El Nido Tour C Island Hopping Guide: Top-Rated Palawan Activity

To have an idea of which tour is the best in El Nido, you can compare these four island hopping tours before your visit to the island. The Tour A El Nido itinerary features a lagoon tour that showcases iconic destinations like the Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon. El Nido Tour B is a caves and coves tour that will take you to enchanting caves like Cathedral Cave and Cudugnon Cave.

El Nido Tour C offers an equally mesmerizing experience highlighting Hidden Beach and Matinloc Shrine, while El Nido Tour D is more of a beach tour that typically includes visits to breathtaking beaches such as Pasandigan Beach and Nat Nat Beach. 

Among these tours, El Nido Tour A is the most popular, followed by El Nido Tour C. Both stand out as favorites among travelers. If you find yourself with more than one day to spare for a full tour, booking El Nido island-hopping Tour C is highly recommended.

In this guide, we will provide some details you need to know about El Nido Tour C, like what to expect and things to do in El Nido during your island-hopping tour.

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How to Book an El Nido Island Hopping Tour C

El Nido Island Hopping Tour C is a popular island-hopping tour activity to book, especially if you're looking for a one-day activity to explore some of the best islands and beaches of El Nido. Booking this tour is simple,  and you can choose from multiple options to suit your preferences and convenience.

Firstly, you can opt to pre-book your El Nido island-hopping tour with an accredited travel agency, tour operator, or guide. Many reputable travel agencies offer online booking platforms, such as Guide to the Philippines, allowing you to secure your spot in advance. Additionally, there are El Nido packages that already include accommodations and tours in the inclusions.

If you prefer a more spontaneous approach, there are tour guides or vendors offering island-hopping tours around the town, ready to assist with bookings and inquiries. However, it's best to exercise caution and ensure that your chosen tour operator or guide is accredited and maintains high safety standards to avoid travel scams in the Philippines.

To ensure a hassle-free vacation experience, we recommend booking in advance. In this way, you can secure the best deals and benefit from all-inclusive El Nido Palawan tour packages. These packages often include convenient amenities such as El Nido airport transfers for hotel pickup and drop-off and other extra activities to enjoy.

There are two types of tours that you will encounter when booking an El Nido island-hopping adventure: private and shared or joiner tours. Private tours provide exclusivity and flexibility, allowing you to customize your itinerary. It is also recommended for those who are traveling with family or in groups. On the other hand, shared or joiner tours offer a more budget-friendly option, where you will join a group of fellow travelers to explore the islands together.

For those seeking a unique experience exploring the wonders of El Nido, Guide to the Philippines offers private El Nido luxury boat tours. These luxurious experiences are for those travelers looking for the utmost comfort and indulgence, complete with deluxe amenities.

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El Nido Island Hopping Tour C Itinerary Attractions

El Nido island hopping Tour C showcases some of the unspoiled and lesser-known attractions. On this El Nido day tour, you will discover some hidden beaches and attractions behind towering limestone cliffs. 

El Nido island-hopping tour packages usually include lunch served picnic-style or boodle fight-style. However, since 2023, this has been changed to packed lunches prepared on the mainland or in town. 

Below, you will find the attractions included in the Tour C El Nido itinerary and what activities you can do.

Secret Beach

To kick off your El Nido Tour C, you will visit Secret Beach. This secluded paradise in El Nido is nestled at the edge of Matinloc Island amidst towering limestone cliffs. This hidden gem is one of the best beaches in El Nido and offers tranquility and natural beauty, and is accessible only through a small opening in the cliffs. 

The beach is indeed secret, as you will not see any strip of sand when you cruise there, but you will find an entrance to Secret Beach that looks like a keyhole. You will have to swim through to get to  Secret Beach, and the stunning sight of limestone cliffs and pristine waters will greet you. It's a small beach where you can swim in the crystal-clear waters, snorkel and discover its vibrant marine life, or simply relax on the pristine white sand. 

Hidden Beach

The next remote paradise located behind limestone cliff formations is Hidden Beach in El Nido. Hidden Beach was named the third best beach in the world in The World's 50 Best Beaches list by Banana Boat in 2023. It is a secluded haven, accessible only by boat through a narrow crevice. Like Secret Beach, you also need to have a quick swim to reach this hidden paradise.

Hidden Beach is known for its pristine beauty. Here, you can unwind on its soft, powdery sands and admire the surrounding limestone cliffs. You can also go snorkeling to explore the vibrant underwater world with the colorful marine life of El Nido. Its calm, azure waters are perfect for swimming and kayaking, offering a serene escape from the crowds. 

Matinloc Shrine

Matinloc Shrine in El Nido is a historic and spiritual site located on Matinloc Island. This shrine is known for its breathtaking panoramic views, which offer a serene retreat amidst lush greenery and azure waters. To get to Matinloc Shrine, your boat will dock in a mini port, and in a few steps, you'll see the remnants of the shrine.

In Matinloc Shrine, you can explore its architecture, which serves as a testament to the area's rich cultural heritage. The view here is also beautiful, so you can take photos and appreciate its lush surroundings. Additionally, you can enjoy snorkeling in its surrounding pristine waters, which have coral reefs and different fish species. 

Talisay Beach

One of the famous spots in El Nido’s island-hopping Tour C is Talisay Beach, with its beautiful stretch of coastline nestled along the shores of Tapiutan Island. Known for its powdery white sand and clear turquoise waters, this secluded paradise offers a peaceful escape where you can relax under the trees or take a refreshing dip in its waters. 

You'll find limestone rock formations that will greet you when you visit the beach. You can also snorkel and discover its underwater wonders, where you will find colorful corals and different types of fish like clownfish, parrotfish, and angelfish. 

During El Nido island-hopping tours, lunch is usually served during the stop at Talisay Beach, so expect to see other tourists there during lunchtime.

Helicopter Island

Helicopter Island in El Nido, also known as Dilumacad Island, is one of the best beaches in Palawan. It is known for its resemblance to a helicopter when viewed from a distance. This picturesque destination boasts cream-colored sand, turquoise waters, and towering limestone cliffs. 

You can do various activities on Helicopter Island, including snorkeling along vibrant coral reefs, swimming in the clear waters, or simply basking in the sun on the pristine shore. It is a great spot for unwinding and taking photos. The island's captivating beauty and serene atmosphere make it a favorite stop for many on El Nido's island-hopping tours.

El Nido Island Hopping Tips

Island-hopping is a fun activity to do in El Nido. You get to discover different islands, beaches, and coves of El Nido and enjoy various activities like swimming, snorkeling, and taking photos. Before island-hopping in El Nido, there are some tips you need to know so you will have a more enjoyable and smooth island tour.

• To have a comfortable island-hopping experience, stick to a travel packing list that includes sunscreen, a towel, drinking water, and aqua shoes. Sunscreen, towels, and drinking water will be helpful for your journey, especially since you'll be out in the sun during the tour. You can also bring sunglasses and hats. Aqua shoes are also an important thing to pack to help protect your feet from rocks. Life vests are also provided onboard, ensuring safety throughout your journey.

• While snorkeling gear may not always be included, they're usually available as add-ons. Before booking your tour, always check the inclusions to see if there is snorkeling gear available. Take note that other tourists before you have used these snorkeling gear, and they are just washed and sanitized for others to use. Alternatively, you can bring your own gear for a personalized underwater adventure. 

• Explore hidden coves and pristine waters with optional kayak rentals. Enhance your island-hopping experience by gliding through the azure waves at your own pace. El Nido Palawan tour packages may have kayaks included in their package, but they are usually for add-ons only. If you want to go kayaking in El Nido, ask your tour operator and check your package inclusions. You can also avail of this separately or on the island. 

• The stop typically lasts around an hour at every island or attraction. Make the most of your time to immerse yourself fully in the beaches, islands, and attractions in the itinerary. Capture photos, snorkel, or simply relax on the shore. To fully maximize your experience, you may also add some activities like kayaking, which are available in tour packages.

• Be prepared for flexible itineraries during your island-hopping adventure. Schedules may vary depending on the season or water conditions since island-hopping involves El Nido boat tours. In the event of Coast Guard warnings, tours could be subject to cancellation, prioritizing safety. It's best to stay informed and ask your tour operators about this beforehand.

• Be a responsible tourist and preserve the pristine beauty of El Nido's islands. If you bring snacks and other trash, make sure to throw them away in a designated area. If there are no garbage cans nearby, remember to take all trash with you, leaving behind only footprints and memories of your unforgettable adventure.

Spend a day at the unspoiled beaches of El Nido with Island Hopping Tour C

Island-hopping in El Nido is definitely a must-try activity when you visit Palawan. With four different island-hopping tour options to choose from, you will always have the best way to spend your vacation in El Nido. From beaches and coves to islands and lagoons, there's more to discover in El Nido. Aside from exploring its beauty, you can do various unique activities in El Nido, Palawan, that you can enjoy, like boat parties, a canopy walk, and a beach zipline that you can book with Palawan tour packages.

With El Nido Tour C, you'll get to explore the lesser-known attractions of El Nido, and it is perfect for those who want to spend a full day admiring and discovering the hidden beauty of the island. As you go on this adventure in El Nido, remember all the tips and recommendations to have a more enjoyable vacation.