El Nido: Big Lagoon Kayaking & Island Adventure

Big Lagoon is the star here. You paddle across calm turquoise water beneath towering limestone walls, then trade the kayak for coral gardens, a beach picnic, and a swim at Secret Lagoon. Guides such as Arnold, Anderson, and Ken Kyle help keep the day lively.

I like the excellent mix of scenery and activity, and I like that lunch includes fish, chicken, prawns, noodles, rice, vegetables, and fruit. The main caution is crowding. Tour A is El Nido’s most popular route, and you may wait for a kayak or spend less time at each beach than you hoped.

Key points to know before booking

• Big Lagoon kayaking: Kayaks are not included, so budget 300 PHP for a two-seat kayak or 350 PHP for a three-seat kayak.
• Four famous stops: The route includes 7 Commandos Beach, Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Secret Lagoon.
• Snorkeling may shift: Sea conditions can move the snorkeling stop to Advance or South Miniloc.
• Lunch by the water: Shimizu Island serves a Filipino-style picnic with seafood, chicken, vegetables, rice, noodles, and fruit.
• Bring proper footwear: Water shoes or sandals with straps are useful at Secret Lagoon, where the rocky seabed can make entry awkward.
• Extra fees matter: The 400 PHP environmental fee and 200 PHP Big Lagoon access fee are separate from the advertised $23 price.

Why Big Lagoon makes this six-hour trip special

El Nido’s limestone islands are best seen from the water. At Big Lagoon, the boat brings you close to the entrance, and you continue by kayak across broad, quiet water enclosed by steep karst cliffs. The scale changes as you paddle. The lagoon feels peaceful in one moment, then almost enclosed when the rock walls rise around you.

The kayaking time is listed at about 105 minutes, although the exact rhythm depends on boat traffic, kayak availability, and sea conditions. You can paddle at an easy pace, stop for photos, and look for the small cave that can be reached by kayak. The water is the main attraction, so this stop rewards patience more than speed.

A practical point: kayak rental is extra. A two-seat kayak costs 300 PHP, and a three-seat kayak costs 350 PHP. Sharing keeps the cost low and makes sense for couples or families, though you should be ready to paddle together. If all kayaks are in use when you arrive, the crew may rearrange the order and return later. That can protect the rest of the day, but it can also create waiting time.

7 Commandos Beach starts the day softly

The first major stop is 7 Commandos Beach, with about an hour for sightseeing, swimming, sunbathing, and taking in the palm-lined shore. This is a good introduction to the trip because you can step off the boat, stretch your legs, and settle into island time before the more active lagoon stop.

The beach is known for powdery white sand and clear water. You may also find a swing, space to lounge, and drinks available for purchase. An hour sounds generous until you add swimming, photos, walking, and simply sitting under the palms. I would choose one priority rather than trying to do everything.

This is also where the schedule can feel tight. Some people want more time here, especially if the water is calm and the beach is pleasant. The tradeoff is simple: more time at 7 Commandos means less time elsewhere. Since the route has four headline stops, the crew has to keep the boat moving.

Shimizu Island combines snorkeling and lunch

Shimizu Island receives roughly 105 minutes, making it the longest listed stop. That time covers snorkeling and lunch, so you should expect a fairly full visit rather than a slow beach break.

The snorkeling area offers colorful coral and plenty of tropical fish. The crew provides masks and snorkels, plus life jackets. If conditions are not suitable, snorkeling may take place at Advance or South Miniloc instead. That flexibility is useful because the best water conditions can change from day to day.

You do not need to bring a full picnic. Lunch includes grilled fish, chicken, prawns, Filipino noodles, rice, vegetables, and fruit such as melon. The meal is served on the beach, which makes it one of the better value points in the package. You get a proper midday meal rather than a token snack.

There are two things to keep in mind. First, food is served for a group, and popular dishes can go quickly. If you are hungry, do not wait too long before eating. Second, vegetarian choices may be limited to rice, noodles, and vegetables. If you do not eat meat or seafood, bring snacks and tell the operator before the trip if possible. Snacks are also recommended in the tour instructions.

The included drinking water is one 330-milliliter bottle served at lunch. That is not much for six hours in the sun, so bring additional water. Drinks and snacks may also be available for purchase on the boat, but you should carry cash.

Secret Lagoon requires careful footing

Secret Lagoon is a short but memorable stop, scheduled for about 45 minutes. You enter through a small opening in the limestone and reach a natural pool enclosed by rock. The entrance is part of the fun, but it is also the least effortless part of the tour.

The route can be difficult if you cannot swim. Crew members may help pull you toward the entrance, but you still need to manage the rocks and other people in the water. Water shoes are the best choice, and sandals with straps are a reasonable backup. Loose flip-flops can float away, and bare feet are not ideal on the rocky floor.

Water shoes can be rented for 100 PHP per pair. Fins cost 150 PHP per pair, though fins are not always necessary for the lagoon itself. I would prioritize secure footwear over fins.

Forty-five minutes is enough to see the lagoon and take photos, but not enough for a long, quiet stay if the area is busy. Keep your belongings compact and waterproof. A waterproof camera is listed among the suggested items, and it makes sense here because the entrance and water are the focus.

