MapVivid
Small Lagoon and around
A day in El Nido · 9:30–15:30 · 4 stops
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mapvivid.com/el-nido/itineraries/small-lagoon-and-aroundA walking day around Small Lagoon, Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon, with a lunch break nearby and Shimizu Island to end the day.
Every stop on Google Maps: open the list
Morning
9:301Small Lagoon ↗1 hGo early
Narrow lagoon entered through a rock opening
- Kayak or swim in
- Bring a waterproof phone case
↓ 8 min walk
10:452Big Lagoon ↗1 hGo early
Emerald lagoon ringed by limestone cliffs
- Rent a kayak to paddle in
- Tour A usually includes it
↓ 23 min walk
12:003Hidden lagoon reached through a small gap
- Enter at low tide for easier access
- Wear water shoes
Lunch
13:00Lunch break nearby · Find restaurants nearby on Google Maps ↗
↓ 17 min walk
Afternoon
14:304Snorkelling spot with clear water
- Lunch often served on the beach
- Bring an underwater camera
Good to know. Times are a guide for an unhurried pace. Check opening days before you go.
El Nido tips
Cultural
- Pay the eco fee: Visitors must pay the Ecotourism Development Fee; keep the ticket during your stay.
- Respect nature rules: El Nido limits plastics and protects marine areas; never touch coral or take shells.
- Try local dishes: Taste kinilaw, a citrus-cured fish, grilled seafood and Palawan cashews.
Local Hacks
- Book lagoon slots early: Popular sites like the Big Lagoon have visitor limits; book tours ahead.
- Catch sunset at Las Cabanas: This beach is a favourite for sunset views, with a zipline across the water.
- Hike Taraw Cliff: The climb offers sweeping views of town and Bacuit Bay; go with a guide.
Saving
- Join group island tours: Tours A to D are shared, making island hopping affordable.
- Eat at local eateries: Carinderias in town serve cheap Filipino meals compared to beach restaurants.
- Visit free beaches: Many beaches near town are free to visit without a tour.
Security
- Carry enough cash: ATMs can run out or be offline, and many places are cash only; bring pesos.
- Check boat safety: Choose registered operators, wear life jackets and skip tours if the sea is rough.
- Protect from the sun: The tropical sun is strong; use reef-safe sunscreen and stay hydrated.
Transportation
- Choose your arrival: Fly directly to El Nido's small airport or take a long van ride from Puerto Princesa.
- Hop on tricycles: Tricycles are the main transport around town and to nearby beaches; agree fares first.
- Rent a scooter: For beaches like Nacpan, a scooter gives freedom; ride carefully on rough roads.
Weather/Clothing
- Visit in the dry season: Roughly December to May has calmer seas and more sun; June to October brings rain and typhoon risk.
- Pack beach gear: Bring swimwear, quick-dry clothes, water shoes and a dry bag.
- Bring a rain jacket: Even in dry season, short showers can happen; a light layer helps.
Planned with MapVivid. Opening hours change, so check each place before you go. This day, with the map: mapvivid.com/el-nido/itineraries/small-lagoon-and-around
Day 1 of 39:30–15:304 stops
Small Lagoon and around
A walking day around Small Lagoon, Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon, with a lunch break nearby and Shimizu Island to end the day.
Opens Google Maps with every stop of the day, ready to save to your own list.
Morning
109:30 · 1 hNarrow lagoon entered through a rock opening
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Kayak or swim in
- Bring a waterproof phone case
📷 Photos
8 min walk
210:45 · 1 hEmerald lagoon ringed by limestone cliffs
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Rent a kayak to paddle in
- Tour A usually includes it
📷 Photos
23 min walk
312:00 · 1 hHidden lagoon reached through a small gap
3 tips
- Enter at low tide for easier access
- Wear water shoes
- Hold on to the rocks
📷 Photos
Lunch
Lunch break nearby · 13:00
Find restaurants nearby on Google Maps17 min walk
Afternoon
414:30 · 1 hSnorkelling spot with clear water
3 tips
- Lunch often served on the beach
- Bring an underwater camera
- Part of Tour A
📷 Photos
Take this day with you
Add the stops to your calendar
Times are local time in El Nido. Apple Calendar adds every stop at once (Outlook too). Google Calendar adds one event per link.
Times are a guide for an unhurried pace. Check opening days before you go.