9-Day El Nido Yacht Charter Itinerary: Pristine Islands & Hidden Lagoons in Palawan
9 planned days, starting at El Nido Town, Palawan and finishing at El Nido Town, Palawan (Drop-off). Stops include El Nido Town, Palawan, Big Lagoon & Shimizu Island, Secret Lagoon & Seven Commandos Beach, Snake Island (Vigan Island) & Entalula Island, Matinc Loc Island & Hidden Beach and further stops detailed below. Confirm the daily passages and shore plans with your captain before booking.
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Plan this charter
- First planned stop
- El Nido Town, Palawan
- Final planned stop
- El Nido Town, Palawan (Drop-off)
Shore plans to discuss with your crew
- Day 1Welcome drinks onboard
- Day 1Sunset views over El Nido Bay
- Day 1Briefing on the Bacuit Archipelago
- Day 1Initial swim in a calm anchorage
- Day 2Kayaking in Big Lagoon
- Day 2Snorkeling around Shimizu Island
Confirm joining and departure ports, yacht availability and the daily passage plan before paying a deposit. The captain decides anchorages and any route changes for weather, sea conditions and local restrictions. Shore venues, marine-park permissions and activity bookings require separate confirmation.
Map connections are schematic, not a navigable passage plan. Distances, safe approaches and passage times must be checked by the captain.
Ask for an itemised quotation covering the charter fee, taxes, APA or package expenses, berth charges and any delivery or redelivery costs.
- DAY 01
El Nido Town, Palawan
Your El Nido yacht charter begins in the vibrant El Nido Town. After boarding and a safety briefing, set sail towards a nearby tranquil cove for your introductory swim.
- Welcome drinks onboard
- Sunset views over El Nido Bay
- Briefing on the Bacuit Archipelago
- Initial swim in a calm anchorage
- Anchorage
- Cadlao Lagoon
- Dining
- El Nido Boutique & Artcafe (local and international cuisine)
- DAY 02
Big Lagoon & Shimizu Island
Explore the majestic Big Lagoon by kayak, paddling through its narrow entrance to reveal stunning emerald waters. Later, snorkel around the vibrant reefs of Shimizu Island.
- Kayaking in Big Lagoon
- Snorkeling around Shimizu Island
- Beach lunch on Shimizu Island
- Photography of limestone cliffs
- Anchorage
- Shimizu Island Anchorage
- Dining
- Onboard chef prepares fresh seafood
- DAY 03
Secret Lagoon & Seven Commandos Beach
Discover the hidden Secret Lagoon, accessible through a small opening in the rock face. Afterwards, relax and swim at the iconic Seven Commandos Beach.
- Swimming in Secret Lagoon
- Relaxing at Seven Commandos Beach
- Beach volleyball or frisbee
- Coconut water from beach vendors
- Anchorage
- Seven Commandos Beach Anchorage
- Dining
- Beach BBQ dinner prepared by crew
- DAY 04
Snake Island (Vigan Island) & Entalula Island
Walk the unique S-shaped sandbar connecting Snake Island to the mainland at low tide. Continue to the private Entalula Island for exclusive beach time and snorkeling.
- Walking the Snake Island sandbar
- Snorkeling around Entalula Island
- Sunbathing on a secluded beach
- Paddleboarding in calm waters
- Anchorage
- Entalula Island Bay
- Dining
- Gourmet dinner onboard with wine pairing
- DAY 05
Matinc Loc Island & Hidden Beach
Explore the 'Shrine' on Matinc Loc Island, then discover the legendary Hidden Beach, a pristine cove concealed by towering limestone cliffs.
- Visiting Matinc Loc Shrine
- Swimming in Hidden Beach
- Cliff jumping (for experienced swimmers)
- Exploring the island's natural formations
- Anchorage
- Hidden Beach Anchorage
- Dining
- Local seafood feast onboard
- DAY 06
Tapiutan Island & Starfish Island
Cruise to Tapiutan Island, offering excellent snorkeling spots and secluded beaches. Later, visit Starfish Island, known for its abundant starfish population.
- Snorkeling around Tapiutan Island
- Beach relaxation
- Observing starfish (from a distance)
- Sunset views over Tapiutan Strait
- Anchorage
- Tapiutan Island Anchorage
- Dining
- The Beach Shack (casual beach dining on Tapiutan)
- DAY 07
Helicopter Island (Dilumacad Island) & Cadlao Lagoon
Visit Helicopter Island, named for its distinctive shape, offering great snorkeling. Then, return to the tranquil Cadlao Lagoon for a peaceful evening.
- Snorkeling around Helicopter Island
- Swimming in Cadlao Lagoon
- Kayaking or paddleboarding
- Star gazing from the yacht
- Anchorage
- Cadlao Lagoon
- Dining
- Captain's Farewell Dinner onboard
- DAY 08
Pangulasian Island & Bacuit Bay
Spend the morning at the pristine Pangulasian Island, often called the 'Island of the Sun', with its long white sand beach. Enjoy a final swim before cruising back into Bacuit Bay.
- Swimming and sunbathing at Pangulasian Beach
- Snorkeling in the clear waters
- Relaxation on deck
- Views of the El Nido Resorts
- Anchorage
- Bacuit Bay Anchorage
- Dining
- El Nido Garden Resort (Filipino and international cuisine)
- DAY 09
El Nido Town, Palawan (Drop-off)
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast onboard as your El Nido yacht charter concludes. Disembark in El Nido Town, filled with memories of Palawan’s unparalleled beauty.
- Final breakfast onboard
- Last minute souvenir shopping
- Transfer to El Nido Lio Airport (ENI)
- Reflecting on the journey
- Anchorage
- El Nido Bay
- Dining
- Breakfast onboard
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