Dilumacad Island, El Nido - Image 1
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Helicopter Island

4.6
·179 reviews·, Philippines

A uniquely shaped island in El Nido, Palawan, famous for its pristine white sand beach and vibrant snorkeling spots.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning tours

Beat the midday heat and crowds.

CrowdMedium
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Dilumacad Island, El Nido - Image 1

Helicopter Island

Best Time

Morning tours

Beat the midday heat and crowds.

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A uniquely shaped island in El Nido, Palawan, famous for its pristine white sand beach and vibrant snorkeling spots.

4.6
(179 reviews)

"This island offers one of the best snorkeling sites in El Nido with clear water and abundant marine life."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Tour C for Helicopter Island

Helicopter Island is a key stop on El Nido's popular Tour C. Book this tour to ensure you visit!

🤿 Snorkel Gear Recommended

Bring your own or rent gear for the best experience exploring the rich underwater world.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pristine White Sand Beach

Pristine White Sand Beach

Helicopter Island

Sink your toes into soft, fine white sand and enjoy the peaceful, serene atmosphere. Perfect for a relaxing dip.

Reddit
Exceptional Snorkeling

Exceptional Snorkeling

Helicopter Island

Discover vibrant coral reefs and a diverse array of marine life in crystal-clear waters, even in shallow areas.

Reddit
Unique Island Shape

Unique Island Shape

Helicopter Island

Admire the distinctive helicopter-like silhouette of this lush island, a natural wonder in El Nido.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Book Your El Nido Tour in Advance

El Nido's island hopping tours, including those visiting Helicopter Island, are incredibly popular. Booking your tour package, especially if you want a private experience, ahead of time can secure your spot and potentially offer better rates. TikTokReddit

Pack Smart for Island Hopping

Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water. While some tours offer lunch, it's wise to have snacks. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring. TikTok+1

Best Times

When
Morning tours
Why
Beat the midday heat and crowds.
Crowd
Medium
When
Afternoon tours
Why
Enjoy the golden hour light.
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

El Nido, Philippines 🇵🇭 #zipline #island #philippines #travel #elnido #fyp #palawan
@leanne.squires
583.8K likes • 9M views

🎯 Book Tour C for Helicopter Island

Helicopter Island is a key stop on El Nido's popular Tour C. Book this tour to ensure you visit! TikTokReddit

🤿 Snorkel Gear Recommended

Bring your own or rent gear for the best experience exploring the rich underwater world. Reddit

The most beautiful place in the world 🥹 #philippines #philippinestiktok #philippinestravel #palawan #elnido
@iballantyne1
438K likes • 4.3M views
Completely disappeared… #kiss# summer #island #helicopter
eric.sierra
424.5K likes • 5.9M views

💧 Stay Hydrated

The tropical sun is strong! Carry plenty of water, and consider a reusable bottle. TikTok

👟 Comfortable Footwear

Essential for walking on the beach and potentially navigating boat transfers. TikTok

🚁 If you’re planning a a trip to the island of Kauai , I can’t recommend a helicopter tour with @maunaloahelitours enough. We spent $761 for the two of us and honestly? We’d do it again in a heartbeat. This wasn’t just a tour—it was a soul-shaking, tear-inducing, jaw-dropping kind of experience.🥹🤯 From soaring above the dramatic Nā Pali Coast to hovering over lush waterfalls and canyons, this o...
katerowleyadventures
895 likes • 21.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Tour C for Helicopter Island

Helicopter Island is a key stop on El Nido's popular Tour C. Book this tour to ensure you visit! TikTokReddit

🤿 Snorkel Gear Recommended

Bring your own or rent gear for the best experience exploring the rich underwater world. Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

The tropical sun is strong! Carry plenty of water, and consider a reusable bottle. TikTok

👟 Comfortable Footwear

Essential for walking on the beach and potentially navigating boat transfers. TikTok

☀️ Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Protect your skin and the delicate marine ecosystem. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.6
(179 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Helicopter Island for its beautiful white sand beach and exceptional snorkeling opportunities, highlighting the clear waters and abundant marine life. While it's a popular stop on Tour C, some find the shaded areas for lunch limited, and it can get crowded during peak times. Overall, it's a serene and visually striking destination.

"Fine, white sand beach, peaceful and serene. One of the stops of Tour C. Perfect place for swimming but not for lunch buffet/boodle flight since shaded areas are fewer."

Dward Sealmoy Jr.

"Beautiful island! A lot of activities there. I accidentally left a pair of Flipper slippers there. If anyone found it, please let me know. 🙏"

Sam Wujiale

"We had our lunch here. We did swim and snorkle while they were preparing our lunch. The shoreline is soft fine sand with clear water."

Aimee Lim

What People Like

Beautiful white sand beach
Excellent snorkeling
Clear turquoise waters

What People Dislike

Limited shade for lunch
Can be crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Helicopter Island is accessible only via organized island hopping tours from El Nido. Tour C is the most common package that includes this destination. You can book tours through local agencies or your accommodation. TikTokReddit

Tours typically use large, shared bangka boats. For a more exclusive experience, private tours are available, offering more flexibility and potentially visiting less crowded spots. TikTok

While Tour C is the primary tour that features Helicopter Island, some customized private tours might include it. It's always best to confirm with your tour operator. Reddit

No, independent visits are not feasible. Access is exclusively through licensed island hopping tours departing from El Nido. Reddit

Travel time to Helicopter Island varies depending on the tour route and sea conditions, but it's typically around 45 minutes to an hour by boat from El Nido town. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Your island hopping tour package usually includes environmental fees and permits for all the islands visited, including Helicopter Island. Confirm this with your tour provider. Reddit

Standard group tours range from PHP 1,200 to PHP 1,500 per person, often including lunch. Private tours can cost significantly more, starting from PHP 2,300 and going up. TikTokReddit

Environmental fees are usually bundled into the tour price. These fees contribute to the conservation of the marine and island ecosystems in El Nido. Reddit

You can book tours through local tour operators in El Nido town, your hotel, or online platforms like Klook. Booking in advance is recommended during peak season. TikTok

Tour C usually includes visits to Helicopter Island, Matinloc Shrine, Secret Beach, Star Beach, and Hidden Beach, along with lunch and snorkeling equipment. TikTokReddit

🎫 🏝️ Onsite Experience

You can swim in the clear waters, relax on the white sand beach, and most importantly, enjoy excellent snorkeling in the protected marine area. Reddit

Yes, it's considered one of the best snorkeling spots in El Nido, with clear waters, living corals, and abundant marine life visible even in shallow areas. Reddit

There is a small store available on the island for basic necessities. Restroom facilities might be limited or basic, so plan accordingly. Reddit

It can get crowded, especially during peak season and when multiple tours arrive simultaneously. Opting for a private tour or visiting during off-peak hours can help. TikTok

Many tours include lunch, which is often served on Helicopter Island. However, shaded areas for dining can be limited, so it's not always the ideal lunch spot for everyone. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the island's unique shape from the boat, the stunning white sand beach, and the vibrant underwater world while snorkeling. Drone shots offer a unique perspective. TikTok+1

Yes, many visitors capture aerial footage of Helicopter Island, showcasing its distinctive form and the surrounding turquoise waters. Ensure you follow local regulations regarding drone usage. TikTok+1

Mornings offer softer light and potentially fewer crowds. Late afternoons can provide beautiful golden hour lighting as tours begin to depart. TikTok

A waterproof camera or action camera is ideal for capturing snorkeling moments. A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, and a drone provides breathtaking aerial views. TikTok+1

Generally, photography is allowed, but be mindful of other visitors and respect any designated no-photo zones if they exist. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Helicopter Island is a great stop for families on El Nido island hopping tours. The calm, clear waters make it safe and enjoyable for children to swim and play on the white sand beach. The snorkeling here is also accessible for younger ones, offering a chance to see fish in shallow areas. Reddit

Consider booking a private tour if you have very young children, as it allows for more flexibility with nap times and fewer crowds. Ensure you pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as facilities are minimal. The novelty of the island's shape might also capture kids' imaginations. TikTok

🐠 Ocean Enthusiasts & Snorkelers

For those passionate about marine life, Helicopter Island is a must-visit. Its protected snorkeling area is renowned for its biodiversity, offering a chance to see a wide array of fish and healthy coral formations. The clear waters provide excellent visibility, making every snorkel session a delight. Reddit

Don't miss the opportunity to explore the underwater world here. Even if you're not a seasoned diver, the snorkeling at Helicopter Island is accessible and incredibly rewarding. It's a highlight for many visitors seeking an immersive experience with nature. Reddit

📸 Photographers & Content Creators

Helicopter Island offers fantastic photographic opportunities, from its unique shape to its picturesque beach and vibrant underwater scenes. Aerial shots taken from drones or higher vantage points can beautifully capture the island's distinctive silhouette. TikTok+1

Golden hour light in the late afternoon can create stunning visuals. Remember to bring waterproof gear for capturing underwater shots while snorkeling. The clear waters and diverse marine life provide endless subjects for creative photography. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Allure of El Nido's Island Hopping

El Nido is renowned for its spectacular island hopping tours, and Helicopter Island is a star attraction within Tour C. These tours are the primary way to experience the archipelago's breathtaking limestone karsts, hidden lagoons, and pristine beaches. Visitors often rave about the sheer beauty and the feeling of discovering paradise. TikTok+2

While group tours are common and budget-friendly, they can get crowded. For a more intimate experience, consider booking a private tour. This allows you to customize your itinerary, spend more time at your favorite spots, and potentially visit less frequented areas. Some private tours even offer unique perks like sunset cruises. TikTok

When planning your island hopping adventure, remember that each tour (A, B, C, and D) offers a different set of stunning locations. Tour C, which includes Helicopter Island, is particularly popular for its diverse offerings, combining beautiful beaches with excellent snorkeling opportunities. TikTokReddit

Snorkeling Paradise: What to Expect

Helicopter Island is a haven for snorkelers, boasting a protected area teeming with marine life. The water clarity is exceptional, allowing you to see vibrant coral gardens and a multitude of fish species even in shallow depths. It's an ideal spot for both beginners and experienced snorkelers to explore the underwater world. Reddit

Visitors often report seeing colorful fish, sea turtles, and a healthy ecosystem. The abundance of marine biodiversity makes it a highlight for many who visit El Nido. Remember to use reef-safe sunscreen to protect this delicate environment. TikTok

While many tours provide snorkeling gear, bringing your own ensures a comfortable fit and hygiene. The underwater scenery at Helicopter Island is a significant draw, making it a must-do for ocean enthusiasts. Reddit

The Unique Appeal of Helicopter Island's Shape

The island gets its name from its distinctive shape, which from certain angles resembles a helicopter. This unique geological formation is part of what makes the El Nido landscape so captivating. It's a natural landmark that adds to the visual appeal of the region. TikTok

While the shape is a talking point, the island's true charm lies in its natural beauty – the soft white sand, the clear turquoise waters, and the lush green hills. It's a place where you can truly disconnect and immerse yourself in the tropical paradise. TikTok+1

Many visitors capture stunning photographs and videos of the island, often from the boat or from aerial perspectives, highlighting its unique silhouette against the backdrop of the Palawan sea. TikTok+1