Things to Do in El Nido: 4-Day Itinerary

Welcome to El Nido, where towering limestone cliffs, crystal-clear lagoons, and turquoise waters create one of the most breathtaking views in the Philippines. What makes El Nido special is its sense of seclusion, each lagoon and beach feels like your own private paradise. You can kayak through calm waters, swim with sea turtles, and picnic on hidden sandbars that appear with the tide.

El Nido’s beauty has even caught Hollywood’s eye, appearing in The Bourne Legacy and TV shows like The Amazing Race and Survivor (France).

Over the next four days, get ready for island-hopping, snorkeling, swimming, and stunning views all paired with great food and unforgettable sunsets.

Day 1

Morning: Big Lagoon

Start your El Nido adventure bright and early at Big Lagoon, one El Nido’s most stunning natural wonders. Surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and emerald-green waters, this peaceful spot feels almost otherworldly. You can go kayaking, swim, take photos, enjoy the views, or even spot local wildlife as you explore.

Secret Lagoon

Next, head to Secret Lagoon on Miniloc Island, a hidden natural pool tucked behind towering limestone cliffs. To get inside, you’ll swim or wade through a narrow rock opening, leading to a quiet, enclosed lagoon surrounded on all sides by karst limestone walls; it feels like stepping into a secret world. Access inside the Secret Lagoon is tide dependent, as the water level at the entrance changes with the tide. It may be mostly submerged during high tide, making entry and exit more difficult.

Shimizu Island

Continue to Shimizu Island for your first swim and snorkel. The island is famous for its excellent crystal-clear water, colorful coral reefs, and breathtaking limestone cliffs, it’s one of the best snorkeling spots in El Nido. You’ll see colorful fish and coral gardens just a short swim from the beach. Keep in mind to avoid touching or stepping on the coral and wear a rash guard instead of heavy sunscreen to help protect the reef.

Day 1, Morning - El Nido Tour Map

Afternoon: Payong-Payong Beach

Next, stop by Payong-Payong Beach, a peaceful white-sand escape perfect for relaxing and recharging. Its name means “umbrella” in Filipino, derived from the limestone cliffs and rock formations that naturally shade the beach. When nearby Shimizu Island gets busy, this spot is an ideal lunch stop. We can prepare a freshly grilled meal of fish, chicken, rice, vegetables, and fruit while you take in the beautiful seaside view.

Seven Commandos Beach

Wrap up your day with a stroll along Seven Commando Beach, a beautiful white-sand stretch on the El Nido mainland. Its name comes from local legend, said to honour seven Japanese soldiers who were stranded here after World War II. Take a swim, unwind on the sand, or enjoy a cold drink or fresh coconut (buko juice) from one of the small beach bars and stalls nearby. Don’t forget to keep the beach clean and pick up your trash.

Day 1, Afternoon - El Nido Tour Map

Day 2

Morning: Entalula Beach

Start your second day at Entalula Beach, a beautiful white-sand paradise known for its peaceful, secluded vibe. It’s the perfect spot to relax, sunbathe, and take in the tropical island views. You can also swim, snorkel, or go kayaking in its calm, crystal-clear waters.

Snake Island

Next, head to Snake Island (also called Vigan Island), known for its stunning S-shaped sandbar that links the mainland of Palawan to a small island, best seen at low tide. Don’t worry, there are no snakes here! You can walk along the sandbar or hike up the nearby hill for a beautiful panoramic view of the sandbar and surrounding islands.

Cudugnon Cave

Continue to Cudugnon Cave, a fascinating spot with a narrow entrance you’ll need to crawl or squeeze your way in, so wear sandals with good grip, as the rocks can be slippery. Just like Secret Lagoon, the cave’s entrance depends on the tide, so it’s best visited during low tide. Inside, you’ll see chambers lit by natural light shining through the ceiling, and you might spot swiftlets or bats in the higher areas. The cave is said to have been a Neolithic burial site for ancient Palawenos and later served as a hiding place during World War II, so please enter respectfully.

Day 2, Morning - El Nido Tour Map

Afternoon: Cathedral Cave

Next, visit Cathedral Cave, known for its cathedral-like opening and calm, clear waters. It’s a popular spot for its impressive rock formations and entrance. While you can’t swim or enter the cave because of strong currents and occasional jellyfish, you can admire its beauty from the boat and capture some great photos.

Pinagbuyutan Island

End your day at Pinagbuyutan Island, a small, picture-perfect spot known for its towering cliffs and white-sand beach. It’s the ideal place to relax, sunbathe, and enjoy a peaceful swim in the calm, turquoise waters before heading back.

Day 2, Afternoon - El Nido Tour Map

Day 3

Morning: Helicopter Island

Start your day early with a trip to Helicopter Island (Dilumacad Island), known for its unique shape, which, when viewed from a distance, resembles a helicopter. The island is a top snorkeling spot, with coral reefs, colorful fish, and sometimes even sea turtles. Enjoy exploring the underwater world, but remember, never step or stand on the coral to help protect the reef.

Hidden Beach

Next, head to Hidden Beach on Matinloc Island, a beautiful cove located behind towering limestone cliffs and hidden from the open sea. To get there, you’ll swim through a narrow gap in the rocks, while your boat waits nearby. If the tide is high or waves are rough, entry can be tricky, so always check conditions first. Once inside, you can relax on the soft white sand or snorkel in the clear waters, where you’ll find plenty of colorful marine life.

Secret Beach

Continue to Secret Beach, another hidden gem behind a limestone cliff. Just like the Hidden Beach, to get to here you’ll need to swim through a small, keyhole-shaped opening. Inside, you’ll find soft white sand, clear turquoise water, and a quiet, relaxing atmosphere, perfect for swimming, wading, or simply soaking in the beauty around you.

Day 3, Morning - El Nido Tour Map

Afternoon: Talisay Beach

Next, stop at Talisay Beach for a scenic late lunch break. This spot is known for its soft white sand, clear turquoise water, and towering limestone cliffs. Enjoy a picnic lunch we can arrange for you, then take some time to rest. Once you’re ready, you can go snorkeling or enjoy a gentle swim in the shallow waters.

Matinloc Shrine

End your day at Matinloc Shrine, also known as the Shrine of Our Lady of Matinloc. Built in 1982, this now-abandoned shrine sits in a stunning location surrounded by limestone cliffs. Climb the short but steep concrete steps to reach a viewpoint with breathtaking views of the Bacuit Archipelago and its turquoise waters, perfect for photos. You can also explore the old shrine’s ruins, which add to its mysterious charm, then relax by the beach before heading back.

Day 3, Afternoon - El Nido Tour Map

Day 4

Morning: Cadlao Lagoon

Start your final day in El Nido at Cadlao Lagoon, the largest island in the Bacuit Archipelago. Enjoy the calm, emerald-green waters surrounded by limestone cliffs. You can kayak, swim, snorkel, or simply relax and sunbathe on the beach while taking in the picturesque scenery.

Small Lagoon

Next, head to Small Lagoon, one of El Nido’s most beautiful spots. This turquoise pool surrounded by towering limestone cliffs feels like a hidden paradise. To get inside, you’ll need to swim or kayak through a narrow opening between the rocks. Once inside, enjoy a refreshing swim in the calm, clear water, or explore small caves and rock formations nearby. The entrance can be shallow and rocky, so it’s best to wear water shoes.

Day 4, Morning - El Nido Tour Map

Afternoon: Nat Nat Beach

Next, sail to Nat Nat Beach for a peaceful barefoot stroll along its soft white sand. Unlike the busier lagoons, this beach offers a quiet, rustic tropical vibe, with clear water and a backdrop of Cadlao Island’s limestone cliffs. It’s the perfect place to relax, but you can also paddleboard or kayak around the calm cove if you’re feeling active.

Paradise Beach

End your El Nido adventure at Paradise Beach, a peaceful spot that truly lives up to its name. With clear turquoise water, limestone cliffs, and swaying coconut palms, it’s the picture of a tropical getaway. Spend your last moments here relaxing, sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, or kayaking before heading home.

Day 4, Afternoon - El Nido Tour Map

Day Trips from El Nido

• Taytay and Fort Santa Isabel El nido: Located about 1.5 to 2 hours from El Nido, Taytay is home to Fort Santa Isabel, a well-preserved Spanish fortress built in 1667 to protect the town from Moro raiders. While you’re here, you can also hike to nearby waterfalls like Kuyawyaw Falls and Canique Falls for a refreshing nature escape.

• Daracotan Island: Just off the coast of northern El Nido, this island is known for its sunken shipwreck, now a thriving reef teeming with colorful fish and corals, perfect for snorkeling or diving. If you want to truly disconnect, you can also stay overnight at eco-friendly campsites here, with limited Wi-Fi and cell service, it’s the ideal place to unplug and enjoy nature at its purest.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites Near El Nido

• Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. The park is known as one of the world's longest navigable underground rivers. The tour takes about 1.5 kilometers and inside, you’ll see stunning rock formations, stalactites and stalagmites shaped like animals and figures, and even thousands of bats hanging from the ceiling.

Luxury Spa & Wellness Experiences in El Nido

• Pangulasian Island Spa: Part of the exclusive El Nido Resorts, this spa is designed to help you relax and recharge amid Palawan’s stunning natural beauty. Enjoy a variety of massages, body scrubs, and wraps that soothe your body and nourish your skin. You can also book a private wellness consultation for a treatment tailored to your needs.

• Cauayan Island Resort Spa: Located within the exclusive Cauayan Island Resort, this spa offers a peaceful, overwater experience unlike any other. Imagine, enjoying a rejuvenating body scrub or signature massage inside a treatment room that has glass floor panels, where you can watch baby sharks and colorful fish swimming below as you relax.

• Yoga Retreat at DRYFT: Located on peaceful Daracotan Island, DRYFT is an off-grid retreat where you can unplug and reconnect with nature. Join twice-daily yoga sessions and also take part in group meditations, breathwork, and mindfulness practices. Depending on your chosen package (and availability), enjoy sound healing, creative workshops, ecstatic dance, or guided hikes for a truly immersive experience.

Exclusive Workshops & Immersive Experiences in El Nido

• Private Island Hopping: Skip the standard Tours A, B, C, and D and explore El Nido your way. With a private island-hopping tour, you can customize your itinerary, choosing which lagoons, beaches, and snorkeling spots to visit and in whatever order you like!

• El Kusina Cooking Class: Learn how to make traditional Filipino dishes from scratch, like adobo, sinigang, and lumpia. The classes are guided by an experienced instructor who provides step-by-step guidance. You get to chop, mix, and cook alongside other participants while your instructor shares stories about the origins of the dishes and local cooking traditions.

• Stay on a Private Island: Enjoy a peaceful escape surrounded by nature in this all-inclusive, multi-day stay, perfect if you’re looking for relaxation, wellness, and an authentic island experience. During your stay, you can take part in yoga sessions, cooking classes, and guided snorkeling while soaking in the beauty of an untouched island.

• Taraw Cliff Canopy Walk: Also called the El Nido Via Ferrata Canopy Walk, this guided activity offers a safe and scenic way to enjoy the famous Taraw Cliff views. From the top, you’ll see breathtaking 360° views of El Nido town, Bacuit Bay, and the surrounding limestone cliffs. The tour includes crossing a suspension bridge while securely attached to a safety harness.

• Learn Scuba Diving: El Nido’s calm, warm, and clear waters make it the perfect place to learn scuba diving. We can arrange a private session with one of the many PADI-certified dive centers in the area. Beginners class typically start with a safety briefing and basic skills practice in shallow water, followed by two supervised open-water dives (up to 12 meters) with a certified instructor.

• Learn Freediving: Try freediving, where you dive underwater on a single breath without scuba gear. We can arrange an introductory course for you that teaches breathing techniques, equalization, and basic safety procedures, helping you build confidence to hold your breath longer and dive deeper..

Other Things to Do in El Nido

• Las Cabanas Beach: Also known as Marimegmeg Beach, Las Cabanas is famous for its breathtaking sunsets and lively yet laid-back atmosphere. Be sure to arrive around 4 p.m to secure a good spot at one of the beach bars or lounges and watch the sun set over the Bacuit Archipelago. Aside from sunset watching, you can also ride the zipline that crosses the ocean to a nearby island or try kayaking and paddleboarding for a bit of adventure before sunset.

