{"id":7011,"date":"2026-10-19T17:05:48","date_gmt":"2026-10-19T15:05:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/2troubletravelers.com\/el-nido-everything-you-need-to-know-about-island-hopping\/"},"modified":"2026-10-19T17:19:01","modified_gmt":"2026-10-19T15:19:01","slug":"el-nido-everything-you-need-to-know-about-island-hopping","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/2troubletravelers.com\/en\/el-nido-everything-you-need-to-know-about-island-hopping\/","title":{"rendered":"El Nido: Everything you need to know about island hopping"},"content":{"rendered":"
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El Nido is a small coastal town in the north of Palawan Island, and is one of the best-known and most visited places in the Philippines. Most travellers come here mainly for boat trips amongst the limestone cliffs, turquoise lagoons and secluded beaches. It is the surrounding islands that make El Nido one of the country\u2019s most iconic destinations.<\/p>\n

As well as island hopping, you\u2019ll also find beautiful beaches, interesting activities, excellent cuisine and a lively nightlife here. El Nido therefore has everything a tourist could wish for in an exotic destination. In this article, we\u2019ll be looking at island hopping itself. If you\u2019re looking for inspiration on what to do in El Nido apart from boat trips, read our separate article: 8 tips for the best activities.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

How to get to El Nido?<\/h2>\n

The most convenient option is to fly directly to El Nido Airport (Lio Airport), for example from Manila or Cebu. A cheaper alternative is to fly to Puerto Princesa and then take a minibus journey of around five hours from there. If you\u2019re coming from Coron, you can take the ferry or go on a multi-day boat expedition.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

Where to stay in El Nido?<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re planning to go island hopping, the most convenient option is to stay in El Nido Town<\/strong>, from where you can walk to the harbour. A quieter alternative with quick access to the city centre is Corong Corong. You\u2019ll find more comfortable resorts at Lio Beach and Vanilla Beach<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

You can view the current range of accommodation in El Nido via this link.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

Island hopping in El Nido: Essential information<\/h2>\n

Island hopping is undoubtedly one of El Nido\u2019s biggest attractions and, in our opinion, one of the most beautiful experiences you can have in the Philippines. Bacuit Bay is home to dozens of limestone islands, turquoise lagoons, secluded beaches and spots that are ideal for snorkelling. The scenery you\u2019ll see here is, in places, reminiscent of scenes from an adventure film.<\/p>\n

Boats set off daily from the harbour in El Nido on several routes labelled A, B, C and D. Each offers a slightly different itinerary, ranging from exploring iconic lagoons and stunning beaches to snorkelling or visiting lesser-known spots. The choice of route therefore depends mainly on what you want to experience during your trip.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

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As this is one of the most popular activities in the Philippines, you\u2019ll find larger numbers of tourists and boats at the most famous spots during the peak season. If you want to make the most of your trip, it\u2019s worth thinking in advance about which route to choose and who to go with.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

PRO TIP: In our Philippines e-book, you\u2019ll find direct contact details for the best tour operators, who\u2019ll organise a fantastic trip for you at the best prices. You\u2019ll also find our recommended itinerary in it, which will help you avoid the tourist crowds and enjoy beautiful spots almost entirely to yourself.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

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In this article, we\u2019ll advise you on which island-hopping tour to choose in El Nido, what each route has to offer, and what to expect.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

Ko\u013eko stoj\u00ed island hopping v El Nide<\/h2>\n

The price of island hopping depends mainly on whether you choose a group tour or a private boat. A group trip costs around 1,300 to 1,400 PHP per person, whilst hiring a private boat costs between 10,000 and 11,000 PHP for the whole boat. The final amount depends on the chosen itinerary and the specific provider. A private boat is particularly worthwhile if you\u2019re travelling in a larger group or want greater flexibility when planning your trip.<\/p>\n

What is usually included in the price of the trip<\/h4>\n