El Nido: Private Island Hopping Tour B with Lunch & Guide

Summary

Cathedral Cave, Snake Island & Cudugnon Cave in one full day

You’ll walk barefoot along Snake Island’s winding sandbar, explore ancient caves with a local guide who knows every story, and eat fresh-cooked lunch under swaying palms on Pinagbuyutan Island. With hotel pickup included and plenty of time to swim or just listen to the sea, you’ll get moments you’ll remember long after leaving Palawan.

What’s the experience like?

Someone’s handing me a cold soda before I’ve even finished gawking at the color of the water — it’s that kind of day. Our local guide, Mark, grins as he points out the thin line of sand curling away from Snake Island. “Only at low tide,” he says, so we kick off our sandals and walk barefoot along the sandbar, water sloshing over our toes. The sun is hot but there’s this salty breeze that keeps everything easy. I tried to take a photo but honestly, it doesn’t look half as wild as it feels being there.

We ducked into Cudugnon Cave next — you have to squeeze through this little gap in the rock (I hesitated for a second; Mark just laughed and told me to trust him). Inside it’s cool and smells faintly earthy, almost like old pottery. He told us about the ancient bones found here from centuries ago — Sung Dynasty, I think? It’s strange to imagine traders hiding out in these caves long before anyone thought about “El Nido tour B” or Instagram. My friend tried to echo her voice off the walls and startled a couple of tiny bats. That got everyone giggling.

The boat ride to Cathedral Cave was quieter — maybe everyone was thinking about those old stories or just letting the wind tangle their hair. The cave itself really does look like some kind of cathedral inside: huge limestone arches with sunlight flickering off the water onto the walls. I didn’t expect it to feel so peaceful. Lunch happened on Pinagbuyutan Island under palms that rattled every time the wind picked up. Fresh fish grilled right there on the beach; I still think about that taste sometimes when I’m back home staring at my sad sandwich.

I guess what stuck with me most wasn’t just ticking off spots like “Snake Island” or “Cathedral Cave” but how relaxed everything felt — no rush, just drifting from one place to another with Mark telling stories or humming along to someone’s playlist on his phone. If you’re looking for a private island hopping tour in El Nido that isn’t all hype, this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — El Nido Island Highlights

• Visit Snake Island sandbar
• Relax on white sand beach
• Explore Cudugnon Cave archaeology
• Discover Cathedral Cave formations
• Unwind at Pinagbuyutan Island

Top questions

What does El Nido Tour B include?

The tour includes hotel pickup within 2km of town, lunch with soda and water, environmental fee valid for 14 days, and a local guide.

Which islands are visited on El Nido Tour B?

You visit Snake Island (Vigan Island), Cudugnon Cave, Cathedral Cave, and Pinagbuyutan Island.

Is lunch provided during the El Nido island hopping tour?

Yes, lunch is included and served during your tour on one of the islands.

Are infants allowed on this El Nido private tour?

Infants are allowed but must sit on an adult's lap during transport.

Is pickup included for hotels outside El Nido town?

No, free pickup is only available within a 2km radius of El Nido town proper.

Can service animals join the island hopping tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

How long does El Nido Tour B last?

This is a full-day island hopping tour around El Nido.

Is snorkeling possible during this day trip?

The islands have vibrant coral reefs suitable for snorkeling near shore.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup within central El Nido (2km radius), all entry fees including an environmental permit valid for two weeks, soda and water throughout the trip, plus a freshly cooked lunch served right on one of the islands before heading back in the afternoon with your local guide leading each stop.