El Nido: Snake Island and Cave Tour with Island Lunch

Exploring the El Nido: Snake Island and Cave Tour with Island Lunch

If you’re dreaming of days filled with adventure, crystal-clear waters, and dramatic limestone formations, the El Nido Snake Island and Cave Tour might catch your eye. While we haven’t personally hopped on this boat, plenty of travelers have shared their impressions, and it’s clear this tour offers a blend of jaw-dropping scenery and fun exploration.

What draws many in is the chance to see Snake Island’s distinctive S-shaped sandbar, the chance to explore fascinating caves, and a relaxing stop at a private island with snorkeling opportunities. It’s a full-day experience that truly showcases Palawan’s natural beauty. That said, it’s worth noting that this tour isn’t perfect — some reviews mention logistical hiccups or weather-related issues that can put a damper on the day.

Ideal for travelers who want a balanced mix of sightseeing, adventure, and relaxation, this tour suits those eager to see El Nido’s highlights without the need for strenuous activity or overly crowded spots. If you’re after a scenic, guided outing with good value, this could be a great option.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Good To Know

• Highlight: Famous for Snake Island’s unique S-shaped sandbar — perfect for photos and leisurely walks
• Caves & Landmarks: Visit Cudugnon and Cathedral Cave for fascinating limestone formations and historical intrigue
• Secluded beaches: Popolkan Beach offers white sands and calming waters for relaxing or swimming
• Snorkeling & Relaxation: Entalula Island’s vibrant coral reefs and clear waters promise memorable underwater moments
• Logistics: 6-hour tour with boat transfers, a local guide, and a picnic lunch included
• Considerations: Some reviews mention organizational issues or weather disruptions, so flexibility may help

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Points and Transportation

The tour begins from one of two meeting spots: Marber’s or Jarace Grill. This flexibility helps if you’re staying in different parts of El Nido town. Once onboard, you’ll be comfortably transported via boat, with all transfers included. The tour’s duration is approximately 6 hours, which roughly balances sightseeing with enough time to relax. Keep in mind, the tour doesn’t include hotel transfers, so plan accordingly.

Snake Island: The Star Attraction

Most travelers flock to Snake Island for its distinctive S-shaped sandbar. This isn’t just a photo-op — it’s a chance to walk across soft sands that stretch across the turquoise waters, ideal for stretching your legs after a boat ride. One reviewer called it a “gorgeous location,” emphasizing its visual appeal.

You can take a guided walk, enjoy panoramic views from a hilltop, or just sit back and snap photos. The guide usually offers about an hour here, giving ample time to soak in the scenery and capture memorable shots.

More Great Tours Nearby

Exploring Cudugnon Cave

Next stop is Cudugnon Cave, a site that mixes natural beauty with a dash of history. Accessible through a narrow opening, the cave offers impressive limestone formations and archaeological significance. One reviewer noted the awe-inspiring rock walls and the sense of stepping into history. Expect to spend about a full hour here, exploring the ancient formations and taking in the mysterious atmosphere.

Cathedral Cave: A Natural Monument

The Cathedral Cave is another highlight — famous for its towering limestone formations that resemble a cathedral. Accessible only by boat, it’s a striking sight as the cave’s grand entrance rises from the water. The dramatic arches and natural grandeur make this a highly photogenic stop. Visitors typically spend around an hour here, marveling at the scale and beauty of this natural marvel.

Relaxing at Popolkan Beach

Next, the tour brings you to Popolkan Beach, a quieter, less crowded stretch of white sand and clear waters. It’s an excellent spot to unwind, swim, or simply soak up the sun. Several travelers appreciate this pause, noting it’s an ideal place to relax after the caves. Expect around two hours for this stop, which includes time for swimming, taking photos, and enjoying a peaceful lunch.

Entalula Island: The Final Stop

The last major destination is Entalula Island, renowned for its pristine sands and vibrant coral reefs. Here, snorkeling is a favorite activity, with clear waters revealing a colorful underwater world. The island’s calm environment provides a perfect setting for lounging or exploring the reefs.

Lunch and Free Time

A picnic lunch is included, served on the island or nearby. Lunch typically lasts for about two hours, giving guests time to refuel and enjoy the surroundings. Afterward, there’s about an hour of free time to take photos, snorkel, or just relax before heading back.

End of the Tour

The tour wraps up with boat transfers back to the starting point, with options for drop-offs at either Jarace Grill or Marber’s.

What’s Included & What to Prepare For

The price of $43 per person is quite reasonable considering the itinerary. It covers boat transfers, a licensed guide, use of life vests, and the picnic lunch. However, travelers should budget extra for the El Nido Environmental Fee of P400 per person, payable on site — a small fee for helping preserve these stunning places.

Not included are water shoes, snorkel masks and fins, or kayak rentals, so if you want more water fun, bringing your own gear or renting locally might be worthwhile.

Practical Tips

• Bring passport or ID for the environmental fee verification
• Pack swimwear, towel, and change of clothes for water activities and comfort
• Don’t forget sunscreen and cash for extras or on-site fees
• Be prepared for weather — some reviews mention rain and organizational hiccups, so a waterproof bag might come in handy

The Realities Behind the Reviews

The tour’s popularity is evident, but so are the mixed experiences. A few travelers mention disorganization and delays, with one reviewer noting they were put in the wrong boat and had difficulties contacting staff. Weather can also impact the day, especially if it rains, as some shared their picnic was eaten in the rain — so flexibility is key.

On the bright side, others highlight the stunning views and well-paced stops. One traveler praised the tour for its overall value, despite being a couple of hours late, calling it “very good” overall.

It’s clear that this tour offers incredible sights, but like all outdoor adventures, it depends heavily on weather and logistics.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This adventure is best suited for travelers eager to see El Nido’s iconic sights without too much walking or strenuous activity. If you enjoy boat rides, scenic viewpoints, and snorkeling, you’ll find plenty to love here.

It’s also a solid choice for those who want a guided experience with local insights. However, if you prefer a more flexible or personalized itinerary, some of the organizational issues mentioned in reviews might be a downside.

Finally, if you’re after stunning photo opportunities and peaceful beaches, this tour excels at delivering picture-perfect moments.

The Sum Up

The Snake Island and Cave Tour in El Nido offers a beautiful glimpse of Palawan’s extraordinary natural features. The stops at Snake Island, Cudugnon Cave, and Cathedral Cave are highlights that showcase the region’s dramatic limestone landscapes. The inclusion of a picnic lunch and snorkeling means you’ll leave with both memories and some underwater snapshots.

While the tour is reasonably priced and provides a well-rounded day of exploration, it’s important to be prepared for potential delays or weather changes. The organizational hiccups noted in some reviews suggest arriving flexible and with a sense of patience.

This tour provides excellent value for those looking to combine scenic beauty, light adventure, and relaxation in a single day. It’s particularly suited for travelers who want to tick off El Nido’s major highlights without the hassle of planning each stop themselves.

If you love capturing gorgeous views and exploring caves with a knowledgeable guide, this experience could be a standout part of your Palawan journey.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, with scheduled stops for sightseeing, lunch, and free time.

Where does the tour start?
It begins from either Marber’s or Jarace Grill, depending on your booking choice.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers boat transfers, a licensed guide, life vests, and a picnic lunch.

Do I need to pay extra for anything?
Yes, you’ll need to pay the El Nido Environmental Fee of P400 at the site, plus any personal expenses or equipment rentals like snorkeling gear.

Are there any age or fitness restrictions?
The tour is generally suitable for most travelers comfortable with boat rides and light walking, but those with mobility issues should check with the provider.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, there’s a 24-hour cancellation policy for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later to keep your plans flexible.

This tour offers a balanced mix of natural beauty and guided exploration, perfect for those wanting to see the best of El Nido’s iconic spots with ease. Just remember to pack your waterproof bag, keep a positive attitude, and prepare for a day filled with unforgettable views and adventures.

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