El Nido Group Tour A with Beach Lunch

The best part of this El Nido day trip is the mix of limestone lagoons and white-sand beaches packed into one boat outing. You move from the calm waters of Big Lagoon to Secret Lagoon’s narrow rock entrance, then finish with swimming and beach time at Seven Commando Beach.

I like the way the tour includes the two fees that can otherwise catch you by surprise: the P200 lagoon entrance and the P400 environmental fee, valid for 14 days. I also like the easy range of activities. You can kayak and snorkel when you want action, or simply swim and sit on the sand while lunch is prepared.

The main drawback is that the advertised price does not cover everything. Kayaks cost P400 per kayak for two people, masks and snorkels cost P100 per set, and drinks are extra. The boat can carry up to 50 people, so this is a group outing, not a quiet private cruise.

Key Points Before You Book

• Five major stops in about seven hours: Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Payong-Payong Beach, Secret Lagoon, and Seven Commando Beach.
• Big Lagoon is the headline stop: You can kayak through clear water beneath tall limestone cliffs, with about 90 minutes here.
• Beach lunch is included: Your midday meal is served on one of the beaches, but water and soda are not included.
• Plan for extra activity costs: A kayak is P400 for two people, while a mask and snorkel set costs P100.
• The group may reach 50 people: Expect a shared boat and a set schedule rather than a flexible private tour.
• Bring the right gear: A waterproof bag and footwear suitable for seawater will make boarding, swimming, and ladder climbing easier.

What the P2,500-Plus Price Really Covers

The listed price is $44.95 per person. Its value depends on how many of the included parts you would otherwise need to arrange yourself. You get town pickup, boat transport for the day, lagoon admission, the environmental fee, and lunch on the beach.

The P400 environmental fee is valid for 14 days, which is useful if you plan to take another permitted boat outing during that period. You are not paying it again for this tour, and the P200 lagoon charge is already handled as well.

The price is less all-inclusive than it first sounds. Add P200 for a shared kayak if you are splitting the P400 charge with another person. Add P100 for a mask and snorkel set if you do not bring your own. You will also need money for drinks.

I see this as a fair price for a first visit to El Nido, especially if you want the classic sights in one day. It is not the best choice if your priority is silence, privacy, or complete control over the schedule. A private boat would offer more freedom, but this group trip keeps the main costs predictable.

Pickup is offered within El Nido town. If you are staying outside town, an extra charge applies. The meeting time is 9:00 a.m., and the full outing lasts about seven hours.

Big Lagoon, El Nido’s Main Showpiece

Big Lagoon gets the longest first stop, about 90 minutes, and for good reason. The setting is simple and dramatic: clear turquoise water, steep limestone cliffs, and a quiet route that is best seen from a kayak.

Kayaking is an extra cost, but this is the place where it makes the most sense. A kayak gives you a low view across the water and lets you move at a gentle pace through the lagoon. The listed price is P400 per kayak for two people, so a pair can share the cost.

You can also swim and snorkel here. Still, do not expect the snorkeling to be the main event. The scenery and the calm paddle are the real attractions. If you have limited time or energy, save some strength for the later beaches.

The water entry matters. You may need to walk through shallow seawater to reach the boat or kayak, and getting in and out can involve a ladder. Wear shoes that can handle wet conditions, and keep cameras and phones in a waterproof bag.

For families, ask about smaller life jackets before the outing. That small request can make a big difference for young children. Do not assume the standard equipment will fit every child comfortably.

Shimizu Island and Its Modest Snorkeling

The boat then spends about 90 minutes at Shimizu Island. This stop is included in the schedule at no extra admission cost, and it is the main snorkeling break.

The water is clear, and you can look for coral and small tropical fish. Keep your expectations sensible. The snorkeling may be pleasant without being the strongest reef outing you have ever had. Fish can be small, and the number of fish may vary.

That does not make the stop pointless. Shimizu Island gives you time to get into the water, use the mask and snorkel, and enjoy the reef from a boat-based stop. It is a good fit if you want a light swim and a look below the surface, not a full-day marine expedition.

Masks and snorkels are available for P100 per set, but you can bring your own if you already have comfortable equipment. Check the fit before leaving the boat. A leaking mask will distract you during the short time available in the water.

The crew and boat driver have been helpful with swimmers and with people who need extra assistance. Even so, you should be ready to walk in the water and climb a ladder at each stop. Tell the crew early if you need a slower entry or help getting aboard.

Payong-Payong Beach for a Quieter Break

Payong-Payong Beach receives about an hour. After the more active lagoon and snorkeling stops, this is the place to slow down.

The beach is described by its powdery white sand, shallow clear water, limestone cliffs, and surrounding greenery. You can swim, sit on the sand, or simply enjoy the scenery without needing to rent an activity.

This stop also shows why the tour works as a full-day introduction to El Nido. It is not all paddling and snorkeling. You get a change of pace, which is welcome in the heat and gives you time to dry off before the next stop.

The timetable is fixed, so you will not have unlimited time here. If Payong-Payong is your favorite stop, you may wish the hour were longer. On the other hand, the short visit helps the tour fit five locations into one day.

Secret Lagoon Through the Limestone Opening

Secret Lagoon is one of the more unusual stops. You reach the enclosed pool through a small opening in a limestone wall. That entrance is part of the appeal, but it also means this is not a simple step-from-boat-to-beach stop.

Expect to walk through the water and climb a ladder during the boat stops. If mobility is an issue, ask for help from the crew and take your time. A relative or companion may also need to assist, since the access point can be more demanding than a normal beach landing.

