The Small Lagoon In El Nido, Palawan: A Complete Guide

The Small Lagoon is a beautiful little inlet with some incredible cliffs, caves and cliff-jumping spots to explore. It’s a breathtaking natural wonder known for its serene turquoise waters and towering limestone cliffs. Accessible through a narrow opening, this hidden gem offers a tranquil escape where visitors can kayak, swim, or simply marvel at the surrounding beauty. The lagoon’s calm, crystal-clear waters are perfect for exploring the vibrant marine life below or soaking in the peaceful ambiance.

SMALL LAGOON ON TOUR A

El Nido Island Hopping Tour A is the most popular tour in El Nido. Everyone wants to see the Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon. I don’t blame them they are both epic. This tour is a good mix of snorkeling and sightseeing, hanging on beaches and swimming. It can get crowded but that is the nature of the beast in El Nido. The most beautiful places are the most popular more often than not. Here’s how the day looks:

• Departure from El Nido Town (7:30 AM)
• Small Lagoon
• Big Lagoon
• Secret Lagoon
• Shimizu Island
• 7 Commando Beach
• Return to El Nido (around 4:00 PM)

Access to the Small Lagoon is typically part of an island-hopping tour, most often included in Tour A or combination packages. Located on Miniloc Island, it is about a 20-30 minute boat ride from El Nido town. Visitors are drawn to its calm, shallow waters, which are perfect for activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. Kayaking, in particular, offers an intimate way to explore the lagoon, as you navigate its narrow entrance and enjoy the hidden corners of this enchanting spot.

The best time to visit the Small Lagoon is during the dry season, which runs from November to May. During this period, the seas are calmer, and the weather is ideal for outdoor activities. Arriving early in the day is highly recommended to avoid the crowds that gather later. While exploring, you may encounter vibrant marine life and coral formations, adding to the magic of the experience.

MY EXPERIENCE AT SMALL LAGOON

I’ve had quite a few visits to the Small Lagoon in El Nido and each of them has been unique. The most memorable was when I joined Red Bull Cliff diving for their Philippines competition and actually jumped from one of their platforms. I’ll link that video down below.

The Small Lagoon is a bit hidden. Unlike the Big Lagoon next door, which has a big open channel, the Small Lagoon can only be entered through a tiny crack in the limestone rock wall. It’s only possible to swim inside or enter with a kayak (make sure to duck your head it really is a tight entrance). This makes the Small Lagoon pretty special and it has a unique atmosphere inside the narrow lagoon.

The kayak can be rented for about $5-10 USD and will be an hour-long rental, which is probably the maximum time your tour leader will give you at the Small Lagoon. Once inside there are lots of caves, corners and interesting sections of the cliffs to explore. Make sure to bring your snorkel because it is as epic on the surface as it is below.

Red Bull set up special rigging (bamboo ladders) to enable the divers to reach good cliff jumping spots so you probably won’t be able to replicate the same jumps but damn was it epic!

ISLAND HOPPING ‘OPTIONS’ IN EL NIDO

I was lucky enough to experience Tour A, Tour B and Tour C and 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.

• BIG DREAM BOAT MAN TRIP: 3-NIGHT Island Hopping Expedition to all of the top spots on a crossing from El Nido to Coron! I did it and it’s my favorite Palawan experience BY FAR!
• EL NIDO ISLAND HOPPING TOUR A: Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Miniloc Island, Shimizu Island, Snorkel with turtles at Seven Commando Beach, BBQ Lunch
• EL NIDO ISLAND HOPPING TOUR B: Snake Island, Pinagbuyutan Island, Cudugnon Cave, BBQ Lunch
• EL NIDO ISLAND HOPPING TOUR C: Helicopter Island, Secret Beach, Matinloc Shrine, Talisay Beach, BBQ Lunch
• EL NIDO ISLAND HOPPING TOUR D: Island, Pasandingan Beach, Small Lagoon, Natnat Beach, BBQ Lunch

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. One of the best ways to explore Palawan is with Big Dream Boat Man on their 3-night Island-Hopping Tour to avoid the crowds and visit all the best spots between El Nido and Coron. I’ve done it and loved it!

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 or check out my Guide to the 16 Best El Nido Resorts or for some luxury the 13 Best Overwater Bungalows in The Philippines.

Of course, everyone loves the island hopping in El Nido, but it can be hard to figure out which tour is best for you. I’ve done a full review about each tour.

• My review and photos of: Island Hopping Tour A
• My review and photos of: Island Hopping Tour B
• My review and photos of: Island Hopping Tour C
• My review and photos of: Island Hopping Tour D

If you are considering which island to visit in Palawan, here is a helpful Guide Comparing El Nido vs Coron or you can visit El Nido and then take the ferry to Coron.