Small Lagoon | El Nido

Small Lagoon is a premier natural attraction in El Nido, Palawan, located on Miniloc Island. It is a key stop on the standard "Tour D" island-hopping itinerary, known for its tranquil atmosphere and dramatic geology.

Visual Characteristics

The lagoon is a compact, semi-enclosed body of turquoise water surrounded by sheer limestone karst walls. These cliffs are weathered and jagged, with patches of hardy tropical greenery clinging to the rock. The entrance is a narrow opening between two rock faces, often requiring visitors to swim or paddle through a small gap. Inside, the water is calm and exceptionally clear, revealing white sandy patches and coral formations on the floor.

Location & Access Logistics

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

Access: Reached via boat from El Nido town or Corong Corong Beach.

Transport:

Boat: Motorized outrigger boats (bangkas) anchor outside the narrow entrance.

Kayaking: Visitors typically rent kayaks from their tour boat to enter the lagoon.

Entry: Requires a valid Eco-Tourism Development Fee (ETDF) and a specific permit for Small Lagoon. Due to carrying capacity limits, advanced booking for a specific time slot is mandatory.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Geologically, the lagoon is a "sinkhole" or a collapsed cave system formed millions of years ago. The limestone walls are part of the El Nido-Taytay Managed Resource Protected Area. It serves as a sheltered environment for various marine species, including small reef fish and crustaceans that inhabit the crevices of the karst walls.

Key Highlights & Activities

Kayaking: The primary way to explore the interior. The narrow entrance makes paddling an immersive experience.

Swimming and Snorkeling: The shallow and calm waters are ideal for swimming. Snorkelers can observe small fish and unique rock formations underwater.

Cliff Diving: Some areas feature lower rock ledges where visitors occasionally engage in cliff jumping (verify safety and guide instructions first).

Photography: The narrow entrance and the towering vertical walls provide unique framing for landscape photography.

Infrastructure & Amenities

There is no permanent infrastructure within the lagoon to preserve its natural state. Tour boats provide life vests, snorkeling gear, and kayaks. Basic amenities like restrooms are only available on the tour boats themselves. 4G/5G cellular signals are generally blocked by the high limestone walls.

Best Time to Visit

Dry Season (December to May): Provides the best visibility and calmest sea conditions.

Time Slots: Morning slots often feature softer lighting, while midday sun illuminates the water to its brightest turquoise.

Low Tide: Can make the entrance more accessible for those swimming in, though kayaking may require more careful navigation through the shallowest points.

Rules

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

Timed Entry: Respect the allotted time (usually 30–60 minutes) to allow other permit holders to enter.

Safety: Wearing life vests is mandatory during boat transit and recommended while in the water.

Preservation: Do not touch or step on coral; do not take sand or rocks.

Nearby Landmarks

Big Lagoon: 0.8 km South.

Secret Lagoon: 1.2 km South.

Payong-Payong Beach: Located on the same island.