The main attraction in El Nido is, without a doubt, island hopping. There are plenty of options to choose from β Tour A, B, C, D, E, Z and more β but before you book, hereβs what you need to know:
Island hopping means being out on a boat all day, moving from one tropical paradise to another. It can be tiring β yes β but trust me, itβs 100% worth it. The views are absolutely breathtaking, and every stop looks like a postcard.

π₯ Which Tour to Choose?
Tours A and C are the most popular, and for good reason. We chose Tour C, and joined a fun group of Israeli friends for the day.
Each tour includes about five stops on different islands, and you get a fresh lunch on the boat or the beach β usually a mix of seafood, rice, noodles, and tropical fruits.
π Our Experience on Tour C
The day before the trip, youβll likely get a message from the guide with your pickup time. If you get the chance to start early β take it. Most tours begin around 8β9 AM, which means the sites get crowded fast. We started at 7:00 AM and got to enjoy some spots before the rush.
Every tour can be slightly different, depending on the group, the guide, and the weather. Some stops let you snorkel π€Ώ β if you’re lucky, you might even spot a sea turtle π’! In other stops, you can rent a kayak and paddle around lagoons and cliffs.
The water is crystal clear, the colors are unreal, and honestly β every single photo looks amazing.
We finished the tour around 5:00 PM, just in time for a golden sunset. Sure, we were a little tired π΄, but it was hands-down one of the best days of our whole trip.

π‘ Tips to Make the Most of Your El Nido Island Tour
- Get a good nightβs sleep before the tour β youβll need the energy!
- Buy a waterproof bag (locals sell them everywhere) β not the most stylish, but super useful. Boats can get splashed or it might rain.
- Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen! The sun is strong, especially if youβre not used to it.
- Ask your guide to help with photos β they usually know the best angles and Insta-worthy spots.
- Bring water, a hat, and something to snack on β and wear swimwear under your clothes.

Bottom line?
Donβt miss the island hopping in El Nido. Itβs magical, unforgettable, and absolutely one of the highlights of the Philippines. πβ¨

