The limestone islands
Jagged peaks above the sea.
Vyacheslav Argenberg — CC BY 4.0 · Vyacheslav Argenberg — CC BY 4.0 · Vyacheslav Argenberg — CC BY 4.0 · Vyacheslav Argenberg — CC BY 4.0 · Vyacheslav Argenberg — CC BY 4.0 · Tuderna — CC BY 3.0
An archipelago of dozens of small limestone islands off El Nido town, rising from the sea like towers and jagged peaks cloaked in forest, with white-sand beaches, coral reefs and caves between them. The whole area is a protected reserve, and finds in El Nido's caves show that people lived here thousands of years ago. The islands are visited on traditional wooden boat tours, four fixed routes known as A, B, C and D, each with its own course: the lagoons and nearby islands, or caves and beaches, or hidden beaches and the small shrine on Matinloc Island, or quiet beaches. Each tour takes a full day with swimming, snorkelling and lunch on a beach. After returning, visitors head to Las Cabanas Beach south of town to watch the sun set behind the islands, and there is a zipline crossing the sea to a small island nearby. Evenings here are among the best of El Nido. The best months are December to May, when the sea is calm. July to October is typhoon season, and tours may be cancelled. Carry cash, as there are few cash machines in town.
Jagged peaks above the sea.
Reefs and white beaches.
The sun behind the islands.
Bacuit Bay, El Nido; boat tours leave from the town beach, Las Cabanas Beach is about 15 minutes south
Tour A is the most popular, covering the Big and Small Lagoons; Tour C is for hidden beaches and snorkelling. Those staying several days often combine two, as the eco-tourism fee is valid for ten days.