Helicopter Island
A uniquely shaped island in El Nido, Palawan, famous for its pristine white sand beach and vibrant snorkeling spots.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the midday heat and crowds.
Helicopter Island
Best Time
Beat the midday heat and crowds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A uniquely shaped island in El Nido, Palawan, famous for its pristine white sand beach and vibrant snorkeling spots.
"This island offers one of the best snorkeling sites in El Nido with clear water and abundant marine life."
🎯 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
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.
Exceptional Snorkeling
Helicopter Island
Discover vibrant coral reefs and a diverse array of marine life in crystal-clear waters, even in shallow areas.
Unique Island Shape
Helicopter Island
Admire the distinctive helicopter-like silhouette of this lush island, a natural wonder in El Nido.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your El Nido Tour in Advance
Pack Smart for Island Hopping
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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.
💧 Stay Hydrated
The tropical sun is strong! Carry plenty of water, and consider a reusable bottle.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Essential for walking on the beach and potentially navigating boat transfers.
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!
🤿 Snorkel Gear Recommended
Bring your own or rent gear for the best experience exploring the rich underwater world.
💧 Stay Hydrated
The tropical sun is strong! Carry plenty of water, and consider a reusable bottle.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Essential for walking on the beach and potentially navigating boat transfers.
☀️ Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protect your skin and the delicate marine ecosystem.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
No, independent visits are not feasible. Access is exclusively through licensed island hopping tours departing from El Nido.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
Environmental fees are usually bundled into the tour price. These fees contribute to the conservation of the marine and island ecosystems in El Nido.
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.
Tour C usually includes visits to Helicopter Island, Matinloc Shrine, Secret Beach, Star Beach, and Hidden Beach, along with lunch and snorkeling equipment.
🎫 🏝️ 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.
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.
There is a small store available on the island for basic necessities. Restroom facilities might be limited or basic, so plan accordingly.
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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
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.
Mornings offer softer light and potentially fewer crowds. Late afternoons can provide beautiful golden hour lighting as tours begin to depart.
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.
Generally, photography is allowed, but be mindful of other visitors and respect any designated no-photo zones if they exist.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
🐠 Ocean Enthusiasts & Snorkelers
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.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of El Nido's Island Hopping
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.
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.
Snorkeling Paradise: What to Expect
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.
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.
The Unique Appeal of Helicopter Island's Shape
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.
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.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit