El Nido: Island Hopping Tour A Lagoons and Beaches

The big draw here is kayaking through Big Lagoon, where towering limestone walls frame calm, clear water. I like the mix of lagoon scenery and easy beach time, and I like that lunch, a guide, boat transport, and life vests are included for about $23. The main catch is crowding, especially at Big Lagoon, plus extra charges for entry and kayak rental.

I also like the helpful crew. Guides such as Buddy, Dexter, John, Mark, Jordan, and Jojo have been praised for taking photos, helping less confident swimmers, and keeping an eye on older passengers. You should still expect an early start, shared-boat waiting, and a full day in the sun.

Key points to know before booking

• Big Lagoon is the star stop: Pay the entry fee and rent a kayak if you want the classic Tour A experience.
• Four stops can fill eight hours: The day combines lagoons, beaches, snorkeling, swimming, and lunch rather than rushing through one type of activity.
• Lunch is better than the bargain price suggests: The buffet commonly includes meat, fish, vegetables, and fruit, though meal organization can vary.
• The shared boat offers strong value: At about $23 per person, you get the guide, boat, lunch, and safety equipment, but not all destination costs.
• Crowds are part of Bacuit Bay: A private boat can reach some stops earlier and give you a quieter pace.
• Bring cash and a small day bag: You need money for fees, kayaks, and optional gear, while large bags and plastic bottles are not allowed.

Why Tour A is El Nido’s classic day on the water

Tour A works because it gives you the postcard version of El Nido in one long outing. You move from sheer limestone walls to a hidden lagoon, then to white sand, coconut trees, and snorkeling water. It is not a quiet wilderness trip. It is the popular route, and the best-known sites draw many boats. Still, the scenery earns its fame.

I see this as a good first boat trip in El Nido. You get variety without having to choose between beaches and lagoons. The day lasts about eight hours, so it is a serious outing rather than a quick sightseeing ride.

The shared option is especially good value at around $23 per person. Your guide, boat, lunch, and life vest are included. At that price, I would not expect a private experience or complete cost certainty, since the El Nido Tourism Development Fee, Big Lagoon entry, kayak, and optional equipment cost extra.

A private group changes the feel of the day. You pay more, but you may have more control over the pace and can reach stops before the larger shared boats. One couple found this worthwhile because they often enjoyed quieter moments before the crowds arrived.

Starting with the Secret Lagoon

The Secret Lagoon is a fine opening stop because it feels different from an ordinary beach. Jagged rock walls hide a small inner world, and you enter through an opening in the limestone. The space is compact, so the experience depends on timing and the number of boats arriving at once.

You will want water shoes here if you have them. Aqua shoes are available to rent, but they are not included. Sharp coral and uneven footing can make getting in and out awkward, especially for anyone with balance or mobility concerns.

The lagoon is more about the rock setting and the sense of discovery than a long swim. You may find the water calm and inviting, but this stop can feel busy when several groups arrive together. Keep your expectations realistic: secret describes the rock entrance, not guaranteed solitude.

Your guide will also help you understand where to go and how to move safely. Several guides, including Dexter and Buddy, have been praised for assisting people who were new to kayaking or less comfortable in the water. That kind of practical help matters more than a long speech when you are stepping off a boat onto uneven ground.

Shimizu Island for lunch, swimming, and snorkeling

Shimizu Island brings the beach portion of the day. Expect pale sand, clear water, and a setting suited to swimming, relaxing, and taking photos. It gives you a needed break from the boat and limestone walls.

Lunch is included, and this is one of the strongest parts of the value. The spread has been described as generous, with fresh meat, fish, vegetables, fruit, and several choices. You should not expect restaurant service on a remote island, but the meal is more substantial than the price might suggest.

There is one small practical issue: meal organization can be less orderly than the food itself. One direct comment called for better lunch organization, so you may need to be patient while food is set out and people serve themselves.

Snorkeling conditions vary. Some areas offer enjoyable underwater scenery, but one stop has been described as average, with few fish and a difficult approach over sharp coral. I would bring fins or rent them if you want to spend real time in the water. Fins and aqua shoes are optional extras, not part of the base price.

