Lagoon-hopping here feels calmer and prettier. This El Nido boat tour (Tour D) strings together Small Lagoon rock formations and Cadlao Island water time, plus swims at sandy, shallow beaches.

I like that the day is built around actual time in the water, not just hanging around the dock. I also like the crew approach, with guides like Jordan, Mark, Arnold, and TJ showing up in past groups, often with a fun, photo-friendly vibe. One key consideration: Tour D costs more than the base price once you add the El Nido eco fees and possible kayak rentals at the lagoons.

Key Points To Know Before You Go

• Small Lagoon is the star, with clear water and natural rock shapes that make the swim and snorkel stop feel special.
• Cadlao Island brings lagoon time, and kayaking is a popular way to see the water from inside the scenery.
• Nat Nat Beach and Paradise Beach are set up for easy swimming, with shallow, calm water that works for beginners.
• You get a real lunch break, since a packed lunch is included and most stops are planned with enough time to use it.
• Budget for add-ons in cash, because the tour can require extra fees and kayak rentals at specific lagoons.
• Meeting point energy can be chaotic, so arriving early and staying alert at Marber’s Beach Club helps.

Why Tour D Feels More Relaxed Than Other El Nido Boat Days

If El Nido has a theme, it is water that looks too clean to be real. Tour D leans into that, with a route that focuses on lagoons and quieter beach stretches rather than sprinting through a long list of “quick look” stops.

What makes it feel more relaxed is the mix of activities and how they pace the day. You are not only watching scenery from the boat, you are repeatedly getting your feet wet, doing a snorkel session, or sliding into the lagoons by kayak (if you rent one). Several stops also tend to be less crowded than the most famous loops, which matters because calm water looks even better when you are not sharing it with a dozen boats at once.

The route also reads like a good “I want the best water, but not the stress” day. You get a lagoon centerpiece first, then beach time, then more lagoon exploring. That flow helps you end the day feeling satisfied, not rushed.

Getting Started at Marber’s Beach Club, and What That Means for Your Day

Tour D meets at Marber’s Beach Club. Plan to show up early because the pickup moment can be hectic. More than one past booking described it as chaotic right before boarding, even when everything runs well once you are finally on the boat.

Once you get sorted, the day itself is straightforward. Expect a short safety briefing, then heading out into the sea on a licensed tour format. Life vests are included, so you do not need to hunt one down. Still, check that your vest fits you comfortably before you leave the dock, especially if you plan to swim a lot.

One practical thought: the tour requires cash for extra fees and rentals, so have your money ready before you are near the water. Also, you cannot bring plastic bottles, and large luggage is not allowed. Pack light and keep essentials easy to grab, like sunscreen, swimwear, and a sun hat.

Stop By Stop: Small Lagoon to Cadlao, Nat Nat, Paradise Beach, and Bukal

Tour D is built around up to three beach visits and two lagoon highlights. Here is how the stops usually feel, and what to watch for at each one.

Small Lagoon: the rocks, the clarity, and why timing matters

The first major stop is Small Lagoon. This is the place with natural rock shapes and unusually clear water. The vibe is often “wow, that looks unreal,” because the water color and rock contrast make the area feel like a movie set.

If you want the best viewpoint from inside the lagoon, you will likely need a kayak rental at Small Lagoon. The tour info flags kayak rental as an extra cost here (and later at Cadlao Lagoon as well). If you are not kayaking, you still get the chance to swim and enjoy the water, but kayaking changes how you experience the lagoon.

A heads-up based on real-world experience: Small Lagoon has an entry fee (listed as 200 PHP), and some people also find it is one of those stops where add-on rentals can become unavoidable. If you care about lagoon kayaking, bring extra cash early so you are not scrambling later.

Cadlao Island: swimming and lagoon time with better odds for photos

Next up is Cadlao Island. This stop centers on swimming in the lagoon, with water that stays calm enough to enjoy without feeling like you are fighting waves. It is a strong “active break” because you can alternate between relaxing on the edge and jumping back in.

Cadlao Lagoon is another common kayak moment. Kayak rental is listed as an extra cost there too, so if you want the full lagoon experience, this is where you will likely use it.

If you like taking photos, this is also a good place to slow down. The water makes a huge difference for images, and Cadlao’s lagoon setting tends to frame people and boats well. Past groups also singled out the guides as capable photographers, which is a real advantage if you do not want to constantly wrestle your phone while swimming.

Nat Nat Beach: calm water for marine life and easy swims

After Cadlao, the tour moves to Nat Nat. This stop is known for swimming alongside marine life. That means you get a more “alive” water feeling than a plain beach stop.

For most people, Nat Nat works as a mid-day refresh. The water and shoreline setup are often friendly for beginners because the waves are not as aggressive as some other coastal spots. If you are snorkel-curious, this is the type of place where you might feel comfortable giving it a try.

Paradise Beach: snorkel-friendly shallow water

Then comes Paradise Beach, another shallow and calm-water area. This stop is often described as a favorite, especially for snorkel time. The water visibility and fish sightings are why people get excited here.

If you are worried about snorkeling skills, this is one of the better stops to test the water. Shallow zones can make it easier to adjust and still enjoy marine life without feeling like you are far from safety.

One small tip that helps: keep your snorkel habits simple. Clear your mask once, relax your breathing, and focus on staying still long enough for fish to come into view.

Bukal Island: a beach finale with a little weather drama possible

Finally, Tour D can include Bukal Island. This is another sandy, scenic end-of-day stop, where the day’s pace feels lighter. Some past bookings even mentioned tropical rain at the last stop, but still having fun with it. That is a reminder that Palawan weather can shift fast, and your best plan is to stay flexible and treat rain as a short detour, not a deal-breaker.

