El Nido: Island Hopping Tour B Cudognong Cave & More

If you’re dreaming of turquoise waters, hidden caves, and pristine beaches, then the El Nido Island Hopping Tour B might just be the adventure you’re looking for. While I haven’t personally hopped aboard this boat myself, the reviews and detailed itinerary paint a vivid picture of what travelers can expect — and it’s quite appealing for those eager to explore the natural beauty of Bacuit Bay without breaking the bank.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the knowledgeable guides and supportive crew, often praised for their friendliness and enthusiasm, help make the day not just pretty but also informative and fun. Second, the stunning scenery—from Snake Island’s ever-changing sandbars to the secret caves—delivers plenty of Instagram-worthy moments.

One possible consideration is that this tour lacks hotel pickup and drop-off, so you’ll need to organize your transportation to the meeting point. But for travelers who love a straightforward, reasonably priced adventure, that’s a small trade-off. This experience suits travelers who want a balanced mix of nature, history, and snorkeling, especially those eager to avoid crowded spots and enjoy authentic, less commercialized visits.

Key Points

• Affordable price point at about $26 per person offers good value for a full 6-hour tour.
• Expert guides enhance the experience with stories, support, and local knowledge.
• Multiple stops provide a mix of beaches, caves, and island scenery, appealing to diverse interests.
• Snorkeling and swimming opportunities allow you to connect with Bacuit Bay’s vibrant marine life.
• Limited crowds at some stops, as noted by reviews, make for a more intimate experience.
• Additional costs include fees for certain attractions and equipment rentals, so budget accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Basic Outline of the Tour

Starting your day aboard a tour boat, you’ll find that the pace is moderate and designed to maximize your time at each destination. The first stop is Snake Island, an iconic photo spot famous for its shifting sandbars that resemble a snake winding through the water. As one reviewer mentioned, “Snake Island was very pretty and where we had lunch,” highlighting how natural scenery and convenient dining are combined here.

Next, the tour takes you to Popolkan Island, a haven for snorkeling due to its abundant marine life and vibrant reefs. We loved the way this stop combines both adventure and relaxation—swimming in crystal-clear waters, observing fish, and enjoying the warm sun. Many travelers have shared that the reef here offers a good chance to see colorful fish and clownfish along the rocks, making it a favorite for underwater enthusiasts.

Cudognong Cave offers a glimpse into history, where Japanese soldiers hid during WWII. The quiet, dark interior of the cave is a stark contrast to the lively beaches, and the stories behind it add a layer of intrigue. One reviewer appreciated the historical aspect, noting how the guide shared stories that brought the site to life.

Cathedral Cave is often praised for its impressive rock formations and natural acoustics, while Entalula Island enchants visitors with its white sand beaches and calm waters, perfect for some downtime or a quick swim before heading back.

Finally, the boat returns you to the starting point after a full day of sightseeing, swimming, and exploring. The entire experience lasts around six hours, making it a manageable day trip without feeling rushed.

What Travelers Can Expect

Transportation and Group Size: The tour is conducted on a boat with a licensed guide, and reviews suggest small groups—sometimes just five people—making for less crowded stops and a more personalized vibe. The boat ride is generally smooth, but be prepared for a few hours on the water.

What’s Included and What to Budget For: For $26, you get a boat tour, a knowledgeable guide, life vests, and a lunch. However, keep in mind that you’ll need to pay the El Nido eco-tourism development fee (400 PHP) and Big Lagoon entry fee (200 PHP) if applicable, along with optional rentals like fins or kayaks. These costs can add up but are typical for tours in the area.

Timing and Flexibility: Check start times in advance—availability varies—and remember, you can cancel up to 24 hours beforehand for a full refund. The tour ends where it begins, so plan your transport to the meeting point.

What to Bring: Pack a sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen, and cash for extras or fees. Since the tour is outdoors most of the day, sun protection is essential.

Suitability: While generally suitable for most travelers, those with mobility impairments may find it challenging due to the boat and walking involved at stops.

Authentic Experiences and Highlights

One of the most praised aspects of this tour is the knowledgeable guides who add depth with stories and local insights. As one traveler shared, “Rene was the best tour guide—an amazing experience,” emphasizing how guides can elevate the day.

The stunning views at Snake Island, where shifting sands create constantly changing formations, are a highlight. Several reviews mention how peaceful and uncrowded some stops are—“the spots were not crowded,” as one reviewer noted—allowing for more relaxed exploration.

Snorkeling at Popolkan Island is often described as a key highlight, thanks to vibrant reefs and marine life. The inclusion of a lunch buffet with meats and fish—praised for its quality—adds to the value, giving you energy for the day’s adventures.

The cave visits, especially Cudognong Cave, offer a chance to combine natural beauty with a touch of history, making the trip richer than just beaches and swimming.

The Value of This Tour

At about $26 per person, this tour offers remarkable value, especially considering the inclusion of a guide, boat ride, and lunch. When you factor in the costs of individual entry fees and equipment rentals, the overall price still remains competitive. Many travelers noted that they appreciated the small group size and less crowded spots, which enhance the experience.

Compare this with other tours that might charge more for similar destinations or include fewer stops. The flexibility to cancel or reschedule adds to the appeal for spontaneous travelers or those with changing plans.

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Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a balanced, authentic experience of Bacuit Bay, especially if they prefer a smaller, more intimate setting. It suits those interested in snorkeling, beaches, caves, and learning about local history. The price point makes it accessible for budget-conscious travelers who don’t want to skimp on sights or comfort.

It’s less suitable for travelers with mobility issues or those seeking a very personalized, private experience—since group sizes are small but not private—and for those who prefer a more luxurious, all-inclusive arrangement.

Final Thoughts

El Nido’s Island Hopping Tour B offers a well-rounded glimpse into the natural and historical wonders of Bacuit Bay. With its friendly guides, stunning stops like Snake Island and Entalula, and opportunities for swimming and snorkeling, it delivers a memorable day of exploration. The price reflects good value, especially given the variety of destinations and the quality of the experience.

If you’re after a scenic, educational, and fun-filled day on the water—without the crowds and at a reasonable cost—this tour checks all the boxes. It’s a solid choice for anyone wanting to see some of the best sights in El Nido while feeling supported and informed every step of the way.

FAQ

Do I need to book this tour in advance? Yes, it’s recommended to reserve ahead, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot.

Is hotel pickup available? No, the tour begins at a designated meeting point, so plan your transportation accordingly.

What’s included in the price? For $26, you get the boat tour, a licensed guide, life vests, and lunch.

Are there extra fees I should know about? Yes, you’ll need to pay the El Nido eco-tourism fee (400 PHP) and Big Lagoon entry fee (200 PHP) if applicable. Equipment rentals like fins or kayaks are additional.

Can I cancel the tour? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I bring? Pack a sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen, and cash for fees or rentals.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues? It’s generally not suitable for those with mobility impairments due to boat and walk-around stops.

How long does the tour last? Approximately 6 hours, including travel and exploration time.

Are the stops crowded? Many reviews mention that some stops are less crowded, making for a more relaxed experience.

Can I snorkel at the stops? Yes, snorkeling at Popolkan Island and other stops is a highlight, with vibrant marine life easily visible.

In all, the Island Hopping Tour B from El Nido offers a fantastic balance of natural beauty, historical intrigue, and affordability. It’s a great way to see some of the best the area has to offer, especially if you enjoy small groups and authentic experiences.

You can check availability for your dates here: