Beach Comparison Guide
Nacpan Beach vs Las Cabanas: Which Should You Choose?
El Nido offers some of the Philippines' most stunning beaches, but two consistently top travelers' lists: Nacpan Beach and Las Cabanas Beach. While both deliver that quintessential tropical paradise experience, they cater to different preferences. Here's how to choose.
The Quick Verdict
Choose Nacpan Beach if you want:
- • Four kilometers of pristine, uncrowded shoreline
- • A peaceful, laid-back atmosphere
- • Natural beauty with minimal development
- • Space to spread out and escape crowds
- • Surfing and bodyboarding opportunities
Choose Las Cabanas if you want:
- • Close proximity to El Nido town (5 minutes)
- • Famous sunset views
- • More restaurants and bars beachfront
- • Calmer waters ideal for swimming
- • Easy access without long travel time
Location & Accessibility
Nacpan Beach
Located 17 kilometers north of El Nido town, Nacpan Beach requires a 45-minute journey along a scenic coastal road. The distance keeps crowds at bay but requires planning. Most visitors hire a tricycle (₱800-1,200 round trip) or rent a motorbike. The journey itself offers stunning coastal views that preview the beauty awaiting you.
Las Cabanas Beach
Just 4 kilometers southwest of El Nido town center, Las Cabanas is easily accessible via a quick 10-minute tricycle ride (₱100-150) or a pleasant 30-minute walk. Its proximity makes it the go-to choice for travelers staying in El Nido proper who want beach time without committing to a full day trip.
Distance Comparison:
Nacpan: 17km, 45 minutes • Las Cabanas: 4km, 10 minutes
Beach Atmosphere & Crowds
Nacpan Beach
Nacpan's four-kilometer stretch means you can always find a quiet spot, even during peak season. The beach maintains a wonderfully undeveloped feel, with just a handful of simple restaurants and accommodation options. Expect a tranquil, almost untouched atmosphere where nature takes center stage. Most visitors are day-trippers who arrive late morning and leave before sunset, making early mornings and late afternoons particularly serene.
Las Cabanas Beach
Las Cabanas has a more developed, social atmosphere. Multiple beach bars, restaurants, and loungers line the shore, creating a lively buzz, especially during sunset. The beach is compact—around 500 meters—which concentrates visitors. It's busiest from 4pm onward when sunset seekers arrive, with crowds thinning considerably outside these peak hours. The vibe is social and energetic rather than secluded.
Water Conditions & Activities
Nacpan Beach
Nacpan faces the open sea, resulting in more wave action—perfect for surfing, bodyboarding, and playing in the surf. During the dry season (November-May), conditions are generally calm enough for swimming, but waves pick up during the monsoon months. The beach's length and natural sand make it ideal for long walks, beach volleyball, and simply sprawling out with a book.
Las Cabanas Beach
Sheltered by surrounding islands, Las Cabanas offers consistently calm, shallow waters—excellent for swimming, especially with children. The beach is shorter and more compact, limiting long walks but providing a cozy, intimate setting. Activities center around swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking. The gentle waters and beachfront services make it more relaxed and less adventurous than Nacpan.
Activity Comparison
Best at Nacpan:
Surfing, bodyboarding, long beach walks, solitude
Best at Las Cabanas:
Swimming, sunset watching, socializing, convenience
Facilities & Services
Nacpan Beach
Limited but sufficient facilities keep Nacpan feeling natural. Several simple beach shacks serve Filipino dishes, fresh seafood, and cold drinks. Restrooms and basic changing facilities are available. Accommodation options are modest—a few guesthouses and beachfront cottages. This minimalism is part of Nacpan's charm, but don't expect extensive services or luxury amenities.
Las Cabanas Beach
Well-developed with multiple restaurants, beach bars, and resorts lining the shore. Many establishments offer beach loungers, umbrellas, and table service. Bathrooms, showers, and changing rooms are readily available. Several accommodations range from budget hostels to upscale resorts. The variety of dining and service options makes Las Cabanas convenient for all-day visits.
Sunset Views
Las Cabanas wins this category decisively. The beach faces west and is framed by dramatic limestone karsts, creating Instagram-worthy sunset silhouettes. It's considered one of El Nido's premier sunset spots, with many visitors arriving solely for this spectacle.
Nacpan Beach faces northwest, offering pleasant but less dramatic sunsets. The expansive horizon and absence of framing islands create a different, more open vista. Beautiful, but not the postcard sunset experience Las Cabanas provides.
Cost Considerations
Transportation costs favor Las Cabanas (₱100-150 vs ₱800-1,200 for Nacpan). However, once there, prices are comparable for food and drinks. Las Cabanas accommodation tends to be pricier due to proximity to town, while Nacpan offers more budget-friendly options. Overall, visiting Las Cabanas costs less if you're based in El Nido town.
Which Beach is Right for You?
Choose Nacpan if you're a:
- • Nature lover: Prioritizing pristine, undeveloped beauty
- • Peace seeker: Want to escape crowds and find tranquility
- • Beach explorer: Enjoy long walks on expansive shorelines
- • Wave rider: Looking for surf and bodyboarding opportunities
- • Patient traveler: Don't mind the 45-minute journey
Choose Las Cabanas if you're a:
- • Sunset chaser: Spectacular evening views are a priority
- • Convenience seeker: Value easy access and minimal travel time
- • Social traveler: Enjoy a lively beach atmosphere
- • Calm water swimmer: Prefer gentle conditions over waves
- • Short-stay visitor: Want a quick beach fix without a day commitment
Pro Tip: Visit Both
If you're spending several days in El Nido, visit both beaches. Dedicate a full day to Nacpan Beach for the pristine natural experience, then catch sunset at Las Cabanas another evening. They offer distinctly different experiences—both worth your time.
Plan Your Nacpan Beach Visit
Ready to experience Nacpan's four kilometers of paradise? Explore our detailed guides: