El Nido: Island Hopping TOUR A with Lunch, Transfer & EDTF

Big Lagoon is the headline act here, with towering limestone walls closing around clear blue water. But Tour A works because it mixes scenery with time to swim, from a cave-like lagoon entrance to a long white beach shaded by palms. It gives you the classic El Nido postcard day in one well-packed outing.

I especially like the included island lunch and environmental fees, since they keep the advertised $50 price from creeping upward too quickly. The crew is described as friendly and helpful, and one last-minute booking ended up being a great day. The main concern is transport: pickup is included only within El Nido Town Proper, and communication about rides outside that area has caused real confusion.

Key points to know before booking

• Big Lagoon is the visual centerpiece: Expect limestone cliffs, blue water, and about an hour for photos and sightseeing.
• Secret Lagoon requires care: You may need to pass through a low, rocky opening, especially awkward at high tide.
• Shimizu Island provides the lunch break: You can eat, swim, snorkel, and cool off beneath the cliffs.
• Water shoes are worth packing: Rocky surfaces around Secret Lagoon can be slippery and uncomfortable in bare feet.
• The $50 price covers useful extras: Boat, guide, life vest, lunch, drinking water, lagoon fee, and environmental fee are included.
• Pickup has a firm boundary: Free round-trip transfer applies to El Nido Town Proper only, not Lio, Nampacan Beach, Meregmeg, or other outlying areas.

Why El Nido Tour A remains the classic island day

If you have only one full day for island hopping in El Nido, Tour A is the sensible starting point. It gathers the area’s most recognizable ingredients: high limestone cliffs, sheltered lagoons, white sand, coral, and warm water. You will not spend the day doing just one thing, either. The plan shifts between boat rides, short walks, swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and beach time.

The full outing lasts about eight hours, beginning and ending in El Nido. That is a long day in the sun, but the stops are broken into roughly one-hour blocks. The pace gives you enough time to see each place without turning the day into a single rushed photo stop.

The tour costs $50 per person. For that price, you receive a motorized boat, guide, round-trip transfer within the stated town area, lunch, drinking water, life vest, lagoon fee, environmental fee, and guide fee. Snorkeling masks, fins, aqua shoes, and kayaks cost extra, so the value is strongest if you bring your own mask and do not plan to rent every add-on.

The experience is designed for children, older adults, and people with disabilities, but the physical details still matter. Secret Lagoon involves uneven rock and a low entrance, while getting on and off a boat or walking across a beach may not suit everyone. Pregnant women and people over 95 are not considered suitable for this activity.

Big Lagoon gives Tour A its signature view

Big Lagoon on Miniloc Island is the stop that makes the tour instantly recognizable. The boat carries you toward a broad inlet surrounded by steep limestone walls. The water and rock formations create the sort of setting that has appeared in films, photographs, and countless El Nido travel plans.

You have about an hour here for a visit and photo stop. The emphasis is on scenery rather than a packed schedule of activities, so bring a dry bag or waterproof phone case if you want pictures without worrying about spray. The cliffs are the main event, and the wide waterway gives you room to appreciate their scale.

Big Lagoon can also be one of the more popular places on the route. I would treat this stop as a chance to slow down and look around, not simply as a checklist photo. Keep your camera ready, but do not spend the entire hour staring at it. The combination of rock, water, and open sky is what makes the stop work.

Secret Lagoon requires a little care

Secret Lagoon is more enclosed and curious than Big Lagoon. The boat stops near a white sand beach on the southern end of Miniloc Island, and you make your way through a rocky, cave-like passage to reach the natural pool beyond.

That passage is the important practical detail. At low tide, you can wade into the entrance more easily. At high tide, the opening can be awkward, and you need to watch your head. Slippery or uneven rock is also possible, which is why water shoes are a much better choice than flimsy flip-flops.

Once inside, you find a small natural pool surrounded by limestone. The setting feels more enclosed and intimate than Big Lagoon, though the narrow access means you should be patient and follow the guide’s instructions. Swimming and kayaking are listed for this stop, but kayak rental is not included.

