Cathedral Cave | El Nido

Cathedral Cave is a prominent sea cave located on Pinasil Island in El Nido, Palawan. It is a signature site on the standard "Tour B" island-hopping itinerary, known for its sheer scale and cathedral-like interior.

Visual Characteristics

The cave is defined by its massive, vertical entrance and high vaulted ceilings that resemble a gothic cathedral. The limestone walls are jagged and weathered, with light filtering in from the opening to illuminate the turquoise water inside. Swifts and other birds often nest in the high crevices of the rock.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: Pinasil Island, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines.

Access: Accessible only by sea.

Transport: * Boat: Motorized outrigger boats (bangkas) approach the entrance.

Observation: Most tours view the cave from the boat rather than entering, as the water inside can be deep and the currents unpredictable. Entering by kayak or swimming is only possible during extremely calm sea conditions.

Permits: A valid Eco-Tourism Development Fee (ETDF) permit is required.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The cave was formed over millions of years through the relentless action of waves eroding the base of the limestone cliffs. It is a natural habitat for sea swallows (swiftlets), whose nests are harvested locally to make bird's nest soup.

Key Highlights & Activities

Sightseeing: Appreciation of the massive geological formations from the boat.

Bird Watching: Observing the swiftlets that dart in and out of the cave's upper reaches.

Photography: Capturing the scale of the entrance and the play of light on the interior limestone walls.

Infrastructure & Amenities

There is no infrastructure at the site. It is a raw natural feature. All logistics are managed by the tour boat operators. Cellular signal is non-existent due to the surrounding rock.

Best Time to Visit

Operating Hours: Generally visited between 08:00 and 16:00 as part of organized tours.

Dry Season (December to May): Provides the calmest waters, allowing boats to get closer to the entrance for better views.

Rules

No Single-Use Plastics: Strictly prohibited on all boat tours.

Wildlife: Do not disturb the birds or their nests.

Safety: Follow the boat captain's instructions regarding distance from the cave entrance to avoid dangerous swells.

Nearby Landmarks

Cudugnon Cave: 0.5 km North.

Snake Island: 2.0 km North.

Pinagbuyutan Island: 4.0 km East.