Snorkeling in El Nido: Private Speedboat with Island Lunch

You pick the islands and the pace on a speedboat built for smaller groups.

A private speedboat snorkeling tour in El Nido, Palawan where you choose which islands to visit (Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Seven Commandos Beach and others), and spend more time in the water instead of traveling between stops. The tour runs eight hours with a licensed English-speaking guide, roundtrip hotel pickup, snorkeling gear, and a beach lunch included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Big Lagoon1h 30m · entry included
2. Snake Island1h · entry included
3. Helicopter Island1h · entry included
4. Hidden Beach1h · entry included
5. Entalula Island1h · entry included

Island hopping and beach exploration

• Pickup from hotel
• Visit Big Lagoon
• Explore Cadlao Lagoon
• Walk on Snake Island sandbar
• Relax at Helicopter Island
• Swim at Hidden Beach
• Enjoy Entalula Island beach
• Have beach lunch and drinks
• Return to hotel

The experience

Most island-hopping tours in El Nido follow a fixed route and a fixed schedule. This one lets you build your own itinerary from the destinations available: Big Lagoon with its towering limestone cliffs and turquoise water, Snake Island's natural sandbar that emerges at low tide, Helicopter Island's white sand and coral reefs, Hidden Beach tucked behind a cliff opening, or Entalula Island's calm shallows. The speedboat's faster travel time means you're not spending half the day in transit. You get more hours to snorkel in vibrant coral reefs, swim, or simply sit on the sand without feeling rushed.

A licensed guide in English travels with you and handles the boat, while your crew manages the stops and the logistics. Snorkeling gear is provided, along with bottled water and soft drinks throughout the day. Lunch is a beach meal at one of the islands, not a restaurant stop back in town. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, so you don't arrange transport separately. The tour runs eight hours total, with the rest of the time spent traveling between your chosen locations.

What’s included

• Private transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off.
• snorkeling equipment.
• a licensed English-speaking guide and crew.
• bottled water and soft drinks throughout the day.
• a beach lunch at one of the islands.
• entrance fees and government fees.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00, 09:00, 10:00 and 11:00

AgesAdult (5 to 75 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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.

Paid on siteUS$ 6.25

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by El Nido Adventure Tours

Is this one for you?The speedboat's smaller group size and faster travel between islands mean you spend more time actually snorkeling and less time on the boat, which suits anyone who wants to maximize water time without the crowds of larger tour groups.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (under 5): free.

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.

Can I pick which islands I want to snorkel at on this tour?

Yes. The speedboat tour is designed around customizing your itinerary, so you choose from destinations like Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Seven Commandos Beach, Snake Island, Helicopter Island, Hidden Beach, and Entalula Island based on what interests you and the conditions on the day.

What's the difference between Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon in El Nido?

Big Lagoon is one of El Nido's most famous spots, ringed by limestone cliffs with open turquoise water ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Secret Lagoon, also called Cadlao Lagoon, sits on Cadlao Island and offers a more secluded feel with calm waters, dramatic cliffs, and colorful corals and tropical fish visible in the shallows.

Is snorkeling gear included, or do I need to bring my own?

Snorkeling equipment is provided as part of the tour. You don't need to bring your own or pay extra for rental.

What does the beach lunch include?

Lunch is served at one of the islands you visit during the tour. The operator includes the meal and refreshing drinks. Specific menu details depend on the day's catch and availability.

How early do I need to wake up, and when does the tour end?

The tour runs eight hours total with hotel pickup included, so the start time depends on where you're staying and how the operator schedules the pickup window. Confirm the exact pickup time when you book.

Is this tour suitable if I'm not a strong swimmer?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. You'll snorkel in coral reefs and swim at beaches, so basic comfort in the water is helpful, but the guide and crew are there to support you at each stop.