El Nido Tours A, B, C and D Explained: Which Island-Hopping Tour Should You Choose?

If you’re planning a trip to El Nido, you’ve probably seen the letters already. Tour A. Tour B. Tour C. Tour D.

It can feel like a puzzle at first. Which one has the famous lagoons? Which one has the caves? Which one is best if you just want to float, snorkel and do as little as possible?

Don’t worry. This guide explains each of our Happiness Deluxe island-hopping tours in plain English, so you can choose the day (or days) that fit you best.

The Basics: What All Four Tours Have in Common

Before we get to the differences, here’s what you can expect on every Happiness Deluxe Tour, based on our tour pages:

• Price: each tour starts from ₱1,900 per person.
• Timing: a full day, starting around 8:45 AM and finishing around 5:00 PM. You’ll meet at the Happiness travel and tours office in town.
• Included: round-trip boat transfers, a certified local guide, a picnic lunch on one of the islands, snacks and soft drinks, mask and snorkel, games and music on board, and a photographer. The photo link is sent three to four days after the tour.
• Not included: the El Nido Eco-Tourism Development Fee (ETDF) of ₱400 per person, towels and aqua shoes. On Tours A and D, kayak rental at the lagoon is also extra (₱300 for two guests or ₱500 for three).
• Weather: destinations may change based on weather and sea conditions. Safety always comes first.

The good news about the ETDF: you pay it once and it’s valid for five days, so you can do several tours without paying again within that window.

Tour A: Lagoons and Big Views

Happiness Deluxe Tour A is the one most people picture when they think of El Nido. Towering cliffs, turquoise water, and paddling into quiet lagoons.

Stops on Tour A

• Big Lagoon – the star of the show, where you can kayak between huge limestone walls.
• Secret Lagoon – a hidden pool reached through a small opening in the rocks. Access depends on the tide.
• Pasandigan Cove – a snorkeling stop in a marine sanctuary area, with colourful fish and, occasionally, sea turtles.
• Entalula Island – soft white sand and clear water, great for a swim.
• Seven Commandos Beach – a palm-fringed beach for lounging, swimming or a game of volleyball.

Choose Tour A if…

You only have one day for island hopping, or this is your first time in El Nido and you want the classic lagoon experience.

Tour B: Caves and Sandbars

Happiness Deluxe Tour B is for curious explorers. It’s a little more about discovering than lounging.

Stops on Tour B

• Snake Island – named for its winding sandbar, which appears at low tide. There’s also a short uphill trail to a viewpoint.
• Lagen Cave Site (Ivan’s Cave) – known for its rock formations and clear water.
• Cudugnon Cave – a limestone cave with hidden chambers to explore, plus a beach for walking or a game.
• Entalula Island – a beautiful beach stop to cool off.

Choose Tour B if…

You love caves, viewpoints and a sense of adventure, or you’ve already done Tour A and want something different.

Tip: Bring some cash for extra drinks on the islands, as the tour page suggests.

Tour C: Hidden Beaches and Easy Snorkeling

Happiness Deluxe Tour C is built around relaxation and secret spots. Think quiet coves, clear water and plenty of time to soak it all in.

Stops on Tour C

• Hidden Beach – a secluded beach tucked behind the rocks.
• Secret Beach – another hideaway that feels like a real discovery.
• Talisay Beach – peaceful and shady, good for a swim or snorkel near the shore.
• Helicopter Island (Dilumacad) – named for its shape when seen from a distance, with a long stretch of white sand.
• Cagbatang Island – calm, green and perfect for a lazy swim.

Choose Tour C if…

You want a beach-and-snorkel day with a little bit of “wow, how did we find this place?”

Tour D: The Slow and Serene Day

Happiness Deluxe Tour D is the gentlest of the four. It still includes lagoons, but with a calmer, quieter feel.

Stops on Tour D

• Small Lagoon – a tranquil lagoon on Miniloc Island, entered through a narrow gap in the cliffs. Lovely for kayaking or floating.
• Cadlao Lagoon – clear water and dramatic cliffs, great for swimming and snorkeling.
• Pasandigan Cove – a peaceful, sheltered cove.
• Nat-Nat Beach – a quiet stretch of sand away from the usual trail.

Choose Tour D if…

You want lagoons without the rush, you’re traveling with someone who prefers a gentle pace, or you simply want a peaceful day on the water.

Quick Comparison

• Tour A: iconic lagoons, best for first-timers.
• Tour B: caves, sandbar and viewpoint, best for explorers.
• Tour C: hidden beaches and snorkeling, best for beach lovers.
• Tour D: calm lagoons and quiet coves, best for slow travelers.

Doing two tours? A and C make a nice mix of lagoons and beaches. If you love paddling, A and D give you two different lagoon experiences.

Want More Time at Each Stop?

Our Deluxe Tours are shared, which is a fun way to meet people. If you’d rather have the boat to yourselves and more time at each destination, you can ask about upgrading to a private tour. Just get in touch and our team will help.

What to Bring

• Towel and aqua shoes (not included)
• Reef-safe sunscreen and a hat
• A dry bag for your phone and cash
• A tumbler to refill water
• Cash for your ETDF, kayak rental and any extra drinks

Please don’t stand on coral or take shells home. Our post on how to leave no trace has a few more easy ways to look after these islands.

Beyond the Boats

Need a break from the sea? El Nido is just as beautiful inland. Try the Land Tour: Waterfall and Beaches, the El Nido Zipline (from ₱600) or the Canopy Walk (from ₱730). You’ll find everything on our tours page.

And when you’re ready to rest, our hostel in town keeps you close to the tour office, while the Boutique Resort near Corong-Corong offers a pool, spa and yoga (hostel guests can join too).