Sea breezes and limestone cliffs set the tone. This Seacret Luxury Catamaran tour is built for an easy day on Palawan: meet up, hop between lagoons and beaches, and spend real time in the water. I especially like how the trip focuses on the sea itself and the lagoon feel behind those dramatic limestone walls.

Two standouts for me: you get private access to Star Beach/Pasandigan and a full package of on-water basics like towels and life jackets. I also like that lunch is included, so you are not stuck hunting for food between swim stops.

One consideration: it’s a weather-driven tour, and you’ll only visit 3 to 4 islands due to local limits, so don’t expect a long list of stops.

Key things to know before you go

• A 50ft sailing catamaran with a small-group cap (max 30) makes the day feel calmer than crowded boats.
• Star Beach/Pasandigan is exclusive to El Nido Yachting Club guests and is usually part of the itinerary.
• About 30 minutes per stop keeps momentum up, but you should plan your best swim timing.
• Towels, life jackets, and lunch are included so you can travel light and still feel looked after.
• Route varies by day (you’ll see either the Big Lagoon/Hiddden Beach/Seven Commandos set or the Cadlao/Helicopter/Small Lagoon set).

How the El Nido Yachting Club Catamaran Changes Island Hopping

Most El Nido island hopping comes down to one big question: do you want a fast moving boat day or a comfort-first day on the water? The Seacret is designed for comfort and flow. It’s a 50ft sailing catamaran, so you’re not squeezed into a tiny craft, and the setup is clearly meant for group touring rather than chaotic stop-and-go scrambling.

You’ll also feel the difference in how the day is organized. This is run by El Nido Yachting Club, and the tour operates with a minimum of six guests and a maximum of 30, which helps keep the experience from turning into a packed cattle-car situation. Plus, you get a mobile ticket, which is a small thing until you are standing around at a pier with spotty signal.

And because this is catamaran sailing, the “travel time” isn’t wasted. The viewpoints from the water and the way the coastline opens up between stops are part of the pleasure, not just the commute.

Price and What You Actually Get for $155

At $155 per person for about 7 hours, this isn’t the cheapest way to island hop in Palawan. But it is priced like a premium day where key items are already covered. The smart way to judge value here is to look at what you avoid paying for.

Your ticket includes:

• Lunch
• Personalized tour guide
• Access to El Nido Yachting Club private beach
• Towels and life jackets
• Environmental fee (ETDF)

And the items that are not included are pretty clear: alcoholic beverages are extra, kayak rental is optional, and there’s no mention of an air-conditioned vehicle in the package. If you’ve done island hopping before, you know that towels, basic safety gear, and lunch can quietly add up once you start comparing vendors.

So for $155, the value play is simple: you show up, you get the gear and the meal, and you spend your budget on the best part—being out on the water and in the lagoons.

The 9:00 AM Rhythm: How the Day Stays Moving

The tour meets at Corong Corong Pier (listed as 599V+QXM, El Nido) and starts at 9:00 AM. It runs until roughly 4:00 PM, with the tour time labeled at about 7 hours overall. You’ll return to the same starting point at the end of the activity.

A big detail that shapes your day: the stops are short and focused, with each listed stop running around 30 minutes. That means you don’t get long beach homework time, but you do get multiple “wow” moments without feeling like you’re trapped on the boat for ages.

Also pay attention to the day-of-week schedule. The tour operates on a limited set of days, and the islands you hit can change:

• M-W-F-Sun: Big Lagoon, Hidden Beach, Seven Commandos, plus the private beach stop
• T-Th-Sat: Cadlao Lagoon, Helicopter Island, a private beach stop (Star Beach/Pasandigan), plus Small Lagoon

One more planning note: local restrictions mean you’ll typically visit three (3) to four (4) islands, and the private Star Beach/Pasandigan stop is usually already built into the itinerary.

Big Lagoon: Limestone Cliffs and a Swim-Friendly Entrance

Big Lagoon is all about that classic El Nido look—dramatic limestone cliffs framing the entrance to the water. This stop is designed for getting in the action quickly. You’ll have about 30 minutes, with swimming and kayaking as the main ideas.

Here’s how I’d treat this stop if you want the most out of it:

• Go in early in the time slot so you’re not rushing at the end.
• If you want to kayak, ask about timing right away so you don’t lose your best swim window.

A key practical note: kayak rental is optional and not included, so if kayaking is a must for you, expect an extra cost. If kayaking is optional, you can still enjoy Big Lagoon simply by swimming and soaking up the lagoon atmosphere before moving on.

Star Beach/Pasandigan: The Private Stop That Makes the Day Feel Worth It

If there’s one piece that changes how this tour feels, it’s Star Beach/Pasandigan. This is described as a private island exclusive to El Nido Yachting Club guests, with fine white sand and rock formations around it. The coral reef setting is part of the point too—this is one of those stops where the water looks great and the shoreline feels intentional, not random.

You’re usually there for about 30 minutes. That’s enough time to:

• get your feet in the sand,
• take photos from different angles, and
• do a quick swim check without burning your whole day.

In real-world terms, a private island stop matters because it changes your energy. Instead of feeling like you’re fitting into a crowded scene, the day feels more like an arranged experience. It also helps explain why people rate the tour so highly: this stop is often what they remember when they think about value.

Hidden Beach: A Natural Infinity-Pool Style Setting

Hidden Beach is known for its natural shape—water that feels like an infinity-pool look, surrounded by limestone formations. The overall vibe here is more sheltered than open-water beach time, and it’s one of the better stops for calm swimming and simple hanging out.

