Shimizu Island
A jewel of El Nido, Shimizu Island boasts powdery white sands, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds, pristine views
Shimizu Island
Best Time
Beat the crowds, pristine views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A jewel of El Nido, Shimizu Island boasts powdery white sands, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
"Captivating and beautiful, Shimizu Island is even more stunning than the pictures!"
Pack a Dry Bag
Keep your valuables safe and dry during boat transfers and water activities. Essential for island hopping! :handbag:
Bring Underwater Camera
Capture the vibrant marine life and clear waters. You'll want to remember this underwater paradise! :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pristine White Sand Beach
Main beach area
Sink your toes into soft, powdery white sand against a backdrop of dramatic limestone cliffs. Pure tropical bliss!
Crystal-Clear Snorkeling Waters
Offshore reefs
Dive into vibrant coral gardens teeming with colorful tropical fish. The water clarity is exceptional for underwater exploration.
Dramatic Limestone Formations
Surrounding cliffs
Marvel at the towering, sculpted limestone karsts that define the El Nido landscape and create a stunning natural amphitheater.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Island Hopping Tour Early
Respect Nature: Leave No Trace
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack a Dry Bag
Keep your valuables safe and dry during boat transfers and water activities. Essential for island hopping! :handbag:
Bring Underwater Camera
Capture the vibrant marine life and clear waters. You'll want to remember this underwater paradise! :camerawithflash:
Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, or buy from floating shops. The sun can be intense! :water_wave:
Snorkel Gear Recommended
While tours often provide gear, bringing your own ensures a comfortable fit and better experience. :diving_mask:
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack a Dry Bag
Keep your valuables safe and dry during boat transfers and water activities. Essential for island hopping! :handbag:
Bring Underwater Camera
Capture the vibrant marine life and clear waters. You'll want to remember this underwater paradise! :camerawithflash:
Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, or buy from floating shops. The sun can be intense! :water_wave:
Snorkel Gear Recommended
While tours often provide gear, bringing your own ensures a comfortable fit and better experience. :diving_mask:
Book Tour A
Shimizu Island is a key stop on the popular El Nido Tour A. Don't miss it! :ticket:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Shimizu Island is consistently praised for its breathtaking natural beauty, featuring pristine white sands and incredibly clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Visitors often highlight the stunning limestone cliffs and the vibrant marine life. While generally a highlight of El Nido tours, some find it can get crowded during peak times.
"First time to visit here, the shimizu island this place is super awesome and its even more captivating and beautiful than the pictures itself, white sand clear water you can see the bottom of the sea, sorrounded by beautiful water and rock formation..you need to ride a boat to get here..."
bhong sales jr
"Beautiful island! We had lunch here on our island-hopping private tour. Lovely place, and if you come early enough, there are no other people at all ☺️"
Martin Krzan
"The island is named after a Japanese pearl diver who lived in the area in the early twentieth century. It is an uninhabitable island but a very popular tourist spot on tours operated from El Nido."
Reza Sattarzadeh Nowbari
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Shimizu Island is accessible only by boat as part of island hopping tours from El Nido. Most tours, especially Tour A, include Shimizu Island as a stop. You'll typically depart from El Nido town proper. 
You can fly directly to El Nido (Lio Airport) from Manila, or fly to Puerto Princesa and take a 5-6 hour van ride. From El Nido town, boat tours are the way to go.
No, Shimizu Island is not accessible via public ferry. Access is exclusively through organized island hopping tours.
Yes, private boat rentals are available from El Nido. This offers more flexibility and a personalized experience, often including lunch.
The boat ride from El Nido town to Shimizu Island typically takes around 30-45 minutes, depending on sea conditions and the specific tour itinerary.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While there isn't a separate entrance fee for Shimizu Island itself, you will pay for the island hopping tour package, which covers access to multiple sites.
El Nido Tour A typically includes visits to Big Lagoon (or Small Lagoon), Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Seven Commando Beach. Lunch is usually provided.
Tours usually start in the morning, around 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM, and return by late afternoon, around 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Yes, booking tours online through platforms like Klook can be convenient and sometimes offers discounts. Use codes like NICKOM5KLOOK for potential savings.
Yes, there are usually environmental fees and terminal fees associated with island hopping tours in El Nido, which contribute to conservation efforts.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
Shimizu Island is perfect for swimming, sunbathing on its white sand beach, and especially snorkeling in its clear waters. Many tours also have lunch here.
Absolutely! Shimizu Island is renowned for its rich coral gardens and abundant tropical fish, making it a prime snorkeling spot.
Yes, the waters around Shimizu Island are calm and clear, making it ideal for swimming and wading.
While there are no permanent establishments, most island hopping tours provide lunch on their boats near Shimizu Island. You might also find a floating boat shop selling coconuts and drinks.
Light, quick-drying clothing, swimwear, a hat, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen are recommended. Don't forget a towel! :beachwithumbrella:
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the stunning white sand beach, the dramatic limestone cliffs, and the vibrant turquoise waters. The underwater scenes while snorkeling are also incredible.
Drones can offer breathtaking aerial views of the island and its surroundings, showcasing the scale of the limestone formations and the vastness of the ocean.
Morning light offers softer shadows and clearer skies, while afternoon light can create beautiful golden hues. Experiment to find your preference!
Generally, photography is allowed. However, be mindful of other visitors and respect any local guidelines.
A waterproof camera or action camera is ideal for underwater shots. A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a private tour if you have very young children or a larger family group. This allows for more flexibility with stops and meal times. Pack plenty of snacks, sunscreen, hats, and water to keep everyone comfortable throughout the day. The visual beauty of the island and the marine life will captivate younger travelers.
💰 Budget Travelers
While lunch is usually included, bringing your own snacks and a reusable water bottle can help save money. Compare prices from different vendors before booking, and be aware of any additional environmental or terminal fees. Traveling during the shoulder season might also yield better tour prices.
💑 Couples
Capture stunning sunset photos together on the beach, or enjoy a peaceful snorkel session exploring the underwater world. The natural beauty of Shimizu Island provides a perfect backdrop for creating lasting memories.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The El Nido Island Hopping Experience
+1When embarking on these tours, expect to spend most of your day on the water, hopping between breathtaking locations. The boats are typically traditional outriggers (bancas), providing a classic Filipino island experience. While tours are well-organized, it's wise to book in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure availability and potentially better pricing. Some travelers opt for private tours to avoid crowds and customize their itinerary, though this comes at a higher cost.
Remember that El Nido's natural beauty is fragile. Strict environmental regulations are in place, emphasizing the 'leave no trace' principle. This means you cannot take anything from the islands, including shells or corals, and you must bring all your trash back with you. Adhering to these rules helps preserve the pristine condition of places like Shimizu Island for future generations.
Snorkeling and Marine Life at Shimizu Island
Most island hopping tours will provide snorkeling gear, but if you're particular about fit or hygiene, bringing your own mask and snorkel is a good idea. The best snorkeling spots are typically found just off the main beach area, where the coral reefs begin. Even if you're not a strong swimmer, the shallow areas offer a glimpse into the marine life. Always snorkel responsibly, avoiding touching or stepping on corals.
Beyond the fish, the coral formations themselves are a sight to behold. These underwater structures provide essential habitats for marine life and contribute to the overall health of the ecosystem. The clarity of the water, combined with the abundance of marine biodiversity, makes snorkeling at Shimizu Island a truly unforgettable experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit