El Nido · Things to do

Four fixed routes sold at the same regulated price by every operator in town. Tour A (Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu, Seven Commandos) is the usual first day; Tour C (Hidden Beach, Secret Beach, Matinloc, Helicopter Island) goes further out with better snorkelling. Boats leave the town beach mid-morning, lunch is grilled on board, and an environmental fee is charged separately.

The limestone ridge rising straight behind town. You can only go up with a guide, either on the shorter fixed-rope Canopy Walk or the harder scramble to the summit; the karst is razor-sharp, so gloves and closed shoes are not optional.

Four kilometres of sand on the far side of the peninsula, about forty-five minutes north of town by tricycle or rented motorbike. A few beach restaurants, a small entry fee, and far more space than anywhere in Bacuit Bay.

Long-running town institution combining a restaurant, a shop and a travel desk that books flights, boat transfers, dive trips and kayak hire. Useful if you arrive without a plan, and a reliable place to eat while you make one.

Kayaks are hired by the hour or the day on the town beach and at Corong-Corong. Paddling out towards Cadlao Island is the one way to see the bay without a convoy of tour boats — go early, before the afternoon wind gets up.