El Nido: Island Hopping Tour B Cudognong Cave & More

Caves, sandbars, and calm blue water in six hours. What makes El Nido Tour B so much fun is the way it mixes swimming time with story stops like Cudugnon Cave, usually with a smaller boat and less of the big-tour chaos.

I like this tour for two main reasons. First, you often get a cozier group size (many boats around this format run with far fewer people than the busiest options). Second, the water time is legit, especially around Popolkan Beach, where you can snorkel and swim with visible marine life and reef color.

One thing to consider: the cave stops are not a flat, paved walk. Some cave areas can be tough to reach, and the tour is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Key things that make Tour B worth your time

• Smaller group feel that helps the day feel relaxed, not rushed
• Snake Island’s sandbars and changing shoreline, great for photos and tide watching
• Popolkan snorkeling and swimming with marine life and clear water
• WWII stories at Cudugnon Cave, plus other cave visits like Cathedral Cave
• Entalula Island white sand for a softer landing at the end of the day

Tour B in Bacuit Bay, in plain terms

Tour B is a classic El Nido half-day island hopping cruise based in Bacuit Bay. You’ll board the tour boat at your booked meeting point (it can vary), put on the life vest, and spend roughly six hours bouncing between beaches, sandbars, and caves. You’ll end back at the same starting point when the day is done.

At $25 per person, the big value is that you get the core experience packaged together: licensed guide service, a boat tour, life vests, and lunch. What’s not included is just as important for your budget: you’ll pay the El Nido eco-tourism development fee (400 PHP) before boarding if you haven’t already, and you may see other add-ons depending on the day.

Also, the guide language is typically Tagalog and English, so you should be able to follow along without guesswork.

How the boat day feels (and why “less crowded” matters)

The strongest theme across the best days of Tour B is simple: the vibe is calmer. On this kind of cruise format, you can end up with a group around the teens, which makes a big difference when you’re squeezing swims, snack breaks, and cave access into a single route. People keep things moving, but you’re not playing musical chairs with 40-plus passengers.

That also matters at the snorkeling stop. With fewer bodies floating at once, you tend to get clearer water visibility and smoother turns back to the boat. And at the caves, it helps. You’ll still have to hike and climb a bit, but the flow can be easier when your boat isn’t a moving crowd.

Guides play a big role here too. Some days you’ll get a guide like Angelo, Arnold, Dexter, Rene, or Jake, and the common thread is keeping everyone safe, included, and on schedule, even when weather throws a curveball. One guide even managed the whole rhythm with humor while the skies stayed overcast.

Snake Island sandbars, photo angles, and tide reality

Snake Island is one of those El Nido stops where the name makes sense the moment you see it. It gets called Snake Island because the sandbars and shallow stretches shift and change shape. That means your best photos depend on the tide.

Here’s what you should expect:

You’ll likely stop near viewpoints and shallow areas where you can see the sandbar curves, and you’ll get time to enjoy the beach scenery. It’s commonly described as a top photo spot, so bring your patience if you want that perfect frame.

You should know one practical detail: if the tide is high, some sandbar access can be more limited. If you’re hoping for the classic walk-on look, try to be ready for whatever the day’s tide gives you. Still, even with a different water level, the island’s shapes are striking, and you can often enjoy the view and swim around the area.

If you want a mental tip, use this rule: don’t just chase a photo, look for the waterline and where the boat is set to work. The day’s timing is built around moving you between safe, doable stops.

Popolkan Beach swimming and snorkeling with real reef life

Next comes Popolkan Beach, and this is where the day shifts from scenery to swimming. The stop is known for abundant marine life and reef areas, and the water is typically described as clear and colorful.

What you’ll probably do here:

You’ll have time for snorkeling or swimming. If you bring your own swim gear, you’ll feel fast and flexible. If not, snorkeling-related rentals are often available, including aqua shoes and fins, and in some cases people end up renting snorkels too.

A helpful way to approach this stop is to treat it like a short personal session, not just a checklist. Spend a minute watching fish movement near where the water is calmer, then decide where you want to put your face in. With a smaller group, you can usually find a quiet spot without circling the same few meters all day.

One more note from experience reports: even when conditions are not perfect (rain or overcast), this stop can still be satisfying because the water can stay clear enough for snorkeling and the guides keep the plan moving.

Cudugnon Cave WWII stories, plus Cathedral Cave

Then you hit the part of the day that feels different from a normal beach day: caves.

Cudugnon Cave is the WWII stop. The setting is tied to the story that Japanese soldiers hid there during World War II. Even if you don’t know the background already, the guide will connect the dots while you’re inside or near the cave areas.

This is also where you’ll feel how active the tour can be. Cave access can mean uneven footing and climbing. One review described the cave reaching as really hard to reach, and that matches the general reality of these El Nido caves. It’s beautiful, but it’s not a stroll.

After that, you’ll visit Cathedral Cave. The name tells you the vibe: a dramatic rock space where light and rock shapes make it feel like you’re inside something architectural. Again, expect some walking and some waiting as groups get arranged for entry and photo time.

If you’re deciding based on physical comfort, be honest with yourself. The tour is listed as not suitable for mobility impairments, and even for able-bodied people, caves can be a bit of a leg workout.

Entalula Island white sand, and the last swim payoff

Ending at Entalula Island is a nice finish because it flips the day back to comfort. Entalula is known for its white sand beach, and it’s a good place to relax after the cave walking.

This is often where you can get those classic end-of-tour photos: pale sand, clear water, and the last chance to float and cool off before the boat turns back.

One day detail you might appreciate:

If you have good luck with the rock areas around the stop, you could spot fish like clownfish near rock faces. It’s not something you can guarantee, but it’s the kind of surprise you can catch when conditions line up.

Also, weather matters here. People reported overcast and still had a great time. If the sky is gray, you may lose some sunset vibes, but the day can still feel bright because the water and sand stay photogenic.

Price and fees: what the $25 really buys

Let’s talk value, because $25 sounds like a steal until you factor in fees and gear.

What you get in the stated price:

• Licensed tour guide
• Boat tour around the islands
• Life vests
• Lunch

What is not included, and what you should budget for:

• El Nido eco-tourism development fee (400 PHP), required before boarding your boat unless you already paid. If you already paid, bring a copy of your receipt to show the guide so you don’t get charged again.
• Big Lagoon entry fee (200 PHP) is listed as not included. Your itinerary details here do not name a Big Lagoon stop, so the safest move is to ask your guide before you board what exact areas you will access that day.
• Aqua shoes, fins, or kayak can be rented. If you don’t have them, you’ll likely pay something at the spot.

Gear is where people get caught off guard. One review noted that if you don’t have sea shoes and snorkels, you may have to rent them. So even though the tour has a budget price tag, you should pack smart or expect small extra costs.

My practical advice: carry cash, and keep some extra aside for rentals. When you have the right footwear, the whole day feels easier, especially with cave walking and beach transitions.

Guides and lunch: the part you do not want to guess about

Tour B is only half about the scenery. The other half is how the boat crew runs the day.

In the best reviews, the guides are described as:

• Fun and supportive (checking in so no one gets left behind)
• Good at keeping the group safe and on schedule
• Able to adjust when weather changes

Named guide examples from experience reports include Jake, Angelo, Arnold, Dexter, and Rene. The style varies, but the common theme is that the crew works to keep you having a good time while still hitting the key stops.

Lunch is included. Multiple reports describe the food positively, sometimes even as a banquet of meats and fish. In at least one instance, lunch was timed at a scenic island stop, and that can feel like a bonus moment rather than a rushed meal.

One caution: you might be offered an option to eat on a private island for the day’s timing, and that could come with extra costs depending on the operation. The tour includes lunch, but it helps to stay flexible and ask if any additional island meal is required beyond the included lunch.

What to bring (and what to wear) so you stay comfortable

For Tour B, your packing list is mostly about sun protection and foot comfort.

Bring:

• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Sunscreen
• Cash

Wear:

• Reef-safe swimwear if you’re snorkeling
• Consider aqua shoes or anything with grip. Cave access and rocky shorelines are not the place to test your sandals.

I’d also add one mindset:

Treat this as a day with wet transitions. You’ll likely dry off, get wet again, and walk in a mix of sand, rock, and cave entry paths. If you dress like you’re going to one beach club, you’ll feel underprepared.

Finally, plan your snorkeling confidence honestly. If you’re not comfortable, you’ll still be able to enjoy beaches and caves, and the guide can help you find calmer water time.

Should you book El Nido Tour B?

I’d book Tour B if you want a balanced day that includes both beach time and cave time, and you care about avoiding the busiest, most crowded feeling. The combination of Popolkan swimming, cave stops like Cudugnon Cave and Cathedral Cave, and the white sand at Entalula Island makes it a strong choice for a first or second El Nido island hopping day.

Skip or rethink it if:

• You have mobility issues. The tour is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and the cave access can be challenging.
• You hate being in the water without perfect conditions. Even if the day still works out in overcast and rain, your water time is always at the mercy of tide and weather.

If you’re the type who likes small-group energy, clear planning, and photo-worthy stops that still include swimming, Tour B is a very practical way to spend your day in Bacuit Bay.

FAQ

How long is El Nido Island Hopping Tour B?

The duration is 6 hours.

What is included in the tour price?

The tour includes a licensed tour guide, a boat tour of the islands, life vests, and lunch.

What fees should I expect that are not included?

You should plan for the El Nido eco-tourism development fee (400 PHP), and the Big Lagoon entry fee (200 PHP) is listed as not included. The EDTF is required before boarding unless you already paid and can show a receipt copy.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The meeting point can vary depending on the option booked.

Can I rent equipment if I do not have it?

Yes. Aqua shoes, fins, or a kayak are available to rent. Snorkeling gear costs may also apply depending on what you bring.

What should I bring to the tour?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen, and cash.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. It is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments.