One of the best ways to explore the dramatic limestone cliffs, white sand beaches, and hidden coves of El Nido town in Palawan island is by joining island hopping Tour C. This activity features some of the most awe-inspiring and remote attractions in the area, including Hidden Beach, Secret Beach, Matinloc Shrine, and Helicopter Island, making it a must for travelers looking for adventure and stunning scenery.
El Nido town is one of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines, known for its crystal-clear waters, towering limestone formations, and vibrant marine life. Island hopping in El Nido town is the best way to experience these natural wonders, with four main tours—A, B, C, and D—each offering a unique set of stops and activities.
Tour A is the most popular, taking visitors to iconic lagoons like Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon. Tour B explores enchanting caves and secluded coves, while Tour D focuses on tranquil beaches. Tour C, however, stands out for those seeking a more off-the-beaten-path adventure with snorkeling and sightseeing at breathtaking, less-crowded spots.
In this guide, you'll learn everything you need to know about Tour C—from its top attractions and what to expect during the experience, to the best time to go and what to bring—so you can make the most of your El Nido island hopping adventure.
How to Book an El Nido Island Hopping Tour C
Booking El Nido Island Hopping Tour C is a great way to explore some of the most scenic and secluded spots in El Nido town on Palawan island. Whether you're drawn to its remote beaches, vibrant snorkeling spots, or dramatic limestone landscapes, securing your slot in advance ensures a smooth and hassle-free experience.
You can pre-book Tour C online through accredited travel operators like Guide to the Philippines, which offers convenient island hopping packages with hotel pick-up, lunch, and a licensed tour guide included. This is ideal for travelers who want peace of mind before arriving in town, especially during peak season when slots sell out quickly.
Alternatively, you may also find local guides or vendors offering Tour C around town, or book through your hotel. However, to avoid travel scams and ensure safety, it’s best to go with DOT-accredited providers who follow safety and environmental protocols.
To help you choose the best option for your travel style and group size, here are the experiences available:
Shared/Joiner El Nido Island Hopping Tour C
Joining a shared Tour C is a budget-friendly way to experience El Nido’s most iconic remote beaches. It’s perfect for solo travelers or small groups who want to enjoy a full-day tour that includes hotel transfers, a local guide, and lunch on the beach, all while meeting fellow adventurers.
Private El Nido Island Hopping Tour C
If you prefer a more exclusive and flexible experience, a private Tour C lets you explore the islands at your own pace. This is ideal for families, couples, or friends traveling in a group who want privacy, personalized service, and the option to customize their stops.
El Nido Luxury Boat Tours
For a premium experience, book a private El Nido luxury yacht or speedboat tour, which often includes Tour C stops like Hidden Beach and Matinloc Shrine. These deluxe tours offer upscale amenities, onboard dining, and enhanced comfort for those looking to explore Bacuit Bay in style.
El Nido Vacation Packages with Tour C
If you want everything taken care of—from tours to transfers and hotel stays—look into El Nido vacation packages that include Tour C. Some packages even combine stays in El Nido with other top Palawan island destinations like Coron town or Puerto Princesa City, making them perfect for multi-destination itineraries.
No matter which option you choose, Tour C is a must for travelers seeking adventure, snorkel spots, and breathtaking views of El Nido town’s hidden side. It’s the perfect complement to Tour A for those with more than one day to explore the islands of Palawan.
El Nido Island Hopping Tour C Itinerary & Attractions
El Nido Island Hopping Tour C offers a more off-the-beaten-path experience compared to the other tours in the area. It highlights remote beaches, dramatic limestone cliffs, and hidden coves, making it perfect for adventurous travelers looking to explore the wilder side of Palawan island.
Since 2023, lunch on island hopping tours in El Nido has shifted from traditional buffet or boodle-style meals to packed lunches prepared in town. These are typically enjoyed picnic-style at one of the beach stops. The tour usually starts around 8:00 AM and runs for about 6 to 8 hours, depending on the weather and sea conditions.
Here’s a closer look at each stop on Tour C—and why it’s the second most popular El Nido island hopping route:
Secret Beach
Tucked behind a jagged limestone wall on Matinloc Island, Secret Beach is one of the most elusive and stunning attractions in El Nido town. This pocket of paradise is accessible only by swimming through a small opening in the cliffs that’s barely visible from the boat—like entering through a keyhole.
Interesting Fact: You won’t see the actual beach from your boat; you’ll need to jump into the sea and swim through a crevice to find it, revealing a hidden cove with powdery sand, turquoise waters, and coral reefs.
What to do: Swim into the cove, snorkel to spot colorful marine life, and relax on the small beach surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.
Hidden Beach
Located on Tapiutan Island, Hidden Beach lives up to its name. Shielded from view by sharp karst formations, this gem was ranked the third best beach in the world in the 2023 World's 50 Best Beaches list by Banana Boat.
Interesting Fact: This beach is only accessible by boat and a short swim through a narrow opening. It's often compared to a natural lagoon thanks to its calm, shallow waters and serene atmosphere.
What to do: Wade or swim through the passage, snorkel in the crystal-clear water, and enjoy the peaceful scenery away from the crowds.
Matinloc Shrine
A unique mix of history and scenery, Matinloc Shrine is a spiritual site perched on a cliffside on Matinloc Island. It’s one of the few cultural stops in any El Nido island hopping tour.
Interesting Fact: The abandoned shrine was once part of a Catholic religious complex. Today, its main draw is a short climb up the limestone rocks that rewards you with a stunning panoramic view of Bacuit Bay.
What to do: Explore the remnants of the shrine, take photos of the epic coastal views, and snorkel off the nearby shore.
Talisay Beach
Talisay Beach is a quiet, less-commercialized beach stop often used as the lunch site for Tour C. Set on Tapiutan Island, this beach features a long stretch of powdery white sand, crystal-clear waters, and shady trees.
Interesting Fact: Although more low-key than other beaches, it’s a great snorkeling spot, with coral gardens just a few meters from shore.
What to do: Enjoy your packed lunch under the trees, snorkel to spot tropical fish like parrotfish and clownfish, or take a leisurely swim.
Helicopter Island
Officially named Dilumacad Island, this stop is nicknamed “Helicopter Island” because of its shape when seen from afar. Its long beach, steep cliffs, and coral reefs make it one of the most photogenic and versatile stops in El Nido town.
Interesting Fact: The island is a nesting ground for marine birds and sea turtles, and is often one of the first or last stops on the Tour C itinerary.
What to do: Swim, snorkel along the coral reefs, sunbathe on the creamy sand, and take landscape photos with the island’s distinctive silhouette.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
