El Nido Tour C Hidden Beaches

Swim through secret crevices to hidden lagoons, explore the mysterious Matinloc Shrine, and snorkel pristine coral reefs on Palawan's most adventurous island hopping tour.

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7-8 Hours
1 Languages
Small groups & Private options
Free Cancellation
Everything You Need to Know

Complete Experience Guide

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Experience

Discover El Nido's Best Kept Secrets

El Nido Tour C is widely considered the most adventurous of the Bacuit Bay island-hopping itineraries, taking you further from the mainland to discover secluded coves and hidden wonders. Unlike the lagoon-focused Tour A, Tour C concentrates on mysterious beaches hidden behind towering limestone walls and underwater treasures. The journey takes you to the outer edges of the archipelago where the water is often clearer and marine life more abundant. You'll swim through a narrow rock crevice to enter Secret Beach, marvel at the concealed beauty of Hidden Beach, and hike the abandoned stairs of Matinloc Shrine for one of the most iconic panoramic views in Palawan.

4.8/5
Average Rating
7 Hours
Duration
Adventure
Activity Level
Mobile
Ticket

Why Book This Experience With Us

Trusted Local Partners

We work exclusively with licensed El Nido tour operators who prioritize safety and sustainability

Verified Guest Reviews

Read 100+ authentic reviews from travelers who have swum in Secret Beach and climbed Matinloc Shrine

Best Price Guarantee

Get the best market rates for shared and private tours with no hidden booking fees

Instant Confirmation

Secure your spot immediately, essential during Palawan's peak dry season

Small Group Options

Choose between social shared tours or intimate private boats for a personalized experience

Eco-Conscious Travel

Our partners adhere to El Nido's strict environmental regulations to protect the coral reefs

Hidden Beach
Helicopter Island
Secret Beach exploration
Talisay Beach
Buffet lunch included

Essential Information

Know Before You Go

Required Fees
ETDF Eco-Fee (PHP 400)
Matinloc Shrine Fee (PHP 200)
Kayak Rental (Optional)
What to Expect
Wet landing likely
Swimming required for Secret Beach
Sharp limestone rocks
Logistics
Morning departure
Buffet lunch included
Hotel pickup within town
Health & Safety
Not recommended for non-swimmers
Life jackets mandatory
Reef shoes highly advised

Not Allowed

Large bags or luggage
Pets (except service animals)
Food and drinks
Essential Information

Booking Tips

  • Book at least 2-3 days in advance during dry season
  • Keep your ETDF receipt if you did another tour previously
  • Choose a private tour to customize the order of stops and avoid crowds

What to Bring

  • Cash (PHP) for fees
  • Reef shoes/Aqua shoes
  • Waterproof dry bag
  • Sunscreen (Reef safe)
  • Towel
  • Camera/GoPro
  • Water bottle

Best Seasons to Visit

Dry Season (December to May)|Shoulder Season (November)

What to Wear

Swimwear|Rash guard for sun/jellyfish protection|Aqua shoes/Reef shoes (Essential for sharp rocks)|Quick-dry towel|Sun hat

Planning

Historical Context

El Nido's limestone cliffs are over 250 million years old, formed from ancient coral reefs. Matinloc Shrine was a functioning spiritual center until the 1990s.

Photography Tips

  • Bring a GoPro or waterproof camera for the swim-throughs
  • Use a polarizing filter to capture the water's turquoise color
  • Morning light is best for Matinloc Shrine

Insider Tips

  • Sit near the front of the boat for the best views but expect to get splashed
  • Bring a waterproof dry bag for your phone/camera
  • Rent a kayak at the lagoons if offered (extra cost)

Our Partners

  • Operated by DOT-accredited partners including Wild Expeditions and El Nido Paradise

Fun Facts

  • Secret Beach is said to be the inspiration for Alex Garland's novel 'The Beach' (though the movie was filmed in Thailand).
  • Helicopter Island is officially named Dilumacad Island but got its nickname from its shape.

Cancellation Policy

Full refund available for cancellations made at least 24 hours before the tour date. Weather-related cancellations by the Coast Guard are fully refundable.

Social Media

Share your experience: #ElNido #Palawan #TourC #HiddenBeach #SecretBeach #PhilippinesTravel #IslandHopping

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Customer Reviews

What Our Guests Say

Real experiences from real travelers

S
Sarah Jenkins
UK • 2024-02-14

Highlight of our Philippines trip!

Tour C was absolutely stunning. Secret Beach was a bit of a challenge to swim into but so worth it. The lunch on Talisay Beach was a feast - fresh fish, squid, and endless mangoes. Our guide Mark was hilarious and kept us safe.

T
Takashi Sato
Japan • 2024-01-20

Beautiful scenery, slightly crowded

The limestone formations are breathtaking. Matinloc Shrine offers a great view but the stairs are steep. It was a bit crowded at Hidden Beach, but the water clarity is unmatched. Bring reef shoes!

E
Elena Rodriguez
Spain • 2023-12-05

Better than Tour A

We did both Tour A and C, and C was our favorite. It feels more adventurous and the snorkeling at Star Beach was incredible. We saw two turtles! Highly recommend booking the private option if you can.

M
Michael Ross
USA • 2024-03-10

Unforgettable experience

The hidden beaches are exactly as described - paradise. The boat crew was professional and prepared a delicious buffet. Don't forget cash for the eco-fee and kayak rental.

A
Amelie Dubois
France • 2024-02-28

Spectacular nature

The landscapes are out of this world. Just be aware the boat ride can be a bit wet if the waves are high. The Hidden Beach was magical, completely enclosed by rocks.

FAQ

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Everything you need to know for your journey

Experience

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