El Nido's Big and Small Lagoons
Two hidden lagoons inside the limestone cliffs of Miniloc Island, reached by kayak or a swim from the boat.
Quick answer
- What it is: two lagoons enclosed by limestone cliffs on Miniloc Island in Bacuit Bay, inside the El Nido-Taytay protected area.
- How to go: on a licensed island-hopping tour from El Nido town. Big Lagoon is usually on Tour A, Small Lagoon on Tour D.
- The rule to know: visitor numbers are capped and you can enter only one of the two lagoons per day.
- Inside: motor boats stay outside. You kayak or swim in.
- Best time: the dry months from about December to May, on an early departure.
Why it is a wonder
Bacuit Bay is full of limestone islands, and Miniloc Island hides two of the best. Big Lagoon opens through a gap in the cliffs into a long channel of jade water that widens into a bowl of rock walls. Small Lagoon is reached through a narrow opening in the rock and feels like a private pool with caves along its edges.
Both sit inside the El Nido-Taytay Managed Resource Protected Area. By 2018 the lagoons were jammed with boats, so the park’s management board set limits. From 1 December 2018 visitor numbers have been capped, motor boats must stay at the entrance, and kayak rental is run centrally. It is calmer now, and the lagoons are better for it.
Beat the crowds
- Book an early tour. Visitors enter in timed batches, and the first slots of the day are the quietest.
- Pick your lagoon. You can only enter one per day. Big Lagoon is usually on Tour A and Small Lagoon on Tour D.
- Go outside the peak months. December, Holy Week and the summer school break in April and May bring the biggest crowds.
Getting there
El Nido is at the northern tip of mainland Palawan. Fly into El Nido (Lio) Airport on a small-plane service from Manila, or fly to Puerto Princesa and take a van north, which takes most of a day. Island-hopping tours leave from the town beach in the morning and return in the late afternoon. Book through your hotel or a licensed operator, and carry cash for fees.
See our guide to getting around the Philippines.
A perfect day
- Leave on the first boat. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes and a dry bag.
- Kayak into the lagoon and keep paddling past the first turn, where most people stop.
- Lunch on the beach at one of the tour’s island stops.
- Watch the sunset from Las Cabañas or the town beach when you get back.
Through the seasons
- December to May: the dry season. Calm seas and clear water, with April and May the hottest months.
- June to November: the southwest monsoon. Tours can be cancelled when the sea is rough, but on good days the lagoons are quiet.
See our guides to the best time to visit and typhoon season.
Respect the place
Don’t stand on or touch coral near the lagoon entrances, keep sunscreen to a minimum before you swim, and take all rubbish back to town. Follow the park rangers’ instructions on timing and numbers. The limits are what keep the lagoons worth seeing.
Photo gallery
Frequently asked questions
Can I visit both the Big and Small Lagoon in one day?
No. Since the carrying-capacity rules started in December 2018, each visitor can enter only one of the two lagoons per day, so pick a tour that includes the one you want most.
Which is better, Big Lagoon or Small Lagoon?
Big Lagoon is the grand one: a long channel opening into a wide bowl of cliffs. Small Lagoon is tighter and more intimate, entered through a narrow gap in the rock. If you can only do one, most first-timers choose Big Lagoon.
Do I need to pay a separate fee for the lagoons?
Yes. An environmental user fee is charged for each lagoon on top of the general El Nido eco-tourism fee, and kayak rental is extra. Your tour operator will tell you the current amounts.
Can non-swimmers visit the lagoons?
Yes. Rent a kayak at the entrance and wear the life jacket your boat provides. The water near the entrance can be shallow over coral, so follow the crew's directions.
When do the lagoons open?
They take visitors in daytime only, in timed batches managed by park staff. Early tours give you the best chance of a quieter slot.
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The most perfectly shaped volcano in the Philippines, and one of its most active. Admire it from a safe distance.
We checked this guide against the 4 sources listed below. Last updated 14 November 2026. Basis: researched from official sources. Written and edited by Delfin, with AI-assisted research (how we work). Prices, hours and rules change, so confirm before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
