Seacret Luxury Catamaran Yacht Group Island Hopping Tour

The best part of this El Nido outing is that the boat itself is part of the experience. You spend the day aboard the 50-foot Seacret, a sailing catamaran with room to enjoy the ride between limestone cliffs, lagoons, and beaches. The route combines famous stops with exclusive access to Star Beach, a private stretch reserved for El Nido Yachting Club customers.

I like two things right away: lunch, towels, life jackets, and the environmental fee are included, so the day feels easy to manage; and the smaller maximum of 30 people should feel less hectic than a large public boat. The crew also earns strong praise for smooth service, careful planning, and making the sailing itself feel special. The main drawback is the price, $155 per person, plus the uncertainty of the route and schedule. You visit three or four stops, not every place named in the full description.

Key points at a glance

• A 50-foot sailing catamaran: The Seacret makes the journey between islands part of the attraction, not just transport.
• Private Star Beach access: You get time at a beach reserved for El Nido Yachting Club customers, with white sand, rock formations, and coral reefs.
• Two possible routes: Big Lagoon, Hidden Beach, and Seven Commando are paired on some days, while Cadlao Lagoon, Helicopter Island, and Small Lagoon appear on the alternate route.
• Lunch and basic water gear included: Towels, life jackets, lunch, and the environmental fee are covered, while kayak rental and alcohol cost extra.
• A full seven-hour outing: The advertised day runs from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., ending back at the starting pier.
• Minimum of six people: The boat needs at least six bookings to operate, and the maximum group size is 30.

What $155 buys you on the Seacret

At $155, this is not a basic island-hopping boat. You are paying for a more polished day on the water, a sailing catamaran, a personalized guide, lunch, and access to a private beach. That price makes the most sense if you care about comfort, service, and a less ordinary boat experience.

The value is also tied to the length of the day. Seven hours gives you time to move through several parts of El Nido without treating each stop as a rushed photo break. The boat ride matters here. The Seacret is a 50-foot catamaran, so the journey between stops is part of the appeal rather than dead time.

Still, you should set your expectations correctly. The tour does not include unlimited stops. Department of Tourism restrictions limit the route to three or four islands, and the exact combination depends on the day. Kayak rental is optional and costs extra, while alcoholic drinks are not included.

The experience has a strong 4.7 rating from 119 ratings, with 93 percent recommending it. The most consistent praise focuses on the crew, the smooth organization, the food, the private beach, and the sense that the whole day has been planned with care. That matters because a beautiful El Nido route can lose its charm if every small detail becomes a chore.

Your 9:00 a.m. start at Corong Corong Pier

The listed starting point is Corong Corong Pier in El Nido, with the day scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to roughly 4:00 p.m. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, so you do not need to arrange a separate return transfer from another island.

The supplied details also mention an El Nido Yachting Club town office as a meeting place. Since both the pier and town office appear in the information, confirm the exact check-in location after booking. That is a small step, but it can save you a rushed morning.

This is a mobile-ticket activity, and confirmation is provided when you book. The tour is near public transportation, and most people can take part. No air-conditioned vehicle is included, which is not a serious issue for a boat-based day, but it does mean you should not expect land transport as part of the package.

Bring only what you need for the water. Towels and life jackets are supplied, and lunch is included. Since alcohol is not included, plan around that if you were hoping for drinks during the sail.

Big Lagoon and the first look at El Nido’s cliffs

On the route that includes Big Lagoon, the first major stop takes you toward a dramatic opening between limestone cliffs. The lagoon is known for clear water, swimming, and kayaking, with the rock walls giving the area its classic El Nido character.

The listed time here is 30 minutes. That is enough for a quick swim, a look around, or a short kayak session, but it is not a long, quiet stay. Kayak rental is optional, so ask about the arrangement if paddling through the lagoon is important to you.

Big Lagoon can be one of the most visually striking stops, but it is also the kind of place where timing matters. You will want to be ready before the boat arrives, because the stop is shared with the rest of the group and the schedule continues. If your priority is scenic water and limestone walls, this stop helps justify the price. If you want long swims at every location, the 30-minute format may feel tight.

Star Beach, the private stop that changes the pace

Star Beach, also called Pasandigan, is the tour’s most distinctive stop. It is a private island reserved for El Nido Yachting Club customers, with fine white sand, surrounding rock formations, and coral reefs.

The private access is valuable because it gives the day one location that is not simply another well-known public beach. It also adds a quieter break between lagoon visits and the more famous Seven Commando stop. The natural rock layout is unusual, and the setting is suited to swimming, relaxing, and looking at the reef.

You get about 30 minutes here according to the planned stop times. That is enough to enjoy the shore, but do not picture an entire afternoon on a private island. Star Beach is usually part of the route, and it is the one stop that helps this tour feel different from a standard island-hopping circuit.

The beach also gives the crew a chance to serve the included lunch, depending on the day’s operation. The food receives high praise, and having lunch covered is useful in a place where arranging food on your own can interrupt the day. The exact serving details are not specified, so think of lunch as included fuel rather than a formal dining event.

Hidden Beach and its natural swimming pool

Hidden Beach is described as a natural infinity pool framed by striking limestone formations. The water is clear, and the rock walls give the stop a more enclosed feel than a broad open beach.

You get around 30 minutes here. That short window works well for a swim and a few photographs, but it leaves little room for a slow, private-style visit. The name suggests seclusion, but the route is part of a popular El Nido circuit, so you should not assume you will have the place to yourself.

This is a stop for people who want to get into the water. If you prefer to stay dry, the rock formations still make it worthwhile, though you will get more from the visit with a swimsuit and a willingness to swim. Life jackets are included, which is helpful for anyone who wants support in the water.

Seven Commando Beach for a simple island break

Seven Commando Beach is the relaxed beach stop on the route. White sand and coconut trees frame the shoreline, making it a natural place to slow down after the more dramatic lagoons.

The beach is famous in El Nido, so it is not an off-the-map discovery. Its appeal is straightforward: sand, palms, water, and time to enjoy the island setting. You get about 30 minutes, which is enough for a short walk, a swim, or a quiet pause under the trees.

I would treat Seven Commando as a pleasant finishing note rather than the main reason to book this tour. Big Lagoon, Hidden Beach, and Star Beach offer more unusual settings. Seven Commando works because it gives the itinerary a simple beach stop and a change from the enclosed limestone lagoons.

The alternate route: Cadlao, Helicopter Island, and Small Lagoon

The tour uses different routes on different days. One schedule lists Big Lagoon, Star Beach, Hidden Beach, and Seven Commando. The other lists Cadlao Lagoon, Helicopter Island, Star Beach, and Small Lagoon.

This matters when you book. The tour description also says the operating days are Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, yet the alternate route is labeled for Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Because those details do not line up perfectly, confirm both the operating day and the expected stops before you pay.

Cadlao Lagoon and Small Lagoon offer more lagoon scenery, while Helicopter Island adds another beach and reef setting. The supplied details do not give stop times or detailed descriptions for those locations, so you should not assume they receive exactly the same treatment as Big Lagoon, Hidden Beach, or Seven Commando.

The useful point is that you have a choice of route only through the published schedule, not by selecting your own islands during the day. The Department of Tourism limits the number of stops, and the operator controls the route.

Why the crew and catamaran matter

The strongest part of this experience is not just the scenery. It is the way the day is handled. The crew receives praise for being well trained, attentive, and capable of making the trip feel smooth from start to finish.

That kind of service has real value on an island day. You do not need to arrange lunch, track down towels, or worry about borrowing safety equipment. A personalized guide is included, though no guide names are provided in the tour information.

The catamaran also changes the mood. On a standard boat transfer, you may think mainly about getting to the next stop. Here, the sailing itself is part of the attraction. You can enjoy the open-water movement between islands and the changing views of the limestone cliffs.

The boat can carry up to 30 people, so do not confuse this with a private charter. The maximum is still large enough for a social outing, but the format is more organized and polished than a basic shared boat. It suits people who like meeting others but do not want a huge crowd.

Who will get the most from this day

I would recommend the Seacret to couples, friends, and solo visitors who want a special island-hopping day without arranging a private charter. It also suits anyone who sees the boat ride, lunch, and service as part of the holiday rather than minor extras.

You will probably like it if you want:

• Several different settings in one day
• A sailing catamaran instead of a basic island boat
• A private beach stop
• Lunch, towels, life jackets, and the environmental fee included
• A guide to keep the day moving
• A social setting with a maximum of 30 people

You may want another option if you need a fixed route, a very quiet beach day, or the lowest possible price. The route can change by operating day, and the stops are limited to three or four. The $155 price is also much higher than a simple group excursion.

Weather is another practical concern. The trip requires good conditions. If bad weather cancels the activity, you can receive a different date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum of six people is not reached.

Should you book the Seacret?

Book it if you want El Nido scenery with a stronger focus on comfort, service, and the ride between islands. Star Beach access and the catamaran are the clearest reasons to choose it, while the included lunch and gear make the higher price easier to accept.

Skip it if your main goal is to visit as many islands as possible for the least money. You are paying for a better-organized day, not a longer list of stops. Before booking, confirm the exact schedule, route, and meeting point, especially since the supplied operating days and route labels do not fully match.

For the right person, this is a good splurge: not a private yacht charter, but a polished seven-hour day with memorable water scenery and a crew that helps remove much of the usual island-hopping fuss.

FAQ

How long does the Seacret catamaran tour last?

The tour lasts about seven hours, from approximately 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Where does the tour begin?

The listed starting point is Corong Corong Pier in El Nido, Palawan. The information also mentions the El Nido Yachting Club town office, so confirm the exact check-in point after booking.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Which islands and lagoons can the tour visit?

One route includes Big Lagoon, Star Beach, Hidden Beach, and Seven Commando. The alternate route includes Cadlao Lagoon, Star Beach, Helicopter Island, and Small Lagoon.

How many stops are included?

You can visit three to four islands or locations, based on Department of Tourism restrictions and the operating route.

Is Star Beach included?

Star Beach, also called Pasandigan, is usually part of the itinerary. It is a private beach exclusive to El Nido Yachting Club customers.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included in the tour price.

Are towels and life jackets provided?

Yes. Towels and life jackets are included.

Is kayak rental included?

No. Kayak rental is optional and is not included in the listed price.

What happens if the weather is poor or too few people book?

If bad weather cancels the tour, you can receive a different date or a full refund. The tour also requires at least six people, and if that minimum is not reached, you can be offered a different date or experience, or receive a full refund.