El Nido: Island Hopping Tour B Cudognong Cave & More

El Nido’s Tour B is built around the places that make Bacuit Bay special: pale sand, clear water, limestone cliffs, and caves that feel far removed from town. The most memorable stop may be Cudugnon Cave, where Japanese soldiers hid during World War II, but the shifting sandbar at Snake Island and the reefs near Popolkan give the six-hour trip plenty of variety.

I like the smaller, quieter feel of this route, and I like that lunch, a licensed guide, boat transport, and life vests are included for about $25 per person. The catch is that cave access can be physically awkward, and you need to budget for the 400 PHP El Nido Tourism Development Fee, plus rentals for snorkel gear, fins, or water shoes.

Key points at a glance

• Snake Island’s sandbar changes with the tide, creating one of Bacuit Bay’s easiest and most striking photo stops.
• Popolkan Island offers the main swim and snorkeling break, with coral and fish in clear water.
• Cudugnon Cave adds a genuine historical layer, though reaching its interior can be difficult.
• Cathedral Cave is viewed from the water, giving you a dramatic look at El Nido’s limestone formations.
• Entalula Island finishes the outing with white sand, calm water, and a relaxed beach stop.
• Small groups are possible but not guaranteed, with recent trips ranging from five to 13 people.

Why Tour B is a good alternative in El Nido

El Nido’s island tours are often sold as lettered routes. Tour B is not usually the first choice for people chasing the famous lagoons, but that can work in your favor. The route focuses on open beaches, reefs, caves, and the inner reaches of Bacuit Bay rather than making the day all about one headline attraction.

I would choose this trip if you prefer a more varied outing. You get time in the water, a sandbar, two cave stops, a beach, and a prepared lunch. That mix keeps the day from feeling repetitive.

The group size matters. One recent outing had only five people, while another had 13, and the smaller boat made the trip feel more personal. Group size depends on the departure and operator arrangements, so treat that as a possibility, not a promise. Still, Tour B often has a calmer character than the busiest routes.

The guides are another strong part of the experience. Guides named Jake, Angelo, Arnold, Dexter, and Rene have been praised for keeping the mood light, helping people in the water, and keeping the schedule moving. That matters on a boat day, especially when cave access or changing tides make the timing less exact.

Starting from El Nido town

You board at the designated meeting point, which can vary according to the option you book. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you need to make your own way to the departure point and return there at the end.

Before boarding, take care of the 400 PHP El Nido Tourism Development Fee, also called the environmental fee or EDTF. Keep the receipt with you. If you have already paid it, show proof to the guide so you do not pay twice.

Bring cash, sunscreen, a hat, and swimwear. I would also bring a dry bag or another way to protect your phone and wallet. Aqua shoes, fins, and kayaks are not included, though they can be rented. Water shoes are particularly useful here because cave entries and beach approaches may involve uneven or sharp surfaces.

The trip lasts about six hours. Departure times can vary, so check availability for the specific start time when booking. The guide speaks Tagalog and English.

Snake Island and its shifting sandbar

Snake Island is usually the first major stop, and its name comes from the long sandbars that change shape with the tide. There is no snake-focused attraction here. The appeal is the unusual strip of sand that reaches into shallow blue water and creates a fine viewpoint over the bay.

This is the classic photo stop. You can walk along the sandbar, look back at the surrounding islands, and enjoy the strange sensation of standing on a narrow line between sea and sky. At low tide, more sand is exposed. At higher tide, the sandbar may be smaller or partly covered, so the exact appearance changes from one visit to the next.

That tidal change is part of the charm, but it can also affect the stop. Do not expect the same broad sandbar shown in every photograph. If the tide is high, you may have less room to walk, though the water views remain worthwhile.

Lunch may be served at or near Snake Island, depending on the day’s arrangement. The included meal is one of the better values in the package. Food has been described as a generous mix of meat and fish, with enough variety to make it feel more substantial than a simple packed snack.

Popolkan Island for coral and clear water

Popolkan is the best stop for getting into the water. Its reefs support fish and other marine life, and the clear conditions can make snorkeling one of the day’s highlights.

You can swim even if you are not a confident snorkeler. The boat crew provides life vests, and guides are available to help you stay safe and included. Fins and snorkel equipment are not part of the base price, so ask about rental costs before leaving the dock.

The water quality depends on weather and sea conditions. On a bright day, the reef and fish should be easier to see. Cloudy weather does not ruin the stop, but the colors may look less vivid. One useful point from the trip reports is that even a rainy day can still produce a fun outing when the crew adjusts the pace and keeps people involved.

Allow yourself enough time here. The appeal is not only the scenery from the boat. It is the chance to swim in the bay and see the reef at water level.

Cudugnon Cave and the World War II story

Cudugnon Cave, also spelled Cudognong in some tour descriptions, is the most unusual stop on the route. The cave is linked to World War II, when Japanese soldiers used it as a hiding place.

That history gives the stop more weight than a quick photo at a rock formation. You are not simply looking at a hollow in the limestone. You are hearing how the cave was used in a dangerous period, then seeing the confined setting for yourself.

You should know that reaching the cave may be hard. Access can involve moving over uneven ground and entering a narrow opening, and one account described it as particularly difficult. This is not a good match for anyone with mobility problems, and even able-bodied visitors should use care.

Wear secure footwear if you have it. Water shoes can help, though they still do not remove the need to move slowly. Follow the guide’s instructions and do not rush to get inside. The cave is valuable because of its story and atmosphere, not because you need to spend a long time in it.

Cathedral Cave from the Bacuit Bay water

Cathedral Cave is another limestone formation, but the experience differs from Cudugnon. Here, the main impact comes from the cave’s scale and shape as seen from the boat or water.

