El Nido Group Tour A with Beach Lunch

El Nido Tour A packs the area’s best-known scenery into one boat day: towering limestone cliffs, clear water, white sand, and the narrow entrance to Secret Lagoon. You’ll kayak or swim through Big Lagoon, snorkel near Shimizu Island, eat lunch beside the sea, and finish at Seven Commando Beach.

I like the mix of active and easy-going stops, especially Big Lagoon and the beach lunch. I also like the helpful crew, who assist with boarding, ladders, and water access. The main catch is that the boat can carry up to 50 people, and kayaking, masks, snorkels, and drinks cost extra.

Key Points

• Big Lagoon is the main visual highlight, with turquoise water enclosed by huge limestone walls.
• Five stops fill roughly seven hours, so this is a full day rather than a quick sightseeing cruise.
• Kayaks cost P400 for two people, and a mask and snorkel set costs P100.
• Lunch is served on a beach, with Shimizu Island and Payong-Payong Beach adding time for swimming and snorkeling.
• Water access requires some effort, including walking in the sea and climbing a boat ladder at stops.
• Town pickup and the environmental fee are included, but pickup outside El Nido town costs extra.

Why Tour A Works So Well in El Nido

El Nido’s cliffs are most impressive from the water. They rise straight from the sea, creating sheltered lagoons and small beaches that are difficult or impossible to reach by land. Tour A gives you several versions of that scenery in one day, from the wide opening of Big Lagoon to the tight limestone passage leading into Secret Lagoon.

At $44.95 per person, this is a reasonable price for a seven-hour boat trip with lunch, town pickup, the lagoon entrance fee, and the environmental fee included. The value improves if you want to see several famous sites but do not want to arrange a private boat.

Still, do not treat the advertised price as all-inclusive. A kayak costs P400 for two people, so a pair pays P200 each if you share one. A mask and snorkel set costs P100 per person, and drinks are not included. These are modest add-ons, but you should budget for them before you set out.

The group limit is 50 people. That is a useful figure to know because the experience may feel lively rather than quiet, especially at the most popular stops. If your ideal boat day means plenty of room and a slow pace, a private trip may suit you better. If you want a simple, affordable way to see the main sights, the group format keeps the cost down.

Big Lagoon: The Main Scenic Event

Big Lagoon gets about an hour and a half, which is the longest stop on the day. That makes sense. The lagoon is the kind of place where you want time to look around, take photographs, swim, and use a kayak rather than simply step off the boat and leave.

The water is clear and turquoise, and tall limestone cliffs surround it on both sides. The cliffs give the lagoon a grand, enclosed feeling. Kayaking lets you move farther into the calm water at your own pace, while swimming offers a simpler way to enjoy the setting.

The kayak is optional and costs P400 per kayak for two people. If you are traveling with a companion, sharing keeps the cost low. If you would rather save money, you can still enjoy the stop without renting one, since swimming and sightseeing are part of the experience.

Bring a waterproof bag for your phone, money, and dry clothes. You may need to enter the water to reach certain parts of the stop, and keeping electronics dry is easier than trying to rescue them later. Reef-safe footwear or sturdy water shoes are also useful because access can involve uneven footing in the sea.

Shimizu Island for Snorkeling and Lunch

Shimizu Island is the main snorkeling stop, with about an hour and a half assigned to it. The water is clear, and you can look for coral and tropical fish close to shore or around the boat’s stopping area.

I would set realistic expectations here. The snorkeling is pleasant, but it may not feel like a major wildlife encounter. Fish can be small, often smaller than a palm, with only a few reaching around a foot and a half. If you are an experienced snorkeler seeking large marine animals or a dramatic reef, this stop may seem modest.

For a casual swim and a look at coral, though, it works well. The mask and snorkel set costs P100 if you need equipment. You can also bring your own gear, although the supplied information does not specify whether the operator provides storage for personal equipment.

Lunch is served on the beach, which adds something important to the day. Eating beside the water gives you a proper break between boat stops, rather than keeping you seated on the boat for the full seven hours. The lunch itself has been a strong part of the experience for many people, but the exact menu is not provided, so do not book this expecting a particular dish.

Drinks are not included. Carrying water is sensible, especially with repeated swimming, sun exposure, and time outdoors.

Payong-Payong Beach: A Quieter Hour

Payong-Payong Beach receives about one hour. Compared with the famous lagoons, it is a smaller and calmer stop, surrounded by limestone cliffs and greenery. The beach has powdery white sand and shallow clear water.

This is the place to slow down. You can swim, sit on the beach, take photographs, or simply enjoy a less demanding stretch of the day. It does not offer the same dramatic scale as Big Lagoon, but that is part of its appeal.

A short stop like this also gives your body a break. Tour A involves boarding and leaving the boat several times, swimming, and possibly kayaking. An hour on a quiet beach can feel welcome after the first active stops.

You should know that the boat may not pull directly onto dry sand. Access often means walking through the water, so wear footwear that can get wet and stay secure on your feet. Flip-flops may be less useful than sandals or water shoes with a good grip.

Secret Lagoon and Its Narrow Entrance

Secret Lagoon gives you about an hour and a half, making it another major stop. Its defining feature is the small opening in the limestone wall. You pass through that opening to reach a secluded pool enclosed by cliffs.

The entrance is the attraction as much as the pool itself. It creates a short moment of adventure, but it also means the stop is not completely effortless. You may need to wait your turn if several groups arrive at once, and you should be comfortable moving through a tight water-level opening.

Inside, the enclosed pool feels very different from the open sea. The cliffs block much of the outside view, creating a compact, sheltered setting. You can swim and look up at the rock walls, though the available information does not specify the exact water depth or conditions on the day.

Pay attention to the crew’s instructions here. The sea can affect how easy it is to enter and leave the opening, and weather conditions matter throughout the trip. The operator can cancel the tour if conditions are poor, offering another date or a full refund.

Seven Commando Beach to Finish the Day

Seven Commando Beach gets another hour and a half. It has white sand, blue water, and coconut palms along the shore, giving you the classic tropical beach setting that many people expect from El Nido.

This is a good final stop because it gives you time to swim, snorkel, or rest without rushing straight back to town. After the lagoons and boat transfers, you may prefer to sit under the palms rather than add another activity.

Seven Commando is popular, so it may not feel secluded. That is worth keeping in mind if you are picturing an empty beach. Its appeal is easy access, clear water, and a pleasant place to finish the route, not complete isolation.

The snorkeling here is optional and equipment costs extra. As at the other beaches, expect some water access and possible use of a boat ladder.

What the Boat Day Feels Like in Practice

The tour starts at 9:00 a.m. and lasts about seven hours. Town pickup is available, but only within El Nido town. If you are staying outside town, an extra pickup charge applies, so confirm the cost before booking.

You will move between five stops by boat. The pace is active, but the time allocation is fairly generous at the major locations. Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Secret Lagoon, and Seven Commando Beach each receive about an hour and a half, while Payong-Payong Beach receives one hour.

The repeated boat entries and exits matter more than the schedule suggests. You may need to walk in the water and climb a ladder every time you leave or return to the boat. One especially useful detail for families is to request small life jackets in advance if you are bringing young children. Standard sizes may not fit smaller bodies well.

The crew and boat driver are expected to provide practical help, and the experience has been particularly suitable for people traveling with relatives who have limited mobility. That does not mean the tour is fully accessible. Water walking, ladders, uneven shorelines, and a small lagoon entrance can still be difficult.

Service animals are allowed, and the activity is near public transportation. Most people can participate, but you should judge your own comfort with swimming, wet entries, ladders, and boat movement.

What to Pack for El Nido Tour A

A few simple items will make this day easier:

• Waterproof bag for phones and valuables
• Swimsuit and a change of clothes
• Secure water shoes or sandals
• Towel
• Sun protection
• Drinking water
• Cash for optional equipment and drinks
• Small life jacket request for young children, made before the trip

You do not need to rent a kayak if you only want to swim and see the scenery. However, kayaking is one of the more memorable ways to experience Big Lagoon, so I would include the extra P400 in your budget if you are traveling as a pair.

The environmental fee is P400 per person and remains valid for 14 days. The lagoon entrance fee of P200 per person is included. These inclusions matter if you are comparing this tour with another boat trip, since a lower advertised price may not include the same fees.

Who Will Get the Most from This Tour

I would recommend Tour A to first-time visitors who want a broad introduction to El Nido. You see lagoons, beaches, cliffs, coral, and a beach lunch in one day, without having to coordinate several separate bookings.

It also suits couples and friends who want a balance of activity and rest. One person can kayak while another swims or takes photographs, and the beach stops give you room to choose your own pace.

Families can enjoy it, but preparation matters. Ask for smaller life jackets ahead of time, bring secure footwear, and be honest about whether everyone can manage boat ladders and water entries. The crew can help with mobility, but the route itself still involves physical access challenges.

I would be more cautious about recommending it to someone who wants peaceful, private scenery all day. A group of up to 50 people can make the most popular stops feel busy, and the fixed route leaves less flexibility than a private boat.

Snorkeling specialists may also want to adjust expectations. Shimizu Island offers clear water and small tropical fish, but the marine life may not be especially abundant or large. The scenery and variety of stops are the stronger reasons to book.

Booking, Cancellation, and Weather

You receive confirmation when you book. Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the 9:00 a.m. start time. Cancel within 24 hours, or make changes during that period, and you will not receive a refund.

Weather matters for this experience. If the operator cancels because conditions are poor, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. That policy is useful in El Nido, where the quality and safety of a boat day depend heavily on sea conditions.

Should You Book El Nido Tour A?

Book this tour if you want the classic El Nido combination of Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, white-sand beaches, and a beach lunch at a moderate price. The included pickup in town, environmental fee, lagoon admission, and seven-hour schedule make it a practical choice for a first visit.

Budget for the kayak, snorkeling equipment, and drinks, and bring gear for wet entries. I would also choose it with the right expectations: the scenery is the star, the snorkeling is fairly modest, and the group may be large.

If you value variety, helpful crew support, and an easy way to see five major stops, this is a sound choice. If you want privacy, quiet beaches, or a more serious snorkeling experience, compare it with a smaller private trip before booking.

FAQ

How long does El Nido Tour A last?

The tour lasts approximately seven hours and starts at 9:00 a.m.

What places does the tour visit?

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

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is served on the beach.

Is hotel pickup included?

Free pickup is offered within El Nido town. Pickup outside town costs extra.

Is kayaking included in the price?

No. A kayak costs P400 and is suitable for two people.

How much does snorkeling equipment cost?

A mask and snorkel set costs P100. Drinks, including water and soda, are not included.

Is the environmental fee included?

Yes. The P400 environmental fee per person is included and is valid for 14 days.

Can children and people with limited mobility join?

Most people can participate, but the tour requires walking in the water and climbing a boat ladder at stops. Request small life jackets in advance for young children. The crew can assist people with limited mobility, though the route is not fully step-free.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded. If poor weather cancels the tour, you can receive a full refund or move to another date.