If it rains, you might still enjoy the scenery from shore. And if you are already sunscreened up, a quick rinse or wipe can keep you comfortable until the boat moves on.

Swimming, Snorkeling, and Kayaking: Choosing Your Level of Water Time

Tour D gives you multiple ways to enjoy the water. That flexibility is a big part of the value.

You can:

• Swim during beach and lagoon stops
• Snorkel at selected stops (snorkel time is part of the day’s flow)
• Kayak at lagoon areas if you rent equipment

Kayak rentals are not automatically included. The tour lists kayak rental around 350 PHP per person per kayak at Small Lagoon and Cadlao Lagoon. Still, costs can vary in practice, and one booking described paying 200 PHP per location. Because of that variability, I suggest bringing extra cash even if you think you already budgeted.

If you do not want to kayak, you can still enjoy the swim and beach time. Just understand that some lagoon experiences are designed around getting into the water directly, so without a kayak you may feel like you missed a “full view” option.

Also consider footwear. Aqua shoes, fins, and kayaks can be rented, but you are not told they are included. If you have your own aqua shoes, you will probably be happier. If not, rent them at the first chance you get.

Crew, Lunch, and the Pace That Keeps You Happy

The crew is a major reason Tour D lands at a strong 4.3 overall rating. Guides show up as attentive, funny, and hands-on, with people specifically praising guide personalities like Jordan and Mark, plus the photo support from guide teams.

That matters because boat tours are half logistics and half vibe. When the crew keeps things calm and explains what to do at each stop, your day runs smoother and you spend more time enjoying the water.

Lunch is also a standout. A packed lunch is included, and people described it as tasty and filling. That is not a tiny detail in El Nido. You burn energy out on the water and you want food that actually works as a reset, not just something symbolic.

Time at each stop also seems to be a strong point. Several bookings said they did not feel rushed, and that there was enough time to explore and still enjoy the break between activities. For me, that is what separates a “good tour” from a “worth the money” tour.

Price and Value: The $23 Base Price Plus the Fees You Must Plan For

The base price is listed at $23 per person for a 7-hour tour. That is a solid number because the tour includes:

• Licensed tour guide
• Boat tour of the islands
• Entry fees (with important exceptions)
• Life vests
• Packed lunch

But you should budget for the two fee categories that are explicitly not included:

• El Nido eco-tourism development fee (listed as 400 PHP)
• Small Lagoon entry fee (listed as 200 PHP)

That is already a meaningful add-on before you even consider rentals. On top of that, kayak rentals at Small Lagoon and Cadlao Lagoon are about 350 PHP per person per kayak (and footwear/snorkel gear can be rented).

So the real value question becomes simple: do you want kayaking in the lagoons?

• If yes, you should expect to pay extra and you should bring cash.
• If no, you can still have a great day, but you will likely do a more swim and snorkel-focused route rather than the full lagoon “from inside” view.

A final value tip: save your energy for the water time you care about most. This tour gives you options, but you will enjoy it most if you decide early whether you are a kayak person, a snorkel person, or both.

What to Bring (and What to Leave Behind) for an Easy Day

Here is what the tour info says to bring:

• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Sunscreen
• Cash

And here is what is not allowed:

• Smoking
• Luggage or large bags
• Plastic bottles

That list tells you the reality of the day. You will be in sun, on and off the boat, and handling small items in a humid environment. Bring sunscreen you actually like using, and keep cash in a simple pocket or small pouch so it does not get wet or lost.

If you are bringing a bag, keep it compact. The tour does not want large luggage. Think “grab and go,” not “bring the whole hotel room.”

Who Tour D Fits Best, and Who Should Skip It

Tour D fits best if you want:

• Lagoon time without a super long, exhausting itinerary
• A day that includes beach swimming plus snorkel chances
• Fewer crowded moments than the biggest-route tours

It is also a good fit as a later stop in your El Nido trip. Some people described it as a perfect last day because it is “more chill” and focused on water fun rather than nonstop hopping.

It is not suitable for:

• Pregnant women
• People with mobility impairments
• Wheelchair users

That is important. Boat tours can involve getting on and off steps or uneven surfaces, so if any mobility issue affects you, pick a different format that is easier to access.

Should You Book Tour D in El Nido?

I think Tour D is worth booking if you care about lagoon scenery, clean water, and getting real time in the sea. It is especially attractive when you want a calmer day with good energy from the crew, plus a lunch that keeps you fueled.

Book it with confidence if:

• You want Small Lagoon and Cadlao Island time
• You like snorkeling at beaches like Paradise Beach
• You do not mind paying extra fees and possibly kayak rentals

Skip it or switch plans if:

• You hate add-on costs and would rather not budget cash for eco fees and lagoon entries
• You need accessibility support beyond what a standard boat day can provide

If you are the flexible type, reserve early and plan to bring extra cash. Once you are on the water, this tour is one of the better ways to experience El Nido’s lagoons and sandy swimming spots in a single day.

FAQ

How long is the El Nido Hidden Beaches and Lagoons Boat Hopping Tour D?

The tour duration is 7 hours.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting place is at Marber’s Beach Club.

What is included in the tour price?

The tour includes a licensed tour guide, a boat tour of the islands, entry fees (with stated exceptions), life vests, and a packed lunch.

What extra fees might I need to pay?

You need to pay the El Nido eco-tourism development fee (400 PHP) before boarding your tour boat. You also need an entry fee for Small Lagoon (200 PHP). Kayak rental is an extra cost as well, and availability and pricing can vary.

What activities can I do during the tour?

The tour is built around swimming and snorkeling, and you may also kayak in the lagoons if you rent equipment.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

No. It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users.

What should I bring, and what is not allowed?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen, and cash. Smoking is not allowed, and you should not bring luggage or large bags or plastic bottles.