El Nido: Private/Exclusive Island Hopping Tour A BEST PRICE!

Big Lagoon is the headline here, and rightly so. You paddle or cruise between dark limestone cliffs into clear blue water, then spend the day moving among beaches, lagoons, and snorkeling spots on a private boat. The crew can adjust the order of stops, which is a real advantage in El Nido.

I like the chance to avoid some group-tour congestion, and I like the practical help from guides such as Gabi, Jason, Renz, and Cyron, who have been praised for taking photos, watching swimming areas, and timing stops well. The catch is cost: at $135 per person, this makes the most sense for a group sharing the boat, and environmental, lagoon, kayak, and snorkeling equipment fees are extra.

Key points to know before booking

• Big Lagoon is the star stop: Expect black limestone cliffs, blue water, sightseeing, swimming, and optional kayaking.
• A private boat gives you room to adjust: Your guide may change the sequence to help you miss the thickest crowds.
• The day includes five major stops: Seven Commandos Beach, Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Secret Lagoon, and Payong-Payong Beach.
• Lunch is served during the island day: A Filipino buffet and bottled water are included, but one meal complaint noted that the food may not suit every palate.
• The boat does not cover every extra: Environmental and lagoon fees, kayak rental, and mask and snorkel hire are not included.
• Prepare to get wet before boarding: Pickup is by tuk-tuk near Corong-Corong, and you may need to walk through shallow water to reach the boat.

Why private Tour A works so well in El Nido

El Nido’s Tour A route is popular because it packs several different settings into one day. You get a huge lagoon, a smaller lagoon, open beaches, limestone walls, and underwater stops without spending the entire day on one type of activity.

The private format changes the feel of the trip. You have exclusive use of the boat for your group, rather than sharing every decision with a large crowd. That does not mean you will have every beach to yourself, especially at the famous sites, but it gives your guide more freedom to adjust the order and the length of stops.

That flexibility has made a noticeable difference for people who booked this experience. Guides have shifted the sequence to avoid crowds, found quieter spots for lunch, and helped groups spend more time where they were happiest. You should ask early in the morning if a different order is possible, particularly if Big Lagoon is your main reason for booking.

The tour lasts about eight hours, including a short tuk-tuk transfer from the pickup area to the boat. It is a full day in the sun, with plenty of time in the water, so do not treat it as a quick sightseeing cruise.

Big Lagoon: the reason most people book

Big Lagoon is the visual centerpiece. The boat approaches an opening between tall black limestone cliffs, and the water takes on a striking blue color as the cliffs close around it. The setting feels much larger than a standard beach stop, with steep rock walls rising around a calm waterway.

You can take photos from the boat, swim, and rent a kayak for use in the lagoon. Kayaking gives you a quieter way to look up at the cliffs and move through the water, but it costs extra. The advertised tour does not include the lagoon kayak rental, so keep cash available if you want to paddle.

The stop is scheduled for about 45 minutes. That is enough for a short paddle, a swim, and photos, but it can feel brief if you want to linger. Your guide may time the visit differently, depending on weather and crowd levels.

There is also a separate government-mandated lagoon entrance fee. This is not included in the $135 price, so check the current amount before you go. The same practical rule applies to the environmental fee.

Secret Lagoon and the limestone passage

Secret Lagoon offers a very different experience from Big Lagoon. Instead of a broad waterway framed by cliffs, you enter through a narrow opening in the rock and reach a small enclosed pool. The entrance can involve squeezing through a tight space, so it is not ideal for anyone who dislikes confined areas.

The reward is the sudden change from open sea to a sheltered limestone chamber. You go through a large rock opening that was once a cave, then reach the lagoon on the other side. The stop is listed at about 45 minutes, including sightseeing and swimming.

Water conditions can affect this stop. If waves are strong or access becomes difficult, the crew may change the route. The tour description makes clear that destinations can change with the weather, so keep your plans loose rather than expecting every stop to run in a fixed order.

