Small Lagoon, El Nido, Philippines - Image 1
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Small Lagoon Miniloc Island

4.7
·77 reviews·, Philippines

A hidden emerald lagoon on Miniloc Island, El Nido, accessible by kayak through a narrow cliff opening, surrounded by dramatic limestone formations.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early morning (7:30 AM)

Peaceful, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Small Lagoon, El Nido, Philippines - Image 1

Small Lagoon Miniloc Island

Best Time

Early morning (7:30 AM)

Peaceful, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A hidden emerald lagoon on Miniloc Island, El Nido, accessible by kayak through a narrow cliff opening, surrounded by dramatic limestone formations.

4.7
(77 reviews)

"It's truly magical, but try to go early to avoid the crowds and enjoy the serenity!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Kayak Rental Essential

Kayaking is the best way to explore. Rent a 2-seater (400 pesos/person) or 4-seater (300 pesos/person) kayak.

⏰ Beat the Rush

Arrive before 8 AM or book a private tour to avoid crowds and enjoy the tranquility.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Kayaking Through the Entrance

Kayaking Through the Entrance

Entrance to Small Lagoon

Navigate a narrow crack in limestone cliffs by kayak to enter this hidden emerald paradise.

Emerald Waters & Towering Cliffs

Emerald Waters & Towering Cliffs

Inside Small Lagoon

Paddle through serene, deep emerald waters surrounded by majestic, ancient limestone formations.

Hidden Caves for Photos

Hidden Caves for Photos

Within Small Lagoon

Discover small caves perfect for unique photos, but note they fit only 1-2 kayaks at a time.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds for Serenity

Small Lagoon is stunning but gets crowded. Arrive early morning (around 7:30 AM) or consider a private tour to experience its peaceful beauty before the main tour boats arrive. Kayaking is the best way to explore, so budget for rentals.

Tour A is Key

Most visitors access Small Lagoon via Island Hopping Tour A. This popular tour also includes other El Nido highlights. Booking in advance, especially during peak season, is recommended to secure your spot.

Best Times

When
Early morning (7:30 AM)
Why
Peaceful, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Secret Lagoon ❤️ thanks to Sir John, our tour guide for this trip for making this possible. #elnido #palawan #secretlagoon #adventure
@abeejjj
181.2K likes • 2.4M views

🎯 Kayak Rental Essential

Kayaking is the best way to explore. Rent a 2-seater (400 pesos/person) or 4-seater (300 pesos/person) kayak. Reddit

⏰ Beat the Rush

Arrive before 8 AM or book a private tour to avoid crowds and enjoy the tranquility. Reddit

The Highest Diving Board in Southeast Asia 🇵🇭 Welcome to Big Lagoon in the heart of el nido, Palawan. The Redbull Cliff Diving World Series just concluded its first leg in the Philippines and this is the 27 meter platform they used for high diving. Stay tuned for tomorrow’s video to see some jumps! 🚁📷: @erixxboy @redbullcliffdiving @redbullph
@wil_dasovich
99.2K likes • 517.5K views
DAY 87 (29/01/2024) - We kayaked the Small Lagoon on #miniloc island #elnido #philippines🇵🇭 this afternoon 🛶 The entrance to the lagoon is accessible at high tide, through a crack in the limestone rock wall that could fit through a kayak one at a time and the water in the lagoon a beautiful turquoise enclosed by towering limestone rock cliffs 😍 Magical 😍
hazrin_mardi
51 likes • 877 views

💧 High Tide Access

The lagoon entrance is only accessible by kayak during high tide. Instagram

📸 Cave Photo Ops

Explore small caves for unique photos, but be mindful of space for other kayakers. Reddit

Small Lagoon. Tour D. The Small Lagoon in El Nido, Palawan, is a stunning natural gem tucked within the towering limestone cliffs of Miniloc Island. Known for its emerald-green waters and serene atmosphere, the lagoon offers an idyllic escape for visitors seeking a peaceful encounter with nature. To access the Small Lagoon, you typically kayak through a narrow entrance surrounded by dramatic ro...
entalulaelnido
19 likes • 638 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Kayak Rental Essential

Kayaking is the best way to explore. Rent a 2-seater (400 pesos/person) or 4-seater (300 pesos/person) kayak. Reddit

⏰ Beat the Rush

Arrive before 8 AM or book a private tour to avoid crowds and enjoy the tranquility. Reddit

💧 High Tide Access

The lagoon entrance is only accessible by kayak during high tide. Instagram

📸 Cave Photo Ops

Explore small caves for unique photos, but be mindful of space for other kayakers. Reddit

☀️ Pack Sun Protection

The sun is intense. Bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for your island hopping adventure. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.7
(77 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the stunning beauty of Small Lagoon, particularly the unique experience of kayaking through a narrow crevice into an emerald paradise surrounded by towering cliffs. While the beauty is undeniable, many note that it can get extremely crowded, impacting the peaceful atmosphere. Booking a private tour or visiting very early is highly recommended to fully enjoy its magic.

"Too crowdy in April.. we took 2 seater kayak in 400 pesos per person and 4 seater kayak in 300 pesos per person. But it was too crowdy that it was like we were playing bumper kayaking !😊 Otherwise it has good view .. you can enjoy more if people are less at your time.. 👍"

Dwij Kothari

"Find a private tour and come here before the crowds. It is so peaceful and beautiful without anyone else here. My wife and I came at 7:30am and left around 8:15, right when the first boat was pulling up for the day. You won't regret it."