The name points to the high, cathedral-like interior created by the rock. This is a good stop for photographs and for seeing how wind and water have shaped the islands over time. You may not have the same kind of land access as at Cudugnon, so think of it as a scenic cave visit rather than a long walk inside.

The two caves work well together. Cudugnon provides history and a more physical visit. Cathedral Cave provides a dramatic view of the bay’s limestone walls. If you want a day made only of swimming and beach time, these stops may feel like a detour. If you enjoy variety, they give the trip a welcome change of pace.

Entalula Island’s white sand beach

Entalula Island is the beach stop. Its white sand and clear water offer time to slow down after the boat ride, cave visits, and snorkeling.

This is where I would keep plans simple. Walk the beach, swim, sit in the shallows, and take in the cliffs and water around you. The stop is less about a single activity and more about enjoying the setting.

The beach can be affected by tide and weather, just like Snake Island. Rain does not necessarily cancel the fun, but it can change the color of the water and reduce the sharp contrast between sand and sea. Bring a light cover-up or dry clothing for the ride back.

You may also see clownfish near rocky areas around some beach stops. Snorkeling conditions vary, but the possibility of fish close to shore makes Entalula more than a simple place to stretch your legs.

Lunch, boat comfort, and the pace of the day

Lunch is included, which helps keep the $25 price strong. Meals have been described as a generous spread of meat and fish, and the food is repeatedly singled out as one of the most enjoyable parts of the day.

Do not expect a restaurant meal or a highly controlled dining setup. Island lunches are practical and social. You eat between stops, often outdoors, with the group and crew nearby. That is part of the island-hopping rhythm.

The boat ride itself is central to the experience. You spend part of the day moving between islands, so anyone prone to seasickness should plan ahead. The route is not a simple transfer from one beach to another. You will be on open water and may feel the motion, depending on the conditions.

A smaller group can make the ride more comfortable and easier to manage. It also gives you more access to the guide if you need help with equipment or entering the water. Since group size is not fixed, ask about the expected boat size if that is important to you.

What the $25 price really includes

At about $25 per person, this is a strong-value day for El Nido. You receive boat transport, a licensed guide, life vests, lunch, and access to several sites over six hours.

The listed price is not the final cost for everyone. Add the 400 PHP tourism development fee if you have not already paid it. You may also pay to rent aqua shoes, fins, a snorkel, or a kayak. A separate 200 PHP Big Lagoon entry fee is also listed among the possible exclusions, so confirm with the booking contact whether that applies to your exact departure and route.

The main value is the number of different experiences packed into one outing. You are not paying only for a beach transfer. You get a sandbar, reef, historical cave, scenic cave, white sand beach, lunch, and a guide.

Be aware that extra island charges can sometimes arise if the group visits a private island arrangement. Carry cash so a small unexpected fee does not become a major inconvenience.

Who should book Tour B

I would recommend this tour to you if you want:

• A full half-day on the water without paying for a private charter
• Several types of stops rather than only lagoons
• A chance to snorkel and swim
• A quieter route than El Nido’s most crowded options
• A guide-led experience with lunch included
• A good introduction to Bacuit Bay for about $25

It suits couples, friends, families with older children, and solo visitors who enjoy joining a group. The guides have a reputation for being friendly and attentive, and one family found the crew especially helpful with a child.

I would be cautious if you have limited mobility, dislike boat motion, or want a polished, resort-style excursion. Cudugnon Cave may be hard to reach, equipment costs extra, and the meeting point can vary. This is an active island day, not a passive sightseeing cruise.

Practical tips for a better day

Arrive ready to swim. You will get more from the tour if your swimwear is already on and your sunscreen is applied before boarding.

Bring cash for the environmental fee, equipment rentals, and any additional charges. Keep the tourism fee receipt safe until the boat leaves.

Pack a hat and sunscreen, but also bring a waterproof pouch for valuables. A small towel and dry shirt will make the return ride more comfortable.

If you want good sandbar photos, ask the guide about the tide and timing. Snake Island looks different from hour to hour, and a high tide may reduce the exposed sand.

For Cudugnon Cave, choose stable footwear and listen closely to the crew. Do not treat the cave entrance like a quick photo opportunity. The footing can be more difficult than it appears from the boat.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and allows you to reserve while paying later. That is useful if your El Nido schedule may change, but check the exact meeting point and inclusions for your selected option.

Should you book this El Nido Tour B?

Yes, if you value variety, friendly guides, good food, and a route that may feel less crowded than Tour A. Snake Island and Entalula provide the classic beach scenery, while Popolkan adds worthwhile snorkeling and Cudugnon gives the day a story you will remember.

Choose another tour if your top priority is El Nido’s famous lagoons, or if entering a difficult cave is not appealing. For most able-bodied visitors who want a well-priced day around Bacuit Bay, Tour B offers a satisfying mix of water, sand, reef, history, and scenery.

FAQ

How long does the El Nido Tour B activity last?

The tour lasts about six hours, though the exact starting time depends on availability and the option you book.

What places does Tour B visit?

The stated route includes Snake Island, Popolkan Beach or Island, Cudugnon Cave, Cathedral Cave, and Entalula Island.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included with the boat tour, along with a licensed guide and life vests.

Is the El Nido environmental fee included?

No. The 400 PHP El Nido Tourism Development Fee must be paid before boarding unless you have already paid it and can show your receipt.

Are snorkeling equipment and water shoes included?

No. Aqua shoes, fins, and kayaks are available to rent but are not included in the listed price.

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 considered suitable for people with mobility impairments, and access to Cudugnon Cave may be especially difficult.