What you should know about Island Hopping in El Nido, Palawan.
El Nido is a small and undeveloped town, situated in Bacuit Bay (north Palawan Island) and considered as one of the most beautiful places in the world.
The beauty of El Nido, the unique landscape of the archipelago and its marine life diversity makes it a perfect place for Island hopping!
The main idea of Island Hopping is sailing in a small boat (4-30 people) while visiting and stopping in a few small Islands (most of them are uninhabited).
The Islands are so stunning you’ll need to hold your jaw, so it won’t fall and get lost in the sea.
Usually, the boat is making a stop for an hour (depends on the group) in each Island, so you can walk on the Island, relax, take photos, snorkeling and then moving to the next Island.
A significant part of the Island-Hopping experience is the sailing itself, therefore picking an experienced and skilled operator is critical. It’s better if you heard recommendations on him and his tours.
Should you do Island Hopping tour in El Nido?
The short answer – yes!
The longer one –
Being in El Nido and not doing the Island hopping, is just like:
- Going to Cusco without seeing the Macho Picchu.
- Staying in Amsterdam and not smoking! (or seeing museums for those of you that are not smoking 🙂 )
- Flying to the Caribbean without a swimsuit.
Now seriously – (Unfortunately) I’m not affiliated with any Island hopping operator – and you definitely should do it.
Bacuit Archipelago in El Nido is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen, with stunning panorama view, and crazy marine life diversity (whales, whale sharks, sea cows, manta rays, dolphins and endangered turtles and much more).
In case I got you, I guess your next question will be:
Which Island hopping tour should I take?
A & b? Maybe A & C? just C? all of them?
You might not like my answer, but there I go.. IT DOESN’T MATTER!
As I see it, Island Hopping experience is a combination of few things, and not only the Islands themselves: the companion on the boat, the food, weather, the crowding on the islands and more..
What I’m trying to say, is that all of the islands and the stops in the tour are beautiful, and each person has his preferences of which tour is the most beautiful.
ALL of them are stunning..
Believe me, even the least beautiful is probably more beautiful than your office view (unless you’re lucky one), which you’re not even looking at because your eyes are staring at a boring screen.
If you’re still not satisfied with my answer, you can easily make all tours – A, B, C and D in 2 different days and just mark a big V.
What did I like the most during Island Hopping in El Nido?
I must admit that I didn’t do my homework before arriving El Nido, so I had no idea what to expect, and what to do there.
The Island hopping in El Nido wasn’t my first Island hopping experience, I’ve made a few Islands hopping in Thailand and always had a great time. The highlight of the tours for me was the Lagoons – both small and big lagoons.
it was a combination of the most transparent crystal waters I’ve ever seen, with green-gray faded cliffs rising above the standing water – it’s just blown my mind.
In the lagoons, we rented a kayak and paddled into halls that the boat can’t get in.
DON’T pass this opportunity to take the kayak, although it costs more money (probably it’s cheaper than a Cola can you’re poisoning yourself with, every day).
How much should Island Hopping cost?
The price ranges are 1,100 – 1,500 PHP, and usually include:
- tour in two zones
- meal
- soft drinks (on my tour alcohol was included, which upgraded to tour to the next level)
- snorkeling equipment
- a pass for visiting the islands, which you can save for more days if you decide to make more tours.
Let me know how was YOUR experience in El Nido Island Hopping – by commenting below.
2 comments
Oh, I don’t know that Cebu has the remote and peaceful place like this. Thanks so much for your sharing and keep up with your good work.