Small Lagoon: Kayaking Through Nature's Cathedral

Visit Duration

Entrance Fee

El Nido Eco-Tourism Development Fee: ₱200 per person (valid for 10 days, one-time payment). Small Lagoon entrance fee: ₱200 per person. Kayak rental: ₱300 per 2-person kayak (₱150/person) - highly recommended but you can also swim through. Tour D package: ₱1,400-1,600 per person (includes boat, lunch, multiple stops - considered most beautiful and least touristic tour). Fees not included in tour price.

Best Time to Visit

November to May (dry season) for optimal conditions. Tour D is known as the most beautiful and least touristic tour in El Nido, with maximum 3-4 boats at each stop - dramatically fewer crowds than Tour A. Morning visits offer calmest waters and best light. June to October (monsoon) may have rougher seas and tour cancellations. The narrow entrance is easier to navigate in calm conditions.

How to Get There

From El Nido town, book Tour D through tour operators or hotels - this is now the primary tour that includes Small Lagoon (previously it was Tour A). Tours depart from El Nido beach around 8:30-9:30 AM. Small Lagoon is on Miniloc Island, about 20-30 minutes by outrigger boat. To reach El Nido: fly to Puerto Princesa then van/bus (5-6 hours, ₱600-700), or fly directly to Lio Airport. Private boat charters available.

What to Expect

Expect a sense of adventure as you approach the lagoon's secret entrance - a tiny crack between two massive limestone rocks just wide enough for a kayak or swimmer to squeeze through (duck your head!). Once inside, the hidden world opens up into a serene emerald pool surrounded by sheer cliff walls draped in vegetation. The intimacy of Small Lagoon is its charm - fewer visitors, quieter waters, and a feeling of having discovered a secret paradise. Explore by kayak or swim through the calm, crystal-clear waters while schools of tropical fish accompany you. The protected lagoon has excellent snorkeling with coral formations and marine life. Tours typically allow 45 minutes to 1 hour. Bring waterproof gear for photos of the magical entrance passage.