Shared El Nido Tour A

El Nido Tour A packs the area’s best-known sights into one busy day: Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Payong-Payong Beach, and Seven Commando Beach. You can swim, snorkel, kayak, and eat lunch beside dramatic limestone scenery for a low starting price.

I like the mix of activities, since you can move from marine life viewing to kayaking and quiet beach time without arranging separate trips. I also like that lunch, a licensed guide, crew, life vest, and boat transfers are included. The main drawback is organization: late departures, crowded boats, and smoking by crew members were reported, so this is not the right pick if you need a tightly timed or especially spacious outing.

Key points to know

• Five famous El Nido stops: The route includes Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Payong-Payong Beach, and Seven Commando Beach.
• A low headline price: The $24 fare includes lunch and boat service, but required fees add to the real cost.
• A full morning and afternoon: Meet between 8:30 and 9:00 AM, then expect roughly 6 to 7 hours on the water.
• Water activities cost extra: Kayaks, snorkeling equipment, and other aqua gear are not included.
• A simple meeting point: Registration takes place at Mabuhay Sports Bar, a short walk from the El Nido wharf.
• Weather can change the route: Rainy-season conditions may send the boat to alternative destinations.

What the $24 El Nido Tour A really covers

At $24 per person, this is an affordable way to see several of El Nido’s headline sights in one outing. The fare covers boat transfers, a licensed English-speaking guide, boat crew, life vest use, and lunch. That makes the price useful for anyone who wants a ready-made day rather than arranging a private boat and separate meal.

The advertised fare is not your final spend. You must add the ₱400 environmental fee and the ₱200 Big Lagoon entrance fee, for ₱600 in required charges per person. Kayak hire, snorkeling equipment, other aqua gear, and your tricycle ride to Mabuhay Sports Bar cost extra.

That distinction matters. The tour remains reasonably priced, but it is better to think of it as a budget group excursion with add-ons, not an all-in $24 experience. Bring enough Philippine pesos for the fees and rentals you want.

Mabuhay Sports Bar and the morning departure

Your day begins at Mabuhay Sports Bar near the El Nido wharf. The meeting point is only a few minutes on foot from the wharf area, though you may need a tricycle if your accommodation is farther away.

Arrive ready for paperwork and verification. The operator records passengers before the coast guard clearance, then assigns you to a boat and group. Bring an ID, and keep it accessible. A copy is accepted according to the tour information.

The stated meet-up window is 8:30 to 9:00 AM. Treat that as the beginning of the process, not a promise that the boat will leave at exactly 9:00. One booking recorded a departure delay of about 80 minutes, while another noted long waits for people who arrived late.

That is the clearest practical weakness here. If you have a flight, ferry, dinner reservation, or another fixed plan later in the day, leave plenty of room. The tour normally lasts 6 to 7 hours, but group departures can stretch the schedule.

Secret Lagoon: a compact first stop

Secret Lagoon is one of the first main stops. The program allows time for guided sightseeing, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and viewing marine life.

The name gives you the basic character of the stop: the attraction is a confined water setting reached as part of the island route. The experience is likely to feel more active than simply taking photographs from the boat. You can get in the water, look for marine life, or rent a kayak if one is available for an extra charge.

Keep expectations practical. Several activities are listed, but you do not receive unlimited time or free equipment for each one. With five destinations to cover in a single day, Secret Lagoon is one part of a larger circuit, not a private half-day visit.

If you want to snorkel, ask about equipment before leaving the meeting point. Snorkeling gear is not included, so you either need to rent it or bring your own if permitted. A life vest is included, which is useful for anyone who is not a confident swimmer.

Big Lagoon and the extra entrance fee

Big Lagoon is the signature stop on Tour A. The boat takes you through a scenic waterway framed by El Nido’s limestone formations, and the program includes guided sightseeing, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and views along the route.

You need to pay an additional ₱200 entrance fee for Big Lagoon. Kayak rental also costs extra. That is worth planning for because kayaking may be the best way to appreciate the lagoon’s enclosed setting, but the basic tour price does not cover it.

The lagoon is also where crowding and timing matter most. Tour A is a shared boat outing, and one booking described the boat as extremely full. Another described having to swim from the beach to reach the boat. Those details may reflect that particular day, but they show why footwear, a dry bag, and a calm attitude help.

Wear secure sandals or water shoes instead of anything delicate. High heels are not allowed, and large bags are also prohibited. Keep valuables at home, since the rules specifically advise against bringing valuables and glass objects.

Shimizu Island: lunch beside the water

Shimizu Island is listed as a break stop with guided sightseeing, swimming, snorkeling, and lunch served onboard. This is where the pace should ease a little, at least during the meal.

Lunch is one of the better inclusions in the $24 fare. You do not need to find a restaurant between islands, and you can eat while surrounded by El Nido’s coastal scenery. The tour describes the meal as being served amid the island views, so this is a practical way to make use of the limited day.

Do not expect a long restaurant-style break. The stop also includes water activities, and the boat must keep to its route. If you have food allergies or special dietary needs, the supplied details do not confirm that alternatives are available. Ask before booking if this is important to you.

Shimizu Island also gives you another chance to snorkel or swim. Bring a towel, sun protection, and clothing that dries quickly. The rules do not list a detailed packing list beyond an ID, but a water-based day is easier when you keep your gear simple and light.

Payong-Payong Beach and the unhurried part of the day

Payong-Payong Beach brings another round of guided sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling. After the lagoon stops, the beach setting gives you a change of pace and a chance to spend time in open water.

The schedule describes this as another active stop rather than a long, quiet beach stay. You may have time to swim and snorkel, but the exact length depends on conditions, boat timing, and the needs of the shared group.

I would treat each stop as a chance to sample El Nido rather than claim one beach as your own for the day. That is the trade-off of a shared route: you reach several well-known places at a low fare, but you give up control over the clock.

Seven Commando Beach and the return to town

Seven Commando Beach is included among the advertised Tour A destinations. The schedule also lists a final break with sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling but does not name that stop in the detailed sequence. Because Seven Commando Beach is part of the stated route, confirm the day’s exact order with the operator during registration.

After the last beach stop, the boat returns to Mabuhay Sports Bar. The return time can vary, especially if the morning departure was late or the boat spends extra time waiting for the group. Keep your evening open rather than scheduling something immediately after the expected arrival.

The return to the same meeting point is convenient. You finish where you started, close to the wharf area, instead of needing to arrange a separate transfer from another beach.

Boat comfort, group size, and timing

This is a shared group tour, and comfort depends heavily on how full the boat is. A full boat can make it harder to move around, store belongings, or find a quiet seat. One booking specifically described the boat as packed, with little room.

The boat crew provides transfers and life vests, but the experience is not presented as a luxury cruise. You should expect a practical island-hopping boat, shared with other people, and a day shaped by group coordination.

Communication also deserves attention. One booking reported poor communication between the booking platform and the local operator, along with a long delay before departure. Another complained about crew smoking despite the boat being described as nonsmoking. These are serious comfort concerns, particularly if you dislike smoke or need dependable timing.

A useful approach is to confirm the meeting point, departure time, boat assignment, and included fees at Mabuhay Sports Bar. If the boat is delayed, ask the local team directly for an updated estimate rather than relying only on messages sent through the booking platform.

What to bring, and what to leave behind

Bring your ID, since it is required for registration and a copy is accepted. Pack light because large bags and luggage are not allowed.

Useful items include:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sun protection
• Secure sandals or water shoes
• A waterproof pouch for your phone
• Cash for fees, rentals, and local transport
• Motion-sickness supplies if you normally need them

Plastic bottles are not allowed, and the rules also prohibit glass objects, alcohol, drugs, weapons, sharp objects, fireworks, and making fires. Bikes, surfboards, scooters, skates, wheelchairs that do not fold, and strollers that do not fold are also not accepted.

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, visually impaired people, people prone to seasickness, or people with pre-existing medical conditions. It is also not suitable for anyone over 95 years old. Unaccompanied minors are not allowed.

Rainy-season changes and cancellation terms

Weather can alter the plan. During the rainy season, the operator may divert the group to alternative destinations or tour options based on safety and availability. That means you should view the named route as the intended plan, not an absolute guarantee.

The booking terms allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which gives you some flexibility while your plans are still moving.

These terms help with planning, but they do not remove the basic weather risk. If Big Lagoon or another stop is the main reason you are booking, ask about current conditions and possible substitutions before the boat leaves.

Who will enjoy this shared island circuit

I would recommend Tour A to you if you want to see El Nido’s famous sites in one day and are comfortable sharing a boat. It suits active people who like swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and short sightseeing stops more than those who want a quiet beach day.

It also makes sense for a budget-conscious first visit. Lunch and boat service are included, and the route gives you a broad introduction to the area without the higher cost of a private charter.

I would be cautious if you are sensitive to smoke, seasickness, cramped seating, or delays. The reported late departure and crowded conditions are not minor details. They can shape the whole day, especially when the tour already runs for 6 to 7 hours.

Should you book El Nido Tour A?

Book it if the low starting price, five-stop route, lunch, and choice of water activities matter more to you than personal space and exact timing. The natural sights are the reason to go, and the itinerary gives you a lot for one day.

Skip it or seek a private alternative if you need a guaranteed departure, a roomy boat, strict nonsmoking conditions, or easy accessibility. Before paying, add the ₱600 in required fees, budget for equipment rental, and confirm the day’s departure arrangements at Mabuhay Sports Bar.

For an affordable introduction to El Nido’s lagoons and beaches, this is a sensible choice. Just arrive early, pack light, expect a shared boat, and leave your evening free.

FAQ

How long does El Nido Tour A last?

The tour typically lasts 6 to 7 hours, beginning with a morning meet-up and ending back at Mabuhay Sports Bar.

What time should I meet the group?

The meet-up is scheduled between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM at Mabuhay Sports Bar.

Where is the meeting point?

Mabuhay Sports Bar is a few minutes on foot from the El Nido wharf area. It is used for registration, documentation, and dispatch.

Which islands and beaches are included?

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

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included and is served during the island-hopping day, with Shimizu Island listed as a meal stop.

Is the Big Lagoon entrance fee included?

No. The Big Lagoon entrance fee is ₱200 per person and is paid separately.

How much is the environmental fee?

The environmental fee is ₱400 per person and is not included in the tour price.

Is kayaking included?

No. Kayak hire and other aqua gear rentals are separate charges.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling gear rental is not included. You may bring suitable gear or rent it separately.

What language does the guide speak?

The tour provides a live English-speaking guide.