El Nido: Island Hopping Tour B Cudognong Cave & More

The best thing about El Nido Tour B is that it takes you beyond the busiest postcard stops and into the quieter corners of Bacuit Bay. You’ll walk a changing sandbar, swim above coral reefs, squeeze into caves, and finish on a white sand beach, all for about $25.

I like the smaller boats and the mix of stops. Groups of 13, and sometimes as few as five, have made this feel far more relaxed than the larger boats used on some other El Nido routes. I also like the crew’s role in the day. Guides such as Jake, Angelo, Arnold, and Dexter have been praised for keeping people safe, amused, and on schedule.

The main catch is that the tour is not all-inclusive. You need to pay El Nido’s 400 PHP environmental fee before boarding, and rentals for aqua shoes, fins, or kayaks cost extra. Cave access can also be physically awkward, so this is not a good match for anyone with limited mobility.

Key points to know before booking

• Snake Island’s sandbar changes with the tide: The famous walk and photographs can look very different from one departure to the next.
• The caves require care: Cudugnon Cave and Cathedral Cave are striking, but reaching them can be difficult and slippery.
• Small groups are a major advantage: Boats carrying around 13 people, or sometimes fewer, make the day calmer and more personal.
• Popolkan is the main water stop: Bring swimwear and expect time for snorkeling above coral and fish.
• Lunch is included: The meal is often described as generous, with meat and fish among the dishes.
• Budget for extras: The 400 PHP environmental fee and equipment rentals are separate from the $25 tour price.

Why Tour B takes you somewhere different

El Nido has several island-hopping routes, and Tour B is often overlooked because it lacks the name recognition of some lagoon-focused trips. That can work in your favor. The route reaches less crowded parts of Bacuit Bay, with a good balance of beach time, snorkeling, sand, and caves.

I would choose this tour if you want variety rather than one long swim in a single lagoon. In six hours, you get five main stops listed for the route: Snake Island, Popolkan Beach, Cudugnon Cave, Cathedral Cave, and Entalula Island.

The pace is active but not frantic. You board in El Nido, spend the day moving between islands by boat, then return to the same general starting point. The meeting location can vary according to the option booked, so check the exact instructions before setting out.

Snake Island and its shifting sandbar

Snake Island is named for its winding sandbar, not for an abundance of snakes. The strip of sand changes shape as tides move through the bay, which gives the island its unusual look and explains why it is such a popular photo stop.

At low tide, you might walk farther along the bar with water on both sides. At high tide, the exposed sand may be shorter or partly covered. One person specifically noted that the sandbar would have been even better at low tide, though the stop was still a favorite.

This is a place to slow down and look around rather than simply take one photograph. The view from the sandbar gives you a clear sense of the island’s shape and the scale of Bacuit Bay. The water is usually the main attraction, but the tide determines how much of the sand you can actually enjoy.

Snake Island is also used for lunch on some departures. That makes practical sense, since you can eat on land instead of balancing a plate on a moving boat. Still, stop order and lunch location may vary. One account described lunch on a private island with an extra landing charge, so ask your guide about any such fee before agreeing to the stop.

Popolkan Beach for snorkeling and swimming

Popolkan Beach brings the water portion of the day into focus. The area is known for coral and marine life, and the tour allows time for snorkeling or swimming in clear tropical water.

The supplied tour details do not promise a particular fish species or visibility level. Conditions can change with weather, tide, and recent rain. Still, this is the stop where your mask matters most, so bring your own if you have one or budget for a rental.

Equipment is not included. Aqua shoes, fins, and kayaks are available to rent, but prices are not stated in the tour information. Aqua shoes are worth considering if you dislike sharp rocks or uneven footing around beaches and cave entrances.

I would not treat this as a dedicated snorkeling expedition. The tour combines several kinds of scenery, so water time shares the schedule with caves and beaches. That is good for mixed groups, especially if one person wants to swim while another prefers to stay on the boat or shore.

Cudugnon Cave and its wartime story

Cudugnon Cave, also spelled Cudognong in some tour descriptions, is one of the more memorable stops because it connects a natural site with a specific World War II story. Japanese soldiers reportedly hid here during the war, and your guide provides the context as you enter.

