El Nido: Island Hopping Tour B Cudognong Cave & More

Snake Island’s shifting sandbar is the star here. It curls through shallow water like a pale ribbon, giving you one of El Nido’s best photo spots and a pleasant walk when the tide allows. The route also reaches Cudugnon Cave, where Japanese soldiers hid during World War II, plus reef water, limestone walls, and a fine beach at Entalula.

I like this tour for two clear reasons: it is often quieter than Tour A, and smaller boats can make the day feel friendly rather than packed. I also like the mix of sandbar, reef, cave, and beach stops, with lunch included for $25 per person.

The trade-off is simple: some caves can be hard to reach, and tide, rain, and the day’s boat arrangements affect what each stop feels like. You’ll also pay extra for the environmental fee, rented gear, and any added island or activity charge.

Key points at a glance

• Snake Island’s sandbar changes with the tide, so its shape and walkable area will not be the same every day.
• Cudugnon Cave adds a wartime story to a day otherwise focused on beaches and swimming.
• Smaller groups are common, with one booking reporting only 13 people and another just five.
• Popolkan is the best water stop, with coral, fish, snorkeling, and clear swimming water.
• Lunch is included and often generous, with meat and fish dishes served during the day.
• Bring cash for the PHP 400 environmental fee, rentals, and possible extra charges.

Why Tour B is worth choosing in El Nido

El Nido’s famous island tours can feel very different from one another. Tour B is a good choice if you want the classic Bacuit Bay scenery without spending the whole day in the busiest coves.

For $25, you receive the boat trip, a licensed guide, life vests, and lunch. That is strong value for six hours on the water, especially since private boat hire costs far more. You are buying a shared excursion, though, so you do not control the pace or the exact order of stops.

Group size is one of the tour’s biggest advantages. Boats may carry a small group, although the exact number depends on the operator and booking option. A group of 13 feels far more manageable than a full boat of 36. You can get help climbing into the boat, ask questions, and find space to enjoy lunch without feeling like you are in a queue.

The quieter schedule also gives Tour B its own character. You still get beaches and bright water, but the day has more room for caves, rock walls, and the inside reaches of Bacuit Bay. If your priority is the most famous lagoon scenery, another route may suit you better. If you want variety and fewer people, Tour B makes sense.

Snake Island and the sandbar

Snake Island does not get its name from snakes. The name refers to its long, winding sandbar, which changes shape as the water moves. From the beach or boat, you can see a strip of sand reaching out into the bay, with water on both sides.

This is one of the strongest photo stops on the route. The views work best when the tide leaves more of the sandbar exposed. At high tide, the walk may be shorter or less distinct, but the setting is still attractive.

I would treat the sandbar as a tide-dependent stop, not a guaranteed long walk. Bring footwear you can get wet, and keep your camera secure when moving between the boat and shore. The boat provides life vests, but it does not include aqua shoes, fins, or a kayak.

Snake Island also serves as a useful first taste of the day. You get open views, shallow water, and a chance to settle into the boat’s rhythm before the cave and snorkeling stops. It is photogenic, but do not judge the whole tour by the tide at this one beach.

Popolkan’s coral water and fish

Popolkan Island is the main stop for swimming and snorkeling. The area is known for coral and marine life, and the clear water gives you a chance to see fish close to the reef.

The quality of snorkeling depends on weather, water conditions, and where the boat anchors that day. Still, the route gives you more than a quick beach visit. You can choose to swim, snorkel, or simply stay aboard and enjoy the view.

If you want to snorkel, check your equipment before leaving the boat. Masks and snorkels may be available through the operator, but the supplied information specifically warns that fins and aqua shoes cost extra. Bring cash rather than assuming every item is included.

Aqua shoes are useful here and at the caves. Limestone can be rough, and the approach from the boat may involve wet rocks or uneven footing. You do not need expensive gear, but basic water shoes can make the day more comfortable.

Cudugnon Cave and its wartime story

Cudugnon Cave gives the tour more substance than a standard beach circuit. The cave is linked to World War II, when Japanese soldiers used it as a hiding place. Your guide can explain that part of the site’s past while you look at the limestone opening and the dark space beyond.

This is not just a quick stop for a photograph. Reaching the cave can be awkward, especially if the water is moving or the entrance is slippery. One useful warning is that the cave may be hard to reach, so you should expect a physical approach rather than a paved walkway.

Mobility matters here. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and anyone who dislikes climbing over wet or uneven surfaces should think carefully before booking. Life vests are supplied, but they do not remove the need for balance and basic confidence around the boat and rocks.

The cave is also a good reason to listen closely to your guide. Guides such as Jake, Angelo, Arnold, Dexter, and Rene have been associated with different departures, and the strongest guides add humor, safety help, and local context to the stops. Your guide will depend on the boat and date, so no particular person is guaranteed.

Cathedral Cave’s dramatic stop

Cathedral Cave is another limestone feature in Bacuit Bay. Its name comes from its tall, chamber-like rock form, which gives the stop a different mood from the open beach at Snake Island or Entalula.

Boat access and conditions shape this part of the route. You may view the cave from the water, and the exact amount of time inside or nearby can vary. It is worth keeping your expectations flexible, since the tour is built around several stops rather than one long cave visit.

The cave is a strong contrast to the bright beaches. The rock walls show why El Nido tours are not only about swimming. You get a sense of how water and limestone have shaped the bay over time, without needing a full-day trek or a specialist excursion.

Entalula Island and lunch

Entalula Island is known for white sand and clear water. It is the kind of stop that makes a good final beach break because you can swim, sit on the sand, or take in the bay before returning to El Nido.

Lunch is included, and the meal can be more substantial than you might expect from a shared boat trip. Different outings have included a mix of meat and fish, along with other simple dishes served family-style. Food quality depends on the day, but it is frequently treated as a major part of the experience rather than a token snack.

The timing and location of lunch can change. You may eat on the boat or at an island stop, and an island access charge may apply in some situations. This is why you should keep cash with you and ask your guide early if any extra local fee will be collected.

Entalula is also a good place to slow down. The schedule includes several sights, but you are not expected to rush through every minute. If the weather turns cloudy or rainy, the beach will look less bright, yet the guides can still keep the group moving and make the day enjoyable.

What the six hours feel like

The tour starts when you board at the assigned meeting point, which can vary according to the option you book. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to make your own way to the starting point.

From there, the day follows a boat-based loop through Bacuit Bay. The order of stops may change, but the main route includes Snake Island, Popolkan, Cudugnon Cave, Cathedral Cave, and Entalula Island. At the end, you return to the same starting point.

Six hours is long enough to see a good spread of scenery without taking up the entire day. You will spend time in the boat between stops, so bring sun protection and something dry to cover your shoulders. A hat, swimwear, sunscreen, and cash belong in your day bag.

Rain does not always ruin this tour. Overcast skies can soften the light on the water, and a good guide can keep the day organized. Still, the brightest photos and clearest water are more likely when conditions cooperate. The tour operator cannot control the weather or tide, so flexibility is part of the deal.

Costs to understand before you book

The advertised price is $25 per person, which covers the core six-hour service. It includes the licensed guide, boat, life vest, and lunch. For a full day of island stops, that is good value.

You must also pay the El Nido Tourism Development Fee, sometimes called the environmental fee. It costs PHP 400 and must be paid before boarding. If you already paid it, keep your receipt and show it to the guide so you do not pay twice.

The Big Lagoon entry fee of PHP 200 is listed as an additional cost, but Big Lagoon is not part of the main five-stop route described for Tour B. Ask before departure if your selected option includes any changed stop or extra lagoon visit. This matters because different boats and mixed group arrangements can produce slightly different schedules.

Rentals are also extra. Aqua shoes, fins, and kayaks are available to rent, but they are not included in the $25 price. Some local tour shops may bundle gear differently, so compare the full cost rather than the headline price alone.

You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later. Those terms are useful if your El Nido plans may shift, but you still need to confirm the meeting point for your chosen booking option.

Who should book Tour B

I would choose this tour if you want a broad sample of El Nido’s scenery in one half-day outing. It suits people who like mixing swimming, snorkeling, beaches, caves, and short history lessons rather than spending the entire trip at one lagoon.

It is also a good fit for solo visitors and couples who prefer a smaller shared group. The guide can usually give more direct help when the boat is not full, especially at slippery cave entrances or while getting in and out of the water.

Families can enjoy it too, provided everyone is comfortable with boat travel, swimming, and uneven cave access. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and anyone who needs step-free access should choose a different activity.

You may prefer another El Nido tour if your main goal is a famous lagoon or a highly predictable schedule. Tour B includes several natural stops, so tide and weather have a real effect on the day.

Final verdict: a strong-value route with a few conditions

I would book El Nido Tour B if I wanted a quieter shared boat, a good lunch, and more variety than a simple beach trip. The mix of Snake Island’s changing sandbar, Popolkan’s reef water, Cudugnon Cave’s wartime connection, Cathedral Cave, and Entalula’s white sand gives you plenty for six hours.

Go in prepared for extra fees, rented gear, changing tides, and a cave approach that may be difficult. Bring cash, aqua shoes if you have them, sunscreen, a hat, and a flexible attitude.

At $25, this is an easy recommendation for active visitors who want value and variety. I would skip it only if you need easy access throughout the day or want one polished, fixed attraction with no changes in conditions.

FAQ

How long is the El Nido Tour B island-hopping trip?

The tour lasts six hours, including the boat ride and stops around Bacuit Bay.

Which places does Tour B visit?

The main route visits Snake Island, Popolkan Island or Beach, Cudugnon Cave, Cathedral Cave, and Entalula Island.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included in the tour price.

Is the El Nido environmental fee included?

No. The El Nido Tourism Development Fee costs PHP 400 and must be paid before boarding. Show your receipt if you have already paid it.

Are snorkeling equipment and aqua shoes included?

No. Aqua shoes, fins, and kayaks are available to rent at an additional cost.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The meeting point can vary depending on the option booked.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live guide service is available in English and Tagalog.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, particularly because some cave areas can be difficult to reach.