When most people think of El Nido, they picture the famous A, B, C, D island hopping tours—and for good reason. The lagoons and beaches are stunning, but the crowds? Not so much. So instead of squeezing onto a boat with dozens of others, we decided to do things our way—with a private island hopping tour from the quieter, less-touristy side of the island: Sibaltan.
How We Found Our Tour (Hint: It Wasn’t on Google)
- Every official tour operator was fully booked, so we turned to the next best thing—locals.
- We asked the friendly owners at a beachfront restaurant we’d eaten at the day before.
- One call later, and we had ourselves a private boat tour arranged through their friend.
- Before setting off, we sat down for a fresh-caught mackerel breakfast—grilled to perfection and huge.
A Bit of Chaos Before Paradise
- Our first boat’s engine didn’t work, but for an extra ₱300 (~$7 CAD), we got a different boat with a functioning motor.
- Total cost for the tour: ₱3,300 (~$80 CAD), including snorkel gear and life jackets.
- We shoved off just before 11 a.m.—a little late, but worth the wait.
- Oh, and fun fact: we were the only tourists on the beach. Not another boat in sight.
Stop 1: Coral Gardens & Clumsy Grace
- Our first stop was over shallow coral reefs, teeming with fish and brilliantly colored.
- I jumped in and snorkeled for about 20 minutes—the water clarity was unreal.
- Getting back in the boat was another story… let’s just say Dave and the boat guy had to haul me out.
- Dignity? Minimal.
- Memories? Maxed out.
Stop 2: Secret Beach Vibes
- The next destination was a secluded beach with just a few homes nearby.
- No other tourists. No crowds. Just peaceful paradise.
- We decided to skip a third island and linger longer here.
- Swam in the warm shallows.
- Flew the drone.
- Just… chilled.
Things to Know if You Go
- Total Cost: ₱3,300 (~$80 CAD) for two people.
- Included: Private boat, snorkel gear, life jackets.
- Timing: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- Burn Risk: The sun was intense. We reapplied sunscreen constantly and still got scorched. Be warned.
- Privacy: If you value quiet over iconic Instagram spots, Sibaltan island hopping is where it’s at.
Sunset, Dinner, and the Perfect End
After returning, we capped the day with dinner at the same restaurant we booked through.
And just before sunset? I wandered back down to the shore and caught one of the most magical sunsets I’ve ever seen—orange, pink, and peaceful.
What’s Next?
Tomorrow, we’re heading out with Dive Sibaltan in hopes of spotting manta rays. Fingers crossed the ocean delivers.
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