The Secret Lagoon In El Nido, Palawan: Complete Guide

Secret Lagoon is a small pool of water hidden within one of the most incredible and probably my favorite beach in El Nido, Palawan.

SECRET LAGOON ON TOUR A

Secret Lagoon is part of Tour A in El Nido. I was lucky enough to experience Tour A, Tour B and Tour C, but have not yet made it on Tour D. Tour A was incredible with a good mixture of epic limestone cliffs, snorkeling and of course the Secret Lagoon.

To book your EL NIDO ISLAND HOPPING A TOUR you can Click Here to check the availability and book online (It’s just $18 USD)

• It includes Three Lagoons at Miniloc Island, Shimizu Island, Secret Lagoon Snorkel with turtles at Seven Commando Beach, BBQ Lunch

MY EXPERIENCE AT SECRET LAGOON

Secret Lagoon was part of our Tour A package and is a place I’ve been lucky enough to visit several times. As the boat slowly pulls in to the cove, you will be blown away by the intense scale of the limestone cliffs, which tower over the beach. I mean absolutely tower.

The tiny patch of sounds is completely dwarfed by the huge cliffs which must be hundreds of feet high. Trees are scattered throughout the incredibly sharp cliffs giving a great contrast to the greys of the limestone.

From the boat, you cannot see the Secret Lagoon, which is about the only part of this lagoon that is much of a secret. It’s a pretty popular spot and there is often a line to get inside. Your boat will dock and you will walk along the reef (kind of unfortunate parking spot and setup) towards the beach and then head over to the Secret Lagoon entrance. It’s just a small hole in the limestone wall and when you squeeze through it opens up into a small pool of water completely surrounded by the cliffs.

While it is an amazing natural formation, there really isn’t much to do inside and often it is just a big group of strangers standing around in the knee-deep water looking at each other. Enjoy it, appreciate it, look around and then head out to the beach because it is a pretty cool strip of sand lined with coconut trees and spots to explore. I always spend more time on the beach than in the Secret Lagoon, making the most of my time at what is seriously one of the most epic beaches in El Nido.

From the air, you can really see how little the Secret Lagoon is and just how big these cliffs are. Flying my drone on my second visit to Secret Lagoon was incredible and one of my favorite spots I’ve ever flown. It really gives you a unique perspective of the beach and the entire collection of limestone cliffs.

WHERE IS SECRET LAGOON

Secret Lagoon is hidden next to a small beach on the south side of Miniloc Island. The cliffs behind the beach are truly remarkable and for me, even more, impressive than the lagoon. It isn’t too far from El Nido Town but you will need to be on a tour boat to get out there. I’ve pinned it on the map below in case you want to see what other attractions are nearby.

ISLAND HOPPING IN EL NIDO, PALAWAN

I was lucky enough to experience Tour A, Tour B and Tour C, but have not yet made it on Tour D. However, don’t stress about which ‘letter tour’ will be the best. It’s El Nido, you are going to be visiting lagoons and beaches that will blow your mind no matter what tour you are on.

To book your EL NIDO ISLAND HOPPING A TOUR you can Click Here to check the availability and book online (It’s just $18 USD)

• It includes Three Lagoons at Miniloc Island, Shimizu Island, Secret Lagoon Snorkel with turtles at Seven Commando Beach, BBQ Lunch

To book your EL NIDO ISLAND HOPPING B TOUR you can Click Here to check the availability and book online (It’s just $18 USD)

• It includes Snake Island, Pinagbuyutan Island, Cudugnon Cave, BBQ Lunch

To book your EL NIDO ISLAND HOPPING C TOUR you can Click Here to check the availability and book online (It’s just $18 USD)

• It includes Helicopter Island, Secret Beach, Matinloc Shrine, Talisay Beach, BBQ Lunch

To book your EL NIDO ISLAND HOPPING D TOUR you can Click Here to check the availability and book online (It’s just $18 USD)

• It includes Cadlao Island, Pasandingan Beach, Small Lagoon, Natnat Beach, BBQ Lunch

WHERE TO STAY IN EL NIDO

(Value) Spin Designer Hostel: Let’s go for Spin! This rad hostel is located at the bustling town of El Nido. This property is highly recommended by many travelers as the service is superb. Spin Designer Hostel also provides a shared kitchen with a barbecue facility. It is value for money and very close to shops and beach.

If you stay here you will make friends with like-minded strangers and be in the prime location for the nightlife, island hopping and hiking Taraw Peak. The beach literally steps away.

(Most Insta-worthy) Panorama Resort: Panorama Resort is an exotic boutique resort tucked between Corong-Corong Beach and Maremigmeg Beach, is a 3-star property that features a panoramic view of the mountains in El Nido. The resort is very insta-worthy and has a lot of amenities including a private beach, outdoor and indoor swimming pool, and free WiFi. It offers an amazing sunset view and chill vibe to guests.

(Luxury Resort) Las Cabanas Beach Resort: This incredible beach resort is situated perfectly on the shore of Las Cabanas beach in El Nido. It offers a peaceful sanctuary from the harsh realities of the outside world. The resort is picturesque and provides easy access to island hopping and other activities.  It has rooms with sea and garden views, and the beachfront cottages are single standalone units.

ARE YOU KEEPING UP WITH MY EL NIDO SERIES?

You want to go island-hopping in El Nido but aren’t sure whether TOUR A,B,C or D will be better? Take a look at my El Nido Island Hopping Guide that compares all of the four tours to help you pick the best one for you.

Wondering what there is to do in El Nido? I’ve been twice and spent almost 30 days in El Nido so I’ve got some great recommendations for you in my Travel Guide to El Nido: 20 Awesome Things To Do

Which region will you choose for your accommodation in El Nido? I’ve broken each region down and given you suggestions for budget, value and luxury in El Nido Town, Lio Beach and Las Cabanas Beach in this guide: Where to stay in El Nido

My Review and photos of: Tour A

My Review and photos of: Tour B

My Review and photos of: Tour C

The most epic activity you can do in El Nido on the land is to hike up Taraw Peak and I share the photos and tell you how you can use the same local guide as me in this blog post: Hiking up Taraw Peak – What You Need to Know