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

Traveling to El Nido and considering a boat tour to explore its famed lagoons and beaches? We’ve reviewed the popular Tour D offered by Akingventures Travel & Tours to help you decide if it’s worth your time—and your pesos. While this tour promises a full day of swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing in some of the area’s most scenic spots, it’s important to understand what you’re signing up for.

What we love about this experience:

• The chance to snorkel in Cadlao Lagoon, known for its clear waters and vibrant marine life
• Relaxing on Paradise Beach, which offers pristine, white sands away from the crowds
• Visiting Nat Nat Beach for its lively underwater scenes and peaceful atmosphere

One possible drawback: The tour has mixed reviews about punctuality and organization, which could impact your overall experience.

This tour suits travelers looking for a budget-friendly way to tick off several must-see spots with basic amenities. If you prefer a well-organized, time-efficient trip or exclusive experiences, you might want to explore private options or other tours.

Good To Know

• Affordable Price: At around $22 per person, this tour offers access to multiple sites for a reasonable cost.
• Group Experience: It’s a group tour, which means sharing your day with fellow travelers—good for social vibes, less so for personalized attention.
• Limited Flexibility: The itinerary is fixed, which might mean less time at each location, especially if the schedule faces delays.
• Quality of Organization: Some reviews have highlighted issues with timing and overcrowding, so manage expectations accordingly.
• Included & Extra Costs: Basic essentials like life jackets, water, and a picnic lunch are included, but extra fees apply for environmental permits and lagoon entrance.
• Weather Dependency: Like all boat trips, your experience might depend on weather conditions, and cancellations are possible.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Starting Point: Grounded at 100% Arabica Coffee, El Nido

Your day begins at the cozy Grounded Coffee shop in El Nido, where you meet your guide and the boat crew. This is a sensible choice for those wanting to ease into the day with a caffeine boost before setting out. The meeting time is around 9:00 AM, with departure scheduled for 8:30 AM—though actual start times might vary, so arriving early is wise.

Itinerary Breakdown

First Stop: Nat Nat Beach and Guided Tour (1.5 hours)

Your journey kicks off with a visit to Nat Nat Beach, famed for its lively marine life, especially around the coral reefs near the shore. The guided tour here allows you to get familiar with the area and perhaps snap some early pictures. Reviewers note that the marine life around Nat Nat Beach is vibrant, making it ideal for snorkeling.

However, some travelers mention that the overall organization could be improved. One guest pointed out that the start time was effectively pushed back by nearly three hours, arriving at the first location around 11:00 AM. This means missing the prime morning sunlight and the best weather conditions, which could impact your experience of the marine life and photography opportunities.

Cadlao Lagoon: The Highlight

While not explicitly detailed in the review, swimming and snorkeling at Cadlao Lagoon are major selling points. Known for its clear waters and lesser crowds compared to other lagoons, it’s an area appreciated for tranquil beauty. Expect to see colorful fish and admire the limestone formations while floating in calm waters.

Some reviews suggest that the crowded nature of popular spots like the lagoons can detract from the experience, especially if the boat arrives later in the day when other tourist boats have already been there. Arriving early (or late in the afternoon) can make a difference, but with this tour’s fixed schedule, you might find yourself amidst a crowd.

Paradise Beach: Relaxation Time

Next, the tour takes you to Paradise Beach — a stretch of powdery white sands and calm waters perfect for unwinding. This spot offers a break from the boat hopping, allowing for swimming, sunbathing, or just soaking in the scenery. It’s a highlight for many, especially those seeking a peaceful retreat.

Nat Nat Beach & Bukal Island

You’ll also explore Nat Nat Beach again, this time possibly with more time allocated for swimming or relaxing. The tour description mentions experiencing tranquility at Bukal Island, which promises a quiet escape with beautiful surroundings, ideal for a picnic or a quick stroll.

