Secret Lagoon | El Nido

Secret Lagoon is a popular natural attraction in El Nido, Palawan, located on the southern side of Miniloc Island. It is a staple of the standard "Tour A" island-hopping itinerary, famous for its hidden entrance and secluded atmosphere.

Visual Characteristics

The lagoon is a small, tidal pool completely enclosed by towering limestone karst walls. Access is through a narrow, circular hole in the rock face that requires visitors to crawl or crouch through. Inside, the water is generally shallower and cooler than the surrounding sea, with a sandy bottom and rocky perimeter. The towering cliffs create a "room" effect, blocking out much of the outside world and focusing light from directly above.

Location & Access Logistics

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

Access: Only reachable by boat from El Nido town or Corong Corong Beach.

Transport:

Boat: Motorized outrigger boats (bangkas) anchor near the rocky shore.

Walking/Swimming: Depending on the tide, visitors must swim or wade from the boat to the small hole in the limestone wall.

Entry: Requires a valid Eco-Tourism Development Fee (ETDF) permit. Entry is included in Tour A packages.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The lagoon is geologically a collapsed cave system. Millions of years of water erosion and tectonic activity created the hollow interior and the small aperture through which it is now accessed. Like the rest of the Bacuit Archipelago, the limestone is part of a massive Permian-age formation.

Key Highlights & Activities

The Crawl: Navigating the small opening in the rock is a signature part of the experience.

Secluded Swimming: The interior provides a quiet, calm environment for wading and soaking.

Photography: The dramatic transition from the open sea to the enclosed "secret" chamber offers unique photographic opportunities.

Beach Access: The area immediately outside the lagoon entrance features a small, white-sand beach (often called Secret Lagoon Beach) lined with coconut trees.

Infrastructure & Amenities

There is no permanent infrastructure within or around the lagoon to preserve its rugged state. Tour boats provide all necessary equipment, including life vests. Lunch is typically served by tour operators on the adjacent beach or on the boat. 4G/5G cellular signals are non-existent once inside the rock walls.

Best Time to Visit

Dry Season (December to May): Provides the safest sea conditions for the boat ride and the clearest water.

Low Tide: The preferred time for visiting, as the entrance hole is fully exposed and easier to crawl through. During high tide, visitors may have to swim through the opening, which can be difficult due to waves.

Morning: Early morning visits help avoid the significant queues that can form at the narrow entrance during peak tour hours.

Rules

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

Footwear: Aqua shoes are highly recommended as the rocks around the entrance can be sharp and slippery.

Safety: Follow guide instructions closely when entering and exiting the hole to avoid head injuries or scratches.

Nearby Landmarks

Big Lagoon: 1.5 km North.

Shimizu Island: 1.0 km East.

Payong-Payong Beach: 0.5 km North.