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

El Nido keeps a quieter side. This seven-and-a-half-hour boat trip reaches Cadlao Lagoon, Paradise Beach, Nat Nat Beach, Pasandigan Beach, and Bukal Island, with swimming, snorkeling, and a picnic lunch along the way. I like the mix of calm beaches and water time, and I like that boat transfers, a guide, crew, life jackets, lunch, and drinking water are included.

The main concern is time management. A verified booking reported reaching the first stop around 11:00 AM, after earlier boats had already filled the area. The meeting information also gives different times, so I would confirm the exact pickup schedule before paying.

Key points to know before booking

• Cadlao Lagoon is the main water stop, with clear water for swimming and snorkeling.
• Paradise Beach provides the classic white-sand break, on Cadlao Island.
• Nat Nat Beach includes the picnic lunch and a longer guided stop.
• Several fees sit outside the $25 price, including the P400 environmental fee and possible Small Lagoon admission.
• The trip is shared, unless you choose a private option, so boarding can take longer with a full boat.
• Weather can cancel the trip, and the advertised meeting times should be checked carefully.

What the $25 price really covers

At $25 per person, this is a low-cost way to spend most of a day on Bacuit Bay. The price includes transport by boat between the stops, a professional guide and boat crew, life jackets, a beach picnic lunch, and 300 milliliters of drinking water.

That is a useful package if you want the basic island-hopping experience without arranging a private boat. I especially value the included lunch, since you will be away from town for much of the day and eating on a beach fits the setting better than returning to El Nido for a midday meal.

Still, the advertised price is not the final amount for everyone. You must pay the P400 environmental fee separately unless you already paid it earlier. That payment remains valid for five days, but you need to show the issued copy when checking in.

A Small Lagoon entrance fee of P200 may also apply. Kayak rental is extra, and towels and personal snorkeling equipment are not provided. Once you add the environmental charge and any lagoon or kayak costs, the total can be noticeably higher than the headline price.

I would treat the $25 as the boat tour price, not the complete cost of the day. It remains fair value if you want several stops and lunch, but it is less of a bargain if you already have your own boat plans or only want one beach.

The morning meeting point and the timing problem

The stated meeting point is Grounded 100% Arabica Coffee, El Nido Branch. One instruction says to meet the guide and crew by 8:00 AM for an 8:30 departure. Another says to meet by 9:00 AM, with a return around 4:30 PM.

That is a meaningful difference, not a minor typo. An 8:30 departure gives you a better chance of reaching the first beach before the day fills with boats. A 9:00 meeting time may mean a later departure and less time at the first stop.

I would contact Akingventures Travel & Tours before the day of the trip and ask three direct questions: What time should I arrive? What time does the boat leave? Which stop comes first? Keep the answer in writing.

The trip is described as lasting about seven hours, or seven and a half hours depending on the schedule. The expected return is around 4:30 PM. Since the meeting and departure details conflict, allow the full day and do not plan a tight evening activity in El Nido.

The boat is shared with other people unless you book a private option. That keeps the cost down, but a larger group can slow down boarding and getting off at each beach. One booking reported that loading and unloading took enough time to reduce the hours available for sightseeing.

Paradise Beach on Cadlao Island

Paradise Beach is listed as a guided stop of about one and a half hours. Its appeal is simple: white sand, clear coastal water, and time to relax away from town.

I would use this stop to settle into the day. Swim, sit in the shade if available, and take your time with the view rather than trying to rush from one photo spot to the next. The beach is also a natural place for a first swim if you prefer to warm up before snorkeling.

The drawback is timing. The tour description presents this as an early stop, but a late start can push arrival toward the busiest part of the day. A beach that feels peaceful early can feel very different once several boats arrive.

You should also note that the official route information is not perfectly consistent. Paradise Beach and Nat Nat Beach are listed in the detailed itinerary, while Cadlao Lagoon, Pasandigan Beach, and Bukal Island appear in the broader tour description. Ask the operator to confirm the final route, especially if one particular stop matters most to you.

Cadlao Lagoon for swimming and snorkeling

Cadlao Lagoon is one of the main reasons to choose this route. The water is described as crystal clear, and the stop is planned for swimming and snorkeling.

I like that the lagoon is not treated only as a photo stop. You get time in the water, which makes the trip more worthwhile for anyone who wants to see El Nido from below the surface as well as from the boat.

Bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them. Personal snorkeling equipment is not included, and the supplied information does not promise rental gear. You will also need a towel and a change of clothes for the trip back.

The Small Lagoon fee may apply separately, and kayak rental is not included. If the route includes Small Lagoon in addition to Cadlao Lagoon, check the exact admission and equipment costs before departure. This avoids the classic island-tour surprise: a low starting price followed by several small payments at the water’s edge.

You are asked not to touch marine life. That is sensible both for the animals and for the quality of the snorkeling area. Look, float, and leave the reef alone.

Nat Nat Beach and the beach picnic

Nat Nat Beach is scheduled for about one and a half hours and includes lunch. It is also promoted as a place to see colorful marine life, so you may want to keep your mask and snorkel handy rather than packing them away after Cadlao Lagoon.

The picnic lunch is a practical benefit. You are not promised a restaurant meal or a wide menu, but you are promised a beach picnic. Drinking water is included too, although the amount specified is only 300 milliliters.

I would bring extra water and snacks. Both are specifically recommended, and a half-day on open water can make one small bottle feel very small. Sunscreen, sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, and dry clothes belong in a waterproof bag.

Nat Nat Beach may also be where the schedule begins to feel tight. A one-and-a-half-hour stop sounds generous, but time spent serving lunch, boarding, and organizing a shared group reduces actual swimming time. If you want a slow picnic, keep an eye on the guide’s departure instructions.

Pasandigan Beach and Bukal Island

Pasandigan Beach is described as a serene stop, while Bukal Island is presented as a quiet place for a peaceful break. These locations add variety to the route, giving you more than the standard pattern of one lagoon followed by one beach.

The available details do not specify exact stop lengths for Pasandigan Beach or Bukal Island. I would therefore think of them as possible parts of the wider route rather than guaranteed long visits. Confirm the day’s sequence if you are booking because of one of these locations.

This uncertainty matters most if you dislike rushed tours. Several stops can sound attractive on paper, but every extra landing takes time. With a shared boat, the schedule depends on the whole group being ready to move.

Still, the promise of quieter corners is appealing. If your priority is a peaceful day rather than checking off famous locations, Pasandigan Beach and Bukal Island may be the parts you value most.

The boat, crew, and shared-group experience

Boat transfers are included from stop to stop, and a professional guide and boat crew accompany the group. Life jackets are included for safety and comfort, which is important for anyone who is not a confident swimmer.

The guide speaks English. That makes the practical side of the day easier, from meeting instructions to safety reminders and the timing of each stop.

The shared format keeps the fare accessible, but it also shapes the experience. You will not set the pace as freely as you would on a private boat. Boarding, disembarking, lunch, and head counts all take time.

I would choose the shared tour if you care most about price and a full list of stops. I would consider the private option if you care more about early departures, a slower lunch, or spending longer in the water.

The only available score for this experience is 2.1 out of 5 from three ratings. That is a weak result, and I would not ignore it. The specific complaint focused on a late effective start, crowded sites, and too much time spent loading a large group. Those are not complaints about the beaches themselves. They are complaints about how the day is run, which means confirming the departure time is especially important.

What to pack for seven hours on the water

Pack light, but pack for wet conditions. A small dry bag or waterproof pouch will protect your phone, money, and documents during boat transfers.

Bring:

• Swimwear and a full change of clothes
• Towel
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Snacks
• Extra drinking water
• Personal snorkeling equipment, if you own it

Smoking is not allowed. Touching marine life is also prohibited. Keep sunscreen use sensible around the water, and follow the guide’s instructions near reefs and shallow areas.

Because the included water is only 300 milliliters, I would not rely on the tour’s bottle alone. Snacks are also worth bringing, even with lunch included. The supplied information does not describe the picnic menu or portion size.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I think this tour suits you if you want a low-cost shared boat, several coastal stops, a provided lunch, and time for both beach rest and snorkeling. It is also a good match if you are comfortable with a flexible group schedule.

The experience may suit first-time visitors to El Nido who want a simple package rather than arranging boat transfers and meals separately. Life jackets, crew, and an English-speaking guide reduce the number of details you must handle yourself.

I would be more cautious if your top priority is an early arrival at empty beaches. The one detailed complaint about the experience points to precisely that problem. I would also think twice if you dislike crowded boats, want a long uninterrupted swim, or need the schedule to run exactly on time.

The weather is another factor. Tours can be canceled because of weather conditions. That is normal for boat trips, but you should keep some flexibility in your El Nido plans.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now while paying later. Those terms help if your plans are still moving, but they do not solve the need to confirm the morning meeting time.

Should you book El Nido Tour D?

Book it if you want good basic coverage for $25, value lunch and boat transfers, and are happy to share the boat with other people. Paradise Beach, Cadlao Lagoon, and Nat Nat Beach give the day a useful mix of swimming, sand, snorkeling, and rest.

Before booking, confirm the start time, the exact stops, the environmental fee, and whether Small Lagoon admission is part of your route. If the operator can guarantee an early departure, the value improves greatly. If the day begins late, you may spend too much of your best beach time waiting for other people to board.

For the best chance of enjoying it, arrive prepared with water, snacks, dry clothes, and your own snorkeling gear. Choose this tour for variety and price, not for a perfectly private or tightly controlled schedule.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet?

Meet at Grounded 100% Arabica Coffee, El Nido Branch. The provided instructions give both 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM meeting times, so confirm the exact time with the operator.

What time does the tour return?

The tour is expected to return around 4:30 PM. The stated duration is approximately seven to seven and a half hours.

Is this a private boat tour?

No. It is a shared group tour unless you book a private option.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A picnic-style lunch on the beach is included.

Is drinking water included?

Yes. The package includes 300 milliliters of drinking water. Extra water is recommended.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Personal snorkeling equipment is not included, so bring your own if you have it.

Is a kayak included?

No. Kayak rental is not included in the tour price.

What fees are not included?

The P400 environmental fee is not included. A P200 Small Lagoon entrance fee may also apply. The environmental fee remains valid for five days if you already paid it and can show the issued copy.

What language does the guide speak?

The live guide speaks English.

Can weather cancel the tour?

Yes. The tour may be canceled because of weather conditions.