“Travel light. Shoot right. And protect your gear like it’s your passport.”
Context Matters: First-Timer in El Nido
Let me first put this into context—many photographers will have their own gear preferences, and that’s perfectly okay. I’m a hobby photographer and this was my first island hopping adventure in El Nido. Prior to the trip, I was torn between fully enjoying the tour or taking decent photographs.
In the end, I went for both—and while I managed to do both fairly well, I know I could have done better if I focused on just one. Still, I walked away with memories, photos, and a new appreciation for gear that works best in salty, splash-heavy, high-noon-light environments.
So for photographing El Nido’s island hopping tours as a first-timer, here’s my essentials list:
📸 My Top 10 Island Hopping Photography Essentials
- Waterproof, Tightly Sealable Camera Backpack
A tightly sealed, waterproof backpack (like an Overboard Backpack) is ideal. You will get splashed. Worse, your gear could fall in. This is your first line of defense. - Lightweight, Interchangeable-Lens Compact Camera
If you can afford it, go for a compact camera with near-SLR quality. I used my Olympus EP3—a mirrorless camera—though I lacked the lenses I really needed. Still, it performed admirably. - Filters – Circular Polarizer & ND Filters
The sun is harsh by mid-morning. A polarizer helps tame reflections on water, and ND filters are a must for smooth motion and long exposures. - Portable Camera & Lens Cleaning Kit
Expect salt, sand, and splashes. Clean your gear before and after each shoot. Non-negotiable. - Lightweight, Sturdy Tripod
A carbon-fiber tripod is ideal (if budget allows). I brought my Benro Angel Series, which folds small and holds steady. - Small Waterproof, Submersible Camera or Action Cam
If you don’t have a waterproof casing for your main camera, a GoPro or similar action cam is fantastic for underwater and wet-action shots. - Extra Battery Packs
El Nido’s beauty is endless, and so are the shots you’ll want to take. Don’t get caught with a dead camera mid-tour. - Sling or Carabiners for Safety
I’m paranoid about gear loss. I always clip my camera strap to my body or a fixed point on the boat. Just be careful—metal carabiners near LCD screens can be risky. - Extra Memory Cards
I shoot a lot—300+ photos in one hop is typical. Bring at least one extra SD card. Cloud backup is great, but bulky. - Zip Locks with DIY Silicon Packs
Great for storing lenses and accessories, especially in between island stops. Moisture control is crucial in humid and wet environments.
🧠 Bonus Tips for Island Photography
Aside from gear, a solid understanding of geography, sun positioning, and local weather patterns can dramatically improve your shots. I’d also recommend:
- Research shot locations and angles before your trip.
- Time your shoot—a packed itinerary gives you only 15–30 minutes per island.
- Balance fun and function—sometimes the best photo is the one you didn’t plan.
✈️ Final Thoughts
I’ll definitely be back in El Nido—but next time with more prep, better light management, and fewer regrets about missed shots. If you’ve got other gear you swear by, drop them in the comments. Let’s make that island hop the best kind of adventure—for the soul and the shutter.
Filed under: Photography Gears | Tips & How-Tos
