El Nido Tour A

Big Lagoon is the main event here, with pale cliffs rising around clear water and a boat ride that feels almost too scenic to be real. The route also gives you Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Seven Commando Beach, so you get a full day of El Nido’s classic coastal sights rather than one long stop in one place.

I like the mix of dramatic scenery and simple beach time. I also like that the boat, licensed captain, guide, packed lunch, and bottled water are included in the $27 price. The catch is that several extra charges come on top, and the food and tour organization may not be as polished as the scenery.

Key points to know before booking

• Big Lagoon is the star stop: Expect clear water, steep limestone walls, and a calm setting best appreciated at an unhurried pace.
• The tour combines lagoons and beaches: Secret Lagoon and Shimizu Island add variety, while Seven Commando Beach gives you time on sand.
• The $27 price is only the starting cost: Add the PHP 200 environmental fee, PHP 200 lagoon entrance fee, and optional kayak rental at PHP 300 for two people.
• The crew receives strong praise for care: The boat staff and guide are described as attentive, though instructions and timing can be unclear.
• Pack with speed in mind: You may have little time to gather your things between boat arrivals and each stop.
• Vegetarian meals need attention: The supplied food may be limited, so ask about lunch before departure if you do not eat meat.

What the eight-hour route is really like

El Nido Tour A is built around water, limestone cliffs, and short visits at several famous spots. The full outing lasts about eight hours, which makes it a substantial day rather than a quick morning ride.

The route centers on Miniloc Island and its lagoons. The information for this outing refers to three lagoons, with Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon named specifically. Small Lagoon also appears in the tour description, but the listed highlights focus on Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Seven Commando Beach.

That mixed wording matters. When you book, confirm the exact stops included on your departure day. Boat routes can be adjusted, and the description combines details from different versions of Tour A. You should not assume every lagoon named in the general description will be visited on the same schedule.

The boat transfer, licensed captain, English-speaking guide, packed lunch, and one bottle of water per person are included. That keeps the basic price attractive, especially for a full day on the water. Still, your final cost will be higher after required fees and any kayak rental.

Big Lagoon and the limestone walls of Miniloc Island

Big Lagoon is the stop most likely to define your day. The setting is broad and calm, with clear water enclosed by tall limestone formations. You can take in the view from the boat, and the peaceful water makes the area feel different from an open beach stop.

The lagoon is also where the kayak question becomes important. Kayak rental costs PHP 300 for two people, and the charge is not included. If you want to move around the lagoon under your own power, this is a modest shared cost. If you prefer to stay with the boat, you can avoid it, but you may miss the most active way to see the narrow water passages.

Bring only what you need when you leave the boat. One practical weakness of the operation is unclear instruction about what to carry and how long each stop will last. If you wait until the boat reaches the lagoon to organize your bag, towel, phone, and clothes, you may lose time.

Keep your phone and other small items secure around the water. The supplied information does not specify lockers or dry bags, so bring your own waterproof protection if you have it.

Secret Lagoon and the smaller-scale stop

Secret Lagoon offers a different kind of visit from Big Lagoon. Instead of a broad water setting, the attraction is the enclosed, tucked-away feel of the lagoon itself. The stop is likely to feel more compact, so patience helps if other boats or people are also arriving.

The tour description also refers to kayaking through Small Lagoon. Since the headline stops list Secret Lagoon rather than Small Lagoon, ask the operator which lagoon is scheduled for your booking. That one question can prevent a mismatch between what you expect and what the boat crew has planned.

The lagoon entrance fee is PHP 200 per person. This is separate from the environmental fee, also PHP 200 per person and valid for 10 days. If you are staying in El Nido and taking more than one outing during that period, the environmental fee may cover later visits within its validity window, but the lagoon charge is still listed separately.

The lagoons are the part of the tour where organization matters most. You need clear instructions about where to meet the boat again, what to bring ashore, and how much time remains. The crew is described as hardworking and caring, but the communication can be less precise than you might want.

Shimizu Island, white sand, and a little history

Shimizu Island gives the day a welcome change of pace. After time around cliffs and enclosed water, you can settle on white sand, enjoy the clear water, and eat lunch in a beach setting.

The island is named after a Japanese diver who reportedly died in an underwater tunnel nearby. That story adds a human note to an otherwise postcard-like place. It also hints at the layered past of Palawan, where local stories, visitors from abroad, and the sea all meet.

Lunch is included, which is useful on an eight-hour excursion. The meal has drawn a mixed response, though. One issue raised was that people held back to make sure there was enough food for everyone. Vegetarian choices were especially limited, with cucumbers and lemon described as the main option.

If you eat vegetarian food, tell the provider in advance and bring a backup snack. Even if a better meal is arranged, a small extra supply is sensible for a long day in the sun. Bottled water is included, but you should still bring sunscreen and consider carrying additional water if you need more than one bottle.

Seven Commando Beach and the value of variety

Seven Commando Beach is the simplest stop on the route, and that is part of its appeal. You can step onto white sand, slow down, and enjoy the coast without needing to kayak or pass through a tight lagoon entrance.

This beach also gives you a chance to dry off and reset. A full day of boat transfers and water stops can become tiring, especially if you are prone to seasickness. A quiet beach break helps balance the more active sections of the route.

Do not expect the same dramatic walls here as at Big Lagoon. Seven Commando Beach is valuable because it changes the rhythm of the day. You get a classic tropical beach rather than another variation on the lagoon setting.

