Snorkeling in El Nido: Island Hopping Tour B

You squeeze through a narrow cave entrance that was once a WWII hideout, then kayak into a limestone grotto lit from above.

Island Hopping Tour B is a full-day snorkeling and island-exploration tour in El Nido, Palawan, departing by traditional Filipino outrigger boat to five stops across the archipelago. You swim and snorkel at Entalula Island's calm waters, walk the winding sandbar at Snake Island, explore Cudugnon Cave's historic interior, and paddle into Cathedral Cave's light-filled chamber. The pace is deliberate (plenty of time to lounge on beaches and photograph each dramatic limestone landscape), and the group stays small.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Snake Island45m · entry included
2. Entalula Island45m · entry included
3. Cudugnon Cave45m · entry included
4. Cathedral Cave45m · entry included

Island hopping and beach exploration

• Visit Snake Island sandbar
• Swim at limestone cliffs beach
• Relax and snorkel at Entalula Island
• Explore Cudugnon Cave WWII hideout
• Kayak or swim to Cathedral Cave

The experience

The tour runs eight hours and moves by bangka, the traditional wooden outrigger boat that reaches islands inaccessible by larger vessels. You start at Snake Island, famous for its sandbar winding through turquoise water where you can walk, swim and photograph the curve of sand against the sea. From there the boat takes you to a limestone beach with white sand and dramatic cliffs, then to Entalula Island, where calm, clear water makes it ideal for snorkeling or simply floating on the beach.

Cudugnon Cave is the day's historical stop: you squeeze through a narrow entrance into a limestone cavern that sheltered people during World War II, then emerge to rejoin the boat. Cathedral Cave comes last: a large grotto you reach by kayak or swimming, its interior lit by daylight filtering through openings in the rock. Lunch is included, served during the day at one of the stops.

The group stays small by design, which is why the operator calls this the "intimate" version of the island tour. You're not rushed between stops, and there's genuine time to explore, lounge and absorb each landscape. The ETDF (Eco-Tourism Development Fee) and Environmental Use fee are included in the price, so there are no surprise charges at the lagoon entrance.

What’s included

• Lunch.
• ETDF (Eco-Tourism Development Fee) and Environmental Use fee (Lagoon Entrance Fee).
• experienced tour guide in English or Filipino.
• transport by traditional bangka to all five island stops.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to14h before

AgesAdult (18 to 59 years) · Senior (60 to 75 years) · Youth (8 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 7 years) · Infant (1 to 3 years)

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish and Filipino

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 17 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Elsa's Isle Travel and Tours

Is this one for you?Tour B suits travelers who want to snorkel and explore multiple islands without the pace and crowds of the standard tour: the smaller group and unhurried schedule are what make time for lingering on beaches and photographing each stop possible.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Filipino.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (8 to 17 years); Child (4 to 7 years); Infant (1 to 3 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Snake Island and why do people photograph it so much?

Snake Island is famous for a winding sandbar that curves through clear turquoise water, creating a striking visual from above and a walkable strip of sand at sea level. The shape and the contrast between the white sand and bright water make it one of the most photographed stops on the tour.

Can I snorkel at every stop on Island Hopping Tour B?

Entalula Island is the dedicated snorkeling stop, with calm waters ideal for it. You can swim at Snake Island and the limestone beach, and you'll be in the water at Cathedral Cave, but the tour is designed around five distinct experiences rather than snorkeling at each one.

What is Cudugnon Cave like inside?

Cudugnon Cave is a limestone cavern you enter through a narrow opening. It was used as a hideout during World War II. The interior is dark, so bring a headlamp or rely on the guide's light, and wear shoes with grip since the rock can be slippery.

How do I get to Cathedral Cave?

Cathedral Cave is a large grotto accessible by kayak or by swimming, depending on the conditions that day and your comfort level. Once inside, the cave is lit by natural light filtering through openings in the limestone roof, creating the "cathedral" effect the name describes.