If you’re trying to decide between El Nido Tour C and El Nido Tour A, I can’t make the decision for you as we all have our own preferences.
However, if I were to combine the best spots from both tours, my top five picks would be: Big Lagoon (Tour A), Talisay Beach (Tour C), Secret Beach (Tour C), Secret Lagoon (Tour A), and Seven Commando (Tour A). Looking at these choices, it may seem like Tour A would be the winner.
That said, I personally prefer Tour C over Tour A, even though they offer almost the same activities.
Perhaps one reason I enjoyed Tour C more was that there were only 12 tourists on the boat, creating a more relaxed atmosphere. Our tour guide was also very funny, which made the experience even more wonderful and unforgettable. Plus, this was the day I met new friends!
Tour C Summary
The Tour C package is also a full-day island tour. We took beautiful portraits on Helicopter Island, went kayaking at Cadlao Lagoon, had lunch at Talisay Beach with a stunning view of the nearby islands, snorkeled at Star Beach, and enjoyed the thrill of entering the Secret Beach.
Helicopter Island
Helicopter Island, also known as Dilumacad Island, is a captivating destination situated in the Bacuit Archipelago near El Nido, Palawan, Philippines. This island earned its nickname due to its unique shape, which resembles a helicopter when viewed from a distance.
Since this was our first destination for the El Nido Tour C island-hopping package, we took the chance to capture the best pictures we could while our hair was still dry, ensuring our images looked flawless.
Cadlao Lagoon
Cadlao Lagoon is situated on Cadlao Island, the largest island in the El Nido area, known for its rugged limestone cliffs, lush greenery, and hidden lagoons. Accessible via boat or kayak, the lagoon offers visitors a serene environment to explore and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Both Cadlao Lagoon (Tour C) and Big Lagoon (Tour A) are stunning natural attractions that can be explored through kayaking. In my experience, Cadlao Lagoon is easier to explore than Big Lagoon, given that Big Lagoon is significantly larger. Cadlao Lagoon also has fewer visitors, making it ideal for capturing the best drone shots or videos without photobombers while kayaking. If you missed your chance to get a good photo at Big Lagoon, you might have better luck at Cadlao Lagoon.
Oddly enough, Big Lagoon is quite fun—probably because of the lively crowd of tourists flocking there. LOL. To sum it up, both lagoons are beautiful with their towering limestone cliffs. However, Big Lagoon seems to have more distinct rock formations compared to Cadlao Lagoon, though the difference may not be too noticeable.
Also read: Honda Bay Tour, Puerto Princesa, Palawan
Talisay Beach
Talisay Beach is a beautiful destination situated in the Bacuit Archipelago near El Nido, Palawan, Philippines. It offers a picturesque setting to relax and enjoy Palawan’s natural beauty. I love how the nearby islands seem so close from where we’re standing.
The sand here feels very white, though our tour guide mentioned that Papaya Beach is even whiter. Talisay Beach features soft white sand, crystal-clear waters, and a stunning backdrop of limestone cliffs draped in lush vegetation. Unlike some of the more crowded beaches in the area, Talisay Beach maintains a tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for those seeking peace and solitude.
This was also where we had our lunch, which had already been prepared by our tour guide.
Secret/Hidden Beach
Both Secret Beach from Tour C and Secret Lagoon from Tour A are captivating destinations in the El Nido area of Palawan, Philippines, yet they offer distinct experiences and attractions.
Secret Beach is nestled within towering limestone cliffs and is accessible only through a small opening in the rocks. We swam through the narrow entrance to reach the beach. If you look down below the entrance, the water is deep, but once you pass through the small opening, it gradually becomes shallow. Inside, you’ll find a stunning stretch of white sand surrounded by towering cliffs, creating a secluded and intimate atmosphere.
While both Secret Lagoon and Secret Beach offer a sense of adventure and seclusion, they provide different experiences. Secret Beach is more about relaxing on a hidden stretch of sand, while Secret Lagoon offers the chance to explore a concealed natural wonder surrounded by dramatic cliffs. Depending on your preferences, you may choose to visit one or both during your time in El Nido.
Star Beach
Star Beach is another beautiful destination in the El Nido area of Palawan, Philippines. Located on the western side of Tapiutan Island, it offers visitors stunning views of the surrounding limestone cliffs and crystal-clear waters.
We didn’t actually go near the shore but instead stayed around the middle of the sea to snorkel. I loved how we were surrounded by rock formations on a peaceful Tuesday afternoon while we were on the boat.
Also read: Puerto Princesa City Tour
Other Activities
Apart from the tour packages, you can also enjoy El Nido by exploring Bayan. Bayan serves as a one-stop destination for all your needs — whether it’s shopping for clothes and souvenirs, dining at restaurants or bars, booking tours with agencies, getting your laundry done, and more. The nightlife here is lively, even on weekdays.
Another option is to catch breathtaking sunsets at nearby beaches — a regretful miss for me. With just three days in El Nido, the travel time to and from Puerto Princesa can consume almost half of your day. My advice: extend your stay!
Believe it or not, I made new friends during my time in El Nido. It was a truly enriching experience.
In case you’re wondering, there are more European and American tourists in El Nido than Asians. I had the opportunity to converse with a few of them.
Until next time — El Nido Tour B and Tour D next? Or perhaps Balabac?