• Nacpan Beach: About 45 minutes north of El Nido town, Nacpan is often called one of the most beautiful beaches in the Philippines. It’s known for its wide, uncrowded shoreline, swaying palm trees, and clear turquoise water. At the southern end, there’s a sandbar that connects it to Calitang Beach, forming the famous Twin Beaches feature of Nacpan. Climb the Twin Beach Viewpoint for a stunning panoramic view, or take a short walk to explore the local fishing village in Calitang.

• Duli Beach: Known as El Nido’s main surfing spot, Duli Beach has steady waves that are great for beginners and intermediate surfers, especially from November to March during the Amihan (northeasterly wind) season. We can arrange a surfing lesson for you in one of the local surf schools, with board rentals also available.

• Lio Beach: Just a short drive from El Nido town, Lio Beach is a beautiful, eco-friendly destination where you can enjoy sunset views over the water with Cadlao Island in the distance, you can also try paddleboarding, kayaking, or a fun game of beach volleyball or football with friends.

• Corong Corong Beach: If you’re after a quiet, laid-back vibe, this is the place to go. While it’s not ideal for swimming because of its shallow, rocky shore, it’s perfect for sunset views, beachfront dining, and leisurely walks. Visit during high tide or sunset for the best experience, and bring swim shoes since some areas can be rocky. It’s also a great spot if you want space and peace away from the crowds.

• Papaya Beach: Just a kayak ride from Corong-Corong Beach, Papaya Beach is a peaceful, well-kept spot known for its white silica sand, lush rainforest backdrop, and cliffs. The snorkeling here is excellent, you’ll spot colorful corals, fish, and even turtles. If the wind picks up, the paddle can be a bit choppy, but once you arrive, you’ll find plenty of shade and calm beauty to enjoy.

Things to Do with Kids in El Nido

• Zip-line at Las Cabanas Beach: Great for older kids and adventure seekers, this dual zipline lets two people ride side by side from Las Cabanas Beach to a small, adjacent islet called Depeldet Island. Parents can even ride together with their child for extra safety and fun. Before you take off, enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the beach and the bay.

• Mangrove Kayaking: For a peaceful break from island-hopping, go kayaking through calm mangrove forests with your kids. It’s a relaxing way to explore nature, spot wildlife, and enjoy the quiet beauty of this unique ecosystem together.

Where to Eat in El Nido

• Bella Vita, El Nido: Located on Corong-Corong Beach, this beachfront Italian restaurant is loved for its authentic Neapolitan pizzas, handmade pastas, and refreshing cocktails. Try their famous “leopard crust” pizzas or the Frutti di Mare pasta while enjoying the ocean view and laid-back vibe.

• Happiness Beach Bar: A must-visit for delicious Middle Eastern food by the sea, this beach bar serves fresh, flavorful dishes like pita sandwiches, hummus, falafel, and more. The smoothie bowls are also a big hit for its big portion, tasty recipe, and refreshing. It’s the perfect place to relax, eat well, and enjoy the beach vibe.

• Piece of Sky El Nido: This rooftop bar and restaurant offers 360° views of Bacuit Bay and El Nido’s limestone cliffs that’s perfect for sunset cocktails and dinner. Enjoy delicious food, refreshing drinks, and a relaxing atmosphere ideal for families or couples. They also play live saxophone music that adds a romantic touch to an already unforgettable evening.

• Taas Restaurant: Located on a rooftop bamboo hut in Corong-Corong, Taas offers fine dining with stunning views and a menu that blends Filipino and international flavors using fresh local ingredients. It’s perfect for special occasions or romantic dinners. Try their six-course set menu with each dish beautifully presented and full of flavor, with touches of European inspiration. Don’t miss the cocktail pairing for a truly memorable experience.

• Jeje El Nido: This stylish restaurant is known for its creative dishes, handcrafted cocktails, and curated wine list. Try their signature dishes like the jackfruit ravioli, eggplant katsu, and shrimp and quail egg ratatouille. Don’t miss their desserts, wine selection, and Belgian beer on tap for a perfect dining experience.

• L'Assiette El Nido: Located near Lio Beach, this restaurant serves modern French-Filipino fusion cuisine, combining local flavors with a creative twist. The seafood is especially fresh and flavorful, and the menu pairs perfectly with their cocktails and French wines. Don’t miss their local favorite, calamansi mojito.

• Ver De El Nido: A favorite among locals, this 100% plant-based restaurant serves creative and delicious vegan dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. It’s a great change from El Nido’s usual seafood spots. Try their Kale and Hummus Salad, Seoul Bowl with Tofu, or the Ver De Burger, all beautifully presented and full of flavor.

Where to Stay in El Nido

• Pangulasian Island Resort: This eco-luxury island hideaway in El Nido’s Bacuit Bay is known for its breathtaking scenery, personalized service, and exclusive villas. Choose from Canopy Villas in the treetops, Beach Villas by the shore, Pool Villas with private pools, or Kalaw Villas, a set of four secluded villas sharing a lap pool. The resort also offers a wide range of activities such as island-hopping, diving, snorkeling, sunset hikes, and guided nature walks.

• Cauayan Island Resort: This 5-star private island resort in Bacuit Bay offers 30 luxurious villas, including overwater villas above the lagoon and beachfront villas with breathtaking ocean views. With only a few villas, the resort feels peaceful and private, perfect for relaxation and romance. Don’t miss their spa, where you can enjoy massages and wellness treatments while watching colourful fished through glass floor panels.

• Lihim Resorts, El Nido: This 5-star luxury resort in El Nido combines modern comfort with natural beauty. Stay in spacious villas in the forest or perched on the hillside with views of the sea or lush greenery. Each villa is designed with Filipino aesthetic and modern touches, featuring outdoor showers, private balconies, Nespresso machines, and even private pools in select rooms.

• Seda Lio: This modern, eco-friendly hotel in the Lio Tourism Estate is just minutes from El Nido Airport. It’s perfect for families, offering comfortable rooms with forest or garden views, plus a kids’ club, playroom, and outdoor playground. The beachfront is calm and shallow, making it safe and fun for children to swim and play.

• Huni Lio, El Nido: This boutique resort offers modern, air-conditioned rooms known for their clean, spacious design. Enjoy a large central pool, onsite restaurants and bar, and easy access to Lio Beach and Shops@Lio, where you’ll find plenty of dining and shopping options.

Best Time to Visit El Nido

The best time to visit El Nido is during the dry season, which runs from December to May. During this period, you can expect sunny days, calmer seas, and excellent visibility for island hopping, snorkeling, and diving.

El Nido’s Peak season runs from February–April. These are the most ideal months for a visit, with sunny skies and very little rain. This is also when El Nido is at its busiest, so expect larger crowds and higher prices for flights and accommodations.

El Nido’s Shoulder season runs from December–January, May. This period offers a good balance between pleasant weather and fewer crowds than the peak season. Temperatures can be slightly cooler in December and January, while May can get quite hot and humid.

What to Pack: Dry bag, Rash guard, Water shoes, Quick-dry towel, Snorkel mask (optional), Reef-safe sunscreen, Power bank, Small first-aid or sea-sickness meds, Lightweight sarong. It’s highly recommended that you wear a rash guard instead of heavy sunscreen, never touch or step on corals, cover up with a light shirt or sarong in village areas, and carry small bills for fees and snacks.

Festivals in El Nido

• The Feast of The Immaculate Conception: Celebrated nationwide on December 8, this important Catholic holiday honors the Blessed Virgin Mary. In El Nido, the local parish holds special masses and novenas, while nearby towns may have parades, music, and street festivities to mark the occasion.

Come Visit El Nido’s Exceptional Beauty

Over four days you’ve been to different beaches, lagoons, and hidden caves, but what stays with you are the quiet moments in between like the moment a turtle surfaces beside your kayak, the way limestone warms to gold at dusk, the peaceful rhythm that makes island time feel like your own.

At Revigorate, we design journeys that let you savour those moments, crafted with care and tailored entirely to you. Contact us or give us a call at (+1 800 672 0517 | +351 289 009 580 | +44 808 189 0647) and let’s start planning your dream El Nido journey with Revigorate today.

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