El Nido:Private Tour D with Highlights Small & Cadlao Lagoon

El Nido’s lagoons look better up close. On Private Tour D, you paddle through Small Lagoon and then shift to the emerald calm of Cadlao Lagoon, with beach time that actually feels like a break. I like the relaxed rhythm, and I also like that you get real water time for swimming and snorkeling, not just photo stops.

One thing to plan for: kayak rental and lagoon fees are extra. If you only skim the included price, you might get surprised once you add the kayak rental (PHP 300 to PHP 350) and the Small Lagoon users fee plus the environmental fee.

Key things you will notice on this Tour D

• Small Lagoon kayaking with clear water and limestone cliffs around you
• Cadlao Lagoon emerald water and dramatic rock formations
• Beach time on Pasandigan, Paradise, and Serenity areas for swimming and photos
• Snorkel setup included (mask and snorkel, plus a life jacket)
• A calm pace that usually avoids heavy crowding, with lunch that holds you over

Small Lagoon and Cadlao Lagoon, the reason this tour works

This is a lagoon-focused day, and that matters in El Nido. The best parts are not random stops, they are the specific water bodies: Small Lagoon first, then Cadlao Lagoon. You get the best kind of contrast too, clear, tight cliffs around the lagoon paddle, then wider emerald water with bigger rock drama.

Small Lagoon is the kind of place where you see what you came for. The water is described as crystal clear, and kayaking keeps you low and slow. That means you’re more likely to spot what’s under the surface and get photos that don’t look like everyone else’s.

Cadlao Lagoon is the payoff section. It’s known for its emerald waters and dramatic formations, and it’s treated as a quieter retreat in the day’s flow. If you love scenery but also like time to breathe, this mix of paddling plus beach lounging is a strong formula.

Getting on board from Marber’s Beach Club (and why the boat choice matters)

Your day starts from one of two meeting points: Marber’s or Marbers Beach Club. From there, you’ll head out on a licensed tourist boat with a licensed captain, plus a licensed local guide. That licensing detail isn’t just paperwork. In places like El Nido, it’s the difference between a smooth, guided day and one that feels chaotic.

I also like that the tour runs as a private group option. With lagoons, crowding can ruin the mood fast. A private format usually gives your guide more control over pacing, plus you spend more time moving with purpose instead of waiting.

You’ll also want to know the day’s rhythm includes short stops along the way. There’s a secret stop described as a photo stop with a guided tour segment of about 40 minutes, before the core lagoon time begins.

The secret stop photo break, then Cadlao Island kayaking

After meeting up, the itinerary includes a guided photo stop and a short guided segment around 40 minutes. This is one of those moments where you get context, plus you can grab a few early shots before everyone settles into water time.

Then comes Cadlao Island with kayaking for about 1 hour. If you’re thinking kayaking is only for lagoon entrances, this is where the tour reaffirms it. The water and the formations here are part of the experience, not just the transport.

Practical tip: kayaking hours feel longer in hot sun. Plan for sunscreen and a hat if you have one. The tour includes a life jacket, so you don’t have to worry about safety gear, but you do have to manage sun and hydration yourself. You get one bottle of drinking water, which is nice, but bring your own bottle too since the tour advises staying hydrated.

Lunch at Paradise Beach on Cadlao Island, a break that actually fits the day

Lunch is scheduled at Paradise Beach on Cadlao Island, with about 1 hour allotted. I like this timing because it prevents the classic mistake of doing too much water time back to back and then feeling rushed during your meal.

The tour includes lunch, plus a bottle of drinking water. That helps your budget. What you should still plan for is the “in-between” needs: you’ll likely want snacks if you get hungry faster or if you want extra energy for snorkeling later at Bukal.

If you are prone to feeling sluggish after eating, consider eating a bit lighter and keeping an eye on your water intake. You’ll still be in and out of the water after lunch, so you want to feel steady, not heavy.

Small Lagoon kayaking: clear water, tight cliffs, and photo-friendly pacing

Small Lagoon is where the tour name starts to make sense. You’ll spend about 1 hour here with sightseeing and kayaking. The description focuses on kayaking through crystal-clear waters surrounded by limestone cliffs, which is exactly the kind of setting where slow movement pays off.

This is the stop where you’ll feel the value of snorkeling gear too, since the tour includes mask and snorkel. Even if you do not snorkel every minute, having the gear ready means you can swap quickly when you want to look under the surface.

One key logistics note: the tour says kayak rental is not included. If you want to paddle here, you’ll likely be renting on-site. Rental pricing is given as PHP 300 for 2 seaters and PHP 350 for 3 seaters. If you’re traveling as a duo, clarify what you’ll share before you lock in the rental.

Also check the additional costs: there’s a Small Lagoon users fee (PHP 200 per person, one-time access only). That fee is separate from the base tour price, so budget for it if you’re a photo person who wants to maximize time in the water.

Serenity Beach and Pasandigan Beach sand time, the reset you need

After the Small Lagoon section, the day keeps moving toward beach relaxation. You’ll see multiple beach names in the tour description, including Pasandigan Beach (white sands, turquoise water, lush surroundings) and also Serenity Beach, described as a calm escape from crowds with soft white sands and gentle waves.

