The Magic of El Nido
Diving into the Magic of El Nido
Hello, fellow divers and ocean lovers! Today, I want to take you on a journey to my favorite diving destination so far—El Nido, Philippines. This stunning spot has captivated my heart with its crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and unforgettable adventures both above and below the surface.
EL Nido Beach - Palawan
The Underwater Wonders
El Nido was where I really got to cut my teeth with underwater photography equipment. I got my first go pro and a bunch of different accessories and filters to try out. And whilst I didn’t get the best photos and videos at all times, I had so much fun working it all out; figuring out what worked and what didn’t. After my dives in El Nido, I had a much clearer picture in my head of what I wanted to do, and knew I had to go back to the drawing board and figure it out for the next trip. That being said, Diving in El Nido is like stepping into an underwater paradise. On my dives, I was fortunate enough to encounter a variety of incredible marine creatures. Swimming alongside graceful turtles and watching them glide effortlessly through the water was a humbling experience that I will never forget. Waiting patiently and watching, while trying my hardest not to startle them is a really relaxing way to spend a morning. Thankfully, one of them decided it was time for lunch, and I managed to get a cool video of me swimming next to him while he munches away at the sea floor.
Did you know that turtles can hold their breath for hours at a time while they’re resting, just fascinating.
The colorful nudibranchs, with their intricate designs, were a delight to photograph and added a touch of surreal beauty to each dive. Nudibranchs are often called the butterflies of the sea due to their stunning and colorful appearances. One particularly intriguing fact is that some nudibranchs can incorporate toxins and stinging cells from their prey into their own tissues as a defense mechanism. This means they can become poisonous or stinging themselves; the ultimate aliens.
Another really cool thing I saw on this dive was the electric disco clam, also known as the Ctenoides ales. It gets its nickname from its unique light display. The "disco" effect is actually created by the reflective tissues on the inside of their mantle (look for the bright orange alien about half way through the next video). When the clam opens and closes its shell, it creates a flashing light that looks like an underwater disco party. This light show is believed to help deter predators and may even play a role in communication.
Above the Surface
El Nido isn’t just about the underwater magic. The area offers endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. One of my favorite activities was taking island trips and kayaking to remote locations. The scenery is breathtaking, with limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and crystal-clear water that makes you feel like you’re in a dream.
Community and Conservation
Another highlight of my time in El Nido was the incredible people I met. Divers from all over the world gather here, and I had the pleasure of sharing experiences and stories with many of them. One particularly memorable experience was participating in a reef clean-up dive. Alongside an amazing crew, we collected bags of trash, contributing to the conservation efforts to keep these beautiful waters pristine and out of the mouths of the magnificent turtles I was swimming with the day before.
Accommodation Experiences
The adventure didn’t stop at the water's edge. Initially, I stayed at a local inn organized by the dive shop due to a last-minute cancellation of my first booking. The Inn was called Forever Blessed Inn, and was right in the heart of El Nido town. It was cute and had air con and a comfy bed, and the owner brought round fresh coffee first thing in the morning which was great! While it was a bit of a hiccup, it turned into a serendipitous experience.
Forever Blessed Inn - El Nido
After some online sleuthing, I found the lovely Doublegem Beach Resort and Hotel in Corong Beach for the remainder of my time in El Nido. This place was basic yet very comfortable, with extremely helpful staff and clean amenities. One of the highlights of staying here was the spectacular sunsets over the water. Right at the doorstep of the hotel, I could relax on a sun lounger by the pool with a cold beer, watching the sun dip below the horizon. It just goes to show that you don't need to spend a lot of money to have unique and beautiful experiences.
A Culinary Delight
El Nido’s food scene is vibrant and upcoming, taking full advantage of the freshest seafood and showcasing great local talent. One of my favorite spots for dinner was DRYFT Fish. Their amazing ceviche was always a highlight, blending fresh, local ingredients into a perfect dish. Another gem was Sultans of Shawarma, where I had the pleasure of meeting Kaine, the owner, on their opening night. I was spoilt with some of the best shawarma I’ve ever tried, a true testament to the burgeoning culinary talent in El Nido.
Why El Nido?
El Nido’s charm lies in its perfect blend of natural beauty, vibrant marine life, and a strong sense of community and conservation. It’s a place where you can lose yourself in the wonders of the ocean, while also finding a purpose in protecting it. Whether you're exploring underwater marvels, indulging in the local cuisine, or paddling to secret spots, every moment in El Nido is filled with magic.
I hope this post inspires you to visit El Nido and experience its wonders for yourself. Stay tuned for more stories and diving adventures. Let’s continue to explore and protect our oceans together!
ps. here’s another video of the disco clam in case you missed it earlier!
Happy diving!
Mark
