The Big and Small Lagoons in El Nido are remarkable natural wonders celebrated for their stunning beauty and the distinctive experiences they provide.
Often included in El Nido Tour A, both lagoons feature clear emerald waters surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, rendering them prime spots for kayaking and photography. The calm waters allow for peaceful exploration of their expansive beauty.
The Big Lagoon presents broader vistas, while the Small Lagoon presents a more intimate, serene experience through a small opening. Both lagoons require the use of kayaks to explore and provide stunning photo opportunities while paddling through the clear waters.
As its name suggests, the Big Lagoon is the larger of the two, stretching approximately 800 meters in length and 1000 meters in width. It features a grand, expansive inlet with turquoise waters and lush, towering cliffs. Boats usually dock at the entrance, where visitors can rent kayaks (or walk in when the tide permits) to paddle further into its coves and corners.
The Small Lagoon, located adjacent to the Big Lagoon, is smaller yet equally captivating. It measures about 150 meters in length and 35 meters in width, distinguished by its shallow, crystal-clear waters and dramatic rock formations. Accessing the Small Lagoon involves navigating through a narrow entrance, which can be done by swimming or using a kayak during low tide.
Visitors who enter through the small opening will discover a tranquil green-water pool, a peaceful atmosphere, and a sense of seclusion in a hidden paradise.
Both lagoons are popular for kayaking. In the Big Lagoon, visitors can paddle across its vast waters, exploring various nooks and crannies at their own pace. The Small Lagoon provides a more intimate kayaking adventure, enabling visitors to maneuver through its narrow entrance and uncover hidden corners.
The Small Lagoon is particularly known for its excellent swimming and snorkeling opportunities, showcasing vibrant marine life and corals visible in its clear waters. In contrast, the Big Lagoon, while also appropriate for swimming, is primarily focused towards kayaking due to its greater depth.
Both lagoons are generally included in El Nido’s popular island-hopping tours, particularly Tour A. Visitors can choose to visit either the Big Lagoon or the Small Lagoon during their tour, as the itinerary usually includes one of the two.
Gaining access to the lagoons usually requires an eco-tourism development fee (ETDF), which is often handled by tour operators. It is recommended to verify tide levels and plan your visit accordingly, especially to the Small Lagoon.