The cave is not simply a quick boat-side viewing point. You may need to make your way through a narrow or awkward entrance, and one account described the approach as very hard. That is useful information if you have trouble crouching, balancing, or moving over uneven surfaces.

Bring cash, wear secure footwear, and keep your hands free. A waterproof pouch can protect your phone, but do not assume that every part of the route is easy to reach. The tour is specifically listed as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments.

I like this stop because it gives the day a little substance beyond beaches and photographs. The cave’s natural shape is impressive, but the wartime use adds a human story. Listen closely to the guide here, since the site itself cannot explain what happened inside it.

Cathedral Cave, where the rock does the talking

Cathedral Cave is another stop shaped by El Nido’s dramatic limestone formations. The name comes from its large interior spaces and high rock surfaces, which can make the cave feel like a natural hall.

Access matters here. Boats generally approach the cave from the water, and you may need to enter through a low or narrow opening. The exact difficulty depends on the conditions and the way your boat reaches the site, but this is not a polished walkway with handrails.

The cave is best for people who are comfortable getting wet and moving carefully. Keep your camera protected, follow the guide’s instructions, and do not rush to get ahead of the group. The cave is a place for a short look and a striking sense of scale, not a long independent exploration.

Together, Cudugnon and Cathedral caves give Tour B a stronger sense of place than a route made only of beaches. You see how water and limestone shaped the bay, then hear how people used those spaces during wartime.

Entalula Island and the final beach stop

Entalula Island is known for its white sand beach. After the tighter spaces of the caves, this stop gives you room to stretch out, swim, and enjoy the open bay.

The beach is a good counterpoint to the snorkeling and cave stops. You can take photographs, wade in the water, or simply sit down while the crew prepares the next part of the day. One account singled out a beach where clownfish could be seen along the rocks, so keep an eye on the shallow edges if conditions allow.

Do not expect every stop to have the same water or sand conditions each day. Rain can arrive quickly in Palawan, and high tide can change the amount of beach available. Even in wet weather, the caves and sandbar can still make the day worthwhile, but the colors will be less dramatic than on a bright morning.

Lunch, group size, and the crew

Lunch is included, and it is one of the tour’s strongest practical features. Meals have been described as generous, with a mix of meat and fish. At around $25 per person, having lunch included adds real value, especially since you are away from El Nido for roughly six hours.

Food quality can vary from departure to departure, so I would not book this solely for the meal. Still, the repeated praise for the lunch suggests you are likely to receive more than a token snack. Eat enough to refuel, but remember that you may return to the water soon afterward.

Group size can shape the whole experience. A boat with 13 people feels very different from one carrying 36. Smaller groups make it easier to hear the guide, board the boat, find a spot to sit, and receive help in the water.

The operator is Corazon Travel & Tours, with Tagalog and English available. Guide quality is an important part of this kind of day, and several names have been singled out for good reason. Jake was called a legend, Angelo was praised for making people feel safe and included, and Arnold was remembered for humor, useful information, and keeping the schedule moving. Dexter and Rene were also praised for making the day enjoyable.

That does not guarantee a particular guide on your departure. It does tell me that the crew has a strong role in the experience. A good guide can make a rainy day fun and can help nervous swimmers feel more comfortable.

Is $25 a good value?

At $25, this is a strong-value half-day outing if you want several different experiences in one package. The boat, licensed guide, life vest, and lunch are included. You are also getting access to five named stops around Bacuit Bay rather than paying separately for each beach or cave.

The base price is not the full cost, though. The 400 PHP El Nido Tourism Development Fee, also called the environmental fee or EDTF, must be paid before boarding. If you already paid it, carry the receipt and show it to the guide so you do not pay twice.

The listing also refers to a 200 PHP Big Lagoon entry fee. Big Lagoon is not included in the main five-stop description, but one account mentioned visiting it, so ask the operator exactly what your chosen departure includes. If Big Lagoon is added, the entry charge is separate.

You may also pay for snorkeling equipment, fins, aqua shoes, or a kayak. The prices are not provided, but rentals are available. Bring cash, since small island stops and equipment desks may not accept cards.