This is important: not every El Nido tour offers true recovery time. Here, the beach stops aren’t tacked on as an afterthought. They’re positioned as breathing space so you can enjoy the scenery without feeling like you’re sprinting from one point to another.

Because you might jump between swimming, snorkeling, and lounging, you’ll want to pack like you’ll change clothes. The tour advises bringing extra clothes for switching, and that’s smart here. Dry clothes make the later part of the day feel easier, especially when you’ve been wet and sun-exposed for hours.

Bukal Island as your ending stretch for swimming and marine life

The tour wraps with Bukal Island, including a photo stop, plus swimming for about 1 hour. Bukal is described as having clear waters and marine life you can spot, and that makes it a nice finish after the lagoon paddling.

I think the ending works well because you’re not asked to do complex navigation at the end of the day. You’re mostly swimming and looking around, which feels natural after kayaking earlier. If you’ve been saving your best underwater moments, this is where you try for them.

Remember the rules: you’re not allowed to touch marine life or plants. That keeps the ecosystem protected and also reduces the risk of damaging coral or disturbing wildlife. If you snorkel, move gently, keep your distance, and let your eyes do the work.

Price and what’s truly included, plus the fees you should budget

The base price is $24 per person for a 6 to 7 hour tour. For El Nido, that’s a straightforward rate for a day that includes real time on multiple areas, not just one lagoon.

Here’s what’s included:

• Licensed tourist boat and licensed captain
• Licensed local tour guide
• Mask and snorkel
• Life jacket
• Lunch
• 1 bottle drinking water

And here’s what is not included (this is where your real total can change):

• Kayak rental: PHP 300 for 2 seaters, PHP 350 for 3 seaters
• Water shoes: PHP 100 per pair (optional)
• Towel: PHP 100 per piece (optional)
• Environmental fee: PHP 400 per person, valid for 5 days
• Small Lagoon users fee: PHP 200 per person (one time access only)
• Hotel pickup and drop-off (not mentioned as included)
• Meals beyond lunch (not mentioned)

Value check: if you want kayaking at Small Lagoon and Cadlao Island, kayak rental is a big line item. Still, you’re getting safety gear, snorkeling gear, a guide, lunch, and a licensed boat. So the value is strongest when you plan to use the included gear and take advantage of the water time.

One more practical budget thought: the environmental fee is valid for five days, so if you’re doing more than one tour in the area during your trip, you might already have covered it.

What to bring, what to wear, and the rules that keep things smooth

Pack for a wet, sunny day. The tour asks you to bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, camera, snacks, sunscreen, and water. It also encourages extra clothes for changing, which is key for comfort after multiple swims.

Sunscreen matters here. The instructions specifically say to use biodegradable sunscreen to protect marine life. It’s a small step that makes a difference, and it’s also the difference between being a good visitor and being the person everyone warns the boat crew about.

You can also improve comfort with optional gear:

• Water shoes (PHP 100) if you want better footing around the boats and beaches
• A towel (PHP 100) if you forgot yours

Rules to follow are clear:

• No smoking
• No alcohol or drugs
• No littering
• No touching marine life or plants

And if you’re sensitive to motion, take note: the tour is not suitable for people prone to seasickness.

Who this private Tour D is best for (and who should skip it)

I’d book this tour if you want a guided El Nido day that’s built around kayaking and calm water time, with beach resets and snorkeling gear included. It’s especially good for couples, small friend groups, and anyone who wants to avoid feeling rushed or herded.

It also fits well if you like photos. There are multiple photo moments built into the day, including the secret stop photo stop and then more chances at the island segments.

Skip it if:

• You need mobility-friendly access. It’s listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments.
• You get sick on boats. It’s not suitable for people prone to seasickness.
• You hate snorkeling or swimming. There’s plenty of water time, so you should be comfortable with getting wet.

Should you book Private Tour D with Small and Cadlao Lagoon?

If your priority is small lagoon kayaking plus a classic emerald-water lagoon day, then this is a very sensible pick. You get a licensed boat, an English live guide, snorkeling gear, life jackets, and lunch, plus the day is structured around meaningful water stops like Small Lagoon and Cadlao Lagoon.

The main reason you might hesitate is budget creep. Once you add kayak rental and the Small Lagoon users fee plus the environmental fee, your total can rise beyond the base $24. If you’re the kind of traveler who plans for those costs, you’ll feel more in control.

My call: book this if you want an El Nido day that feels relaxed and not overcrowded, with a good lunch and a friendly crew atmosphere. If you’re cost-sensitive and you do not plan to kayak, or if boats bother you, choose a different style of tour.

FAQ

How long is Private Tour D in El Nido?

The duration is listed as 6 to 7 hours.

Where do we meet for this tour?

Meeting point may vary depending on the option booked. The options listed are Marber’s and Marbers Beach Club.

Is kayak rental included?

No. Kayak rental is not included. It costs PHP 300 for 2 seaters and PHP 350 for 3 seaters.

What snorkeling gear is included?

Mask and snorkel are included, and you also get a life jacket.

Are there extra fees on top of the tour price?

Yes. The tour does not include the environmental fee (PHP 400 per person, 5 days validity) and the Small Lagoon users fee (PHP 200 per person, one-time access only).

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, a camera, snacks, sunscreen, and water.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues or seasickness?

No. It is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments and people prone to seasickness.