El Nido's lagoons, secret beaches, and Nacpan — the essential Palawan in three days
Verified 2026 · Island Seeker Editorial
Day 1
Arrive at El Nido & Orientation
Fly direct to El Nido's small airstrip (ENI) from Manila — flights on AirSWIFT take about 1 hour 20 minutes. Alternatively, fly to Puerto Princesa (PPS) and take the 5–6 hour van transfer (PHP 800–1,000). If arriving via Puerto Princesa, book a morning flight to maximise your first day. CRITICAL: withdraw sufficient cash at Puerto Princesa — El Nido ATMs frequently run empty, especially on weekends and peak season.
Getting around Palawan →Check in at your El Nido accommodation and head to the town beach and Corong-Corong Beach (a 20-minute walk south of the town pier) for a relaxed first afternoon. Book your Tour A island hopping for tomorrow and Tour C for Day 3 — do this at the town pier or through your hotel. Tour slots fill up fast in peak season (December–February).
El Nido's main street (Real Street) has a good mix of open-air restaurants, seafood grills, and bars. Try Altrove Restaurant for wood-fired pizza or the numerous turo-turo (point-point) canteens for PHP 80–120 Filipino meals. Plan your tour departures — most depart at 8–9 am from the town pier.
Tip: Withdraw all the cash you'll need for your entire stay before leaving Puerto Princesa. El Nido's two ATMs frequently run dry and card payment is not accepted on tours, at most restaurants, or on bangka boats.
Day 2
El Nido Tour A — Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon & 7 Commandos Beach
Depart from the El Nido town pier at 8–9 am in an outrigger bangka. Tour A is the most popular and arguably most beautiful — Big Lagoon is a stunning enclosed body of water surrounded by sheer limestone karsts (kayak through it for PHP 150 rental). Small Lagoon is only accessible by swimming or kayaking through a narrow rock opening — the enclosed pool inside is extraordinary.
El Nido tour options →Secret Beach is accessed by swimming through a small gap in a cliff face — inside is a hidden sand beach enclosed entirely by rock. Shimizu Island's reef is one of the best snorkelling stops on Tour A. 7 Commandos Beach is the final stop — a long white sand beach with nipa hut restaurants serving a group lunch (included in most tours). Tours return to El Nido around 4:30–5 pm.
Climb the El Nido Viewpoint above the town for a panorama over Bacuit Bay at dusk — the limestone islands silhouetted against a pink sky is the classic Palawan image. Back down for a fresh seafood dinner at any of the beachside restaurants near the pier.
Tip: Tour A gets very busy with 50+ boats visiting the same spots simultaneously in peak season. Consider booking an early departure (7–7:30 am) or a private boat tour to beat the crowds at the lagoons.
Day 3
Nacpan Beach & Departure
Nacpan Beach is consistently rated one of the Philippines' best beaches — 4km of undeveloped golden sand backed by coconut palms, 45 minutes north of El Nido town by motorbike taxi (PHP 200–300 return) or tricycle. Arrive early (before 10 am) for the best chance of having sections of the beach entirely to yourself.
Best beaches in Palawan →Back in El Nido by 1–2 pm. Lunch at your favourite spot from the previous two days, then pack for your departure transfer. If flying from Puerto Princesa, the afternoon van departs around 1–2 pm for a 5–6 hour ride — coordinate departure carefully with your flight time.
Van transfer to Puerto Princesa (5–6 hrs, PHP 800–1,000) for your flight home, or direct AirSWIFT flight from El Nido airstrip. Puerto Princesa Airport has limited evening flight options — check your schedule carefully and book the right afternoon transfer.
El Nido to Puerto Princesa options →Tip: If your flight is from Puerto Princesa, take the earliest available van transfer from El Nido to avoid a tight connection. The road can take 7+ hours during rainy weather or if the van makes multiple stops.
more options
get ready
common questions
3 days in El Nido is enough to cover Tour A, one other tour (B or C), and Nacpan Beach — the most important highlights. You will not see everything, but this itinerary captures the best of what makes El Nido special. Most visitors wish they had stayed longer.
For a 3-day trip, fly direct to El Nido (AirSWIFT from Manila, 1h20m) to save the 5–6 hour Puerto Princesa van transfer. The ENI flights are more expensive and have limited schedules, but the time saving is significant on a short trip.
Tour A is El Nido's most popular island hopping route — Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Beach, Shimizu Island, and 7 Commandos Beach. It costs around PHP 1,200–1,500 per person for a group tour and takes a full day (8 am to 5 pm).
November through April is ideal — dry season with calm seas, excellent visibility for snorkelling, and no typhoon risk. December to February is peak season (most crowded). March and April are excellent with thin crowds and the best weather.
El Nido and Coron are very safe for tourists. The main concerns are petty theft in crowded areas, uneven water conditions during rough seas, and boat safety — always check that your bangka has life jackets before departing. Travel advisories for Palawan have consistently rated it as one of the Philippines' safer tourist destinations.
explore more