The combination of four named highlights is one of the tour’s strengths. Big Lagoon supplies the grand scenery, Secret Lagoon adds a more enclosed setting, Shimizu Island brings sand and lunch, and Seven Commando Beach offers a straightforward rest stop.

What the $27 price includes, and what it does not

At $27 per person, the tour is priced as an accessible full-day boat outing. The included boat transfer and licensed captain cover the main transport cost, while the guide, lunch, and bottled water remove several expenses you might otherwise pay separately.

But do not treat $27 as your total budget. Plan for these additional charges:

• PHP 200 per person environmental fee, valid for 10 days
• PHP 200 per person lagoon entrance fee
• PHP 300 per kayak, shared by two people
• Personal snacks, extra drinks, sunscreen, and any other beach supplies

The kayak fee is reasonable when shared, especially if you want to explore the lagoon more actively. The required fees are more important to remember because they apply even if you skip the kayak.

The overall value is strongest for people who want a broad introduction to El Nido without arranging a private boat. You receive a full day, several major sights, lunch, water, and a guide at a low advertised price. The value is weaker if you expect premium service, detailed briefings, or a carefully managed meal.

Meeting point, transfers, and the day’s weak spots

The meeting point is handled by a BIZ IT Travel and Tours representative. You should look for that representative rather than assume the boat itself will be easy to identify.

Hotel transfer deserves special attention. A transfer was nearly forgotten on one outing, so confirm your pickup details before the day begins. Save the provider’s contact information and ask where you should wait.

The environmental fee may be paid at a roadside office. The setup can feel informal, and the route from the office to the beach may pass between hotels and local homes rather than through a polished terminal. That is not necessarily a problem, but it helps to know that the start may feel practical and improvised.

The crew is praised for taking good care of people, which is a real plus on a boat day. At the same time, instructions about stop lengths, what to bring, and when to prepare your belongings may be limited. I would keep your day bag packed before you reach each location and listen carefully for the next meeting point.

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. If you need specific boarding or transfer assistance, confirm the details with BIZ IT Travel and Tours before booking, since the available information does not explain the boat setup.

Clothing and packing advice for this route

Swimwear is the obvious choice, but bring a complete change of clothes. You may spend much of the day moving between boat, lagoon, and beach, and dry clothes make the return trip more comfortable.

A sun hat and strong sunscreen are essential. The supplied information specifically recommends sunscreen, and the stops are outdoors with little described shade.

Bring your passport, as it is listed among the required items. Also pack a small dry bag or waterproof pouch for your phone, money, and documents. That is practical protection for any boat outing, even though a dry bag is not supplied.

I would keep your packing list short:

• Swimwear
• Change of clothes
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Passport
• Waterproof pouch
• Small snack, especially for vegetarian diets
• Any personal seasickness supplies you already use

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. The outing is also not suitable for people prone to seasickness or people with high blood pressure. If either condition applies to you, choose another activity or get medical advice before booking.

How the tour compares with a private boat day

This group outing makes sense if you want the standard El Nido sights at a low starting price. You trade some control over the schedule for a simpler booking, shared transport, and an included guide.

A private arrangement would normally give you more say over timing and stops, but no private option is described here, so I cannot compare exact prices or services. The practical point is simple: choose this tour if the named highlights matter more to you than having a fully personalized day.

The group setting can also be a positive. A friendly group and attentive crew can make the boat ride more enjoyable, and the social side costs less than arranging everything alone. Still, unclear instructions and a meal that may not suit every diet are reasons to set realistic expectations.

Who should book El Nido Tour A?

I would consider this tour a good fit for you if:

• You want El Nido’s famous lagoons and beaches in one day
• You prefer a low advertised price
• You are comfortable joining a shared boat
• You want lunch, water, a guide, and transport bundled together
• You enjoy a mix of scenic boat rides, lagoon visits, and beach time
• You can handle a full eight-hour day outdoors

I would be more cautious if you need strict dietary planning, precise schedules, hotel transfers without follow-up, or high-end service. People prone to seasickness should also think carefully before booking.

The English-speaking guide and licensed boat captain provide a solid basic framework. The strongest human touch comes from a crew that takes care of people, while the weakest area is the flow of information. A little preparation from you can make a noticeable difference.

Should you book this tour?

Book El Nido Tour A if Big Lagoon is high on your list and you want four classic Palawan stops without paying for a private boat. At $27, the package is appealing, especially with lunch, water, a licensed captain, and a guide included.

Go in with a practical mindset. Budget for PHP 400 in required fees, add PHP 150 each if you share a kayak, confirm your transfer, and ask exactly which lagoon stops are included. Bring your own snack if you need vegetarian food.

The scenery is the reason to choose this outing. The service may require patience, but the route offers a strong first look at El Nido’s lagoons and beaches at a modest base price.

FAQ

How long does El Nido Tour A last?

The tour lasts eight hours. Starting times depend on availability when you book.

What locations are included?

The listed highlights are Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Seven Commando Beach, and Shimizu Island. The description also refers to Small Lagoon and three lagoons around Miniloc Island, so confirm the exact route before departure.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A packed lunch is included, along with bottled water for each person.

Is kayak rental included?

No. Kayak rental costs PHP 300 for two people.

What extra fees should I budget for?

The environmental fee is PHP 200 per person and is valid for 10 days. The lagoon entrance fee is PHP 200 per person. Kayak rental is optional and costs PHP 300 for two people.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear swimwear and bring a change of clothes, a sun hat, sunscreen, and your passport.

Is the tour suitable for people prone to seasickness?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for people prone to seasickness.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, according to the booking conditions.