Practical Details & Experience Quality

The tour includes boat transfers, a professional guide, and life jackets for safety. The picnic-style lunch is a simple but effective way to fuel your day, complemented by 300ml of water. However, there’s an environmental fee of P400 (about $7), and lagoon entrance fees (P200) are extra. These costs are worth considering when evaluating the overall value.

In terms of timing, the total duration is approximately 7.5 hours, with the return around 4:30 PM. So, it’s a full day, but not overly rushed—assuming logistics run smoothly.

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What’s Actually Like in Practice?

Despite the promise of a smooth itinerary, reviews highlight that organization can be inconsistent. One traveler shared that the start time was officially 8:00 AM, but in reality, you arrive at the first spot at 11:00 AM, long after the best weather window. The focus on packing the boat with as many people as possible results in longer boarding times, less time at each stop, and a crowded atmosphere.

This overcrowding can diminish the serenity many seek in these pristine spots. If avoiding crowds is a priority, a private tour or early morning trips might be better options, though they come at a higher price.

Snorkeling and Marine Life: The marine environment around Nat Nat Beach is reportedly vibrant, but the crowded conditions and timing could make snorkeling less enjoyable if your boat arrives later in the day.

Photo Opportunities: You’ll get some lovely shots, but the late start and crowded spots could mean less flexibility for photography during the best natural light.

Group Size and Pacing: The tour is shared, so expect to be with other adventurers. For some, this adds camaraderie, but for others, it might feel rushed or crowded.

Is This Tour Worth It?

At $22 per person, this tour provides decent value—covering transportation, guide service, lunch, and snorkeling gear. But the mixed reviews about timing and organization suggest that it’s more suited for budget travelers who prioritize visiting multiple sites over a seamless, exclusive experience.

If you’re flexible with schedules and don’t mind the possibility of crowds, this tour can still be enjoyable. However, if your ideal trip is about having more control over your time or avoiding busy spots, consider private charters or alternative tours.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

Budget-conscious travelers who want to see several key spots without breaking the bank will find this tour appealing. It’s also suitable for those who don’t mind sharing the experience with others and are okay with some logistical quirks.

Photographers and nature lovers may need to plan on arriving early or bringing their own gear to maximize the experience, given the reported delays and crowds.

Families or groups seeking a straightforward, guided day trip will appreciate having all logistics handled, but should be aware of the potential for long waiting times and crowding.

FAQs

What is the starting point for the tour?
You meet at Grounded 100% Arabica Coffee in El Nido, usually around 9:00 AM, with departure at 8:30 AM usually scheduled, but check for updates.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 7.5 hours, with the return around 4:30 PM.

Do I need to pay additional fees?
Yes, there are extra costs for the environmental fee (P400) and lagoon entrance fee (P200), unless already paid earlier.

What should I bring?
Sunscreen, swimwear, towel, change of clothes, snacks, sunglasses, and water are recommended.

Are the spots crowded?
Reviews indicate it can get crowded, especially since the boat arrives later in the day. Early arrival can help, but it’s not guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, basic snorkeling gear is included, but personal gear is not, and towels are not supplied.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

Is food included?
A picnic-style lunch is provided, along with water and life jackets. Extra snacks are on you.

What about weather?
Tours are weather-dependent; cancellations are possible if conditions aren’t safe.

Is this a private tour?
No, it’s a shared group experience unless you opt for a private booking.

El Nido’s Tour D offers an affordable gateway into the stunning beauty of the area’s beaches and lagoons. While it’s a practical choice for those on a budget, travelers should temper expectations about punctuality and crowd levels. The experience is best suited for relaxed travelers who are flexible and eager to tick off multiple sights in one day.

If your ideal trip involves exclusive access, early mornings, or tranquil mornings without crowds, consider private tours or alternative options. But if you’re after a straightforward, cost-effective way to enjoy some of El Nido’s most famous spots, this tour is a reasonable pick—just don’t forget to arrive early!

Remember, packing light, arriving early, and having a flexible mindset can make all the difference in turning this tour into a memorable part of your El Nido adventure.

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