El Nido Tour C Guide 2026: Helicopter Island, Star Beach & Everything You Need to Know
If someone told you there’s an El Nido tour that takes you to a beach shaped like a star, another that looks like a toy helicopter from above, and a hidden lagoon most tourists never find — you’d probably think they were exaggerating. They’re not. That’s El Nido Tour C, and it’s honestly one of the most underrated island hopping routes in all of Bacuit Bay.
Most visitors flock straight to Tour A for the lagoons, which is understandable. But El Nido Tour C quietly delivers some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in Palawan, with fewer crowds at key stops and a vibe that feels a little more adventurous. If you’ve already read our El Nido island hopping tours overview, you know each tour hits different spots. Tour C is the one that rewards the curious traveler.
Here’s everything you need to know before you go.
What Is El Nido Tour C?
Tour C is one of four official island hopping routes operating out of El Nido town proper. The boats depart from Corong-Corong beach, typically between 8:30 and 9:00 AM, and you’ll return around 4:30 to 5:00 PM. It’s a full day on the water, covering roughly five to six stops across the southern and western parts of Bacuit Bay.
The tour is run by licensed local bangka operators and gets booked through tourism offices, guesthouses, or directly through tour operators like CMT Ticketing and Services. Pricing varies slightly depending on whether you go for a group shared tour or a private setup.
Here’s a quick comparison of the cost options:
| Tour Type | Price Per Person (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Group Shared Tour C | ₱1,200 – ₱1,500 |
| Private Tour C (whole boat) | ₱5,000 – ₱7,000 |
| Environmental Fee (one-time) | ₱200 |
| Snorkel Gear Rental | ₱150 – ₱200 |
Note: The ₱200 environmental fee is required for all visitors to El Nido and goes toward conservation of the UNESCO-protected Bacuit Archipelago.
El Nido Tour C Stops: What You’ll Actually See
Helicopter Island (Dilumacad Island)
This is the headline stop, and it earns the name. When you see Dilumacad Island from the water, the silhouette genuinely looks like a helicopter: a long flat ridge with a rounded hilltop at one end. It’s one of those things you see in photos and think must be edited. It’s not.
The island has a wide white sand beach on one side, perfect for swimming, and the waters around it are clear and shallow enough for snorkeling without going far from shore. The coral isn’t the most spectacular on the tour, but you’ll spot sea fans, parrotfish, and the occasional sea turtle if you’re lucky. Honestly, even if you skip the snorkel gear, just floating in that water with the karst cliffs behind you is enough.
Insider tip: Get to Helicopter Island early. Boat captains usually do the stops in a set order, but if you’re on a private tour, ask your captain to prioritize this one first. The beach is nearly empty in the morning and gets crowded by 11 AM.
Star Beach (Bintuan Beach)
Star Beach is named for its shape when viewed from above: five long strips of white sand radiating outward like points of a star. You can’t fully appreciate it from sea level, but it photographs beautifully from the surrounding cliffs, and some tours allow a short hike for the view.
The beach itself is shallow and calm, making it ideal for wading and relaxing. The sand is fine and white, the water is that improbable shade of turquoise you see on Palawan travel guides. It’s a great spot for lunch (most tours include a simple bangus or grilled chicken meal served on the boat or at a nearby beach table — confirm with your operator beforehand).
Mline Beach (Matinloc Shrine Beach)
Near the Matinloc Shrine area, Mline Beach is a quieter stop that most Tour C boats include. The shrine itself sits on a cliff overlooking the sea, and while tours don’t always allow a full visit to the shrine, the beach below is serene and photogenic.
The water here gets a bit choppier depending on the season and wind direction. If you’re visiting during the monsoon shoulder months of October or November, check with your operator about sea conditions before booking.
Insider tip: This is a good stop to break out the underwater camera. The rocks just offshore have interesting coral formations and a decent variety of reef fish.
Hidden Beach (Matinloc Hidden Beach)
This one is a crowd favorite. You reach Hidden Beach by swimming or snorkeling through a narrow channel between two cliff faces. It’s a short swim, maybe 30-40 seconds, but it opens into a completely enclosed cove with white sand and turquoise water. The kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve discovered something secret, even if fifty other tourists had the same idea that morning.
(Pro tip: wear your snorkel mask for the swim through, not your fins — it’s too narrow.)
Most Tour C itineraries include this stop, but confirm with your operator before booking. Some shorter or budget tour versions skip it or substitute it with a different snorkeling site.
Secret Lagoon (Near Miniloc)
Depending on your operator and boat captain, Tour C sometimes includes a snorkeling stop near the Miniloc area or a beach stop at one of the smaller unnamed coves in the archipelago. This is where Tour C becomes a bit flexible — ask your specific operator what their exact stop list includes.
If you want the full breakdown of what Tour A’s lagoons look like by comparison, check out our El Nido Tour A guide for a direct rundown.
How Does Tour C Compare to Tours A, B, and D?
This is the most common question we get. Here’s the honest breakdown:
- Tour A covers Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon: more dramatic limestone formations, calmer lagoon swimming. Highest demand.
- Tour B focuses on snorkeling reefs and beaches like Snake Island: best for snorkeling enthusiasts.
- Tour C covers Helicopter Island, Star Beach, Hidden Beach: more variety, slightly less “iconic” but arguably more fun.
- Tour D goes to Cadlao Lagoon and Ipil Beach: the quietest and most off-the-beaten-path option.
If you’re only in El Nido for a few days and can only pick one or two, Tour A plus Tour C is the combination we recommend most. Between them, you get the lagoon experience and the open-bay island-hopping experience. Check our full El Nido island hopping tours guide for a deeper comparison with photos and stop-by-stop breakdowns.
Best Time to Do Tour C
El Nido’s peak season runs from November through May, when the skies are clear, seas are calm, and visibility for snorkeling is excellent. This is when the Philippine Department of Tourism sees the highest visitor numbers, and El Nido is no exception.
Tour C can still run during the June to October rainy season, but sea conditions can be rough, particularly in July and August. Some stops, especially Hidden Beach and the swim-throughs, may be closed by the coast guard during high-surf days. If you’re visiting off-season, book early and confirm with your operator the day before.
The sweet spot for Tour C is March to May. The weather is dry, the sea is glassy, and the light for photos in the late morning is golden. Yes, it’s also the most crowded time, but showing up at the boat dock by 8:00 AM means you beat the main rush to the first stop.
Want to understand exactly what each month looks like in El Nido? We break it all down in our best time to visit El Nido guide.
What to Bring on Tour C
Look, you don’t need to overthink the packing list, but a few items genuinely make a difference:
Essentials:
- Reef-safe sunscreen (regular sunscreen is discouraged to protect the coral)
- Rash guard or light long-sleeve shirt: the sun reflects off the water intensely
- Dry bag for your phone and valuables: the boats can splash on choppy stretches
- Water shoes or sandals that can get wet
- Cash (₱200 to ₱500 for snacks, drinks at beach stops, or optional tips for the boatmen)
Nice to have:
- Snorkel gear (you can rent on-site for around ₱150-₱200, but your own fits better)
- GoPro or waterproof camera
- Small packable towel
Most bangka boats have a small cooler for water and snacks. Bring your own lunch if the tour package doesn’t include one, or pre-arrange a meal through your operator.
For a comprehensive packing list for a full Palawan trip, our what to pack for Palawan guide has you covered.
How to Book El Nido Tour C
The easiest and most reliable way is to book directly through a licensed El Nido tour operator before you arrive. Walk-in bookings are possible, but during peak season (December to April), tours fill up fast.
You can book Tour C with CMT Ticketing and Services online or via Facebook Messenger. CMT offers both shared group tours and private tour options, with pickups from your accommodation in El Nido town.
What’s typically included in a standard Tour C package:
- Bangka boat (shared or private)
- Licensed boat crew and guide
- Snorkeling stops
- Lunch (confirm per package)
- Environmental fee (sometimes billed separately at ₱200)
What’s usually NOT included:
- Snorkel gear rental
- Island entrance fees (if any apply per stop)
- Alcoholic drinks and extra snacks
If you’re planning a broader Palawan trip combining El Nido and Coron, look at how we structure our El Nido to Coron boat trip to add both in a single itinerary.
Getting to El Nido
Most travelers fly into El Nido via AirSWIFT from Manila or Cebu. The flight takes about an hour and lands at Lio Airport, about 20 minutes from El Nido town.
Alternatively, you can fly Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines to Puerto Princesa, then take a 5 to 6-hour van transfer to El Nido. CMT offers comfortable van transfers for this route — check our transport options page for current pricing and schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is El Nido Tour C worth it?
Absolutely. Tour C is one of the most scenic island hopping routes in El Nido. Helicopter Island and Hidden Beach alone are worth the full day on the water. If you’ve already done Tour A, Tour C gives you a completely different experience.
How many stops does Tour C have?
Typically five to six stops including Helicopter Island, Star Beach, Hidden Beach, Mline Beach, and one or two additional snorkeling or beach stops depending on conditions and your operator.
Can beginners do Tour C?
Yes. The tour doesn’t require any special skills. You don’t need to know how to swim for most stops: you can stay near the boat and wade in the shallows. Snorkeling is optional.
What is the Hidden Beach on Tour C?
Hidden Beach is a small, enclosed cove you access by swimming through a narrow gap between two cliffs. It’s a short, easy swim and one of the highlights of the tour. Most guides will swim alongside you.
How long does Tour C take?
Expect a full day. Boats typically leave around 8:30-9:00 AM and return by 4:30-5:00 PM. The exact timing depends on your operator and sea conditions.
What’s the difference between Tour C and Tour A?
Tour A focuses on the famous lagoons (Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon) and is generally considered the most iconic route. Tour C skips the lagoons and instead covers open beaches and cliffs. Both are excellent. If you have time, do both.
Is Tour C available year-round?
It operates year-round, but some stops (especially the swim-through to Hidden Beach) may be closed during rough weather from July to September. Always confirm conditions with your operator the day before.
Ready to Book El Nido Tour C?
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or coming back for more, Tour C is one of El Nido’s best days on the water. Book your El Nido Tour C with CMT Ticketing and Services and let us handle the logistics so you can focus on the views. Our team is available on Facebook Messenger for quick bookings, questions, and custom itineraries.