Seven Commandos Beach
El Nido, Palawan, Philippines
A picture-perfect island beach in El Nido's Bacuit Archipelago — dazzling white sand, swaying palms, and impossibly clear turquoise water.
El Nido, Palawan, Philippines
A picture-perfect island beach in El Nido's Bacuit Archipelago — dazzling white sand, swaying palms, and impossibly clear turquoise water.
Location
Bacuit Archipelago, El Nido
Best For
Families, Quiet Relaxation, Swimming
Water Temp
28–30°C year-round
Crowds
Busy at midday during dry season
Access
Boat only — part of El Nido Tour A
Facilities
Basic huts, bamboo chairs, toilets
Seven Commandos Beach is one of the jewels of El Nido's famous Tour A, and among the most photographed beaches in the entire Philippines. Named after seven Filipino soldiers who reputedly hid here during World War II, it lies tucked within the Bacuit Archipelago on a small island accessible only by boat. The beach is a perfect crescent of powdery white sand backed by a grove of coconut palms and towering limestone cliffs that plunge directly into the sea.
The water here is extraordinary — multiple shades of turquoise shifting to deeper blues further out, with visibility reaching 15 metres on calm days. The bay is well-sheltered by surrounding islands, making the sea consistently calm and safe for swimming, even for young children. While the beach itself is small — perhaps 200 metres long — it feels like a private paradise when you arrive early before the main tour boats land. A small bamboo restaurant serves cold drinks and basic snacks.
The beach is included in El Nido's Tour A circuit, which also visits the famous Big and Small Lagoons, Secret Lagoon, and Shimizu Island. Tours depart each morning from El Nido town and include a bangka (outrigger boat), a guide, and typically a lunch stop. Despite being part of a tour, the beach maintains its natural character and is one of those rare places that genuinely exceeds expectations in photographs — it looks exactly like paradise because it is.
By boat only — join a Tour A from El Nido town (₱1,200–1,500). Tours depart from the main beach each morning. Private tours are available for more flexibility. Not accessible by any other means.
November to May for calm seas and bright sunshine. January–March is ideal. The beach is calmest and least crowded in the early morning when boats first arrive. Avoid June–October monsoon season when waves make boat travel dangerous.
Book tours in advance during peak season (Dec–Apr). Bring reef-safe sunscreen. The pale sand and clear water make it ideal for photography in the morning light. Combine with a snorkel at Secret Lagoon and a swim at the Big Lagoon on the same tour.