El Nido: Tour D with Cadlao Lagoon, Paradise Beach & More

If you’re considering a boat trip to explore the scenic beauties of El Nido, this Tour D might catch your eye. Priced at just $22 per person, it promises a day of swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on some of the area’s most serene beaches and lagoons. But as with many budget tours, there are both highlights and caveats to keep in mind.

What We Like About This Tour

First, the cost is hard to beat for the variety of destinations covered. For just over twenty dollars, you’ll gain access to several stunning spots that are often overcrowded on more premium excursions. Second, the itinerary includes Cadlao Lagoon, renowned for its clear waters and peaceful atmosphere, making it an appealing choice for travelers craving tranquility away from El Nido’s busier sites.

A potential drawback is the timing and organization. Based on reviews, the tour’s schedule can be quite rushed, and you’ll want to be prepared for possible delays—sometimes the boat departs later than planned, and crowds can already be gathering at key spots when you arrive. This might mean missing some of the best weather or photos, especially if you’re on a tight schedule or prefer a more relaxed pace.

This tour is best suited for budget-conscious travelers eager to see a variety of locations without the high price tag, especially those willing to accept some organizational quirks for the chance to enjoy peaceful lagoons and beaches.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At $22, it offers a good deal for multiple stops.
• Variety of Destinations: Includes Cadlao Lagoon, Paradise Beach, Nat Nat Beach, and Bukal Island.
• Focus on Serenity: Designed for travelers seeking peaceful, less-crowded spots.
• Potential Scheduling Issues: Reviews mention late start times and crowded spots upon arrival.
• Basic Included Amenities: Lunch, water, life jackets, and a professional guide.
• Weather Dependency: Tours may be canceled due to weather, so flexibility is crucial.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary and What You Can Expect

The day begins conveniently at Grounded 100% Arabica Coffee in El Nido, which makes for a relaxed meeting point. The tour departs around 8:30 AM, but some reviews note that the actual start time can be delayed—sometimes by as much as a couple of hours. This delay can be frustrating, especially if you’re eager to beat the crowds or catch the best weather.

After a brief walk of about 15 minutes, you’ll head out on the water, leaving behind the town’s busy atmosphere. The boat ride itself is a key part of the experience, giving you a chance to enjoy the scenery from the water.

Nat Nat Beach and Lunch Stop

One of the highlights is Nat Nat Beach, known for its vibrant marine life—an excellent spot for snorkeling. The tour includes a guided 1.5-hour excursion here, where you can admire the underwater world or simply lounge on the beach.

The lunch is a picnic-style affair, served on the beach, and includes drinking water—a simple but appreciated gesture. While the description claims a “delicious” meal, keep in mind that on budget tours, the quality may vary, and it’s usually a basic packed lunch.

Cadlao Lagoon and Paradise Beach

The star attractions are Cadlao Lagoon and Paradise Beach. The lagoon is celebrated for its crystal-clear waters and quiet ambiance, offering a welcome escape from busier spots. Conversely, Paradise Beach allows you to relax on soft white sand, swim, or snorkel in calm waters.

However, some reviews warn that by the time you reach these locations, they are often already crowded, as earlier tour groups arrive before you. This diminishes the sense of solitude you might expect from the description.

Bukal Island and Pasandigan Beach

Further stops include Bukal Island, ideal for relaxing and taking in the scenery, and Pasandigan Beach, which is less well-known but equally beautiful. Here, the focus is on unwinding and enjoying the natural beauty away from commercial tourism.

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Marine Life and Snorkeling

Around Nat Nat Beach, you’ll encounter vibrant marine life, a significant draw for snorkel enthusiasts. The guides tend to emphasize safe snorkeling practices, and life jackets are provided, but personal gear like masks and fins are not included, so bring your own if you can.

The Practicalities: What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour covers boat transfers, a professional guide and crew, life jackets, a picnic lunch, and bottled water. These essentials keep the trip comfortable and safe, but you’ll need to pay extra for things like entrance fees—P200 for Small Lagoon and P400 environmental fee—and any additional activities like kayaking or renting snorkeling gear.

It’s worth noting that the overall value hinges on your expectations. For the price, you’re getting access to several beautiful spots, but not necessarily a luxury or exclusive experience. If you’re a traveler who values quiet, uncrowded environments, you might find the crowded arrival times and time constraints frustrating.

Weather can also impact the day—tours are susceptible to cancellations if conditions are unsafe, so flexibility and a backup plan are smart considerations.

The Experience and Its Challenges

From feedback, it’s clear that timing and organization are the main pain points. One traveler noted that despite being told to start at 8:00 AM, they arrived at the first location around 11:00 AM, already amid crowds that had started earlier. This can be disappointing if you’re looking for tranquil spots or want to maximize your photography.

Another reviewer pointed out that the focus on packing the boat with as many people as possible results in longer boarding times and less time at each destination. If you prefer a more leisurely experience, this tour might feel rushed.

But for those who prioritize seeing multiple sites in one day without breaking the bank, there’s real value here. You’ll get a snapshot of El Nido’s highlights and the chance to snorkel, swim, and relax at several stunning locations.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is perfect for budget travelers who want to cover a lot of ground without spending a fortune, and who are comfortable with a more crowded, fast-paced schedule. It’s also ideal for those who appreciate peaceful lagoons and less touristy beaches—though you should be prepared for the possibility of crowds upon arrival.

If you’re short on time, this tour offers a cost-effective way to see key sites, but if your priority is a calm, unhurried day, or if organization and punctuality are paramount, you might want to consider other options or private tours.

Final Thoughts

El Nido’s Tour D offers a affordable glimpse into some of the most beautiful spots in the area. You’ll enjoy swimming in Cadlao Lagoon, relaxing on Paradise Beach, and exploring vibrant marine life at Nat Nat Beach—all for a reasonable price. However, the organizational issues and timing delays seem to be recurring themes, and you should be prepared for crowds and a rushed schedule.

This experience suits travelers who value value over exclusivity, are flexible with their plans, and are eager to see multiple locations without a hefty price tag. If you’re willing to accept some imperfections, this tour can serve as a good introduction to El Nido’s natural beauty, especially if you’re on a tight schedule or budget.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for families or children?
Yes, as long as children are comfortable on boat rides and can handle a full day outside. Make sure to bring essentials like snacks and sun protection.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, snacks, sunscreen, and water. Personal snorkeling gear is not included, so consider bringing your own.

Can I cancel if the weather looks bad?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Weather conditions may lead to cancellation, so check the forecast.

Are the stops crowded?
It depends. Early in the day, some spots might already be busy, especially if other tours started earlier. Be prepared for some crowds at popular locations.

What about entrance fees?
You need to pay additional fees for certain locations—P200 for the Small Lagoon and P400 for the environmental fee—unless you’ve already paid these earlier and have receipts.

Is the tour flexible in terms of timing?
Not really. The schedule is quite structured, and delays can happen. If you’re looking for a very relaxed pace, this might not be the best fit.

Whether you’re chasing quiet beaches or just want to tick a few boxes on your El Nido bucket list, this Tour D offers a wallet-friendly option. Just go in with realistic expectations, and enjoy the natural beauty that makes El Nido such a special place.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby