El Nido: Island Hopping Tour A Lagoons and Beaches

El Nido’s Tour A is built around the place’s biggest visual hits: sheer limestone walls, pale sand, clear water, and the Big Lagoon by kayak. At about $23 per person, with lunch and life vests included, it offers a lot for the money. The crew may also help with photos, steady the boat during boarding, and lend a hand to first-time kayakers.

I especially like two things here. First, you get a good mix of swimming, snorkeling, beach time, and lagoon scenery instead of spending the whole day on one kind of activity. Second, the included lunch is often praised for its variety, with fish, meat, vegetables, fruit, and plenty to eat. The main catch is simple: Bacuit Bay gets crowded, and the Big Lagoon can be busy or unavailable if its daily entry limit has been reached.

Key points to know before booking

• Big Lagoon is the main event: Kayaking through the tall rock walls is the most memorable part of the day, but the kayak and entry fee cost extra.
• Four classic stops: The route can include the Secret Lagoon, Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Seven Commandos Beach, and a snorkeling area, with up to four stops in total.
• Lunch is included: Expect a buffet-style meal with several choices, though serving arrangements can be less smooth when the boat is busy.
• The crew matters: Guides including Buddy, Dexter, John, Mark, Jordan, and Jojo have been praised for safety help, photos, and friendly service.
• Shared or private boat: A private trip costs more but can reach stops earlier and let you control the pace more easily.
• Bring cash and a dry change of clothes: The environmental fee, Big Lagoon charge, and optional rentals are not part of the advertised price.

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

Tour A gives you the broad El Nido experience in one long day. You are not simply ferried from beach to beach. You move between enclosed lagoons, open stretches of Bacuit Bay, a snorkeling area, and sandy islands where you can swim or sit under the palms.

That variety makes the route a strong first choice if you have only one full day in El Nido. You get the famous sights, plus enough free time to make the day feel active rather than rushed. The tradeoff is popularity. This is one of the busiest routes in the area, so quiet moments depend heavily on departure timing and how quickly your boat moves between stops.

The standard experience lasts eight hours. You can book a shared boat or choose a private group. A private boat is especially useful if you want a slower pace, need more help with activities, or would rather reach the stops ahead of larger groups. One private-party booking reported arriving before the shared boats and enjoying quieter early moments at the islands.

Secret Lagoon: a short passage into limestone walls

The Secret Lagoon is usually one of the first major stops. Its appeal comes from the entrance itself: you pass through a narrow opening in the jagged rock to reach a small enclosed pool. The setting feels very different from the broad beaches later in the day.

This stop is more about the unusual rock formation and the enclosed water than long, lazy beach time. Conditions can make the approach awkward, especially for anyone who is unsteady in the water. The tour is not officially suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, and this stop is one reason to take that warning seriously.

If you can manage the entry safely, the Secret Lagoon gives the day a sense of discovery without requiring a major hike. Listen closely to your guide, keep your belongings secure, and expect other boats to be nearby. The word secret describes the rock entrance, not the level of solitude.

Big Lagoon: pay extra for the best part

The Big Lagoon is the stop that most strongly shapes the value of Tour A. Its calm water sits between towering limestone walls, and kayaking lets you move at your own speed rather than simply viewing the lagoon from the main boat.

The entry fee is not included. The listed charge is 200 PHP, and kayak rental is also extra. Several bookings mention paying about 300 pesos for a kayak that can hold two people, but confirm the current amount when you arrive. The price is a small addition compared with the total tour cost, and I consider the kayak worthwhile if the lagoon is open.

You do not need to be an experienced kayaker. Crew members have helped solo participants and first-time paddlers, and guides such as Dexter have been praised for accompanying people who wanted assistance. If you are not a swimmer, you can still enjoy the lagoon from a kayak, provided you follow the crew’s safety instructions and wear the supplied life vest.

