, the crew may adjust timing. It can also make the tour feel less polished if you expect a formal guided program with detailed commentary at every stop.

The strongest part of the experience is the scenery and the crew’s practical help. Several guides have been praised for taking photographs, helping people into the water, and keeping the mood light. Mark and Arnold received particularly warm praise, while Jordan, TJ, and Aquaman were also remembered for friendly service.

Lunch, crew service, and the onboard rhythm

A packed lunch is included, which matters because you spend most of the day away from El Nido town. The meal has been described as generous and varied, with chicken, seafood, and enough food for the group. Several people specifically called the lunch delicious or very good.

Do not expect a restaurant-style meal. This is a practical boat lunch, but it appears to be more substantial than the bare minimum. If you have dietary needs, the supplied information does not confirm special menus, so ask before booking.

The crew’s role is important. A good island boat day depends on people who help with kayaks, point out safe swimming areas, take photographs, and watch the group. The best accounts describe attentive and funny guides who made sure everyone joined in without pressure.

The standard of commentary is less certain. One person found the tour barely guided and felt the crew improvised. If you want long explanations about Palawan’s geology, wildlife, or local history, this may not be the right format. If you mainly want access to beautiful places with friendly help, the informal approach may suit you.

The real price of a $23 day

At $23 per person, Tour D offers strong value for a full day on the water. The price covers the boat, licensed guide, entry fees listed as included, life vests, and packed lunch. For a seven-hour island route with several stops, that is a fair starting price.

But you should budget beyond the headline amount:

• 400 PHP El Nido Tourism Development Fee, also called the environmental fee
• 200 PHP Small Lagoon entry fee
• Kayak rental at Small Lagoon and Cadlao Lagoon, listed at about 350 PHP per person per kayak
• Aqua shoes, fins, or other rentals if needed

The environmental fee must be paid before boarding. If you have already paid it, bring your receipt so you do not pay twice. Cash is worth carrying because the extra charges are part of the practical reality of the day.

The kayak fee is the expense most likely to catch people off guard. If you want to paddle at both lagoon stops, your total cost can rise sharply compared with the advertised rate. You can ask whether swimming is allowed instead, but at Small Lagoon, check the access rule before deciding not to rent.

What to bring and what to leave behind

Pack lightly. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, and plastic bottles are also prohibited. A small waterproof day bag is the sensible choice, though the supplied information does not specify whether dry bags are provided.

Bring:

• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Sunscreen
• Cash for fees and rentals

A phone or camera is useful, particularly because guides may take photographs for the group. Protect it from spray and rain. Tropical weather can change quickly, and one group enjoyed a rainy final stop rather than letting it spoil the day.

Smoking is not allowed. Life vests are included, but aqua shoes, fins, and kayaks cost extra. If you have sensitive feet, aqua shoes may be worth renting for rocky entries.

Meeting at Marber’s Beach Club

The meeting point is Marber’s Beach Club. This is the part of the day that needs the most patience. Several people found the pre-boarding process chaotic or unclear, even though the boat portion itself ran well.

Arrive ready to ask where Tour D is gathering and which crew member is checking names. The available information does not give a fixed departure time, so you need to check the schedule when booking.

Starting delays have happened. One group waited about an hour because of a boat technical problem, and another noted that departure did not begin on time. The upside is that a delayed boat may reach the beaches after other boats have moved on. That is not a reason to hope for a delay, but it explains why the day can still turn out well.

Once you are aboard, the experience appears more organized than the meeting point. The boat crew handles the route, swimming areas, meals, and equipment while you enjoy the water.

Who will enjoy Tour D most?

I would choose this tour if you want a slower island day with a good mix of swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, beaches, and dramatic rocks. It suits couples, small groups, solo visitors who enjoy joining a shared boat, and anyone who has already found El Nido’s busiest routes too crowded.

It is also a strong pick for people who value time at each stop. You are less likely to feel hurried, and the quieter route gives the beaches a more relaxed character.

I would think twice if you need a fully scripted tour, exact departure times, or extensive English explanations. The group experience can vary, and the meeting point may be confusing. You also need to be comfortable stepping on and off a boat and moving around beaches without wheelchair access.

Private groups are available, which may be worth considering if you want more control over the pace. The standard shared outing offers better value, but a private boat could help if your group has very specific timing or activity preferences.

Should you book El Nido Tour D?

Yes, if your priority is a quieter day with beautiful lagoons and strong snorkeling. Small Lagoon is the main reason to book, but the combination of Cadlao Island, Nat Nat Beach, Paradise Beach, and Bukal Island makes the price worthwhile.

Before paying, add the 400 PHP environmental fee, the 200 PHP Small Lagoon fee, and likely kayak costs. Confirm the meeting instructions, ask whether a kayak is required at Small Lagoon, and bring cash.

Tour D is not perfect. The start can be messy, delays are possible, and the guiding may be light. But for a relaxed seven-hour outing with good food, helpful crews, clear water, and a better chance of avoiding crowds, it is one of El Nido’s better-value choices.

FAQ

How long is El Nido Tour D?

The tour lasts seven hours, including the boat ride and time at the beaches and lagoons.

Where does the tour meet?

The meeting point is Marber’s Beach Club in El Nido.

What places does Tour D visit?

The advertised route includes Small Lagoon, Cadlao Island, Nat Nat Beach, Paradise Beach, and Bukal Island. The exact order or final stop can vary.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A packed lunch is included, and meals have included chicken and seafood.

Are the environmental fee and Small Lagoon fee included?

No. The El Nido Tourism Development Fee costs 400 PHP, and the Small Lagoon entry fee costs 200 PHP. You must pay the environmental fee before boarding.

Are kayaks included?

No. Kayaks are available to rent separately at Small Lagoon and Cadlao Lagoon. The listed cost is about 350 PHP per person per kayak.

What languages does the guide speak?

The tour is offered in Tagalog and English. It includes a licensed tour guide, though the amount of spoken commentary may vary by guide and group.