El Nido Island Hopping Tour C: Hidden Beaches & Shrine
About This Experience
El Nido Tour C ventures to the western reaches of the Bacuit Archipelago, where the islands are wilder and the crowds thinner than the flagship Tour A route. The two centrepieces are Hidden Beach and Secret Beach — both accessed through narrow gaps in the cliffs, with Hidden Beach opening into a protected crescent of white sand backed by towering karst walls.
Matinloc Shrine, perched on a hillside above a sapphire cove, offers one of the best elevated views in El Nido and a brief cultural stop. The boat then threads through the Tapiutan Strait between high cliffs before anchoring off Helicopter Island, whose distinctive silhouette is one of the most photographed shapes in the archipelago. Snorkeling off the island's reef closes the active part of the day.
Tour C tends to have slightly smaller crowds than Tour A because it requires a longer boat ride to the western islands, filtering out guests who prefer a shorter day. Lunch is served on the beach or aboard the banca at one of the sheltered coves.
Highlights
- Swim through a cliff gap to reach the secluded Hidden Beach
- Discover Secret Beach, accessible only through a narrow rocky tunnel at low tide
- Visit Matinloc Shrine for panoramic views over the western archipelago
- Cross the dramatic Tapiutan Strait flanked by sheer limestone cliffs
- Snorkel the reef around Helicopter Island and its iconic silhouette
What's Included
- ✓ Licensed tour guide
- ✓ Shared boat tour of the islands
- ✓ Life vests
- ✓ Lunch
Not Included
- El Nido Eco-Tourism Development Fee (PHP 400 per person, valid 10 days)
- Matinloc Shrine entry fee (PHP 300 per person)
- Aqua shoes, fins or kayak (available to rent)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Personal expenses and gratuities
What to Bring
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Water shoes (rocky cave entrances)
- Dry bag for phone and valuables
- Rash guard for extended snorkeling
Good to Know & Caveats
- Access to Secret Beach depends on sea conditions; your guide decides on the day
- Longer boat rides to the outer islands than on Tour A
- Pay the PHP 400 Eco-Tourism Development Fee before boarding; it covers 10 days
Not Suitable For
- Guests with severe sea-sickness (longer open-water crossing than other tours)
- Non-swimmers uncomfortable in enclosed cave passages
Meeting Point
El Nido Main Pier — meet guide at 8:00 AM with your booking confirmation
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tour C better than Tour A?
Tour C typically has fewer tourists and reaches the more dramatic hidden beaches. Tour A has the iconic lagoons. Serious visitors do both on separate days.
Can we access Secret Beach at any tide?
No — Secret Beach requires a low-to-mid tide for the tunnel passage. Your guide will confirm on the morning of the tour whether conditions allow entry.