There is one important limitation. Big Lagoon entry is controlled, and daily access can sell out. If the limit has been reached, the boat will visit another location instead. A late departure can also work against you. One booking reported arriving about an hour late and finding the lagoon full, while another found the kayak time longer than expected. If Big Lagoon is your priority, ask about the planned start time and move promptly when the crew calls passengers back to the boat.

Shimizu Island: the easy beach break

Shimizu Island brings a different mood. After the rock walls of the lagoons, you get clear water, pale sand, and a place to swim, snorkel, or simply sit in the sun.

This stop often serves as the day’s relaxed middle section. You can cool off in the water, take photos, or wait for lunch without needing to paddle through a narrow passage. The beach is attractive, but it is not likely to feel private when several island boats arrive together.

The snorkeling around El Nido can vary. Some areas have colorful underwater scenery and good visibility, while another stop may have fewer fish or a difficult coral approach. Sharp coral can make getting to shore uncomfortable, so aqua shoes are useful if you plan to walk in shallow water. They are not included, but you can rent them along with fins and other gear.

Seven Commandos Beach: palms, sand, and downtime

Seven Commandos Beach is the classic postcard stop, with coconut palms and white sand along the water. It is a good place to slow down after the more active lagoon visits.

You can swim, stretch out on the beach, and buy cold drinks or ice cream at some stops. The added purchases are not part of the tour price, so cash is useful. Seven Commandos is also a comfortable option for people who do not want to snorkel at every stop. One non-swimmer was still able to enjoy the day by kayaking and taking part in beach activities.

The downside is crowding. When several boats arrive, the beach loses some of its peaceful feel. Still, it earns its place on the route because it gives you the simple beach experience that a day in Bacuit Bay should include.

Snorkeling: scenic water, uneven conditions

Snorkeling is included in the general route, but the quality can change from one stop to another. You may see appealing underwater scenery, yet one reported snorkeling area had few fish and a sharp coral entry.

That is normal for a route designed to combine several attractions. Tour A is not a specialist marine-life trip. It is a broad sightseeing day with snorkeling added to the mix. If your main goal is coral and fish, compare it with a tour focused more heavily on snorkeling. If you want lagoons, beaches, and a chance to get into the water, the balance works well.

Aqua shoes and fins are available to rent. Bring sunscreen and a change of clothes, since you will likely spend much of the day moving between wet and dry activities. Plastic bottles and large bags are not allowed, so pack lightly and use a reusable container only if the operator permits it.

Lunch on the boat day

Lunch is included, and it is one of the strongest parts of the package. The meal is generally described as a generous buffet with several kinds of food, including meat, fish, vegetables, fruit, and other side dishes.

For a $23 tour, a substantial lunch changes the value calculation. You are not paying for a boat ride and then buying a separate meal at an island stop. The food also gives the crew a chance to restock energy during a long day in the sun.

The organization may be less polished than the food itself. One booking suggested that lunch service could be arranged better, and delays can happen when many people are eating at once. Keep your expectations practical: this is a boat excursion lunch, not a restaurant meal. Still, the quantity and range of choices make it a welcome inclusion.

The crew can make or break the day

The crew receives the warmest praise in the available feedback. Names that come up include Buddy, Dexter, John, Mark, Jordan, Jojo, Nathan, Edgar, Gerald, and Arnold. Your guide will vary, but the common theme is hands-on help.

Guides may take photos with your phone, explain the stops, help you board and leave the boat, and assist with kayaking. Safety also gets regular attention. This matters because getting in and out of a traditional island boat can be awkward, especially when the water is moving or the shore is rocky.

Service is not perfectly uniform. One guide was described as speaking quickly and seeming impatient when asked to repeat information. That is a useful reminder to ask questions early and clearly. Most guides speak English or Tagalog, and the private option gives you a better chance to ask for a slower pace or more direct help.

Shared boat or private trip?

The shared option gives you the lowest price and makes Tour A an easy addition to a budget itinerary. You will share the boat and the schedule with other people, which keeps the cost down but can mean waiting for late passengers or spending less time at a preferred stop.

A private group costs more, but the advantages are practical rather than fancy. You may reach the attractions before the larger shared boats, choose a more comfortable pace, and get closer attention from the guide and crew. This can be worthwhile for couples, families, older visitors, or anyone who wants to focus on kayaking at Big Lagoon.

Do not assume private means empty beaches. Other boats still use the same islands, and entry limits still apply. The benefit is control over your boat, not exclusive access to Bacuit Bay.

What the $23 price really includes

At around $23 per person, this is strong value for an eight-hour outing. The boat, licensed guide, life vest, and lunch are included. You also get a full route through several of El Nido’s best-known natural sights.

Budget for the extras:

• El Nido eco-tourism development fee: 400 PHP
• Big Lagoon entry: 200 PHP
• Kayak rental: extra, with some bookings reporting about 300 PHP per kayak
• Aqua shoes and fins: available for an additional rental fee
• Drinks and ice cream: available to purchase at some stops

The 400 PHP environmental fee must be paid before boarding. If you have already paid it, bring your receipt so you do not pay twice. Carry cash because these small charges and island purchases may not be included in the booking price.

The free cancellation window is 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve while paying later. Those terms are useful if the weather or the rest of your Palawan schedule is still shifting.

Practical advice for a smoother day

Wear swimwear under light clothes and bring a dry change of clothes. Sunscreen, an ID or passport, and cash belong in your small day bag.

Leave large luggage behind. The boat is not the place for full-size bags, and smoking is not allowed. Keep electronics protected from spray, even if the crew helps with photos.

Arrive ready to move. Delays caused by late passengers can reduce time at the most important stops, especially Big Lagoon. If you are prone to motion sickness, bring the medicine you normally use. One full-day booking specifically advised this.

The meeting point can vary depending on the option you book, so check the exact instructions rather than assuming every departure leaves from the same beach. Also confirm the day’s route. Big Lagoon access is limited, and a substitute stop may be used if its quota is full.

Who should book Tour A?

I would choose this tour if you want one affordable day that covers lagoons, beaches, swimming, snorkeling, and a good lunch. It suits first-time visitors to El Nido, couples who want the famous views, families with older children, and non-swimmers who are comfortable wearing a life vest and using a kayak.

I would think twice if you need step-free access, use a wheelchair, or want a quiet beach day. The official accessibility warning is clear, and the busy route can involve awkward transfers between boat, water, and shore. I would also choose another format if snorkeling is your only priority.

Should you book this El Nido island tour?

Yes, if you understand the crowds and budget for the extras. The Big Lagoon kayak trip, helpful crew, varied stops, and generous lunch make Tour A a very good introduction to Bacuit Bay for the price.

Book the private version if quiet timing and flexible pacing matter more than saving money. Choose shared if you want the lowest-cost way to see El Nido’s headline sights. Either way, bring cash, start on time, and treat the Big Lagoon as a bonus that may depend on daily capacity rather than a guarantee.

FAQ

How long does El Nido Tour A last?

The tour lasts eight hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for the date you want.

What stops are included?

The route can include the Secret Lagoon, Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Seven Commandos Beach, and a snorkeling area. The day includes up to four stops in total, and Big Lagoon may be replaced if its entry limit has been reached.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, and it is served as a meal with several food choices. Drinks and ice cream purchased at the islands are not included.

Do I have to pay extra for Big Lagoon?

Yes. The listed Big Lagoon entry fee is 200 PHP. Kayak rental is also extra, and some bookings report paying about 300 pesos for a kayak.

Is the environmental fee included?

No. The El Nido eco-tourism development fee is 400 PHP. You must pay it before boarding, unless you have already paid and can show your receipt.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. The crew may assist with boarding and kayaking, but that should not be treated as guaranteed accessible service.