Clear water, a smooth crew, and real lagoon time. I love the 50ft sailing catamaran setup and the private Star Beach access that makes this feel more like a day on someone else’s island than another cattle-style hop. One heads-up: each stop is built for a short visit, so you’re not going to linger for hours at any single lagoon.

What also wins me over is the practical stuff that keeps the day easy. You get a personalized guide, towels and life jackets, plus lunch, which matters when you’re out on the water for about 7 hours in full sun.

Key takeaways

• A 50ft sailing catamaran experience that keeps the trip feeling like more than just transportation
• Star Beach/Pasandigan is club-only for El Nido Yachting Club guests, not a public scramble
• 4 set stops (when operating as listed), with roughly 30 minutes at each for swimming and photos
• Lunch and key water gear included, so you start the day lighter
• Small-group feel with a maximum of 30 travelers, and a minimum of 6 to run

The 50ft Seacret catamaran: why it changes the whole day

The Seacret is a 50ft sailing catamaran, not a tiny speedboat that bounces you around. That matters in Palawan because your day is split between travel time and water time. A catamaran tends to feel more stable at the dock and on the move, and it gives you more room to relax between stops.

You’re also spending time on the water, not just hopping from beach to beach. The scenery under the limestone cliffs is the point, and the sailing feel makes it less rushed. If you’ve done island tours where you barely get your feet wet, this one’s designed to give you that in-between moment: the ride, the views, then the swim.

One more practical point: this tour uses a mobile ticket, which is handy when you’re juggling sunscreen, cash, and beach bags. And with a max of 30 travelers, you’re unlikely to feel swallowed by a crowd.

Price and included extras: $155 feels fair for what you get

At $155 per person for a roughly 7-hour outing, the math works best when you price out what’s already included.

Here’s what’s part of the package:

• Lunch
• Personalized tour guide
• Access to El Nido Yachting Club’s private beach (Star Beach/Pasandigan)
• Towels and life jackets
• Environmental fee (ETDF)

A lot of “island hopping” days look cheap until you add the pieces you actually need: food, entrance fees, and basic safety gear. Here, the essentials are covered, and you’re also paying for a guided day that keeps stops timed and transitions managed.

What’s not included:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Kayak rental (optional)
• Air-conditioned vehicle (so don’t plan on escaping the heat between parts of the day)

If you’re the type who hates arriving at a stop and realizing you forgot something obvious, this package is built for you. Towels and life jackets alone reduce a chunk of planning.

When the tour runs and how the island limits shape your day

Your day starts with a 9:00 AM start and ends back at the same meeting point. The activity window is listed as 9:00 AM–4:00 PM, and the schedule is not daily. It’s set up for Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with additional island options listed for other days.

Here’s the key planning detail: you can visit 3 to 4 islands, based on restrictions set by the Department of Tourism. That means the itinerary is built to “fit” within regulations and practical daylight hours. Translation: expect a tight, efficient day rather than a wandering one.

Each listed stop is about 30 minutes. That’s enough time for:

• a swim
• a quick kayak moment if you rent one
• photos that actually look like you were there, not just proof you arrived

It also means you should show up ready to move. If you’re hoping for a slow beach afternoon, this format may feel short.

Stop 1: Big Lagoon, limestone cliffs, and quick swim/kayak time

Big Lagoon is all about that classic El Nido look: dramatic limestone cliffs framing the water. The lagoon entrance is where the action is, and this is your first chance to get wet.

What you’ll do here is simple:

• swimming
• optional kayaking (kayak rental is not included, but the option is there)

The stop is timed at about 30 minutes, so don’t count on a long sit-down beach moment. Instead, treat it like your “warm up” stop. Get in early, swim while the light is good, and if you want a kayak moment, plan to use it within that window.

One more practical note: life jackets and towels are provided, which helps a lot when you’re bouncing between water and boat. You won’t need to carry that gear yourself.

Stop 2: Star Beach/Pasandigan, the club-only beach that actually feels special

Star Beach, also listed as Star Beach/Pasandigan, is where the day really changes tone. This beach is exclusive to El Nido Yachting Club guests only, so it’s not just another public shoreline that’s sharing space with every tour in town.

This stop is described with:

• fine white sand
• dramatic surrounding rock formations
• coral reefs nearby

Even if you don’t go looking for anything complicated, the combination of sand + formations + reef area gives you that “this is why I came” scenery. It’s also a great place for a real break. The stop is again about 30 minutes, but the beach itself gives you more of a “pause” than the lagoon entry spots.

Because this is a private beach access, you also get the sense that the tour crew is managing the day with more control. That tends to make the whole experience feel less chaotic.

Stop 3: Hidden Beach and the infinity-pool effect

Hidden Beach is known for a natural infinity-pool feeling, surrounded by limestone rock formations. The water here is described as crystal clear, and the setup makes the lagoon edge look like it flows away into the scenery.

This is a stop where timing matters for photos and the vibe of the water. If conditions are right, the surface stays calm enough to give you that glassy look. Your time is still about 30 minutes, so you’ll want to:

• get to the water quickly after arriving
• move slowly once you’re there (so you don’t burn time on the wrong side of the rocks)

Also, because coral and clear water often go together, keep an eye on your footing. You’re on rocks, and you’ll be transitioning from boat to edge to swim zone.

