El Nido’s appeal is best seen from the water, and this full-day tour links beaches, lagoons, caves and snorkeling stops in one boat trip. I like two details in particular: the route changes among four distinct tour categories, and the onboard host and photographer help make the ride feel social rather than strictly transport between stops.
The main catch is the kayak: it’s part of the experience’s appeal, but rental is not included. The route also changes by day, so you may not get the lagoon or beach you had in mind unless you check the day’s category with Happiness Travel and Tours before booking.
- At a glance
- Four routes, four different days at sea
- Kayaking is a highlight, but budget for it separately
- What the full day feels like
- Lunch, drinks and snorkeling gear are covered
- Making sense of the price
- Timing, meeting point and practical limits
- Who will enjoy this tour most?
- Should you book it?
- FAQ
- What time does the tour leave and return?
- Where is the meeting point?
- Which island-hopping route will I take?
- Is kayak rental included?
- What does the tour include?
- Are snorkeling gear and fins provided?
- Are drinks and lunch provided?
- When will I receive the tour photos?
- Is the activity suitable for children or people with mobility needs?
- What happens if the tour is cancelled or I need to cancel?
- The Best Of El Nido!
- More Kayak & Canoe Tours in El Nido
- More Tours in El Nido
- More Tour Reviews in El Nido
- Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in El Nido we have reviewed
At a glance
1 / 7
2 / 7
3 / 7
4 / 7
5 / 7
6 / 7
7 / 7- Four possible routes: Tours A, B, C and D visit different combinations of lagoons, beaches, caves and islands.
- Kayaking costs extra: Bring money for a kayak rental if paddling is a priority.
- A full day on the water: Departure is scheduled for 8:30 a.m., with return around 4:30 to 5 p.m.
- Social boat atmosphere: Expect music, games, a tour host and an onboard photographer.
- Useful basics are included: Snorkeling gear, life vests, drinking water, sodas and a buffet-style packed lunch are provided.
- Check the final price and route: The stated starting prices differ, and the tour category changes daily.
👉 See our pick of the Best 2 Day Tours In El Nido
Four routes, four different days at sea
The tour’s biggest planning wrinkle is also part of its appeal: the route is not fixed. Happiness Travel and Tours offers four categories, but the category available varies by day and can change. Contact the operator before booking if a particular stop matters to you.
Tour A pairs Seven Commando Beach, Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Payong-Payong Beach and Secret Lagoon. Big Lagoon is the headline stop for many people drawn to kayaking, while the beach and island stops give you a mix of swimming and time on shore. Lagoon fees for Tours A and D are included.
Tour B goes to Entalula Island, Snake Island or its sandbar, Cudagnon Cave, and either Cathedral Cave or Ivan’s Cave. This is the route to look for if you are most interested in a sandbar and cave stops. The final cave choice can vary, so don’t assume both are on the day’s plan.
Tour C includes Helicopter Island, Hidden Beach, Cagbatang Island, Secret Beach, and either Talisay Beach or Cadlao Lagoon. The names suggest a day built around coves and shoreline stops, but the exact experience depends on conditions and the route the crew can run.
Tour D visits Bukal Island, Cadlao Lagoon, Paradise Beach, Pasandigan Cove and Small Lagoon. It combines several lagoon and beach stops; lagoon fees for this category are included.
The place names can make it tempting to book around one famous stop, but the daily schedule matters. Ask which category is operating on your date, and confirm the listed stops with the company. The itinerary is also subject to change with weather and traffic conditions.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in El Nido
Kayaking is a highlight, but budget for it separately
The tour description puts kayaking front and center: you can paddle through lagoons and coves, and the boat’s photographer may capture the moment. But kayak rental is specifically excluded from the price. If you are booking mainly to paddle at Big Lagoon or another stop, check the rental cost and availability before you commit.
That distinction matters because the core fare covers the shared boat and the listed tour inclusions, not every activity or piece of beach gear. Aqua shoes, fins and towels are also not included. Bring what you need, or plan to pay separately where rental options are available. The available details do not specify kayak prices or guarantee that kayaks will be available at each stop.
What the full day feels like
The boat is a shared, double-decker tourist boat, with a DOT-licensed English-speaking guide and a Happiness tour host. Music and games add a lively, group feel. That can be a welcome change from a quiet transport boat, especially on a long day, though it may not suit you if you prefer a calm ride.
The tour also includes an onboard photographer, with official photos sent to participants around two to three days after the trip. That is a nice extra if you want a record of the day without asking someone in your group to stay behind the camera. Don’t expect the photos immediately after docking.
Crew members named in connection with the operation include Ivan, Sedric, Grace, Roberto, Rick, BonBon and Daryl. The names associated with one trip may not be the team on another date, but the personal, family-friendly service is a recurring part of the experience’s appeal. One account even describes a crew member retrieving a kayak during a sudden storm and helping a child step on and off the boat. That speaks to the kind of practical care you want from a crew working around water, while also reminding you that conditions can change.
Lunch, drinks and snorkeling gear are covered
The inclusions make the day easier to manage. You get life vests, snorkeling gear, drinking water, sodas and a buffet-style packed lunch. A meal and basic drinks included in a full-day boat trip help keep the day simple, especially if you do not want to arrange lunch between island stops.
