Papaya Beach, El Nido - Image 1
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Papaya Beach

4.7
·654 reviews·El Nido, Philippines

A hidden paradise in El Nido with pristine white sands, clear waters, and vibrant snorkeling, best reached by kayak for a secluded escape.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning

Quieter before tour boats arrive

CrowdLow
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Papaya Beach, El Nido - Image 1

Papaya Beach

Best Time

Morning

Quieter before tour boats arrive

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A hidden paradise in El Nido with pristine white sands, clear waters, and vibrant snorkeling, best reached by kayak for a secluded escape.

4.7
(654 reviews)

"Highly recommend renting a kayak and visiting at your own pace! Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

Kayak for Seclusion

Rent a kayak from Corong Corong for a peaceful arrival and to avoid tour crowds. :kayak:

Snorkel Paradise

Bring your gear! Fantastic snorkeling with turtles and Nemo fish awaits. :fish:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pristine White Sands

Pristine White Sands

Powdery white sand meets crystal-clear turquoise waters for an idyllic tropical escape.

Vibrant Snorkeling

Vibrant Snorkeling

Nearshore reefs

Discover colorful coral reefs, diverse fish species (including Nemo!), and even sea turtles.

Reddit
Secluded Serenity

Secluded Serenity

Escape the crowds by kayaking here, offering a peaceful retreat away from busy tour routes.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds: Kayak to Papaya Beach

While Papaya Beach is part of popular El Nido tours, renting a kayak from Corong Corong beach offers a more secluded experience. Paddle for about 30 minutes to reach this hidden gem and enjoy its pristine sands without the tour boat rush. TikTokInstagram

Your El Nido Island Escape

Papaya Beach boasts white sands and clear waters, perfect for a relaxing day. It's a great spot for snorkeling with vibrant marine life and even turtles. Consider it for your El Nido itinerary! InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Morning
Why
Quieter before tour boats arrive
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Vendor available for snacks
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#elnido #papayabeach #island #beach #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp
@ejmllo03
328.7K likes • 15.4M views

Kayak for Seclusion

Rent a kayak from Corong Corong for a peaceful arrival and to avoid tour crowds. InstagramReddit :kayak:

Snorkel Paradise

Bring your gear! Fantastic snorkeling with turtles and Nemo fish awaits. Reddit :fish:

Replying to @christi732 #beach #elnido #island #papayabeach #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp
@ejmllo03
26.2K likes • 1.2M views
Papaya Beach Vibes! Resturant and Bar NOW OPEN! @papayabeachja
papayabeachja
0 likes • 5.9K views

Hydration Station

A vendor sells cold drinks and snacks on the beach. Reddit :tropical_drink:

Part of Tour B

This beach is often included in El Nido Tour B. Reddit :boat:

Nothing like being by the ocean 📌 @thefunnylionelnido’s papaya beach Book your much needed vacation 🏝️✨ Use the code CHELSEAXKLOOK/CHELSEAXHOTELS to get discounts on transfers, hotels, and activities on Klook website or app!
chelseamaey
0 likes • 10.8M views

Tips

from all over the internet

Kayak for Seclusion

Rent a kayak from Corong Corong for a peaceful arrival and to avoid tour crowds. InstagramReddit :kayak:

Snorkel Paradise

Bring your gear! Fantastic snorkeling with turtles and Nemo fish awaits. Reddit :fish:

Hydration Station

A vendor sells cold drinks and snacks on the beach. Reddit :tropical_drink:

Part of Tour B

This beach is often included in El Nido Tour B. Reddit :boat:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(654 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Papaya Beach is lauded for its pristine white sands, crystal-clear waters, and excellent snorkeling opportunities, including sightings of turtles and diverse fish. Many visitors appreciate the option to kayak for a more secluded experience, escaping the crowds of popular tour spots. While a vendor offers refreshments, some wish for more variety. InstagramReddit

"Another great beach to kayak to from Coring Corong beach. It can be a bit choppy if the wind is up. But their is a vendor on the beach that sells cold drinks and snacks.
The snorkelling is fantastic nice corals,fish and turtles. Lots of shade and silica white sand with a dramatic cliff and rainforest backdrop. Highly recommend visiting this beach!"

michael wendt

"Great beach is part of tour b.
We have a free ride from our hotel.
But you can do it with kayak or ask in the port a boat"

yaron ashual

"Accessible by kayak, we were the only people on this beach. This site is incredibly well maintained and clean."

Daniel DuPlessis

What People Like

Pristine white sand
Excellent snorkeling
Secluded atmosphere (via kayak)

What People Dislike

Limited snack variety

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Papaya Beach is most famously reached by renting a kayak from Corong Corong beach, which takes about 30 minutes. InstagramReddit It's also accessible via boat tours, often as part of El Nido Tour B. Reddit Some visitors mention getting a free ride from their hotel, so inquire locally. Reddit

Yes, Papaya Beach is accessible by boat and is a common stop on El Nido island hopping tours, particularly Tour B. Reddit

Absolutely! Kayaking from Corong Corong beach is a popular and recommended way to visit Papaya Beach, offering a more private experience. InstagramReddit

The kayak trip from Corong Corong beach to Papaya Beach typically takes around 30 minutes. Instagram

Yes, Papaya Beach is often included in El Nido island hopping tours, with Tour B being a common option. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Information regarding specific entrance fees for Papaya Beach is not widely available, but it's often included in tour packages or accessible via kayak rentals. Reddit

As a natural beach, Papaya Beach doesn't have official opening hours. However, it's best visited during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment. TikTokInstagram

Yes, Papaya Beach is frequently included in El Nido island hopping tours, such as Tour B. You can book these through local tour operators or online platforms. Reddit