Shimizu Island for lunch and snorkeling

Shimizu Island is the main break in the middle of the day. It is surrounded by calm water and large limestone formations, making it a pleasant place to pause after the morning’s lagoon visits.

Lunch is a Filipino buffet with local dishes, and bottled water is included. The meal is designed for sharing, and the portions may be generous for a small private group. One important point: food quality is not guaranteed to match every preference. Most of the useful feedback about the tour is warm, but one booking specifically called the food the only disappointment.

If you have a seafood allergy, tell the operator ahead of time. A seafood-free lunch was arranged for one couple after the issue was communicated in advance. That is a good reason to share dietary needs before departure, not once the boat is already anchored.

Shimizu is also one of the day’s main snorkeling areas. You may see corals and marine life in the clear water, and the tour highlights the possibility of swimming near turtles. Wildlife is never guaranteed, but this is the stop where you should have your mask and snorkel ready.

Mask, snorkel, fins, and aqua shoes are not included. Equipment can be rented if you do not have your own, but those charges are additional. Aqua shoes are especially useful because coral and stones can make the water entry uncomfortable.

Seven Commandos Beach and a slower beach break

Seven Commandos Beach is usually the first major stop, with around 45 minutes for photos, swimming, and a short beach break. The name refers to a group of soldiers who were stranded there during World War II. The beach is framed by limestone cliffs and has a relaxed, open feel.

This is a good early stop because it lets you settle into the rhythm of the day. You can swim, stretch your legs, take photos, and have coconut water while the crew handles the boat.

Crowds can be the main issue. Seven Commandos is one of the known Tour A stops, so it may feel less private than the boat itself. A private group can sometimes arrive at a better time, but no operator can promise an empty beach.

One group did not reach Seven Commandos after the guide adjusted the route to find quieter stops. That is worth keeping in mind: the private format is useful partly because the day can be adapted. If you have one must-see stop, tell your guide clearly, but understand that weather and conditions may win the argument.

Payong-Payong Beach for swimming and photos

Payong-Payong Beach is smaller and more sheltered than the main beach stops. It has rock formations, steep cliffs, and a little strip of sand where you can sit, paddle, or swim in gentler water.

The stop is planned for about 45 minutes and can work well as a casual final swim. The waves are described as modest, making it a good place to cool off without committing to a long snorkeling session. It is also a useful photo stop because the rock shapes give you more than a simple beach backdrop.

Do not expect a large resort beach with many facilities. The appeal is the setting and the quiet pace. Bring what you need from the boat, including water, sun protection, and a towel.

How the private boat changes the day

The strongest reason to choose this tour over a standard group departure is control. Your guide can discuss the order of stops, slow down for photos, and adjust the route when conditions or crowd levels call for it.

Several guides have been praised for this part of the job. Gabi was singled out for timing visits to avoid group-tour crowds. Cyron was noted for changing the plan as needed and finding a more secluded lunch spot. Renz was praised for taking photos and videos, while Jason and other crew members were described as friendly, careful, and professional.

That personal attention also helps if you are not a confident swimmer. The boat carries life vests, and the licensed guide and crew are there to help with boarding, swimming areas, and the day’s schedule. One solo participant felt comfortable despite being alone on the cruise, which suggests that the crew is used to looking after different kinds of groups.

The private boat is not a luxury yacht. You are paying for exclusive use, flexibility, and a smaller social setting, not for a high-end onboard service. If you care more about quiet and control than the lowest possible fare, the upgrade is easier to justify.

What $135 per person really buys

At $135 per person, the cost is higher than a basic shared boat, but the comparison should not stop at the headline price. You are paying for a private group, a licensed tourist boat, a guide and crew, bottled water, a Filipino buffet lunch, and pickup by tuk-tuk within one kilometer of Corong-Corong Beach.

The value improves when several people share the boat. For a couple, the price is a larger splurge, but it may still suit you if avoiding a crowded group matters more than saving money. For a family or group of friends, the private setup can offer better value because the boat and crew are reserved for your party.

Budget for extras. The environmental fee and lagoon entrance fee are government requirements and are not included. Kayak rental at Big Lagoon is extra, and you also pay for mask, snorkel, fins, or aqua shoes if you need to rent them.

There is one point to confirm before paying: a booking priced with soft drinks reportedly provided only paper cups and a large bottle of water, with the operator disputing that soft drinks were included. The written inclusions here list bottled water, not soft drinks, so plan on water unless your confirmation clearly says otherwise.

Weather, water entry, and what to pack

El Nido’s weather can change the feel of the day. Rain does not automatically ruin the trip, and one group still had a good time because the crew kept working hard and made the best of poor conditions. Still, clouds and rougher water can reduce the bright blue color you see in photos and may lead to altered stops.

You should expect to get wet before you even settle into the boat. Pickup is by tuk-tuk, and the walk from shore to the boat may involve water. Wear swimwear under quick-drying clothes and keep phones, passports, and electronics in a dry bag.

Pack these basics:

• Sun hat and strong sun protection
• Swimwear and a change of clothes
• Towel
• Camera or phone in a waterproof case
• Water shoes or aqua shoes
• Cash for fees, rentals, and purchases
• Dry bag for valuables

Plastic bottles, littering, smoking in the vehicle, and intoxication are not allowed. The plastic rule is especially important in a marine setting, so carry reusable gear where possible.

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. Boat boarding, water entry, beaches, and narrow lagoon openings make this a physically demanding day.

Pickup and timing details

Pickup is included only within one kilometer of Corong-Corong Beach, and the transfer is by tuk-tuk. Hotel drop-off is not included, so arrange your own return after the boat comes back.

The listed sequence begins with Seven Commandos, then Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Secret Lagoon, and Payong-Payong Beach. In practice, the guide may change the order because of weather, sea conditions, or crowd levels. The lunch stop can also move.

English and Tagalog are available, and the group is private. You should tell the operator before departure about allergies, mobility limits, or any stop that matters most to you.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times depend on availability, so check the schedule when you book.

Who should book this private island tour

I would choose this tour if you want El Nido’s famous Tour A sights but do not want to spend the day following a large shared group. It is particularly well suited to couples, families, and friends who want their own boat and appreciate help with photos.

It also fits you if Big Lagoon is a priority, you enjoy swimming and snorkeling, and you are happy to spend a full eight hours outside. The crew’s willingness to help with photos is useful for solo visitors and couples who would otherwise have to rely on selfies.

I would think twice if you are traveling alone on a tight budget, dislike getting wet, need easy step-free access, or want every rental and government fee included in one price. The route is active, and the final cost will be higher than $135 once extras are added.

Should you book it?

Book this private Tour A if crowd avoidance and personal attention matter to you. The best part is not just the list of places. It is the ability to adjust the day, linger over a swim, find a quieter lunch spot, and get help from a guide who is focused on your group.

The price is fair for a private boat, lunch, crew, and a full day of El Nido’s strongest sights, especially when shared among several people. Just confirm the extra fees, bring water shoes and a dry bag, and keep your expectations flexible when weather changes the route.

FAQ

How long does the El Nido private Tour A last?

The tour lasts about eight hours, including the tuk-tuk transfer and island-hopping stops.

What locations does the tour visit?

The planned route includes Seven Commandos Beach, Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Secret Lagoon, and Payong-Payong Beach.

Is the boat private?

Yes. The tour provides exclusive use of the boat for your private group.

Is pickup included?

Free pickup is included within one kilometer of Corong-Corong Beach in El Nido. Hotel drop-off is not included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet lunch featuring local Filipino dishes is included, along with bottled water.

Are lagoon entrance and environmental fees included?

No. The government-mandated environmental fee and lagoon entrance fee are additional costs.

Is kayaking at Big Lagoon included?

No. Kayak rental at the lagoon is not included and must be paid for separately.

Are snorkeling masks and fins provided?

No. Masks, snorkels, fins, and aqua shoes are not included, but they can be rented if needed.

What languages does the guide speak?

The tour is available in English and Tagalog.

Can the tour be cancelled for a refund?

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