Inside, the pool is surrounded by tall cliffs. The enclosed setting gives the visit a different feel from Big Lagoon, where the water opens beneath broad rock walls. You can swim and take in the unusual rock formation, but the time here is about 90 minutes, not an all-day stay.

Bring footwear with a secure fit. Flip-flops may be awkward in shallow water and on ladders. A waterproof pouch is also useful because you will be moving between the boat, the water, and the rocks.

Beach Lunch and the Final Stop at Seven Commandos

Lunch is served on the beach, making the midday break part of the setting rather than a stop at a restaurant. The supplied information does not specify the menu, so you should not book this expecting a particular dish. Drinks are not included, so carry extra money for water or soda.

Seven Commando Beach is the final scheduled stop and lasts about 90 minutes. It has white sand, clear blue water, and coconut palms along the shore. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or simply sit with a fresh coconut if one is available for purchase.

This is a strong finish because it gives you an easy choice after a busy day. You can get back in the water, take photographs from the beach, or rest until the boat is ready to leave. It is also a useful place to decide if you have had enough activity for one day.

Seven Commando is described as popular, so do not expect complete solitude. The beauty is still the point, but the beach can feel less private than Payong-Payong. If you prefer a calm end to the day, settle into a quiet patch of sand rather than trying to make this another major activity stop.

A Group Boat Means Shared Time

The maximum group size is 50 people. That number matters. Boarding, distributing equipment, entering the water, and returning to the boat can all take longer with a full group.

The upside is price. Shared transport keeps the tour affordable and makes it easy to cover the main Tour A stops without arranging a boat yourself. The crew also has a set plan, so you do not need to work out permits, entrance fees, and lunch on your own.

The tradeoff is flexibility. You cannot normally stay longer at one beach simply because you like it. The day follows the seven-hour schedule, with roughly 90 minutes at Big Lagoon, 90 minutes at Shimizu Island, one hour at Payong-Payong, 90 minutes at Secret Lagoon, and 90 minutes at Seven Commandos.

The crew has been helpful and attentive, including with older people and people with limited mobility. Still, this is a water-based outing with repeated boat access. Most people can participate, but you should be comfortable walking in shallow water and using a ladder, or be ready to request assistance.

Service animals are allowed, and the meeting area is near public transportation. The practical question is pickup. Free pickup is offered in El Nido town only, with an extra charge for pickup outside town.

What to Pack for This El Nido Day

A little preparation will save you trouble. I would bring:

• A waterproof bag for your phone, wallet, camera, and dry clothes
• Secure footwear suitable for seawater and ladders
• Sun protection
• A swimsuit and a dry change of clothes
• Cash for kayaks, snorkeling equipment, drinks, and optional beach purchases
• A reusable water bottle, since drinks are not included
• A small towel if you prefer to dry off between stops

If you plan to kayak, decide ahead of time who will share the boat with you. The P400 rate covers one kayak for two people, not two separate kayaks.

Families should request small life jackets in advance. Do not wait until boarding if you are traveling with small children. The usual equipment may not fit as well as you need.

Who Will Like This Tour Most?

I would choose this tour if you want El Nido’s famous sights in a single, organized day. It suits first-time visitors, couples who want both activity and beach time, and families who are comfortable with boats, water, and a shared schedule.

It also works well if you want to keep planning simple. The town pickup, environmental fee, lagoon admission, and beach lunch are already arranged. You only need to decide if you want to pay for a kayak or snorkeling equipment.

You may want a different arrangement if you dislike group tours or need a highly flexible pace. A 50-person maximum can feel busy, especially during boarding and popular stops. You should also think twice if climbing ladders and walking in the water are difficult for you, although the crew can assist.

The snorkeling is another point to weigh. It offers a pleasant look at coral and small fish, but the tour’s strongest sights are the limestone cliffs, lagoons, and beaches. Choose it for the full mix, not for exceptional reef viewing alone.

Cancellation and Weather Details

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the 9:00 a.m. start time for a full refund. Cancellations made within 24 hours are not refunded, and changes inside that window are not accepted.

The tour requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. Since the day depends on boat travel, this policy is worth noting before you commit to a tight schedule.

Should You Book El Nido Tour A?

Book it if you want a well-priced introduction to El Nido’s signature scenery and are happy sharing a boat with a large group. The combination of Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, two beaches, lunch, and included fees gives you a lot in seven hours.

Go in with the right expectations. Kayaking, snorkeling equipment, and drinks cost extra. The snorkeling may be fairly gentle, and the beach stops can be popular. Bring waterproof storage, proper footwear, and patience during boat transfers.

For most first visits, I think the tour offers solid value. Its best moments are the paddle through Big Lagoon, the small entrance into Secret Lagoon, and the final swim at Seven Commandos. If those sound better to you than a private, slow-paced boat day, this is a sensible way to see El Nido.

FAQ

How long does El Nido Tour A last?

The tour lasts approximately seven hours.

What time does the tour start?

The scheduled start time is 9:00 a.m.

Does the tour offer pickup?

Yes. Free pickup is offered within El Nido town. Pickup outside town may cost extra.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch on the beach is included. Drinks such as water and soda are not included.

Is the lagoon entrance fee included?

Yes. The P200-per-person lagoon entrance fee is included.

Is the environmental fee included?

Yes. The P400-per-person environmental fee is included and is valid for 14 days.

Are kayaks included?

No. A kayak costs P400 and is suitable for two people.

Are masks and snorkels included?

No. A mask and snorkel set costs P100.