10 Boat Trips in El Nido Worth the Early Start

1.Hidden Beaches and Lagoons Boat Hopping Tour D

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 301 reviews · 7 hours · from $23Our pick

El Nido Tour D hits secret-feeling beaches and lagoons with swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking, plus Cadlao and Small Lagoon. 7 hours.

“My wife and I recently took Tour D in El Nido, and it was absolutely incredible! From start to finish, the experience was fantastic. Our tour guides were not only amazing but also incredibly informative, sharing fascinating facts about each location we visited. They were so friendly and made the day feel fun and relaxed. The scenery on this tour is breathtaking—every stop was more beautiful than the last. We explored hidden lagoons, stunning beaches, and unique rock formations. It's a must-do if you're in the area. We can't recommend it enough! A huge thanks to the entire team for a truly unforgettable day. We'll definitely be back for another…”

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2.Full-Day Premium Island Hopping Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 51 reviews · 7 hours · from $150

Sail El Nido’s limestone islands on the Seacret catamaran, visit Big Lagoon and Hidden Beach, enjoy lunch at a private beach, and get photo-ready.

“This review’s super late (sorry!), but this boat tour was unforgettable. We did it about a year ago and still talk about it. Our guide was absolutely amazing — he showed us the best snorkelling spots, made us feel totally at ease, and honestly felt more like a friend than a guide. He even took loads of photos of us, so we barely had to touch our phones. If you’re thinking of booking, do it. Worth every second.”

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3.Island, Lagoons, and Beaches Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 31 reviews · 8 hours · from $34

An 8-hour group boat tour from El Nido to Cadlao Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Pasandigan Cove, and Cadlao beaches, with lunch and water included.

“I don’t complain easily, but I was really deeply disappointed with this tour. The app clearly states what is and isn’t included, but that turned out to be completely false. You arrive at the meeting point in the morning, and the first thing they do is charge you for renting a snorkel. How is that not included in a snorkeling tour? The kayaks, which are supposed to be part of the tour, were also charged separately—and believe me, the prices are steep. When I questioned this, they told me to take it up with the tour operator. I contacted them before posting a negative review, but they kept stringing me…”

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4.El Nido Islands: Shared Paraw Sunset Sailing

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 30 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $35

Shared paraw sunset sailing in El Nido’s Bacuit Bay, Palawan. 1.5 hours of wind-powered views, a friendly English guide, and getting wet.

“Such a magical experience and a must do! Sailing along, sitting on the netting of the boat watching the sunset is something I will remember for a long time. Guides were great and definitely worth your money! Make sure you’re prepared, as there is high likelihood of you getting wet. Lots of fun and a big recommend.”

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5.El Nido Islands: Private Paraw Day Sailing with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 21 reviews · 5 hours · from $155

Private paraw cruise in Bacuit Bay from El Nido, snorkeling and kayaking at Ipil and Papaya beaches, with lunch included.

“A very memorable activity. Being able to sail without a motor is something I never thought I would experience. I felt like Moana!! Huge thank you to our guides Victor & James :)”

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6.Island Hopping and Snorkeling Private Boat Tour C

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 18 reviews · 8 hours · from $136

El Nido private boat Tour C for island hopping and snorkeling at Helicopter, Hidden, Secret and more, with buffet lunch.

“Perfect weather for the boat rides, beach walks, swimming and snorkeling. Alvin, Olsin, and Jun ( not sure about the spelling of the names) were all very friendly, helpful, and concerned about our safety. The large, tasty lunch served contained two types of chicken, shrimp, and fish, rice, noodles, and veggies.”

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7.El Nido Islands: Private Paraw Sunset Sailing

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 14 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $137

Private 1.5-hour paraw sunset cruise in El Nido’s Bacuit Bay, with small-group privacy, great views, and time to swim and explore.

“A magical and unforgettable experience. Watching the sun set over El Nido’s islands while sailing was simply breathtaking.”

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8.Private Boat Tour A to Big Lagoon and Beaches

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7 reviews · from $110Top rated

Private boat tour to Big Lagoon and El Nido beaches with a licensed crew, optional kayaking, included snorkeling kit, and picnic lunch.

“Perfect, the tour was well organized and the meal delicious”

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9.El Nido Islands: Shared Paraw Sunrise Sailing

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 6 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $35

Shared paraw sunrise sailing in El Nido’s Bacuit Bay, 1.5 hours on a smooth double-outrigger boat. Small group, early start.

“This was by far the best experience we had in El Nido! The team was super nice and made the trip very pleasant and fun for us. If you are around definitely try this!”

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10.El Nido Islands: Shared Paraw Day Sailing with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 4 reviews · 5 hours · from $55

Shared Paraw sailing in El Nido’s Bacuit Bay with Ipil and Papaya Beach stops, snorkeling, crystal kayaks, and lunch.

“This was a fantastic way to spend the day visiting beautiful locations in such an amazing boat.”

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