El Nido Island Hopping Private Tour: A Detailed Review

So, you’re thinking of hitting up El Nido, huh? Wonderful choice, honestly! It’s a slice of paradise tucked away in Palawan, Philippines. Maybe you have seen the images of limestone cliffs rising out of crystal waters, plus lagoons that seem almost too pristine to be real – yup, it definitely looks just like those postcard shots you might have seen. When I considered planning my visit, I wondered about taking one of those private island hopping boat trips, as a group tour just did not seem ideal. After all, you know, I really wanted the flexibility to linger longer at places I enjoyed and completely skip the crowded spots that can often ruin a potentially perfect beach day. Getting a boat all to yourself might seem a little indulgent, that’s understandable, yet trust me when I tell you: in El Nido, it can really be the best way to go!

Why Opt for a Private Boat Tour in El Nido?

Well, there’s a few upsides when you decide on grabbing a private boat. Think about this: your schedule, your rules, and also your kind of adventure.

Complete Flexibility: You decide when you want to leave, stay and which spots might make the most sense for you! This alone is quite an advantage, more or less.
Escape the Crowds: The famous spots in El Nido can become super crowded during peak times. You may want to get there early or visit during off-peak hours, a little, that is easier to control when you have your own boat.
Personalized Experience: The crew’s focus becomes only you and your group! I found this to be an incredible perk since they go above and beyond to make your day special.
Comfort and Privacy: I do not know if you are like me, but there are times where I may not feel very social. Having a boat, that becomes my little sanctuary on the sea, may make that a plus!

It could be that paying more for something could cause people to wonder if that’s something that makes sense. Yet you are not just paying to reserve the boat, yet you’re also buying comfort, freedom, and a way better experience, frankly.

Choosing Your El Nido Island Hopping Tour: Routes A, B, C, and D

So, here is how it works. The island hopping tours, more or less, are organized around letters – Tours A, B, C, and also D. Each route promises completely different sights, although, so picking the one, usually, is something that fits what you really wanna see and experience, basically:

Tour A: Lagoons and Beaches

Now, Tour A! Most consider it the ‘classic’ tour and often the first choice for those visiting El Nido. You typically get to Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, plus also 7 Commandos Beach. I was able to kayak in the Big and Small Lagoons. The clear waters at Shimizu Island made it so great to do a little snorkeling.

Highlights:

Kayaking through serene lagoons
Snorkeling in transparent waters
Relaxing on the pretty sands of 7 Commandos Beach

Tour B: Caves and Coves

Well, Tour B takes a turn into adventure, or so it seems. It often features spots such as Snake Island (that has an interesting sandbar), Entalula Beach (know for it’s white sandy feel), Cudugnon Cave (had cool rock formations), and also Pinagbuyutan Island. I found this route a little less crowded than Tour A, usually making it more relaxed.

Highlights:

Walking along the photogenic sandbar of Snake Island
Checking out the geological formations in Cudugnon Cave
Soaking up the rays on the white sands of Entalula Beach

Tour C: Hidden Shrines and Beaches

Consider that Tour C puts more of an effort on the snorkeling and diving spots around El Nido, and many will find it amazing! Destinations sometimes are Helicopter Island (its shape looks a bit like a helicopter from afar), Matinloc Shrine (a mysterious spot with a view), Secret Beach (it requires swimming through a tight opening), and also Star Beach (the waters were very clear for observing marine life here). It actually felt as if I were uncovering hidden gems.

Highlights:

Getting great underwater views while snorkeling
Exploring the historical Matinloc Shrine
Swimming to Secret Beach via its secret entrance

Tour D: Island Getaway

I noticed Tour D sometimes is a little more relaxed and also usually highlights spots ideal for kicking back and relaxing. Destinations sometimes include Cadlao Lagoon, Paradise Beach, Pasandigan Beach, and also Natnat Beach. I saw less tourists in this trip, which means I may not have to try and look for some personal space. You decide, okay?

Highlights:

Canoeing in the tranquil Cadlao Lagoon
Spending time along the pristine Paradise and Pasandigan Beaches
Swimming off Natnat Beach

What to Expect on Your Private Boat Tour

Ok, now that you know your tour type, here are a few things to consider, you know?

Boat Type: Bangka boats tend to be the norm – the typical Filipino outrigger boats. That’s pretty standard.
Crew: This always includes a captain, plus at least one or two crew members who may look after you, make lunch, and that sometimes can offer tips when diving and snorkeling.
Food and Drinks: Almost all trips come with lunch, that sometimes includes grilled fish, chicken, rice, as well as fresh fruit. So I let them know of any food allergies when reserving the tour, like your health is something you want to care for.
Snorkeling Gear: The majority of tours should give you snorkeling masks plus life vests. Still, bring your personal gear in case theirs does not fit or feels off for you.

Booking Your Private Tour: Tips and Considerations

Here’s how you go about making this happen, right?

Book in Advance: In peak season, there are not a lot of guarantees if you wait until you arrive. Try reserving a couple weeks ahead, or maybe even a month.
Compare Prices: Shop around with tour operators; don’t jump at the first deal you come by. Find several quotes before deciding on what is appropriate.
Check Reviews: You may want to look what travelers said when considering any agencies. They might provide insights which cannot be learned from the company page.
Clarify Inclusions: Confirm what comes with the costs, like environmental fees, food, drinks, as well as snorkeling gear, before fully committing.

Packing Essentials for Your El Nido Boat Trip

Right, so before stepping on that boat, check if you may have this list of goods to carry with you, for instance:

Sunscreen: That Philippine sun? Kinda very strong, seriously! Get lots of protection with high SPF, and you may even reapply during the day, seriously!
Swimsuit: So maybe this sounds very obvious, you know? Don’t leave it out, because it’s always beach time around there!
Towel: Choose something quick-dry, I mean. It’ll probably feel more comfortable while hopping on or off shore, kind of.
Hat and Sunglasses: Provides extra defense when that tropical sunlight starts beaming down hard!
Waterproof Bag: Check that devices as well as cameras will have something shielding them away from sea sprays.
Underwater Camera: You know, capture shots, but only when the life under the sea shows how it flourishes beneath sea waters.
Cash: Very useful when entering tourist spots that need payment or probably purchasing extra stuff.

Making the Most of Your Private El Nido Tour

Your guide to ensuring the enjoyment, while on that vacation. Are we cool? Check that.

Start Early: When getting the boat going first thing in the day may permit some locations to be visited first, as it means the boat possibly beats some crowds, alright.
Communicate with Your Crew: If there is a need to switch anything around on the day’s path because of too many crowds/time, it is often simple when contacting the captain when looking for some ideas as the schedule may permit.
Respect the Environment: Look after reefs from any sunscreens that include destructive chemicals plus any rubbish items disposed elsewhere properly, for example.
Engage with Locals: You could always learn about other local customs, but never disrupt others.
Enjoy Every Moment: Absorb any gorgeous scenery. Enjoy the sound of waves, plus it’s wonderful just staying off from stress plus relish nature at its prettiest form actually!

Is a Private Boat Tour Worth It? My Verdict

Okay, I have covered a bit. Do it! A private tour boat gave this feeling of ultimate joy. It would likely cost a great deal more in relation to joining large trips. That level of having the entire voyage fitted to your own taste while managing the opportunity that any day trips provides really did give great experiences overall! Then get off by those locations while others begin appearing may possibly let yourself truly understand El Nido without much interference, right. Provided experiencing the beauty from above from sea up around stunning landscape areas yet with complete calmness- you’ll treasure the voyage forever actually!

So, ready to plan something cool? El Nido and its spectacular island trips are very wonderful experiences worth having again!

And maybe if it may cause worry spending some, I assure you this tour promises returns you possibly treasure after finishing vacation completely, because this region proves as beautiful without restrictions by other crowds interrupting which should really provide peace with great satisfaction through beautiful moments around Philippine lands actually! Okay?!