the Philippines · 18 April 2024

Nacpan Beach

A day at Nacpan Beach near El Nido, lying on the soft white sand by turquoise water, then hiking up to a viewpoint looking along the coast.

We headed out to Nacpan Beach for its soft white sand and turquoise water. It’s about 17km from El Nido town, and the beach runs for roughly 4km. The beach has an “I Love Nacpan” sign, set in a heart.

Most of the day went on lying in the sun. Then we hiked up to a viewpoint for wide views along the coastline. From the air the beach is one long curve of white sand and turquoise water, with a few small islets offshore and outrigger boats along the shore.

Good to know

  • Nacpan Beach: it’s about 17km from El Nido town, 30 to 45 minutes by tricycle or scooter, and the beach is roughly 4km long. There’s no entrance fee.

We checked these details in October 2026. Times, prices and rules do change, so it’s worth a quick look at the official sites before you go.

See it on film

Most of our trips have a film on YouTube, from puffins on Skomer to the Drake Passage.

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