FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
UPDATED JANUARY 2023
DO I HAVE TO BOOK IN ADVANCE?
Yes. the Local government has released new policies for tourist control in El Nido requiring all tour operators to apply for prior reservation (with very limited slots) and advance payment for their guest's entrance to certain areas and other facilitation fees, among others. Detailed proof of confirmed bookings (with guest's names and nationalities) are needed to be submitted to the authorities for the reservation of the slots.
WHAT COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS ARE IMPLEMENTED BY EL NIDO YACHTING CLUB?
We are prepared to welcome you back onboard where our safety standards have been updated to ensure the maximum enjoyment and safety for our guests.
Proper physical distancing
ENYC shall operate at less than 50% of the boat’s maximum pax capacity as of now to ensure observation of proper physical distancing of at least 1 meter.
Regular sanitizing of hands
Alcohol shall be sprayed on hands upon boarding.
Regular hand sanitizing is highly encouraged.
Face masks and face shields
Wearing of face masks and face shields are required during pickup, boarding, and disembarkation.
Staff and crew shall wear face masks at all times.
Temperature checks
Guests' temperatures shall be checked upon pickup and/or boarding the vessel.
Staff and crew’s temperature shall be monitored on a daily basis and they shall have regular swab tests to ensure the safety of the guests.
Guests who guests who show COVID-19 symptoms or whose temperature exceeds 37.5 degrees Celsius shall be refused boarding.
Disinfection of the service van and boats
Disinfection of the van and boats, especially high touch surfaces, shall be done regularly, at least once a day.
ARE DRINKS OR FOOD SERVED ON THE TRIP?
In compliance with local government regulations, FOOD is no longer included as part of the package offered by ALL tour operators.
Only establishments and restaurants that have complied with the health and safety regulations of the government may serve food.
Meantime, we encourage our guests to order pre-packed meals from CALA by FRANGIPANI EL NIDO.
Note: We may be able to *assist* you if needed, provided you inform us of at least a day before the tour.
CAN I BRING FOOD OR DRINKS ON THE TRIP?
YES, though corkage fees may apply depending on the type of food or drinks being brought on board.
EL NIDO TOURISM FAQ
El Nido Tourist Requirements & Guidelines | COVID-19 New Normal
Starting November 30, 2020, travelers from Manila can once again explore El Nido’s stunning beaches, majestic lagoons, and other scenic spots.
With the threat of COVID-19 pandemic, the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) and the Local Government Unit (LGU) has announced a set of guidelines and tourist requirements to follow before you make your way to this prime destination in the Philippines.
Who are allowed to go to El Nido?
El Nido in Palawan is now open tourists. There are no age restrictions for tourists planning to participate in leisure activities in El Nido.
What are the entry points in El Nido?
Domestic tourists can only enter via a direct flight to El Nido via our airline partner, AIRSWIFT. Take note that health assessment of visitors is mandatory upon entry in the port and exit at point of destination.
What are the guidelines and protocols to follow when you're in El Nido?
Once you're in El Nido, make sure you follow these safety protocols:
Minimum health standards
Tourists are still required to adhere to the minimum health standards.
Transport protocols
Tourists are allowed to leave their hotel and visit the islands to do some recreational activities like scuba diving or snorkeling as long as it’s part of the EL Nido tour packages handled by a DOT-accredited travel agency or tour operator.
Dining protocols
Guests can either take their meals at their hotel/resort.
Food establishments and restaurants must abide by the health and safety regulations of the government.
ACTIVITY FAQ
HOW LONG DO WE SNORKEL?
We allot at least an hour for snorkeling per island for our group tours. For our private charters, we accommodate the guests if they request to extend the length of their snorkeling activities.
DO YOU PROVIDE SNORKELING GEARS?
Yes, we provide snorkeling gears as add-ons. (For our add-on rates, please contact us directly.)
Guests are free to bring their own snorkeling gear.
DO YOU PROVIDE TOWELS?
Yes, we provide towels as add-ons. (For our add-on rates, please contact us directly.)
Guests are free to bring their own towels.
DO I NEED TO KNOW HOW TO SWIM?
It is recommended if you want to join in the swimming and snorkeling activities. However, we do have life jackets on board for the use of guests who don’t know how to swim. We also have our life guard and crew close by just in case the guest would need some assistance.
WHAT ABOUT THOSE WHO DOESN'T WANT TO SNORKEL?
For guests who don’t want to swim or snorkel, you could just stay on board the yacht and relax by laying in our bean bags as you feel the warm breeze on your skin and indulge in the beauty of El Nido. You may also talk to our Captain and crew if you want to learn more about El Nido and its many islands.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR AND WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
Pack like you are going to be spending the day at the beach! It would be wise to be in your swimwear and to bring hats, sunscreen and cameras. We also have towels on board which you can borrow during the tour.
IS THERE AN AVAILABLE BATHROOM?
Yes, our yachts are equipped with a restroom for your convenience. For our speedboat, we don’t have a bathroom on board but we have one in our private beach which you may use during the lunch break.
IS THERE ANY SHADE ON THE TOUR VESSELS?
Yes, we have shaded areas on our yachts so that you could take a break from the heat from time to time. Our Sea Frontier Wooden Yacht has an open-deck seating on its second level which is covered and shielded away from the sun. We have bean bags on board as well for your comfort as you cruise through El Nido in style. Our Seacret Catamaran Yacht has a big shaded area which has tables, cushioned seats and bean bags as well. Our Seaduction Speedboat has a roof which fully covers the entire vessel. The sun may still shine in from all sides of the vessels as it is open, that’s why we still recommend sunscreen.
ARE THE TOURS SUITABLE FOR PREGNANT WOMEN?
We allow pregnant woment to participate in our tours, as long as they can provide a written consent from their doctor allowing them to join us. They are however, highly discouraged to join our Seaduction Speedboat Tour as the ride could get quide a bit bumpy as it goes faster than our other vessels. For further inquiries, you may directly contact us at: +63 917 877 7869 or +63 917 555 8817
ARE THERE LIFE JACKETS AVAILABLE ON BOARD?
Yes, life jackets are available for the use of all passengers on board. While you are not required to wear a life jacket while on board, we have them on hand just in case you want to wear one all the time.
DO I NEED TO SIGN A LIABILITY WAIVER?
Yes, all participants must sign the liability waiver before the tour starts. Any participants below the age of eighteen must have an accompanying legal guardian who could sign the waiver on their behalf.
ARE THE VESSELS HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE?
Our vessels cannot accommodate wheelchairs and is not handicap accessible. Since we will be picking you up from the shore via our dinghies, it would be difficult to transfer you from the dinghy to the yacht, and we don’t want to risk your safety as it is our number one priority for our tours.
IS THIS TOUR GOOD FOR ALL AGES?
The tour is appropriate for all ages. Children one year old and up are allowed to join the tours, provided that they have a guardian with them at all times. We also highly discourage pregnant women and people with movement impairment from joining to ensure their safety.