El Nido: Island Hopping Tour B Cudognong Cave & More

Snake Island’s shifting sandbar is the star here, but the best part of this El Nido tour is the mix of beaches, caves, and reef time. I like the smaller boat feel and the chance to see parts of Bacuit Bay that can feel calmer than the popular Tour A route.

I also like the useful variety: you get a sandbar for photos, clear water for swimming, caves with a wartime story, and a good lunch on the islands. The catch is that cave access can be awkward, tides affect the sandbar, and aqua shoes, fins, kayaks, and the environmental fee cost extra.

Key points to know before you book

• Snake Island changes with the tide: Its sandbar is the main photo stop, but high water can reduce the exposed strip of sand.
• Cudugnon Cave needs care: The entrance can be hard to reach, especially for anyone with limited mobility.
• Small groups are possible: One recent departure had 13 people, while larger El Nido boats may carry around 36.
• Popolkan is the snorkeling stop: Expect coral, fish, swimming, and clear tropical water rather than a long beach stay.
• Lunch is included: Several departures served a generous spread of meat and fish, though extra island charges can sometimes appear.
• Bring cash and your receipt: The 400 PHP El Nido Tourism Development Fee must be paid before boarding unless you already have proof of payment.

Why Tour B is worth considering in El Nido

El Nido has several standard island-hopping routes, and Tour B is often overlooked because Tour A gets more attention. That can work in your favor. This route offers a quieter mix of places, with fewer people at some stops and more time for a relaxed day on the water.

At about $25 per person, the value is good for a six-hour boat trip with a guide, life vest, and lunch included. You are paying for access to several islands in one outing, not for a private cruise. Group size can vary, so do not assume every departure will be tiny. Still, one recent group had only 13 people, and another had just five.

The strongest part of the experience is the range of stops. You are not spending the whole day at one beach or one cave. You get a sandbar, snorkeling water, cave visits, a dramatic rock setting, and a white sand beach. That variety makes the route a sensible choice for a first visit if you want more than postcard beach pictures.

The guides also shape the day. Names reported for recent departures include Jake, Angelo, Arnold, Dexter, and Rene, but your guide will depend on the boat and date. The best guides keep the mood light, watch swimmers closely, explain the sites, and help people who need a hand getting in and out of the boat.

Snake Island and its shifting sandbar

Snake Island is not named for snakes. Its name comes from the long sandbars that wind and change shape with the tide. From the boat, the sand can look like a pale ribbon laid across the blue water. It is one of the easiest places on this route to understand why El Nido photography is so popular.

This is your main photo stop, so bring a phone or camera that you can protect from splashes. The sandbar looks different depending on the tide. At low tide, more sand is exposed and the shape is clearer. At high tide, the visible strip can be smaller, but the surrounding water may look especially inviting for a swim.

Do not expect a long, empty walk every time. Snake Island is well known, and timing affects how busy it feels. The stop is still worthwhile because the geography is unusual, and you can see the curve of the sandbar from several angles.

Lunch may be served here or at another island, depending on the day. Since the exact meal setting can change, treat the included lunch as a practical island meal rather than a restaurant experience.

Popolkan Beach for swimming and snorkeling

Popolkan gives the day its main reef stop. The water is clear and blue, and the area is valued for coral and fish. If you want time in the sea rather than only sightseeing from the boat, this is one of the most important stops on the route.

Bring your own mask, snorkel, fins, or aqua shoes if you have them. Rentals are available, but they are not included. Aqua shoes are especially useful because rocky entries and sharp coral can make bare feet uncomfortable. The tour supplies life vests, which you should use if you are not a strong swimmer.

Snorkeling conditions depend on weather, tide, and water clarity. On a sunny day, the colors should be easier to see. Overcast weather does not ruin the stop, but the water may look less bright in photographs. Some departures still had a great time in rain because the crew kept the group moving and helped people enjoy the water safely.

I would give yourself permission to skip snorkeling for part of the stop. You can swim, float in a vest, or simply watch the reef from the surface. The tour is not a race, and the mix of activities makes it suitable for people with different comfort levels in the water.

Cudugnon Cave and its wartime story

Cudugnon Cave adds a human story to a day otherwise focused on sea and scenery. Japanese soldiers used the cave as a hiding place during World War II. That detail gives the stop more weight than a quick photo beside limestone rocks.

The cave is also the part of the tour that needs the most physical caution. Reaching the entrance can be difficult, and one recent account described the approach as hard. This route is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and even able-bodied visitors should expect an uneven access point.

Listen carefully to your guide here. A guide such as Angelo, Jake, or Arnold may explain the site in a way that helps you picture how the cave was used, rather than treating it as just another rock formation. The history is brief, but it changes how you see the place.

Bring shoes with a secure sole. Flip-flops may be fine on the beach but less useful on wet rock. Keep your hands free when moving toward the cave, and do not rush simply because the rest of the group is ready to take pictures.

Cathedral Cave and the drama of Bacuit Bay

Cathedral Cave is another reminder that this tour is about the shape of the bay as much as its beaches. Tall limestone walls, dark openings, and changing light create a very different mood from the bright sand of Snake Island or Entalula.

The exact way you visit the cave can vary with sea conditions and the boat schedule. Some cave stops are viewed from the water, while others involve a short approach. Pay attention to the guide’s instructions and keep your life vest close.

This stop is best for people who enjoy natural scenery without needing a long activity at every location. You may spend less time here than at the beach or snorkeling stop, but the rock formations help break up the day and give you a better sense of Bacuit Bay’s unusual geology.

Entalula Island and the final beach stop

Entalula is known for its white sand beach, and it provides the classic tropical pause near the end of the route. After the caves and snorkeling, this is a good place to slow down, swim, sit on the sand, and take stock of the day.

The beach may also be a good place to look for fish around the rocky edge. One departure found clownfish near the rocks, so bring your mask if you want to check the shallows. Marine life is never guaranteed, but this kind of small discovery can be more rewarding than another posed beach photo.

Keep some cash available. Lunch is included, but a stop at a private island or similar location can sometimes involve an extra charge that is not part of the meal. One person specifically found this surprising, so ask the crew early if any island access fee will apply.

Lunch, boat size, and the real value

Lunch is one of the better parts of the package. Meals have included a mixed spread of meat and fish, and several departures described the food as generous and tasty. You should still expect simple island catering, not a polished dining room.

The boat experience depends heavily on group size. A group of five or 13 can feel friendly and easygoing. A larger boat will feel more social and may mean more waiting when people board, snorkel, or move between the beach and boat. The tour price is attractive because it is a shared outing, so some variation is normal.

The crew deserves credit for the practical work involved. Guides have helped children, kept people included during bad weather, and stayed on schedule. That matters in El Nido, where getting people safely between a boat and a rocky shore takes more effort than the brochure photos suggest.

At $25, the trip offers strong value if you already have your own snorkel gear and do not mind paying the environmental fee. The total cost rises if you rent aqua shoes, fins, or a kayak. The 400 PHP tourism development fee is also separate, and you must show your receipt if you have already paid it.

What to bring for a smoother day

Pack light, but bring the things that make wet hours easier:

• Swimwear and a sun hat
• Reef-safe sunscreen or regular sunscreen if that is what you have
• Cash for fees, rentals, and possible extra island charges
• Aqua shoes or sturdy water footwear
• Your own mask and snorkel if you prefer familiar gear
• A waterproof pouch for your phone and money
• A copy of your El Nido Tourism Development Fee receipt

You return to the same starting point at the end of the six-hour tour. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and the meeting point can vary by booking option, so check the exact instructions before you leave your accommodation.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times depend on availability.

Who should choose this route

I would choose Tour B if you want a full day on the water without making the most crowded route your only option. It suits couples, friends, families with older children, and anyone who wants a blend of swimming, caves, photos, and a beach lunch.

Families should consider the cave access and the time spent moving around the boat. One guide helped a child throughout the day, which is encouraging, but the route is not designed for people with mobility impairments.

This is less suitable if you want a private boat, a guaranteed tiny group, or a calm sightseeing cruise with no awkward shore entries. It is also not ideal if you dislike shared lunches, changing tides, or paying separately for basic water gear.

Should you book El Nido Tour B?

Book it if you want good value and a varied Bacuit Bay day. Snake Island gives you the memorable sandbar, Popolkan offers the best water time, Cudugnon adds a real wartime story, and Entalula supplies the white sand finish.

Before paying, confirm the meeting point, the environmental fee, and the cost of any rentals. Ask if the day’s schedule includes Big Lagoon, since the 200 PHP Big Lagoon entry fee is listed separately even though the main route centers on Snake Island, Popolkan, Cudugnon Cave, Cathedral Cave, and Entalula.

I would pick this tour over a more crowded route if your priority is a relaxed shared boat, good food, and several different kinds of stops. Just bring cash, wear practical footwear, and accept that the tide and weather will shape the day.

FAQ

How long does El Nido Tour B last?

The tour lasts about six hours. You return to the same starting point after visiting the scheduled islands and sites.

What places are included in the route?

The main stops are Snake Island, Popolkan Beach, Cudugnon Cave, Cathedral Cave, and Entalula Island.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included in the tour price. Extra charges may still apply for some private-island access or other items.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Aqua shoes, fins, and kayaks are not included, though they are available to rent. Life vests are provided.

How much is the El Nido environmental fee?

The El Nido Tourism Development Fee is 400 PHP. You must pay it before boarding unless you have already paid and can show your receipt.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and reaching Cudugnon Cave can be difficult.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live guide may speak Tagalog or English. Guides assigned to different departures can vary.