From Puerto Princesa: Day Trip to El Nido and Island Hopping

A long day, an even longer payoff. This Puerto Princesa to El Nido island-hopping trip is built for people who want Secret and Big Lagoons and a full snorkel-and-kayak day on Bacuit Bay, but it also comes with the hard reality of a long van ride, sometimes in tight shared seating. If you time it right, you get white-sand beaches, lagoon swims, and a boat route that can hit major stops like Seven Commandos Beach and Shimizu Island. One possible drawback: you may spend a big chunk of your day in transit, and crowding can make some moments feel less peaceful.

I like that this tour treats the water time as the main event. Gear is included (snorkeling masks, aqua shoes, life vests, plus kayak rentals) and you get lunch during the day, not back in Puerto Princesa. If you’re the type who can handle early starts and a full schedule, you’ll probably love how packed and scenic this day feels.

Key Things I’d Focus On Before You Book

• 4 AM pickup, then about 5 hours each way by air-conditioned van, with a long total day (around 20 hours)
• Up to 5 island-hopping stops in Bacuit Bay, with options like Secret Lagoon and Big Lagoon
• Snorkeling and kayaking gear included, plus life vests for the boat time
• Lunch is included, but vegetarian meals may be basic, so plan ahead if you eat plant-based
• You’re at the mercy of weather and boat timing, and routes or timing can shift

How a 1-Day Tour Ties Together Puerto Princesa and El Nido

El Nido is not next door to Puerto Princesa. That’s why this trip works: it gives you an organized way to go north early, do the island hopping in Bacuit Bay, then get back before the day turns into a second trip.

You’re also paying for convenience. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned van transportation, and the island-hopping components like entry, lagoon fees, and environmental fees. When you add up the logistics of driving yourself, arranging boat transfers, and paying separate fees, the group price starts to make more sense.

Still, this is a commitment. The driving time is stated as over 10 hours total (about 5 hours each way). If you hate being in a vehicle for most of the day, you might find another option in El Nido more relaxing.

The 4 AM Van Ride: Comfortable on Paper, Variable in Real Life

Pickup is around 4 AM from downtown Puerto Princesa (you’re told to be at the lobby at least 10 minutes early, and pickup coverage is within 15 kilometers of Puerto Princesa City Airport). Then the day turns into a road trip north, with an early start that is meant to get you to the water by morning.

The itinerary includes a stop to stretch and buy food. That’s important because you’re not getting breakfast from the tour, and you’ll likely want caffeine and something to hold you over before you reach the boat jump-off area.

Where it can get tricky is the shared-van experience. One person noted a shared van with 12 passengers that felt uncomfortable. Another pointed out that the return transport can be delayed and, in one bad case, overcrowded. That’s not guaranteed, but it’s enough to take seriously if you’re traveling as a couple and paying for the day.

My practical advice: treat the ride as part of the deal, not just the transfer. Bring what you need for a long seated day, especially if you’re sensitive to cramped seating. And if you can, choose the private option when available, because that’s usually where comfort improves.

Morning Arrival in El Nido: Breakfast, Jump-Off, and Waiting Time

Once you arrive in El Nido, you’re dropped near the jump-off point. You can grab breakfast at a restaurant before boarding if you want.

Then the timing matters. The tour sets sail around 9 AM, but the real-world pattern can include waiting before the boat leaves. One review described about 1.5 hours of waiting on the beach before departure. That’s the kind of thing that can happen when multiple groups are coordinating boat schedules or when conditions affect loading.

This is also where you should keep expectations grounded. The tour plans for a smooth flow, but island hopping depends on boat availability, sea conditions, and route assignments. If you’re the type who hates delays, decide in advance how you’ll handle waiting: snacks, water, and a calm mindset.

Bacuit Bay Island Hopping: The Stops That Make This Worth the Long Day

This is the core of the day: a boat tour with up to 5 stops around El Nido, including lagoons, beaches, and swim spots. The exact route can vary, but the major sequence typically includes some of the big names you came for.

Secret Lagoon: Jagged Rocks, Quiet-Water Swim Potential

The tour may start with the Secret Lagoon, described as a hidden world inside jagged rock walls. The appeal is simple: you’re in a lagoon that feels tucked away rather than a wide-open bay. The downside is that it can be popular, and with many groups running similar routes, it may not feel like you’ve discovered a private cove.

Shimizu Island: Crystal-Clear Water and a Straightforward Beach Stop

Next can be Shimizu Island, known for crystal-clear waters and beach time. If you want a “get in the water now” stop, this is likely one of them. It’s also one of those places where being ready with your swimwear and aqua shoes helps you maximize the time you have.

Seven Commandos Beach: White Sand and Coconut Trees

Then comes Seven Commandos Beach, with pure white sand and coconut trees along the shoreline. This stop is often the emotional payoff for people who booked for El Nido’s postcard vibe.

Keep in mind that this beach can be busy in peak season because it’s one of the major stops. Still, the sand and the look of the shore are hard to beat, especially after the long drive from Puerto Princesa.

Big Lagoon: The Legendary Lagoon Moment

The day can end with Big Lagoon, one of the headline lagoons around El Nido. If you’re hoping for that classic lagoon feel, this is the stop you remember. It’s also usually where you’ll see the lagoon vibe at its most dramatic from the water.