The lunch has drawn particular praise, but the precise menu is not specified. Treat it as a provided group meal rather than a restaurant lunch with a choice of dishes. If you have dietary needs, bring any personal food or medicine you require and check with the operator in advance.
Snorkeling gear is included, but swimming fins are not. If fins matter to you, pack your own or ask about rental options before departure. The supplied information does not promise a particular fish, coral or visibility experience, so it is best to think of snorkeling as an included chance to explore the water, not a guaranteed wildlife encounter.
Making sense of the price
The listed starting prices are not consistent: the summary gives a price from US$36.35, while the Join-In package is shown from US$31.59. Prices can depend on the selected package or booking details, so confirm the total at checkout rather than relying on either starting figure.
Value depends on what you want from the day. The shared boat, guide, tour host, photographer, life vest, snorkeling gear, lunch, drinks and some fees are bundled together. For a long day with several stops, that can be convenient. But kayaking, aqua shoes, fins, towels, tips and personal expenses are extra, and the route is not fully yours to choose if the operator’s daily category does not match your preference.
The tour’s Lagoon fees are included for Tours A and D, but the inclusion list does not say the same for Tours B and C. Ask what fees apply to your chosen route before booking. A past complaint about price and unclear package details is a useful reminder to confirm exactly which category, boat and inclusions you are buying. If you want certainty, get the route and package details in writing.
Timing, meeting point and practical limits
Departure is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. from Happiness Travel and Tours at C. Hama Street, Barangay Masagana, El Nido, Palawan. Arrive 30 minutes early, which means aiming for 8 a.m. rather than cutting it close. The return is estimated at 4:30 p.m., with the day potentially ending between 4:30 and 5 p.m.
The activity has no age limit, and the crew has been described as child-friendly. Still, the tour is not recommended for pregnant people, people with serious medical conditions or people with disabilities. It is not stroller- or wheelchair-accessible. Consider the full day on a boat and the need to get on and off at island stops when deciding if it suits your group.
Bring personal necessities, including medicine and spending money. The voucher is valid only on the date booked, and you show it on your phone. Changes are allowed up to 24 hours before the activity in many cases, with some booking types excluded. Cancellation at least 24 hours before the activity date qualifies for a full refund; weather or a minimum-participant issue can also lead the operator to cancel, with a reschedule or refund offered.
Who will enjoy this tour most?
This is a good fit if you want a full day of island stops arranged for you, value a guide and included lunch, and enjoy a sociable boat ride. Families may appreciate the child-friendly approach and the photographer, while groups of friends can make the most of the music, games and shared outing.
It is less suited to you if you want a quiet, private boat, have your heart set on one specific route without confirming the schedule, or expect kayaking to be included in the fare. It also demands a full day, and the access limits make it a poor choice for anyone who needs a wheelchair or stroller.
Should you book it?
Book if you want a well-equipped group trip and are flexible about which of El Nido’s four routes operates on your date. Before paying, confirm the route, final price, kayak rental availability and any fees not included for your category. If those details line up with what you want, the included lunch, snorkeling gear, photographer and lively crew make this a practical way to spend a day among Palawan’s islands.
El Nido Deluxe Island Hopping Tour with Kayaking
“wow !! we felt like a part of the family! Such kind hospitality from start to finish!! We never go on tours that include photos so this was extra s…”
FAQ
What time does the tour leave and return?
Departure is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. and return is estimated around 4:30 p.m. The tour may end between 4:30 and 5 p.m., and timing can change with weather and traffic.
Where is the meeting point?
Meet at Happiness Travel and Tours, C. Hama Street, Barangay Masagana, El Nido, Palawan. Arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled departure.
Which island-hopping route will I take?
The tour runs Tours A, B, C or D, and the category varies daily. Contact Happiness Travel and Tours to check the route available for your date.
Is kayak rental included?
No. Kayak rental is not included in the package price.
What does the tour include?
The package includes a shared double-decker tourist boat, a DOT-licensed English-speaking guide, a Happiness tour host and photographer, music and games, life vests, a buffet-style packed lunch, drinking water, sodas and snorkeling gear. Environmental fees are included, and lagoon fees are listed for Tours A and D.
Are snorkeling gear and fins provided?
Snorkeling gear is included. Swimming fins are not.
Are drinks and lunch provided?
Yes. The tour includes drinking water, sodas and a buffet-style packed lunch.
When will I receive the tour photos?
Official photos are sent to participants around two to three days after the island tour.
Is the activity suitable for children or people with mobility needs?
There is no age limit, and the tour has been described as child-friendly. It is not recommended for pregnant people, people with serious medical conditions or people with disabilities, and it is not stroller- or wheelchair-accessible.
What happens if the tour is cancelled or I need to cancel?
Cancel at least 24 hours before the activity date for a full refund. If severe weather or another unforeseen event leads the operator to cancel, you can reschedule or request a full refund. The activity is also cancelled if fewer than 18 participants sign up, in which case a refund is provided.
