what to do in el nido
What to do in El Nido
El Nido is best known for island-hopping, especially Tour A, where you can see the Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and nearby beaches and snorkeling spots. It’s also worth mixing in a few land-based activities like sunset viewing, beach time, ziplining, and exploring caves or waterfalls.
Top activities
- Island hopping tours. Tour A is the classic first-time choice for lagoons and iconic scenery, while Tours B, C, and D add caves, sandbars, hidden beaches, and quieter stops.
- Kayak or paddle through lagoons. Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon are among the most photographed spots in El Nido, with calm water and dramatic limestone cliffs.
- Snorkel and swim. Many tours include snorkeling at reef and beach stops, and the area is known for clear water and marine life.
- Watch sunset at Las Cabanas Beach. This is a popular late-afternoon stop for views, beach bars, and a relaxed finish to the day.
- Try the zipline. The El Nido zipline is a memorable option if you want a more adventurous activity beyond the boat tours.
Good add-ons
- Explore caves and sandbars. Cudugnon Cave, Cathedral Cave, and Snake Island are common picks for people who want variety beyond lagoons.
- Visit hidden beaches. Tour C and Tour D can take you to quieter beaches and scenic coves such as Hidden Beach and Matinloc-area stops.
- Do a waterfall or inland trip. Nagkalit-kalit Falls is one of the better-known land excursions if you want a break from the coast.
- Eat local seafood and walk the town. El Nido town has plenty of casual places to try Filipino dishes and fresh seafood.
- Book a private tour if you want flexibility. That can be better if you prefer a slower pace and fewer crowded stops.
Simple 3-day plan
- Day 1: Tour A for Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, and snorkeling.
- Day 2: Tour C or B for hidden beaches, caves, and sandbar views.
- Day 3: Sunset at Las Cabanas, zipline, town food crawl, or a waterfall trip.
What most people choose
For a first visit, the most popular and safest bet is Tour A , because it packs in the signature El Nido scenery in one day. If you already want something less crowded or more varied, Tour B or C usually gives a better mix of caves, beaches, and photo stops.
Meta description: Best things to do in El Nido include island hopping, lagoons, snorkeling, hidden beaches, caves, sunset spots, and adventure activities.[6][5] Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.