While generally open, it's good to be aware that boats are sometimes restricted from stopping directly at Papaya Beach, encouraging kayak access. Instagram

Yes, independent visits are highly recommended, especially by renting a kayak, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Reddit

🎫 🏝️ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and excellent snorkeling with diverse marine life. Reddit Some visitors also mention beach games. Instagram

Snorkeling at Papaya Beach is highly rated, with clear waters revealing beautiful corals, various fish species, and even sea turtles. Reddit

Specific facilities like restrooms and showers are not commonly mentioned. It's advisable to come prepared and use facilities before or after your visit. Instagram

The sand at Papaya Beach is described as silica white and powdery, contributing to its pristine beauty. InstagramReddit

When accessed by kayak, Papaya Beach is often much quieter than nearby popular spots like Seven Commandos Beach. Instagram+1 Tour boats do visit, so timing your visit can help. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a vendor on the beach that sells cold drinks and snacks, though the variety might be limited. Reddit

Bringing your own food and drinks is generally a good idea, especially if you want more options than what the beach vendor offers. Reddit

Papaya Beach has a restaurant and bar that is now open, offering dining options for visitors. Instagram

The restaurant at Papaya Beach offers a variety of food and drinks, catering to beachgoers. Instagram

Specific dietary options are not detailed, but it's recommended to inquire directly with the restaurant or vendor upon arrival. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the stunning white sand, crystal-clear waters, dramatic limestone cliffs, and lush rainforest backdrop. The drone footage often highlights the beach's beauty. Instagram+1

Yes, drone footage of Papaya Beach showcases its secluded beauty and surrounding dramatic landscapes, offering unique aerial perspectives. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon often provides softer light for photography, and can also coincide with fewer visitors. TikTok

Absolutely! The clear waters make it ideal for underwater photography of the vibrant fish and turtles. Reddit

The dramatic limestone cliffs that frame the beach are a significant photographic element, adding to its picturesque scenery. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Papaya Beach can be a wonderful spot for families, especially if you opt for a kayak trip. The calm, clear waters are generally safe for children to paddle and swim in. Reddit The opportunity to see fish and potentially turtles while snorkeling can be incredibly exciting for kids. Reddit Consider packing plenty of snacks and drinks, as the vendor's selection might be limited. Reddit The beach's natural beauty and the adventure of reaching it by kayak make for a memorable family outing. Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, kayaking to Papaya Beach is an excellent option. Renting a kayak is often more affordable than joining a full island hopping tour, and it allows you to control your spending. InstagramReddit While there's a vendor selling refreshments, bringing your own food and water can further reduce costs. Reddit This approach lets you experience the beauty of Papaya Beach without breaking the bank. TikTok

💖 Couples & Relaxation Seekers

Papaya Beach is an ideal destination for couples seeking a romantic and tranquil escape. Renting a kayak offers a private journey to this secluded paradise, perfect for enjoying each other's company amidst stunning natural beauty. InstagramReddit Spend your day lounging on the powdery white sand, swimming in the clear turquoise waters, or exploring the vibrant underwater world together. Reddit The peaceful atmosphere, away from the main tourist hubs, makes it a perfect spot for relaxation and connection. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Accessing Papaya Beach: Kayak vs. Tours

Papaya Beach offers a dual access experience, catering to different traveler preferences. For those seeking solitude and a more intimate connection with the environment, renting a kayak from nearby Corong Corong beach is the recommended route. This 30-minute paddle allows you to arrive at your own pace, often finding yourself with the beach almost entirely to yourself. InstagramReddit This method bypasses the typical tour boat traffic, providing a truly tranquil escape. Instagram

Alternatively, Papaya Beach is a popular inclusion on El Nido island hopping tours, most notably Tour B. Reddit While this offers convenience and a structured itinerary, it means sharing the beach with other tour groups. Visitors on tours might not get to linger as long or experience the same level of quiet as independent kayakers. Reddit Ultimately, the choice depends on whether you prioritize a peaceful, self-guided exploration or a more organized, group-based adventure. TikTok

Underwater Wonders: Snorkeling at Papaya Beach

The waters surrounding Papaya Beach are a haven for marine life, making it a prime spot for snorkeling enthusiasts. Visitors consistently rave about the fantastic snorkeling opportunities, highlighting the abundance of colorful coral reefs teeming with diverse fish species. Reddit Keep an eye out for the iconic clownfish (Nemo!) and, if you're lucky, you might even spot majestic sea turtles gliding through the clear waters. Reddit

While a vendor on the beach sells some drinks and snacks, it's advisable to bring your own snorkeling gear to ensure a comfortable and personalized experience. Reddit The visibility is generally excellent, allowing for clear views of the underwater spectacle. Whether you arrive by kayak or on a tour, dedicating time to explore the underwater world at Papaya Beach is a must-do activity. Reddit

The Papaya Beach Experience: Beyond the Sand

Papaya Beach offers more than just its stunning sandy shores. The beach is framed by dramatic limestone cliffs and backed by lush rainforest, creating a picturesque and immersive natural setting. Instagram This dramatic backdrop adds to the visual appeal and provides a sense of seclusion and adventure. Instagram

For those looking for refreshments, a vendor on the beach offers cold drinks and snacks, providing a convenient way to stay hydrated and fueled. Reddit Additionally, Papaya Beach now features a restaurant and bar, expanding the amenities available to visitors. Instagram This means you can enjoy a meal or a drink with a view, enhancing the overall beach experience. Whether you're relaxing on the sand, exploring the underwater world, or enjoying a meal, Papaya Beach provides a well-rounded tropical getaway. Instagram