One practical note: one review mentioned boats being on a chain. That can affect how boats position and move, which matters if you’re the type who wants to hop around freely. It doesn’t ruin the experience, but it’s good to know the rhythm can feel more structured than you might imagine.

Snorkeling and Kayaking: You Get More Than Just Looking

What I like most here is that this is not only a sit-and-snap photo tour. Snorkeling masks, aqua shoes, life vests, and kayak rentals are included. That means you can actually use the water time instead of just watching it.

Kayaking is especially valuable because it lets you move at your own pace along the lagoon edges. One review described kayaking as the highlight. That fits the vibe of lagoons, where slow movement often feels better than rushing.

Lunch in the Middle of the Day: Mostly Good, With One Catch for Veggies

Lunch is included around midday. The tour lists a barbecue-style meal with pork, chicken, and seafood, plus vegetable salad and fresh fruits.

For many people, this is a solid refresh after hours of water time. One review praised the food setup and called the lunch good.

But if you’re vegetarian or vegan, there’s a caution. One traveler said the vegetarian lunch was disappointing, basically cut cucumbers and fruits. Another suggested that because vegetarian options can be limited in the Philippines, vegetarians may want to pack their own meal.

So my balanced take: for meat-eaters, the lunch sounds straightforward and filling. For vegetarians, don’t assume you’ll get a full hot meal. Pack backup snacks you can tolerate, just in case.

Also watch your water situation. One negative review specifically mentioned a lack of water and recommended bringing your own bottle. The tour info tells you to bring cash, but not water. In practice, bring a refillable bottle if you can, and plan to buy extra if you feel short.

Getting Back to Puerto Princesa: Midnight Arrival, Possible Delays

The island hopping ends around 4 PM, and you’re dropped off back at the wharf. Then you head back to Puerto Princesa.

The plan says you should be back at your hotel by midnight, with road time until about 6 PM and then finishing the return trip later. That’s a long travel finish after a swim-heavy day.

This is also where the reviews show the biggest variation. Some people said the return transport was delayed or uncomfortable, including waiting longer than expected. One unhappy account described overcrowding on a shared vehicle and even reported safety concerns due to the way extra seating was strapped in.

You can’t control the road, but you can protect yourself. If you’re paying for a smoother ride, consider upgrading to a private or smaller group option. If you stay with the shared van, keep your expectations realistic and bring patience for coordination.

Price and Value: Is $360 for Two a Fair Deal?

The price listed is $360 per group up to 2, and the tour runs about 20 hours total. That makes it easy to compare as a “what am I buying?” situation.

Here’s what you’re getting value for:

• A very early start plus organized transport from Puerto Princesa
• Boat day in Bacuit Bay with up to 5 stops
• Gear included (snorkeling mask, aqua shoes, kayak rental) and life vests
• Lunch plus multiple fees (entry, lagoon, environmental fees)
• Guide support in English and Tagalog

Where the price debate enters is that some reviewers compared costs to booking similar tours locally in El Nido and felt it was pricier, describing the tour as excessive. Another complaint called it a total waste of money and time due to transport issues and poor communication.

So how should you decide? Treat it like this:

• If you want the simplest “door-to-door day” with fewer moving parts, this package can be worth it.
• If you’re comfortable arranging transport yourself or prefer fewer compromises on seating and schedules, you may find better options inside El Nido.

If you’re going to pay this price, I’d take it as a signal to ask questions ahead of time. Confirm the group size you’ll ride with, what the route plan usually looks like, and whether the tour includes a private van upgrade for your group.

Who This Day Trip Suits Best, and Who Should Skip It

This tour makes the most sense for:

• You want one big El Nido day without staying overnight in El Nido
• You enjoy active water time, especially snorkeling and kayaking
• You can handle a very early pickup and a long van day back

It’s not ideal if:

• You have mobility impairments. The tour states it is not suitable.
• You hate crowds at popular lagoon stops. This area is a top destination, and the day can feel busy.
• You want a relaxed, slow pace. Even at its best, it’s structured and time-bound.

If you’re a couple, the price for up to two can feel fair if transport is smooth and the boat day feels on schedule. If you’re a group that can split taxis or private transfers, you might compare costs to find a better comfort-to-price ratio.

My Booking Verdict: Should You Book This Puerto Princesa to El Nido Trip?

I’d book this day trip if your priority is clear: Secret and Big Lagoons plus Bacuit Bay island hopping with snorkeling and kayaking, done in a single organized day.

I’d think twice if you strongly dislike long drives, you’re sensitive to cramped shared transport, or you need a reliable vegetarian hot meal. For the money, you deserve good comfort and clear timing. If you can choose a smaller-group or private transport option, that’s where this tour can turn from “big day” into a genuinely enjoyable one.

FAQ

What time is pickup from Puerto Princesa?

Pickup is typically around 4 AM. You should be at the lobby at least 10 minutes before pickup. Pickup is included from within 15 kilometers of Puerto Princesa City Airport.

How long does the tour last?

The total duration is about 20 hours, including the long drive to and from El Nido.

What’s included in the tour price?

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned van transportation, the island tour, all entry fees and environmental or lagoon fees, life vests, snorkeling masks, aqua shoes, and kayak rentals, plus lunch.

Is breakfast and dinner included?

No. Breakfast and dinner are not included.

What if the weather is bad?

The tour is subject to favorable weather conditions. If it’s canceled due to poor weather while you are already in El Nido, you’ll be offered an alternate activity that may not involve island hopping.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.