El Nido Tour A – Group w/ Buffet Lunch

Big Lagoon is the reason to book El Nido Tour A. You glide through a narrow passage of blue-green water beneath dark limestone cliffs, then have time to explore by kayak or from the boat. Shimizu Island adds a scenic lunch stop, with clear water and a chance to snorkel.

I like the friendly, safety-minded crew, especially guides such as Albert, Ramon, and Willy, who help with photos and assist people getting on and off the boat. I also like the strong value: five major stops, lunch, lagoon and environmental fees, and town pickup for about $44.95.

The catch is the shared boat. Up to 50 people may join, and popular beaches can feel like a queue at an amusement park. You may also need to walk through shallow water and over rocks to reach shore, so wear water shoes and pack a waterproof bag.

Key points to know before booking

• Big Lagoon is the star stop: Kayaking here costs P400 per kayak for two people.
• Five major stops fill the day: Expect about 7 to 8 hours on the water, with roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes allocated to each listed stop.
• Lunch is included: The meal is served during the island portion of the trip, though the exact setup can vary between a beach and the boat.
• The crew gets high marks for care: Albert, Ramon, Willy, and other staff are praised for helping with safety, photos, and older family members.
• Crowds are part of the deal: Shared tours save money but can mean long waits for boats, kayaks, and narrow beach entrances.
• Bring the right gear: Water shoes, a waterproof bag, swimwear, sunscreen, and cash for optional equipment will make the day easier.

Why Big Lagoon makes Tour A so popular

El Nido’s limestone islands are impressive from the boat, but Big Lagoon gives you the most memorable close look at them. The entrance is a narrow waterway framed by high, dark cliffs. Inside, the water opens into a calm blue basin where the cliffs seem to rise straight out of the sea.

The usual plan gives you about 1 hour and 30 minutes here. You can take photographs from the boat, swim where permitted, or rent a kayak for P400 per kayak, good for two people. Kayaking is the better choice if you want to move at your own pace and get closer to the cliff walls.

Kayaks are not included in the tour price. Mask and snorkel sets also cost P100 per set, and drinks are extra. Bring cash in Philippine pesos so you are not caught short when an optional activity appears.

Big Lagoon is also the stop most affected by timing and crowds. Several boats may arrive close together, and the narrow entrance can create a slow, organized flow. A crew that adjusts the order of stops can help, and the guides on this tour have sometimes changed the sequence to reduce congestion.

Shimizu Island brings lunch and clear water

Shimizu Island is used for lunch and time by the water. The setting is exactly what you hope for in El Nido: a small island, pale sand, limestone cliffs, and clear water around the shore.

The advertised lunch is a buffet served during the island portion of the tour. The food is described as local and varied, and several people found it satisfying. One important detail is that the meal may be arranged on the boat rather than directly on the beach, depending on conditions and the crew’s setup.

You should keep your expectations practical. This is a group island lunch, not a restaurant meal. Some portions may feel tight when many people are eating, and the presentation can be simple. Still, having lunch included makes the price more attractive, especially since drinks are not included.

Shimizu is also a useful stop for people who do not want to kayak. You can eat, swim, take photographs, or enjoy the view from shore. Snorkeling is available in the general island portion, with coral and fish mentioned around South Miniloc on some routes. Do not assume every beach will offer the same snorkeling conditions, though.

Payong-Payong Beach is pretty, but shore access can be awkward

Payong-Payong Beach has the classic El Nido combination: white sand, clear water, and tall limestone cliffs. It is a good place to swim, sit in shallow water, and take the sort of photographs that make the day feel worthwhile.

The practical issue is getting off the boat. At some stops, you may walk through the sea for more than 50 feet, sometimes over large rocks, before reaching dry ground. That can be uncomfortable or unsafe if you are barefoot, carrying a phone, or helping an older relative.

Wear water shoes with a firm sole. Keep your camera, wallet, and spare clothes in a waterproof bag. A regular tote or thin plastic bag may not be enough when the boat lands away from the sand.

Payong-Payong is also one of the stops that can feel short. The planned time is listed as about 1 hour and 30 minutes, but a shared tour must account for unloading, swimming, photographs, and gathering everyone before departure. You will get a taste of the beach rather than a long, quiet afternoon.

Secret Lagoon requires a small cave entrance

Secret Lagoon is reached through a small cave, which gives the stop a sense of discovery without requiring a demanding walk. The entrance is narrow, and you may need to wait for other groups to pass through.

Inside, the lagoon is enclosed by limestone walls. The space is more about seeing the unusual setting than spending a long time alone in silence. This is one of the places where crowd levels matter most. If several boats arrive together, people may form a line near the cave.

The tour includes lagoon entrance fees according to the advertised inclusions, along with an environmental fee valid for 14 days. The listed fee amounts are P200 per person for lagoon entrance and P400 per person for the environmental fee. It is sensible to confirm the exact fee arrangement at booking, since the tour information presents the charges in a slightly confusing way.

Bring footwear you can manage in wet conditions. The cave entrance and shoreline may be slippery, and you will likely be moving between boat, water, rocks, and sand during the day.

Seven Commando Beach closes the day with palms and a beach bar

Seven Commando Beach is a broad, attractive stop with white sand, turquoise water, palm trees, rock formations, and a beach bar. It is an easy place to understand why Tour A remains so popular.

The drawback is its popularity. Loading and unloading the boat can be slow when several groups are arriving at once. Some people find the final beach stop unnecessary after a full day of islands, particularly when the beach is crowded and the boat transfer takes time.

That does not make Seven Commando a poor stop. If you like swimming, taking beach photographs, or sitting under palms with a drink available nearby, you may enjoy it. If you prefer more time at Big Lagoon, you may wish the schedule allowed the crew to shorten this final visit.

The strongest day comes when the crew manages the sequence well. Guides have adjusted the order of activities to avoid crossing paths with other boats, which can make a real difference. You should still expect a busy shared-tour rhythm rather than a private-island experience.

The crew is a major part of the value

The guides and boat crew receive the warmest praise. Albert, Ramon, and Willy are specifically singled out for being friendly, professional, and attentive to safety. A good guide matters here because the day involves wet landings, ladders, kayaks, crowded beaches, and people with different comfort levels in the water.

The crew may help with photographs and videos, including reels taken during the day. That is a useful perk if you want pictures without handing your phone to a stranger. You should still protect your device with a waterproof case or bag.

The staff also help older people get on and off the boat. This tour may suit a family with elderly relatives if everyone accepts that some activities can be skipped. It is not necessary for every person to kayak or snorkel at each stop.

There is a limit to what the crew can control. Parking the boat close to shore can be difficult, and a few parts of the transfer may feel awkward. A guide can hold a ladder and offer a hand, but the sea, rocks, tide, and boat traffic still shape the experience.

What the shared boat experience is really like

The boat may be a large double-decker vessel, and the group can reach 50 people. That keeps the price down, but it changes the character of the outing.

You will not have unlimited time at every beach. The crew must count heads, coordinate with other boats, serve lunch, and move the group through a fixed route. One stop may feel too short, while another may involve waiting before you can get into the water.

The meeting area can also be crowded. Getting from the shore to the boat may involve walking through the sea, so wear your swimsuit under quick-drying clothes. Keep valuables packed before you arrive at the meeting point.

A private tour costs more but gives you more control over timing and the order of stops. If your priority is quiet beaches, long snorkeling sessions, or avoiding queues, the shared version may frustrate you. If your priority is seeing the famous sights at the lowest practical price, Tour A makes a sensible compromise.

What the $44.95 price includes

At about $44.95 per person, the tour offers good value for a full day in one of El Nido’s most scenic areas. Lunch is included, along with town pickup, the stated lagoon entrance, and the environmental fee valid for 14 days.

The extras are small individually but can affect your budget:

• Mask and snorkel: P100 per set
• Kayak: P400 per kayak for two people
• Drinks: Not included
• Pickup outside El Nido Town: Extra charge may apply

The value depends on how you use the day. A person who stays on the boat, eats the included lunch, and skips kayaking will spend close to the advertised price. A couple who rents one kayak and buys drinks still gets a full island day at a reasonable total.

The environmental fee is valid for 14 days, which is useful if you take another qualifying island trip during that period. Keep proof of payment if the crew gives you one.

Timing, pickup, and what to pack

The listed start time is 9:00 a.m., and the full outing lasts about 7 to 8 hours. A sample day can return to El Nido in the late afternoon, though the exact finish depends on departure, sea conditions, loading time, and the order of stops.

Free pickup is offered in El Nido Town only. If you are staying outside town, an extra pickup charge may apply. Confirm the meeting point and pickup area before the morning of the tour.

Pack light, but bring the items that solve real problems:

• Water shoes with a firm sole
• Swimsuit and quick-drying clothes
• Waterproof bag for phone, cash, and clothes
• Towel, sunscreen, and a hat
• Cash for kayak, snorkel gear, and drinks
• Any personal medication you need during the day

Service animals are allowed, and the activity is suitable for most people. Still, the wet transfers and rocky shore entries may be challenging for anyone with limited mobility. The crew can assist, but the boat-to-beach route may not be smooth.

Who should book El Nido Tour A

I would choose this tour if you are visiting El Nido for the first time and want to see its famous stops without paying private-tour prices. Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Payong-Payong Beach, and Seven Commando Beach give you a broad introduction in one day.

It is also a good fit for couples, friends, and families who enjoy a social boat day and can be flexible about timing. The crew’s willingness to help older relatives is a real advantage.

I would think twice if you dislike crowds, need long quiet stops, or want full control over the route. A private boat is better for those priorities. You should also reconsider if walking through shallow water over rocks would be difficult.

Weather matters. The experience requires good conditions, and poor weather can lead to a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded.

Should you book it?

Book El Nido Tour A if Big Lagoon is high on your list and you want five major island stops, lunch, and helpful guides for a reasonable price. The scenery is the main event, and the crew can make the wet transfers and busy schedule much easier.

Skip it in favor of a private tour if waiting, crowds, and fixed timing would spoil your day. For most first-time visitors on a budget, though, this is a strong introduction to El Nido. Bring water shoes, protect your belongings, and expect a busy day rather than a private escape.

FAQ

What is included in El Nido Tour A?

The tour includes lunch, free pickup within El Nido Town, the stated entrance to the lagoon, and the environmental fee. The environmental fee is listed as valid for 14 days.

How long does El Nido Tour A last?

The tour lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours. The listed start time is 9:00 a.m.

Which places does the tour visit?

The listed stops are Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Payong-Payong Beach, Secret Lagoon, and Seven Commando Beach.

Is kayaking included?

No. Kayaking costs P400 per kayak, and one kayak is suitable for two people.

Are masks and snorkels included?

No. Mask and snorkel rental costs P100 per set.

Is pickup available outside El Nido Town?

Free pickup is offered in El Nido Town only. Pickup outside town may cost extra.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded. If poor weather causes the tour to be canceled, you can receive a different date or a full refund.