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

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.

SMALL LAGOON ON TOUR A

Big and Small Lagoon are part of island hopping Tour A in El Nido. I was lucky enough to experience Tour ATour 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 Big and Small Lagoon at Miniloc Island, Shimizu Island, Snorkel with turtles at Seven Commando Beach, BBQ Lunch

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 uique atmosphere inside the narrow lagoon.

The kayak can be rented for about $5 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!

WHERE IS SMALL LAGOON

Small Lagoon on the east side of Miniloc Island.  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 ATour 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 Big and Small Lagoon at Miniloc Island, Shimizu Island, 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 HostelLet’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 ResortPanorama 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 ResortThis 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

Georgie

Sunday 15th of October 2023

I would like to book a vacation for my son and his new bride form dec 26-29/30 Th including airfare if possible thanks I want them to see small lagoon , big lagoon , diving and to stay in at least a 3*4 star hotel