My value judgment is simple: the base price is attractive, particularly for a small group with lunch. Compare the final cost, not just the advertised rate, and ask about any private-island landing charge before the boat leaves.

What to bring for a smoother day

Pack lightly, but do not arrive empty-handed. You will be in sun, salt water, and possibly wet caves for much of the day.

Bring:

• Swimwear and a sun hat
• Reef-safe sunscreen or the sunscreen permitted by local rules
• Cash for the environmental fee, rentals, and possible extra charges
• Aqua shoes or sturdy water footwear if you own them
• A waterproof phone pouch or dry bag
• A towel and a change of clothes
• Your own mask and snorkel if you prefer familiar equipment

Life vests are included, but they do not replace swimming ability or careful behavior around rocks and cave entrances. Listen when the guide tells you where to enter the water and how to approach a cave.

The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Even able-bodied visitors should expect wet footing, low entrances, and some awkward movement. If you are unsure about your physical comfort, ask the operator for a precise description of the cave access before booking.

Weather, tides, and the best expectations

The photos you see from El Nido are often taken in strong sunlight, but your day may be cloudy or rainy. Rain does not remove the caves or the island shapes, and a good crew can keep the mood up, but water visibility and beach colors may be less impressive.

Tides matter most at Snake Island. The sandbar may be broad and easy to walk at low tide, or partly submerged at high tide. The tide can also affect how boats reach caves and beaches.

I would keep your schedule flexible after the tour. The advertised duration is six hours, but island stops depend on sea conditions, group pace, and local instructions. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option may help if your weather plans are uncertain.

Who should book El Nido Tour B?

I would pick Tour B for you if you want:

• A quieter route than the most crowded El Nido options
• A small-boat feel when available
• A mix of snorkeling, caves, beaches, and a sandbar
• A guide-led day with lunch included
• A good-value outing rather than a luxury cruise
• A route with a World War II story as well as natural scenery

I would steer you elsewhere if you want a slow beach day with no climbing, crouching, or wet footing. I would also look at another option if your main goal is a particular lagoon and you do not want to pay a separate entry fee.

The route can suit families, but parents should judge their children’s comfort with caves and open-water swimming. One account specifically praised the guides for helping a child throughout the day, which is encouraging, but the physical demands remain real.

FAQ

How long is the El Nido Tour B experience?

The tour lasts six hours. You return to the same starting point at the end of the outing.

Which places does Tour B visit?

The main route includes Snake Island, Popolkan Beach, Cudugnon Cave, Cathedral Cave, and Entalula Island. Stop order can vary.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included in the tour price. Meals have included a variety of meat and fish dishes.

Is the El Nido environmental fee included?

No. The 400 PHP El Nido Tourism Development Fee must be paid before boarding. If you already paid it, show your receipt to the guide.

Do I need to pay for Big Lagoon?

A 200 PHP Big Lagoon entry fee is listed as not included. Big Lagoon is not part of the main five-stop description, so confirm with the operator whether it is included in your selected departure.

Are snorkeling gear, fins, aqua shoes, and kayaks included?

No. Aqua shoes, fins, and kayaks can be rented separately. Bring cash for rentals, or bring your own equipment.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The tour is listed as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments, and the cave entrances may be difficult to reach.

Should you book this tour?

Book El Nido Tour B if you want a varied, good-value day and prefer quieter stops to the biggest crowds. Snake Island gives you the classic sandbar photograph, Popolkan offers swimming and snorkeling, the two caves add unusual geology and wartime context, and Entalula supplies the white sand finish.

Before paying, confirm the meeting point, the expected group size, whether Big Lagoon is part of your departure, and any private-island landing costs. Bring cash and water shoes, and accept that tides and weather will shape the day.

For roughly $25, with a boat, guide, life vest, and lunch included, this is an easy choice for active visitors who want to see several sides of Bacuit Bay in six hours. Just do not mistake a low price for a completely all-in experience. Account for the environmental fee and rentals, then book if the caves and small-group atmosphere sound like your kind of El Nido day.