The boat crew shapes the day

The tour includes a licensed tourist boat, licensed captain, professional crew, and licensed local guide. That matters in El Nido because getting on and off the boat can involve water, rocks, and a little awkward balancing. The crew helps passengers board and leave the boat, which adds reassurance for anyone who is not used to island-hopping boats.

The guide is also a large part of the atmosphere. Arnold has been singled out for keeping the mood light, while Anderson and Ken Kyle are also named as funny, engaging guides. Expect an energetic style rather than a quiet nature lecture. You can ask for information about the places, although the amount of explanation may vary by guide and by how busy the day is.

English is the listed tour language. A private group option is available, but the supplied information does not state its price or exact group size. Ask for those details before booking if you want more control over the pace.

Crowds are the real tradeoff

Tour A is popular for good reason, but popularity affects the experience. Big Lagoon can run short of available kayaks, and the boat may need to return more than once before everyone gets on the water. The crew can visit another stop while waiting, yet the schedule may feel more like a carefully managed circuit than a private escape.

The boat itself can also feel crowded. At the main stops, several boats may arrive around the same time, especially at Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon. Photos are still possible, but you may need patience and a willingness to let a busy moment pass.

This is not a flaw unique to this operator. The famous stops are famous because they are beautiful. If you want to see the classic El Nido sights in one day, accepting some company is part of the bargain. If your priority is solitude, ask about the private group option or consider a less standard route.

What the $23 price really covers

At $23 per person, the base price is attractive for a six-hour outing with a licensed boat, captain, guide, snorkeling equipment, life jackets, and lunch. The meal alone adds real value, especially since it includes several Filipino dishes and seafood rather than just rice and fruit.

The headline price is not the final activity cost. Add the 400 PHP environmental fee, valid for five days, and the 200 PHP Big Lagoon users fee for one access. Kayaking adds 300 PHP for two people or 350 PHP for three, and optional rentals include water shoes at 100 PHP and fins at 150 PHP.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You meet at Marbers Resto Bar on Calle Hama Beach Front. Enter Marbers and ask for Annabelle or any Alexzus staff member. The trip finishes at Dockyard, so plan how you will return to your accommodation.

For a first visit to El Nido, this remains a strong value. You are paying for four major stops, lunch, transport by boat, and basic water gear. Just calculate the extras before you decide how much cash to carry.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would recommend this trip if you have limited time in El Nido and want the major sights in one outing. It suits couples, families with older children, groups of friends, and active visitors who enjoy switching between kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, and beach time.

You should have enough energy for six hours of sun and water activities. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, and the Secret Lagoon entrance may be challenging if you cannot swim. Young children may need close help getting on and off the boat and moving over rocky areas.

Pack sunglasses, a sun hat, beachwear, a change of clothes, insect repellent, snacks, extra water, a waterproof camera, and cash. Smoking, alcohol, drugs, touching marine life, touching animals, and touching plants are not allowed. These rules protect the places and help keep the water and reef in good shape.

Useful booking details for a smoother morning

The listed meeting point is Marbers Resto Bar, but the start time can vary. Check availability for the exact departure time and arrive ready for a boat day. A delay of around 45 minutes has occurred, so avoid scheduling an important flight, ferry, or separate activity immediately afterward.

The tour lasts about six hours and includes a live English-speaking guide. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later. Those terms help if your El Nido plans depend on weather or changing transport.

Bring a dry bag if you have one, even though it is not specifically listed as included. Keep phones, wallets, and spare clothes protected when moving between boat, beach, and water.

Should you book this El Nido day trip?

Book it if you want the classic El Nido route at a modest base price, and you are comfortable with crowds, extra fees, and a fairly active schedule. Big Lagoon kayaking is the highlight, while Shimizu Island gives the day its best combination of snorkeling and a proper beach lunch.

Think twice if you want long, quiet stretches on one beach, need guaranteed vegetarian food, or dislike changing plans when kayaks are unavailable. The route can be busy, and one hour at 7 Commandos Beach or 45 minutes at Secret Lagoon may feel brief.

For most first-time visitors, I would book it, then arrive with secure footwear, extra water, cash, and realistic expectations. You will see a great deal of El Nido in six hours, but the day works best when you treat it as an active island circuit rather than a private beach retreat.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and finish?

Meet at Marbers Resto Bar on Calle Hama Beach Front. Enter Marbers and ask for Annabelle or any Alexzus staff member. The tour finishes at Dockyard.

Is kayaking included in the price?

No. Kayak rental costs 300 PHP for a two-seat kayak or 350 PHP for a three-seat kayak.

What fees are not included?

The environmental fee is 400 PHP per person and is valid for five days. The Big Lagoon users fee is 200 PHP per person for one access. Hotel pickup and drop-off are also not included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A picnic lunch is served at Shimizu Island, with items such as grilled fish, chicken, prawns, noodles, rice, vegetables, and fruit. One 330-milliliter bottle of purified drinking water is served at lunch.

What should I bring for Secret Lagoon?

Bring water shoes or sandals with straps because the ocean floor has rocks near the entrance. Water shoes can be rented for 100 PHP per pair.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.