Andrew Bradley

"One of the best island in el nido
Kayak mode here
Water is really really deep inside the lagoon
You can go inside some of caves to have pictures (note 1-2 kayaks inside.Just for pics)
Nice scenery and view inside"

Ricerde Rieh

What People Like

Breathtaking emerald waters
Unique kayak entrance
Majestic limestone cliffs

What People Dislike

Overcrowding
Bumper kayaking

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Small Lagoon is located on Miniloc Island and is typically accessed via Island Hopping Tour A from El Nido town. The journey takes about 45 minutes by boat. Instagram

Yes, Small Lagoon is a primary stop on the popular El Nido Island Hopping Tour A, often combined with Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Secret Lagoon. Instagram

While you can arrange private boat tours, most visitors experience Small Lagoon as part of an organized island hopping tour due to its location and accessibility. Instagram

Kayaking is the most recommended way to explore Small Lagoon, allowing you to navigate its serene waters and discover hidden spots. Kayak rentals are available on-site. InstagramReddit

Boat rides from El Nido town to Miniloc Island, where Small Lagoon is located, typically take around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on sea conditions. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entrance fees for Small Lagoon are usually included in your island hopping tour package. If visiting independently, inquire about separate environmental fees. Reddit

Small Lagoon is generally accessible during daylight hours as part of island hopping tours. It's best to check with your tour operator for specific timings. TikTok

Kayak rental prices can vary, but expect to pay around 300-400 pesos per person for a 2-4 seater kayak. Reddit

Yes, an environmental fee is typically required for visiting protected areas like Small Lagoon. This fee is usually covered by your tour package. Reddit

While swimming is possible, the primary way to experience Small Lagoon is by kayaking. The water is deep inside the lagoon. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The narrow kayak entrance, the emerald waters surrounded by cliffs, and the small caves offer unique photographic opportunities. InstagramReddit

Visiting very early in the morning (around 7:30 AM) or opting for a private tour significantly increases your chances of capturing crowd-free, serene photos. Reddit

A waterproof camera or phone case is highly recommended due to kayaking. Wide-angle lenses can capture the grandeur of the cliffs. TikTok

Drone usage is generally restricted in protected natural areas to preserve the environment and avoid disturbing wildlife. Always check local regulations. TikTok

Yes, the small caves offer unique photo opportunities, but space is limited to 1-2 kayaks at a time. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Small Lagoon offers a unique adventure for families. The kayak entry is exciting for kids, and the calm, deep waters inside are generally safe for paddling. Opt for a 4-seater kayak so adults can easily supervise children. Reddit The towering cliffs and the enclosed nature of the lagoon can feel like exploring a hidden world, sparking imagination. Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as options are limited once you're on the tour. Ensure everyone has sun protection, as there's little shade once you're inside the lagoon. TikTok

💰 Budget Travelers

To visit Small Lagoon on a budget, join a standard group Island Hopping Tour A. These tours are more economical than private charters. Instagram While kayak rentals are an additional cost, they are essential for the full experience and relatively affordable per person. Reddit Pack your own lunch and snacks to save money on food during the tour. Look for tour operators in El Nido town that offer competitive pricing for Tour A. TikTok

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For stunning photos, aim for an early morning visit to capture the lagoon in soft, natural light without crowds. Reddit A wide-angle lens is perfect for capturing the dramatic scale of the limestone cliffs. TikTok Don't forget a waterproof camera or phone case, as you'll be kayaking and might encounter splashes. Instagram The narrow entrance and the hidden caves offer unique compositions. Experiment with different angles to showcase the emerald waters and the dramatic karst landscape. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Kayaking Experience

Kayaking is the quintessential way to experience Small Lagoon. Upon arrival, you'll transfer from your tour boat to kayaks. The journey begins with paddling towards a narrow, almost hidden crevice in the towering limestone cliffs. This entrance is only accessible during high tide, adding an element of adventure. As you glide through this opening, the lagoon dramatically opens up before you. Instagram The water inside is a mesmerizing deep emerald green, and the sheer scale of the surrounding karst formations is breathtaking. Paddling at your own pace allows you to soak in the tranquility and admire the unique geological features. Instagram

Rentals are available for two-seater or four-seater kayaks. While the cost is an additional expense on top of your tour, most visitors find it well worth it for the intimate exploration it offers. Reddit Navigating the lagoon allows you to get closer to the cliff faces, explore small inlets, and even venture into some of the shallow caves for unique photo opportunities. Remember to be mindful of other kayakers and the environment as you paddle. TikTokInstagram

Navigating Crowds and Timing

Small Lagoon, like many El Nido attractions, can get quite crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons. Videos and reviews often mention the feeling of 'bumper kayaking' when too many boats and kayaks are present. Reddit To truly appreciate the serene beauty of this place, strategic timing is crucial. Many travelers recommend arriving as early as possible, ideally around 7:30 AM, right when tours begin. Reddit This allows you to experience the lagoon with significantly fewer people, offering a more peaceful and intimate encounter with nature. TikTok

Alternatively, consider booking a private island hopping tour. While more expensive, a private tour offers flexibility in your itinerary, allowing you to visit Small Lagoon at less busy times or even have it to yourself for a short period. Reddit If you are on a standard group tour, try to gauge the timing of your arrival. Some tours might arrive mid-morning or early afternoon, which are typically the busiest periods. Instagram Being aware of these crowd dynamics can significantly enhance your visit and ensure you capture the magical, unhurried essence of Small Lagoon. TikTok