El Nido Philippines: What I Wish I Knew Before Visiting
Visiting El Nido, Philippines? Discover what I wish I'd known about island hopping, boat tours, accommodation, scooter rentals and avoiding costly mistakes.
Stafa
11/2/20264 min read
El Nido is one of those places in the Philippines that everybody seems to be visiting. Beautiful islands, clear water, boat trips and loads of places to explore.
But after visiting in 2024 and returning in January 2026, I noticed how much things had changed. It was busier, there were loads of tour operators, and a few things didn't go quite to plan.
So here are my tips if you're thinking about visiting El Nido, including some mistakes I'd avoid next time.
1. Be careful which island-hopping tour you book
Island hopping is one of the main reasons people visit El Nido. You'll find plenty of operators selling boat trips, and the standard routes are called Tours A, B, C and D.
Tour A is known for its lagoons, Tour B for caves and sandbars, Tour C for beaches and snorkelling, and Tour D for quieter spots around Cadlao.
Shared tours currently start at around ₱1,500 per person, depending on the route and operator. Additional environmental and lagoon fees may apply.
But here's something I learnt. Not every boat tour offers the same experience. On one of our trips, the boat itself was nice, but the service wasn't great. We were supposed to leave at 7:30 AM and finish around 4 PM. Instead, we didn't get going until around 9 AM.
There also wasn't much information about what was happening, and the toilet facilities weren't what we'd expected. We still enjoyed ourselves, but I would've chosen more carefully.
Questions to ask before booking
What time does the boat actually leave?
Which islands and lagoons are included?
Are lunch, life jackets and environmental fees included?
Is there a working toilet on board?
How many passengers will be joining?
What's the refund policy if the weather is bad?
I'd compare a few operators and check recent reviews rather than booking the first tour somebody offers.
2. Bring a proper waterproof bag
You'll see people selling waterproof bags around the departure areas. And honestly, they're worth having.One of my friends didn't seal his bag properly, and his phone ended up damaged. Not exactly what you want when you're travelling. I'd recommend getting a decent dry bag and testing it before putting your phone or camera inside.
If you're taking anything expensive on the boat, consider using an additional waterproof pouch.
3. Expect crowds and delays
When I visited in January 2026, the departure area was packed. Loads of people were waiting for their boats. And because there were so many tours happening, things didn't always run on time.
We also experienced delays when arranging transport. My advice is simple: don't plan everything too tightly. If you've got a boat tour booked, avoid arranging an important journey immediately afterwards. Give yourself some extra time.
4. Where should you stay in El Nido?
I stayed at Coco Resort, which had lovely surroundings. My friend wanted something much cheaper, so we booked him a budget room elsewhere. Let's just say he got exactly what he asked for!
It reminded me that choosing accommodation purely on price isn't always the best idea. If you want nightlife, restaurants and easy access to island-hopping tours, staying near El Nido town can be convenient.
If you prefer somewhere quieter, look at accommodation outside the busiest areas. Before booking, check the location, recent guest reviews, air conditioning, bathroom facilities and how you'll get to town.
5. Should you rent a scooter?
I rented a scooter during my visit for around £10 for 24 hours. It was useful for getting around outside the town centre. But here's something I noticed: parking around the busy areas could be difficult.There were designated parking areas, and some charged a small fee.
If you're mainly staying in the centre, you might not need a scooter at all. For longer trips outside town, it can be more useful.
Make sure you have the correct driving licence and any required permit, wear a helmet and check your insurance. A rental shop not asking for your licence doesn't mean you're legally allowed to ride.
6. Sort out your internet before arriving
Having mobile data makes travelling much easier. You can use maps, contact accommodation, check bookings and arrange transport without depending on hotel Wi-Fi.
I normally use Ubigi when travelling. You can also look at local SIM options, but check the setup requirements and network coverage before deciding.
Don't assume every eSIM or local network will have reliable coverage throughout Palawan, especially on remote islands.
7. My biggest El Nido tips
If I went back again, I'd remember these things:
Compare island-hopping operators before booking.
Ask about all fees, departure times and onboard facilities.
Bring a properly sealed waterproof bag.
Allow extra time for transport and tours.
Don't book accommodation based only on price.
Rent a scooter only if you genuinely need one and are legally qualified to ride.
Sort out mobile data before arriving.
El Nido is still a beautiful place, and I enjoyed my time there. But it has become busy, and knowing a few things beforehand can save you money and frustration. That's why I wanted to share this.
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