You’ll have around 30 minutes. With a short window, the best move is to decide early what you want:

• If you want photos, position yourself quickly and don’t wait until the end.
• If you just want to relax in the water, keep your pace steady and treat this as your slower moment.

A potential trade-off: because it’s popular, you should expect it to be a well-used stop during island hopping hours. The good news is that this tour limits group size (max 30), so your experience should still feel organized rather than chaotic.

Seven Commandos: Classic Beach Time With Coconut Shade

Seven Commandos Beach (also referred to as Seven Commando Beach) is a well-known El Nido stop, with white sand and coconut trees. This is more of a chill, beach-life moment than a kayaking-and-lagoon moment.

At about 30 minutes, this stop is ideal for:

• resting out of the sun when the weather heats up,
• doing quick shoreline exploring, and
• taking a break between the more swim-heavy lagoon stops.

If you prefer variety—some water, some sand time—this is a good balance stop. Just remember: because the day is structured with short segments, don’t plan on turning this into a full beach day. Think of it as a reset.

Other Day Routes: Cadlao, Helicopter Island, and Small Lagoon

Not every departure hits Big Lagoon and Seven Commandos. On T-Th-Sat, the itinerary shifts to include Cadlao Lagoon, Helicopter Island, and Small Lagoon, plus the private Star Beach/Pasandigan stop.

This matters for two reasons. First, it lets you choose based on what you care about most: lagoons feel enclosed and swim-forward, while places like Helipcopter Island tend to be more about the distinctive scenery. Second, it helps you set expectations. Even though the tour is sold as island hopping, it’s really a planned route that matches the day’s permitted options and timing.

One more reality check: since you’ll typically see only 3 to 4 islands, you’re not trying to “collect everything.” The strength is that the route aims for quality and variety within local limits, rather than a long day of rushed stops.

Lunch, Gear, and Comfort That Keep You From Thinking About Logistics

A premium tour isn’t just about scenery—it’s about reducing friction. Here, that shows up in the basics you might otherwise scramble for.

Included gear:

• towels
• life jackets

That matters because lagoons and beaches are fun, but they’re also water first. Having life jackets provided means you don’t need to hunt for them, and it keeps everyone safer while you enjoy the swim portion.

Lunch is also included, which is huge on a day with multiple water stops. You’ll get a meal as part of the tour plan rather than relying on a quick snack that might not hold you through the afternoon.

What is not included: alcoholic beverages. If you like a drink with your beach time, expect it to be an added cost. And the package doesn’t mention an air-conditioned vehicle, so assume you’ll be dealing with normal outdoor temps before and after the water.

Getting There: Corong Corong Pier and a Day That Starts Easy

The meeting point is Corong Corong Pier in El Nido, listed with the location code 599V+QXM. It’s also noted as near public transportation, which helps if you’re staying outside the immediate center or you’re not renting a scooter.

From a traveler’s point of view, starting location matters more than most people think. When your tour start is smooth, your whole day is smoother.

You’ll also have a clear end point: the activity ends back at the meeting location. That means you don’t need a new pickup plan mid-day.

Who This Tour Fits Best

This Seacret catamaran island hopping tour is a strong fit if you want:

• a comfort-first boat day rather than a budget scramble,
• multiple lagoon and beach moments in one outing,
• and the extra reassurance of included safety gear and lunch.

Because the tour has a maximum of 30 travelers and is run by El Nido Yachting Club, it should suit people who like an organized pace. It also works well for groups who want to hang out, swim, and take photos without constantly worrying about where things are and what’s included.

If you’re the type who prefers extremely long time on one beach or you want a huge list of stops, you might feel limited by the reality of 3 to 4 islands per day. The tour is built for variety and value within those limits.

Should You Book This Seacret Catamaran Island Hopping Tour?

I’d book this tour if you want a polished island hopping day in El Nido where you spend most of your time in the water and on the shore, not handling logistics. The combination of Star Beach/Pasandigan access, included lunch, and provided towels and life jackets makes the $155 feel less like a splurge and more like paying for a smoother day.

I’d think twice if your main goal is maximizing the number of stops. This is a quality-per-stop style tour, and the local rules mean you’ll see only a few islands. Also, it requires good weather, so if you’re traveling in a period where storms are common, keep flexibility in your schedule.

FAQ

What islands are included on the route that runs M-W-F-Sun?

On the M-W-F-Sun schedule, the itinerary lists Big Lagoon, Hidden Beach, Seven Commandos, and it includes the private beach stop (Star Beach/Pasandigan).

What islands are included on the route that runs T-Th-Sat?

On the T-Th-Sat schedule, the itinerary lists Cadlao Lagoon, Helicopter Island, Star Beach/Pasandigan (private beach stop), and Small Lagoon.

How many islands will we visit?

You can visit three (3) to four (4) islands, depending on the restrictions set by the Department of Tourism.

How long is the tour?

The tour duration is listed as about 7 hours, with departures starting at 9:00 AM and tour schedules shown as 9:00AM-4:00PM.

Where do we meet, and where does the tour end?

You meet at Corong Corong Pier (599V+QXM, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines), and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What’s included in the ticket price?

The ticket includes lunch, a personalized tour guide, access to the private beach, towels and life jackets, and the environmental fee (ETDF).

What is not included?

Alcoholic beverages, kayak rental (optional), and an air-conditioned vehicle are not included.

Is there a minimum or maximum number of guests?

Yes. The tour requires a minimum of six guests to push through, and it has a maximum of 30 travelers.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time, and the tour may also be rescheduled or refunded if canceled due to poor weather.