Day Trip to El Nido and Island Hopping in Puerto Princesa – The Complete Guide

Spending a few days in Puerto Princesa for a holiday or for business? You will be rewarded with some of the most beautiful beaches in the Philippines, with amazing views from the city, and now also with the opportunity to go on a day trip to El Nido. Read this complete guide to island hopping in Puerto Princesa and El Nido and make the most out of your trip! This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about El Nido and Puerto Princesa, from how to get there, what to expect, and what activities are available. We will also cover some of the best places to visit along your journey and provide some important information on costs and safety while travelling.

What Is El Nido and Why Should You Visit?

El Nido is a small coastal town on the western side of Palawan Island, known for its stunning limestone cliffs and clear blue lagoons. It’s the perfect place for snorkelling and swimming and is a great destination for those looking for a more relaxed holiday.The beauty of El Nido lies in its unique geographical features – almost two thousand limestone cliffs jutting out of the ocean and some of the most clear blue bays in the world. The area is fringed by pristine white beaches, lush jungles and abundant marine life, making it one of the best places for watersports in the Philippines. With its unspoiled landscapes and warm tropical climate, you can truly enjoy an incredible day trip to El Nido.

How to Get to El Nido from Puerto Princesa

Getting from Puerto Princesa to El Nido is relatively easy – you can either take a flight or a bus. The quickest option is to take a flight, which takes around an hour, while a bus ride to El Nido takes around 7-8 hours.

By Plane

Rising up to 400 metres above ground level, air travel is the quickest way to get from Puerto Princesa to El Nido. You can book a direct flight from Puerto Princesa International Airport to El Nido’s Lio Airport. The flight itself takes around an hour and a direct flight from Puerto Princesa will cost you around 2,000 to 3,000 Philippine Pesos ($40-60).

By Bus

Alternatively, the second convenient method to travel from Filipino airport to El Nido is by bus. This option is slightly cheaper but takes significantly longer – it takes around 7-8 hours to make the journey on a comfortable air-conditioned bus. Tickets cost around 550-650 Pesos ($11-13).

Things To Do In El Nido

El Nido offers visitors plenty of activities, from exciting watersports such as snorkeling and kayaking to more relaxed activities such as sunbathing, swimming or exploring nearby secluded beaches. Here’s an overview of some of the most popular activities on offer:

• Snorkeling: There are plenty of fantastic snorkeling spots in and around El Nido, with a remarkable range of sea life including schools of tropical fish, sea turtles and vibrant coral reefs to explore. You can rent snorkeling gear from most tour operators or beach shops for around 150-200 Pesos ($3-4) for the day.
• Island Hopping: There are plenty of tour operators who offer island hopping tours around El Nido – they usually include visits to a few secluded beaches, with the option to explore more reefs or indulge in some watersports. Prices range from 800-1,200 Pesos ($16-24). Check GetYourGuide for some great packages.
• Kayaking: Exploring El Nido’s spectacular bays on a kayak is sure to be one of the highlights of your trip! You can rent two-seater kayaks from most resorts or tour operators for around 300-500 Pesos ($6-10) per hour.
• Exploring Beaches: With nearly 40 white sand beaches within reach of El Nido, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to finding your own private beach paradise! Make sure to take plenty of sunscreen with you if you’re planning on spending hours tanning.

Tips For Visiting El Nido

• Book Tours And Gear In Advance: As one of the most popular destinations in Palawan Island, it’s wise to try and book your tours or gear rentals in advance as they can become very busy during high season.
• Keep An Eye On Your Valuables: Every popular tourist spot attracts its fair share of pickpockets and scammers, so it’s important to keep your valuables close and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Bring Enough Cash With You: While there are a handful of ATMs in El Nido, the lines can be long during peak season so it’s best to bring enough cash with you as many vendors will not accept cards.
• Dress Appropriately: Most beachfront locations require visitors to dress modestly, so make sure to bring appropriate clothing if you plan on visiting any churches or religious sites.

Conclusion – Day Trip To El Nido And Island Hopping In Puerto Princesa

A day trip to El Nido is the perfect way to explore the stunning natural beauty of Palawan Island. With breathtaking lagoons and some of the clearest blue waters in the world, it’s easy to understand why so many people come here every year. Take in some beautiful lagoons, explore secluded beaches, go island hopping and snorkeling, or just have a relaxed day away from chaotic city life – there’s something for everyone in El Nido. We hope you’ve found this guide useful and that it helps you make the most out of your visit! If you haven’t already booked your island hopping tour in El Nido yet then take a look at GetYourGuide. They offer great packages so you can make the most out of your visit – have fun!