You can also use this stop to simply sit on the sand. That matters if your group includes a non-swimmer, a child who needs a break, or someone who does not want every stop to involve snorkeling. A passenger who could not swim still enjoyed the day by kayaking and taking part in the beach activities.

Big Lagoon and the extra kayak cost

Big Lagoon is the reason many people choose Tour A. The boat approaches a narrow opening in the rock, and the water opens into a broad, quiet space framed by high limestone walls. The setting is dramatic without needing much explanation.

To enter, you must pay the Big Lagoon entry fee, listed at 200 PHP. You can also rent a kayak, with recent direct experience putting the cost around 300 PHP per kayak, usually holding two people. The kayak charge is separate from the advertised tour price.

I consider the kayak worth budgeting for. It lets you move at your own pace and see the lagoon from water level instead of only from the tour boat. You do not need to be an expert paddler, and guides have helped first-time kayakers, including solo passengers who wanted assistance.

The amount of time here can be the day’s most important variable. Big Lagoon entry is limited, and access may be replaced with another stop if tickets are no longer available. Even when you get in, the area can be crowded. One group arrived late and found the lagoon full, with less time than hoped for.

That is why I would not plan your entire trip around having a quiet Big Lagoon. You are buying access to one of El Nido’s most famous views, not a private paddle. A private tour or an earlier arrival may improve the experience, but it cannot remove every scheduling factor.

Some people find the kayaking portion too long, while others call it the highlight. If you love paddling and photography, you may wish it lasted longer. If you mainly want swimming and beaches, the time can feel out of balance.

Seven Commandos Beach brings the easy finish

Seven Commandos Beach is the relaxed beach stop, lined with coconut trees and bright sand. After the more structured lagoon visits, it gives you room to swim, sit, and enjoy the view without needing to squeeze through a rock opening.

The beach is a good fit for mixed groups. Strong swimmers can head into the water, while others can stay on shore. Cold drinks and ice cream may be available for purchase at the island stops, so keep some Philippine pesos with you.

The trade-off is that Seven Commandos is also popular. You should expect other boats and people on the sand. I would treat it as a pleasant beach break rather than a deserted island fantasy.

Time at each attraction can vary. One person wanted shorter stops with less time spent at lunch, while another appreciated being able to set the pace. Shared tours must balance many people, so the guide’s timing will not suit every group perfectly. Private groups have a better chance of adjusting the rhythm.

Snorkeling: worthwhile, but bring sensible expectations

The tour includes a snorkeling area, and Bacuit Bay can offer beautiful water and good underwater views. You should pack your own mask if you have one you trust, though the listed optional rentals focus on aqua shoes, fins, and kayaks.

Do not expect every snorkeling stop to be equally good. Coral can make beach access uncomfortable, and one account found a site short on fish. That does not spoil the whole day, but it is a reason to judge the tour by its full mix of lagoons and beaches rather than by snorkeling alone.

I would prioritize comfort and safety over squeezing in extra minutes. Use the life vest provided if you need it, listen to the crew around the boat, and wear aqua shoes near coral. The crew has received repeated praise for assisting older passengers, non-swimmers, and people who need help boarding or leaving the boat.

The crew can make or break a shared boat

The scenery is fixed, but the crew controls much of your comfort. Guides named Buddy, Dexter, John, Mark, Jordan, Jojo, Nathan, and Angelo have been praised for being attentive, funny, cautious, and willing to take photos on passengers’ phones. Your assigned guide will vary, so do not assume one particular person will lead your departure.

Good crew service is especially useful during the awkward parts: boarding from the beach, stepping into shallow water, handling kayaks, and getting back onto the boat. It also helps when weather changes or someone in your group is not a confident swimmer.

Communication may not be perfect every time. One person found a guide spoke very quickly and seemed impatient when asked to repeat information. English and Tagalog are offered, but if you miss an instruction, ask for it again, especially before entering water or leaving the boat.

The guides also take photos, which is a small but valuable service. You can enjoy the stop instead of trying to hold a phone above the water while posing. Use a waterproof case if you bring your own device.

What the $23 price really covers

At about $23, this is a strong-value outing if you want a full day on the water without arranging each part yourself. The base package includes:

• Licensed English or Tagalog-speaking guide
• Boat tour around the islands
• Life vest
• Lunch
• Up to four stops

You must budget separately for the 400 PHP El Nido Tourism Development Fee. You also need 200 PHP for Big Lagoon entry if that stop is available, plus kayak rental if you want to paddle inside. Aqua shoes and fins are available to rent, but they cost extra.

The environmental fee must be paid before boarding. If you already paid it, bring a copy of the receipt so you do not pay twice. This is exactly the kind of small detail that can slow down a morning if you leave your paperwork behind.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The meeting point can vary by booking option, so check the instructions carefully instead of assuming your hotel is included. Bring a passport or ID, swimwear, a change of clothes, sunscreen, and cash.

Large bags and luggage are not allowed, and plastic bottles are prohibited. Pack a small day bag and use a reusable water container if permitted by the local operator’s current instructions. Motion sickness medicine is sensible if boat rides usually bother you.

Shared or private boat?

Choose the shared boat if price matters most and you are happy to accept a group schedule. You still get the main sights, lunch, safety equipment, and a guide at a low cost. For many people, this is the best way to sample Bacuit Bay.

Choose private if you are traveling as a couple, family, or small group and want more control. The private option can help you arrive at stops ahead of the main crowd and spend more time where your group cares most. It costs more, so the value depends on how much you prize space and flexibility.

Neither option guarantees an empty lagoon. Big Lagoon entry is limited, and popular beaches can fill up. Private is a useful advantage, not a magic pass to solitude.

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. That said, the crew has assisted some older passengers and non-swimmers. If you have limited mobility but can manage boat boarding and uneven beach access, contact the operator before booking rather than relying on general praise about crew assistance.

Who should book El Nido Tour A?

I would choose this tour for a first visit to El Nido, especially if you want the famous lagoon scenery, a beach lunch, and a straightforward full-day plan. It suits couples, families, mixed-ability groups, and anyone who wants guides to handle the boat logistics.

It is also a good choice for people who enjoy variety. You can kayak, swim, snorkel, sunbathe, take photos, and eat a proper lunch in one day.

I would look elsewhere if your top priority is silence, independent timing, or serious snorkeling at untouched sites. The route is popular, crowds are normal, and one snorkeling stop may be less impressive than the lagoons.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your El Nido schedule is still shifting, but they do not remove the need to check Big Lagoon availability and the meeting point.

Should you book it?

Yes, if you want the classic El Nido day and can accept crowds and extra fees. The Big Lagoon kayak ride gives the tour its strongest moment, while Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Seven Commandos Beach, lunch, and snorkeling create a well-rounded day for very little money.

Book the private option if quiet timing matters more than the lowest price. For a shared boat, arrive prepared with cash, sunscreen, a change of clothes, and realistic expectations about busy stops. At roughly $23, Tour A offers excellent value, as long as you see it as a popular island day rather than a private escape.

FAQ

How long does El Nido Tour A last?

The tour lasts eight hours. Check availability for the starting time, since the exact departure time can vary.

What places does Tour A visit?

The listed destinations include the Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Seven Commandos Beach, and a snorkeling area. The day includes up to four stops, and Big Lagoon may be replaced if entry is no longer available.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included in the tour price. The meal may include meat, fish, vegetables, and fruit.

Are kayak rentals included?

No. Kayaks are available to rent separately. Recent pricing mentioned for a kayak was about 300 PHP, while the Big Lagoon entry fee is listed separately at 200 PHP.

What other fees must I pay?

The 400 PHP El Nido Tourism Development Fee is not included. Big Lagoon entry, kayak rental, aqua shoes, and fins are also separate costs.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The meeting point may vary depending on the option booked.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.