A damaged rental kayak caused a serious problem for one group, with water entering the cockpit until the kayak tipped and sank. That is not a reason to avoid kayaking altogether, but it is a reason to inspect any rental before setting off. Check the hull, cockpit, and stability, and speak up immediately if equipment looks unsafe.

Shimizu Island is the practical lunch stop

Shimizu Island sits in Bacuit Bay and combines a small white sand beach with clear water and limestone cliffs. It is scheduled as the lunch stop, which makes good sense. After the morning’s lagoons, you can eat, swim, snorkel, or sit in the shade instead of rushing straight into another attraction.

The marine life here includes fish and coral, making this one of the better places to use your snorkeling gear. Masks and fins are not included, so bring your own if you have them. You can also ask about rentals, but confirm the price before taking equipment.

Lunch is included, which adds real value to the $50 cost. The meal is served island-style, and you should not expect restaurant service or an extensive menu. One reported problem involved a shortage of forks, with utensils arriving after some food had already run out. That sounds like a small detail, but it matters when you are hungry and eating food that is difficult to handle by hand.

A simple fix is to carry a compact reusable utensil or travel cutlery. It is also wise to bring tissues or hand sanitizer, both of which are on the recommended packing list. The island setting is beautiful, but it does not come with the conveniences of a town cafe.

Payong-Payong Beach is the quiet breathing space

Payong-Payong Beach is one of the more relaxed stops on the route. Cliffs, unusual rock shapes, shade trees, sand, and clear water create a natural place to pause. There are no sports or organized activities here, and that is part of the appeal.

You can swim, snorkel, take photos, or simply sit in the shade. The water is described as gentle, and the beach works well as a slower hour between the more famous lagoons and the final beach stop.

Do not expect a long list of things to do. If you need constant action, this may feel quiet. I would see it as useful downtime. El Nido days can become tiring quickly when you combine boat movement, heat, salt water, and repeated climbs in and out of the water. A calm beach gives you a chance to recover.

Seven Commandos Beach closes the day on a high note

Seven Commandos Beach stretches for about 320 meters and is lined with coconut palms and limestone cliffs. It is technically part of the El Nido mainland, but reaching it by boat gives the beach a more secluded feel.

The final stop allows time for swimming, kayaking, and relaxing on the sand. After several hours outdoors, this is a pleasant place to finish. You can swim without feeling rushed, take final photographs, or find shade beneath the palms.

The beach name has several explanations. One story connects it with stranded soldiers, while other versions refer to a fishing boat or a stone marked by locals. The exact origin is less important than the setting, but it gives the stop a small piece of local character beyond the usual beach scenery.

Kayak rental is extra here as well. If you plan to use one, inspect it before paying. The same advice applies to any equipment on the tour: make sure it is sound, stable, and suitable for your size and the conditions.

What the $50 price really covers

At $50, this is not simply a boat ride. The cost includes several fees that can otherwise surprise you in El Nido:

• Round-trip transfer within El Nido Town Proper
• Motorized boat
• English-speaking guide
• Life vest
• Island lunch
• Drinking water
• Lagoon fee
• Environmental fee

That package makes the price reasonable for someone who wants the main Tour A sights without arranging each piece separately. The included environmental and lagoon fees are especially useful because they reduce the chance of paying unexpected mandatory charges at the dock.

The price does not include transport from outside the central pickup zone. It also excludes snorkeling masks, fins, aqua shoes, and kayaks. If your hotel is in Lio, Nampacan Beach, Meregmeg, or another area outside El Nido Town Proper, arrange your own ride and confirm the cost before departure.

Transport communication has been the weakest part of the experience. Some people staying outside the pickup zone were first told a vehicle would collect them, then told on the morning of the tour to arrange transport themselves. A tuk-tuk driver also tried to charge 250 pesos for a ride that had been understood to be free, while another person was asked for an extra 400 pesos for an environmental tax already included in the booking.

The practical lesson is simple: confirm your hotel location, pickup point, and all included fees in writing before the day of the tour. Keep your booking confirmation available on your phone. If you are staying outside town, budget for your own transport both ways.

What to bring for a smoother day

The sun in El Nido can feel strong, especially when you are on open water for hours. Pack a sun hat, swimwear, towel, reef-safe or biodegradable sunscreen, beachwear, flip-flops, and a waterproof bag for phones and clothing.

I would add water shoes to the list even though they are not included. They help at Secret Lagoon, where the rocky entrance may be slippery, and they are more comfortable than bare feet on rough surfaces.

Bring your own snorkeling mask and fins if you have reliable gear. Rentals are not part of the price, and having your own equipment saves time and gives you a better fit. Drinking water is included, but carrying an extra bottle is sensible if you are prone to dehydration.

A small dry bag is useful for wallets, phones, towels, and spare clothes. Hand sanitizer or tissues also make lunch easier. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and you should follow the guide’s instructions around boats, caves, and rented equipment.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would recommend Tour A to a first-time visitor who wants El Nido’s most famous sights in one day. It suits people who like a mix of swimming, snorkeling, beach time, photography, and short boat transfers rather than a single long stay at one beach.

Families may appreciate the clear structure and included lunch, though parents should pay close attention around Secret Lagoon’s rocky passage. Older adults can enjoy the scenery and beaches, but boarding the boat, walking on uneven ground, and managing the heat may require extra care.

This is less suitable if you want a quiet, private outing. The route gathers several famous locations, so the day can feel busy, especially at the headline lagoons. It is also not the best choice if you dislike open-water transport, slippery surfaces, or arranging extra gear.

The tour is available with an English-speaking guide. The crew has been described as fun and helpful, which matters during a long day when you need directions, help boarding, or advice about the water.

Booking details worth checking first

Pickup is included only from hotels within El Nido Town Proper. After booking, the operator says it will email to confirm hotel pickup details and send a reminder two days before the trip. On the morning itself, you are asked to wait in the hotel lobby for a driver holding a sign with your name.

The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and allows you to reserve now and pay later. Since weather and boat conditions can affect island outings, that flexibility is useful. Check the available start time for your date because the activity lasts eight hours.

If you are outside the pickup area, do not rely on a general promise of transport. Send the exact hotel name and location, ask who pays for the ride, and confirm whether the return transfer is included. This one step could prevent the main frustration reported with the experience.

Should you book El Nido Tour A?

Book it if you want the standard El Nido highlights, prefer an organized day, and value having lunch, boat transport, and required fees bundled into one price. Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Payong-Payong Beach, and Seven Commandos Beach give you a strong first look at the area.

I would book with three conditions: confirm pickup in writing, bring water shoes, and treat kayak rental as optional rather than essential. Check any rented kayak carefully, keep proof of included fees, and carry a little extra cash for transport or equipment.

For a first island-hopping day, the route offers a lot for $50. Just understand that this is a full shared outing, not a private cruise, and that transport outside central El Nido needs careful planning.

FAQ

What is included in El Nido Tour A?

The price includes a motorized boat, English-speaking guide, life vest, island lunch, drinking water, lagoon fee, environmental fee, and round-trip transfer within El Nido Town Proper.

How long does the tour last?

The activity lasts about eight hours, including the stops at Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Seven Commandos Beach, and Payong-Payong Beach.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and return transfer are included only for hotels within El Nido Town Proper. Hotels in Lio, Nampacan Beach, Meregmeg, and other locations outside the stated area need to arrange and pay for their own transport.

Are snorkeling gear and kayaks included?

No. Snorkeling masks, fins, aqua shoes, and kayaks are not included. You can bring your own snorkeling gear, and kayak rental is available as an extra at some stops.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sun hat, sunscreen, biodegradable or reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes, flip-flops, beachwear, snorkeling gear, and hand sanitizer or tissues. A waterproof bag is also useful.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

The day is designed to accommodate children, seniors, and people with disabilities, but Secret Lagoon includes a rocky passage and uneven surfaces. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people over 95 years old.