This is one of the stops that tends to make people rethink what “island hopping” should feel like, because it looks like a designed experience even though it’s natural.

Stop 4: Seven Commandos, white sand, and a classic El Nido chill

Seven Commandos Beach is one of those famous El Nido names. The description is what you’d expect from the El Nido postcard look:

• white sand
• multiple coconut trees
• a place to chill and enjoy island life

The key difference with this stop, in the context of the whole tour, is how it fits the day’s pacing. After lagoon and limestone-walled spots, Seven Commandos gives you a more open, sandy feel. It’s where you can stretch out, rinse off mentally (even if you’re not actually rinsing), and let the day settle into “vacation mode.”

Again, plan for the short stop. You’re not arriving for a half-day picnic. You’re grabbing that classic beach experience, soaking in the atmosphere, then back onto the catamaran for the next leg.

Lunch, towels, and the crew work that makes the day feel easy

The included lunch is one of the reasons I’d put this tour above the bare-bones versions. When food is included and it’s timed with the stops, you don’t waste time hunting for a meal or paying for basic refueling between swim sessions.

And the “smooth” factor comes from the combination of:

• a personalized tour guide
• a crew that keeps transitions moving
• practical items like towels and life jackets already handled for you

This is the kind of detail that affects your stress level. If you’ve done tours where everyone scrambles to figure out what to do next, you know how quickly a fun day becomes work. Here, the structure is designed to prevent that.

One thing to keep in mind: air-conditioned vehicle is not included. That doesn’t mean you’ll spend the whole day in AC (it won’t). It just means you’re responsible for managing sun and heat around any land segments. Water gear is provided, but you still need sunscreen, sunglasses, and a plan for shade.

What to bring so the short stops don’t feel rushed

Because the tour is built around 30-minute blocks, your comfort between water and boat matters.

Bring:

• Sunscreen (you’re out for about 7 hours)
• Sunglasses
• A hat or something that blocks sun
• A waterproof bag or a dry pouch for your phone and cash
• Swimwear you’re fine getting sandy
• Water shoes if you’re cautious with rocks and coral zones

Consider skipping:

• anything bulky, since the day is designed to be lightweight and move fast
• renting a kayak unless you’re sure you want to spend your short window on it (kayak rental is optional, not included)

Also, since alcoholic beverages aren’t included, decide ahead of time whether you want to bring or purchase those separately.

Getting the most out of each stop (without burning time)

Your best strategy on a short island-hopping day is to treat each stop like a “mission,” not a wandering stroll.

Here’s what works:

• At lagoon and hidden-water stops, focus on swimming first, photos second.
• At beach stops like Star Beach and Seven Commandos, do a quick walk for angles, then settle in.
• If you plan to kayak at Big Lagoon, be ready to make the decision fast when you get there.

The tour is structured so the “moving part” doesn’t eat the whole day. You’ll still feel like you spent time in the water, not just standing around.

If your travel style is flexible and you enjoy short bursts of water time, you’ll probably love this format.

Who this catamaran island hopping tour is best for

This tour is a great fit if you:

• want private beach access rather than only public beaches
• like the idea of doing several signature El Nido water stops in one day
• prefer a managed, guided experience over independent logistics
• care about included essentials like lunch, towels, and life jackets

It’s less ideal if you:

• want long, slow beach days
• get frustrated when your time at each stop is about 30 minutes
• need an air-conditioned break during the day (it’s not part of the offer)

If you’re traveling with friends and want a social day on the water, the small-group cap helps. And if you want the “real sea day” feel, the sailing catamaran is part of the attraction.

Should you book the Seacret luxury catamaran island hopping tour in Palawan?

I’d book this tour if you want an El Nido day that feels well-run from the water side: Star Beach/Pasandigan access, a structured set of stops, and the practical inclusions that prevent your day from turning into logistics.

I’d think twice if you’re the type who needs lots of time at one location. This is built for variety and timing, not for lingering.

Bottom line: if your priority is clear-water scenery, limestone-lagoon experiences, and a more comfortable, guided sailing day at a price that includes the basics, this one makes sense.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Corong Corong Pier (599V+QXM), El Nido, Palawan, Philippines.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:00 AM.

How long is the tour?

It runs for about 7 hours (approx.).

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $155.00 per person.

What’s included in the price?

Lunch, a personalized tour guide, access to El Nido Yachting Club’s private beach, towels and life jackets, and the environmental fee (ETDF).

What is not included?

Alcoholic beverages, kayak rental (optional), and an air-conditioned vehicle.

Can I choose how many islands I visit?

You can visit three (3) to four (4) islands, based on restrictions set by the Department of Tourism.

Is Star Beach part of the itinerary?

Star Beach (Star Beach/Pasandigan), which is exclusive to El Nido Yachting Club guests, is usually part of the itinerary.

What is the group size limit?

The tour has a maximum of 30 travelers.

Does the tour require a minimum number of guests?

Yes. The tour requires a minimum of six (6) guests to operate.

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