El Nido Tour C: Is it worth it? An Honest Review
The first morning I showed up for island hopping in El Nido, I honestly didn’t know what to expect. What I walked into caught me completely off guard. Hundreds of people were gathered along the beach, waiting to be called onto their boats. It almost felt like a naval staging point, with guides shouting names, boats pulling in, and people stepping into the water holding dry bags and cameras overhead.
For a moment, I wasn’t sure if I had made the right choice. It felt chaotic, almost overwhelming. Then the boats started moving, and within minutes everything changed. Towering limestone cliffs rose straight out of the ocean, the water turned an unreal shade of blue, and hidden beaches started appearing between massive rock formations.
I’ve travelled to a lot of places known for beaches and island scenery, and I don’t say this lightly, very few come close to this. This is my honest review of Island Hopping Tour C, what it’s actually like, who it’s best for, and whether it’s worth it when deciding which tour in El Nido is the best, especially if it’s your first time here.
If you’re still planning your trip, I put together a full El Nido travel guide that covers where to stay, how to get there, and what to do beyond the tours.
What to Expect with El Nido Tour C
El Nido island hopping tours are split into A, B, C, and D, and they all offer something unique. Tour C is known for hidden beaches, big limestone cliffs, and snorkelling locations.
Your day starts around 8:45 in El Nido, and honestly this is the most chaotic part of the whole experience. You’re standing on the beach with a bunch of other people waiting to be called, boats are coming in and out, guides are shouting names. It feels disorganized at first, but it all works itself out once you get moving.
Before you head out, people will offer rentals like snorkel masks, water shoes, and kayaks. It’s convenient, but if you have your own mask and water shoes, it’s worth bringing them since you’ll be in and out of the boat and walking on rocky beaches. A dry bag is also a good idea to keep your phone and belongings safe and dry throughout the day.
The kayak is worth thinking about ahead of time too. Some stops kind of require it, and if you don’t get one, you can end up just sitting on the boat while others go explore. It’s an extra cost, but in most cases it’s worth it.
The day itself is pretty straightforward:
• About 30 minutes between stops
• 45 minutes to an hour at each spot
• Lunch is included
• Back in town around 5pm
Most Tour C routes hit places like Hidden Beach, Secret Beach, Helicopter Island, and Matinloc Shrine. Each one is unique, which helps make the day memorable.
How to Book El Nido Tour C
When you get to El Nido, you’ll quickly realize the tours are being sold everywhere.
Shops, people on the street, tricycle drivers, even your hotel. It feels like everyone has a connection. The tours are fairly standardized, so most places are selling the same route.
I just walked around and bought my ticket that morning from a random shop. When I did Tour C, I ended up on a really nice, comfortable boat with no issues. The next day on Tour A, it was a completely different story. Smaller boat, more cramped, even holes in the tarp. It doesn’t sound like a big deal, but when the sun is beating on you all day, I was getting burned.
If you book in person, it’s easy, but you’re basically picking at random. You don’t really know what boat you’re getting or how the day is going to run.
The Philippines is also very cash based, so I prefer booking online when I can to keep my cash. It lets you use a card, get organized ahead of time, and at least choose a well reviewed operator. It doesn’t guarantee a perfect experience, but you have a lot more control and a better chance of ending up on a good boat with a solid crew.
How Much Does El Nido Tour C Cost?
Tour C is pretty standardized across El Nido, so pricing is fairly consistent no matter where you book.
Expect to pay around 1400 pesos as the base price for the tour itself, which is honestly great value for a full day out on the water.
For that price, you’re getting:
• a full day island hopping experience
• multiple stops like Hidden Beach and Secret Beach
• lunch on the beach
My lunch included fish, chicken, rice, and fruit like watermelon, pineapple, and bananas. It was freshly cooked right on the beach and it added to the overall experience.
In the Philippines, it’s common for day trips to have additional costs that aren’t included in the base price, even for things you might expect to be covered.
Typical additional costs:
• Environmental fee around 400 pesos (valid for 10 days)
• Snorkel rental around 100 to 150 pesos
• Water shoes around 100 to 150 pesos
• Kayak rental (optional) 300-500 per kayak and some can fit 2-3 people
So realistically, you’ll end up somewhere closer to 1600 to 1900 pesos all in, depending on what you rent.
Still, for what you get, it’s absolutely worth it. You’re out for the entire day seeing some of the best scenery in the world, and there aren’t many experiences at this price point that come close.
What You’ll See on Tour C in El Nido
Tour C is one of the more scenic and memorable island hopping routes in El Nido. It focuses on hidden beaches, limestone cliffs, and a mix of swimming, and snorkeling. Most tours follow a similar route, although the order and exact stops can vary slightly depending on conditions.
