Snake Island in El Nido – 2022 PALAWAN GUIDE

Snake Island is one of the best hidden gems in El Nido. Tourists visit Snake Island in Palawan to enjoy the unique sandbar stretching from one island to another.

Don’t worry if you have a fear of snakes. Snake Island didn’t get its name because there are snakes on the Island, but rather the S-shaped sandbar that “snakes” across the water. The sandpit is made of fine white sand and connects the island to mainland Palawan. 

Snake Island also boasts some impressive views. The sand bar connects two islands, one having spectacular views from a viewpoint, while the other island has beautiful mangroves all over. There is also a walkway in mangroves island and the walk along the sand bar, which offers stunning views of the area. But don’t be surprised if you find yourself swimming immediately the moment you get to Snake Island. The water is very inviting with its crystal blue waters.

Out of my several visits to El Nido over the years, visiting Snake Island is one of my most memorable experiences. People don’t talk about it enough, mostly because Snake Island is part of the island hopping tour B, which is not as popular as Tour A and C. But not being as popular has its perks, mainly having fewer crowds when visiting several islands and beaches.

Where is Snake Island

Snake Island is roughly a thirty-minute boat ride on an outrigger boat from El Nido town. Although it’s only a short distance away from the main town, Snake Island is far enough from the other main attractions of the Tour A and Tour C itineraries. 

Snake Island – Tour B

Apart from Snake Island, Tour B has other beautiful destinations that would add to your memorable trip to El Nido. The Tour B itinerary destinations include beaches, caves, and other islands that many tourists who visit El Nido don’t get to see. 

The majority of tourists who travel to El Nido prefer the more popular Tour A and Tour C, which include the famous Big and Small Lagoons and other iconic beaches in El Nido. Considering the popularity of both island hopping tours, Tour B consistently has smaller crowds, allowing travelers to enjoy the destination on the itinerary with more privacy. 

Cadugnon Cave

Cadugnon Cave is one of the historical sites in El Nido wherein the Cudugnon tribe once existed. A visit to this cave is a nice diversion from the usual islands hopping and an excellent way to get some refreshing, cooling down in the shades.

The beach leading to the cave has lovely views, and the entrance to the cave requires some maneuvering but nothing physically demanding. The cave is nice to see, and it won’t take a long time, but you can take some nice pictures there.

Cathedral Cave

Stunning attraction featuring a cavern with towering walls resembling a cathedral’s interior. 

This islet houses this cave is an otherwise unassuming rock in this vast, clear ocean. Once you sail around the back, though, you’re greeted with the gaping maw of nature. The outrigger will not take you inside; however, they will not stop you from swimming to explore on your own. I highly suggest doing so with life vests if necessary, as this is one of the few places left on earth where you can truly escape.

Pinagbuyutan Island

If you choose to go island hopping on the other El Nido tours, you will appreciate Pinagbuyutan Island. 

This island resembles Snake Island, where the island boasts pristine aquamarine waters and powdery soft white sand, not to mention the backdrop of the gorgeous neighboring islets. But what you will appreciate most about Pinagbuyutan Island is the lack of crowds, allowing you to have complete privacy and enjoy the peace of the island. Lack of crowds is not something you can say to the other island hopping tours in El Nido.

Entalula Beach

Entalula is considered by many as one of the best beaches in El Nido. The sand is so fine – it’s heaven’s gift to your feet. The waves are just perfect for swimming. Its minimal development gives a secret-beach feel to it.

It is one of the many great swimming spots that El Nido can offer. I like that it’s not well-developed with limited options for you to buy anything. There was just a local who was selling drinks when we went there, and I think that makes you want just to enjoy the place as it is. The water was cool and very inviting.

How to Book El Nido Tour B

You can book your group island tour in El Nido through Klook, which you can book through here.

Klook also has a private boat tour to Tour B with a luxury wooden boat, which I will check out on my next visit to El Nido. You can see the private wooden boat to Tour B here.

Where to Stay in El Nido

Matinloc Shrine – Matinloc Resort is a popular El Nido resort because of its stunning property, location, and hospitable staff. 

This El Nido resort is only a short boat ride away from the famous Big Lagoon and small lagoon. It features a spa center, private beach access, infinity pool, complimentary snorkeling and kayaking, table tennis, and private boats. 

Each of the rooms at Matinloc Resort has stunning ocean views of El Nido and offers an in house restaurant where guests can enjoy a buffet or a la carte meals.

Matinloc Resort offers guests a free shuttle service from El Nido Airport to El Nido town shuttle.

>> CHECK FOR RATES & AVAILABILITY AT MATINLOC RESORT

The Nest El Nido Beach Resort – The Nest El Nido Beach Resort is one of the most popular resorts on this island in recent years. 

This stunning El Nido Resort is only a short distance away from the iconic Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon, and a short boat rides away from the beautiful Matinloc Shrine, where you get some of the best jaw-dropping views of El Nido. 

All rooms at The Nest El Nido Beach Resort come with modern amenities, a seating area, and a balcony for select rooms. The resort also features a restaurant, serving continental breakfast and a la carte menu, offering a stunning view of Cadlao Island.

>> CHECK FOR RATES & AVAILABILITY AT THE NEST EL NIDO BEACH RESORT

Vellago Resort – The stunning Vellago Resort has an idyllic location in El Nido, a short distance away from some of the island’s picture-perfect beaches. Some of the popular beaches near Vellago Resort are Seven Commandos Beach (50 meters away from Vellago Resort), Papaya Beach (150 meters away), and Ipil Ipil Beach (800 meters away). 

This beautiful El Nido Resort features stunning suites with tropical, elegant decor, each with a million-dollar view of El Nido. 

Vellago Resort can arrange various activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and island-hopping tours.

>> CHECK FOR RATES & AVAILABILITY AT VELLAGO RESORT