Karst lagoons above, coral walls below, and island-hopping days that never feel repetitive
Updated Feb 13, 2026 • 18 sources
Top species linked to approved dive spots in El Nido and Bacuit Archipelago.
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Last updated: February 13, 2026 • 18 sources
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Overview
El Nido is northern Palawan's limestone-karst playground, where Bacuit Bay's lagoons, cliffs, and sandbars sit inside the El Nido-Taytay Managed Resource Protected Area. For scuba divers and snorkelers, the headline is variety: shallow coral gardens for relaxed dives, steep walls that drop into blue water, and swim-throughs like Dilumacad Tunnel. Inside the bay you often get calmer seas, while outer rocks and channels can run current and deliver more pelagic action. On the surface, the classic island-hopping loops (Tours A to D) stitch together Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Seven Commandos Beach, Snake Island, Matinloc, and hidden coves. When you want a reset, ride inland for Nacpan's long beach and quiet cafes, or hike viewpoints above town for sunset over Bacuit. El Nido is also an easy hub to connect to Coron by fast ferry for wreck diving or multi-day island expeditions through Linapacan.
Bacuit Bay sits inside the El Nido-Taytay Managed Resource Protected Area, covering more than 36,000 hectares of land and 54,000 hectares of marine waters.
Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, and secret coves deliver glassy paddles between limestone walls, with easy snorkel add-ons at nearby reefs.
Most dives are short boat rides from town, with a mix of beginner-friendly coral gardens and current-swept outer rocks for experienced divers.
Link El Nido with Coron by fast ferry for wreck diving, or join multi-day island expeditions through the remote Linapacan group.
Trip Planning
External Booking PartnerThis destination works either as a land-based plan or as a longer liveaboard itinerary. Use the guide for local planning, or compare boats if the remote circuit is the priority.
Land-based guide
Base areas, day boats, local operators, and shore logistics
Liveaboard planning
Boats, departures, and longer expedition-style routes
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Chelonia mydas
5 linked spots
Best time to go
March to May
Dryseason heat and clearer seas. Mornings often have lighter winds, with water around 27°C to 29°C and better visibility.
Main caution: Wetter season and more variable sea state. Habagat patterns can bring rain and stronger winds (sometimes 25 km/h to 35 km/h), with higher typhoon disruption risk around July to October.