Hidden Beach
Hidden Beach is one of the main highlights of Tour C. You get in through a narrow gap in the limestone, and once inside it opens up into a calm, enclosed beach surrounded by cliffs.
My Tour C didn’t include Hidden Beach or Secret Beach. I was there around Christmas and it was pretty busy, so our operator went to Cadlao Lagoon instead, which is usually part of Tour D. Cadlao was still worth it though with excellent kayaying and scenic beaches.
I was definitely a bit disappointed to miss those two since they’re some of the most unique spots on this tour. Most tours do include them, so just keep in mind the itinerary can change depending on crowds, tides, and conditions.
Talisay Beach
Talisay Beach is typically the lunch stop and one of the more relaxed parts of the day.
Most tours set up a simple buffet here with fresh fish, chicken, rice, vegetables, plus fruit like bananas and pineapple. You’ll usually have some time here to eat, swim, and just hang out.
The setting is what stands out, with clear water and a limestone cliff right beside the beach.
Matinloc Shrine
Matinloc Shrine is one of the better known stops on Tour C. Some tours include a climb up to the viewpoint, which gives you a panoramic view over the surrounding islands.
It’s also a common area for snorkeling depending on how your tour is run that day.
Secret Beach
Secret Beach is another major highlight. To get there, you need to swim through a small opening in the rocks, which makes it a bit more of an experience than just walking onto a beach.
Inside, it opens up into a hidden cove surrounded by cliffs. It’s one of the most talked about stops on this tour.
Helicopter Island
Helicopter Island is usually one of the final stops and one of the best pure beach locations on the tour.
It’s a wide stretch of white sand with really clear water, making it a great place to relax after a full day. A lot of people end up just swimming and hanging out here before heading back.
Planning your trip? Grab my free El Nido itinerary here and map out the rest of your days.
What to Bring for El Nido Tour C
El Nido island hopping tours are full days out on the water where you’re constantly getting in and out of the boat, swimming to beaches, and spending hours in the sun. Having the right gear makes a big difference in how comfortable the day feels.
Here’s what I’d recommend bringing based on my experience.
- quick dry towel or micro towel
- sunscreen
- sunglasses
- hat
- reusable water bottle
- snorkel mask
- water shoes
- waterproof phone case
- GoPro camera
- dry bag
- snacks
Water shoes and your own snorkel mask are things I’d strongly recommend. You’re walking on rocky beaches and getting in and out of the boat constantly, and they make everything a lot easier. Having a good quality snorkel mask prevents water from getting into your goggles.
A waterproof phone case is one of those things you don’t think about until you need it. These trips are memorable and you don’t want to be without photos. Same goes for a GoPro if you want footage while snorkeling.
Dry bags are sold all over El Nido, so you can buy one there, but the quality can vary. If you already have a good one, it’s worth bringing.
FAQs
Which El Nido tour is the best?
Tour A is generally considered the best and most popular, followed by Tour C.
Which is better Tour A or Tour C in El Nido?
I personally preferred Tour A. My Tour C was a bit of a hybrid and didn’t include Hidden Beach or Secret Beach, which are two of the main highlights. If your Tour C includes those, it’s a closer comparison.
When is the best time to visit El Nido?
The best time to visit is during the dry season from December to May. You’ll generally get better weather and calmer seas.
How many days is enough for El Nido?
3 to 4 full days is a good amount of time. That gives you time for a couple of tours, exploring town, and some downtime or non island hopping daytrips.
How to get to El Nido Palawan?
- Flights into El Nido are the fastest but more expensive
- Ferry from Coron is a popular option if you’re island hopping
- Van or bus from Puerto Princesa is the most budget friendly
If you’re planning your route, I break down all the options in my guide on getting to El Nido, and if you’re passing through, I also put together a full Puerto Princesa guide to help you plan your stop there.
In Summary: Is El Nido Tour C Worth It?
Yes, it’s definitely worth it. I did Tour C before Tour A, and while I personally liked Tour A more, Tour C was still a great experience. If you’re short on time, I’d probably prioritize Tour A, but if you have a few days in El Nido, doing both gives you a much better overall feel for the area.
It works well for solo travellers, couples, and groups, as long as you’re comfortable being a bit active. You’ll be swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, getting in and out of the boat, and moving between different stops throughout the day, so it’s not just a sit back and relax type of tour.
You’re seeing some incredible scenery the entire time, and with lunch included, it’s hard to beat for the price. It’s one of those days where everywhere you look feels like a postcard.
Additional Resources
- Find the best flight deals on Trip.com.
- Reserve budget stays with Hostelworld.
- Book hotels with Booking.com.
- Protect your trip with SafetyWing travel insurance.
- Plan trains, ferries, and buses with 12Go.
- Discover unforgettable activities with GetYourGuide.
- Compare car rentals worldwide with DiscoverCars.
- Download my free El Nido itinerary.