EL NIDO

  • Latitude: 11.1835
  • Longitude: 119.389
  • Philippines
  • Port in Philippines

Address: Philippines

El Nido Marine Port Overview

Location: El Nido is a municipality located on the northern part of Palawan Island in the Philippines. It is renowned for its pristine beaches, limestone cliffs, and clear blue waters, making it a popular destination for both tourists and maritime activities.

Port Type: El Nido mainly serves as a regional port and is a gateway for both commercial and recreational vessels. It is not a major commercial shipping port like Manila or Cebu, but it plays a crucial role in local tourism and transportation.

Facilities and Services:

  1. Docking Facilities:

    • The port has basic mooring facilities for small to medium-sized vessels, including outriggers (bangkas) and smaller ferries.
    • Motorized boats and tour boats also dock here to ferry tourists to various islands and beaches.
  2. Passenger Terminal:

    • El Nido port includes a modest passenger terminal that caters primarily to tourists and locals traveling between the islands.
  3. Cargo Handling:

    • Limited cargo-handling capabilities, mainly for supplies and goods needed by the town and surrounding areas.
  4. Maintenance and Repair:

    • Facilities for minor repair and maintenance can be found in the vicinity. However, major repairs would require going to more equipped locations like Puerto Princesa.
  5. Customs and Security:

    • Standard port security is in place. Being a local port, customs facilities are minimal and primarily focus on inter-island transport.

Navigation and Accessibility:

  1. Coordinates:

    • Latitude: 11.2017° N
    • Longitude: 119.5001° E
  2. Approach and Depth:

    • Approach to El Nido is generally straightforward but requires navigation around several islands and islets.
    • The depth alongside the harbor is suitable for small to medium-sized vessels.
  3. Weather Considerations:

    • The port is subject to tropical weather conditions, with a distinct dry season (November to May) and wet season (June to October).
    • Typhoons can occasionally affect the area, necessitating careful weather monitoring and contingency planning.

Environmental and Safety Practices:

  • The port area is sensitive due to its proximity to coral reefs and marine biodiversity hotspots. Strict adherence to environmental regulations is enforced to protect these natural resources.
  • Ecotourism principles are promoted to ensure the sustainability of the region's natural beauty.

Connectivity:

  • El Nido port is linked to other islands and coastal towns through regular boat services.
  • It is also relatively close to El Nido Airport (Lio Airport), which provides air connectivity to major cities like Manila.

Tourism and Activities:

  • A hub for island-hopping tours, diving, snorkeling, and other water activities.
  • Tour operators offer excursions to popular sites such as Bacuit Bay, which includes the Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, and various stunning beaches.

Development and Future Plans:

  • There is ongoing development to improve infrastructure and facilities to handle an increasing number of tourists.
  • Environmental sustainability projects are being implemented to balance development with conservation efforts.

It's essential to confirm the latest details and any updates or changes to the facilities and services, especially if planning a visit or maritime operation in the area.

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