El Nido: Tour A (Big & Secret Lagoon, Shimizu, 7 Commando)

El Nido Tour A puts you among limestone cliffs, clear lagoons, and coral reefs in one long island-hopping day. The best parts are the dramatic scenery at Big Lagoon and the easygoing beach time at Shimizu Island, where you can snorkel, eat lunch, and cool off in the sea. I also like that buffet lunch and water are included, keeping the basic $23 price useful for budget trips.

I like the mix of active and quiet stops: you can paddle or swim at the lagoons, then stretch out at Seven Commandos Beach. I also appreciate the careful attitude shown by the crew during stormy weather and the helpful booking support from Mark at Akingventures Travel & Tours. The main caution is simple: extra charges add up, and the boat service has not always been reliable, so confirm the vessel, route, and meeting time before paying.

Key points to know before booking

• Big Lagoon requires an extra P200 entrance fee, and a kayak costs another P300 if you want to paddle.
• Shimizu Island allows 105 minutes, making it the longest listed stop and the main place for snorkeling and lunch.
• The route information is inconsistent: Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Seven Commandos, and Shimizu are all mentioned, but the detailed schedule does not clearly list every one.
• The meeting time appears as both 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM, so confirm the exact departure time with the operator.
• The tour is shared, lasts about seven to seven and a half hours, and should return around 4:30 PM.
• Weather can cancel or alter the trip, and one poor experience involved a broken boat and weak communication during a long delay.

What this El Nido day is really about

Tour A is a classic introduction to El Nido’s island scenery. You leave town by boat and spend the day moving between beaches, lagoons, and snorkeling areas around Bacuit Bay. The appeal is variety rather than one long activity.

At $23 per person, the base price is attractive. It includes the main island stops, a buffet lunch, and a 300 ml bottle of water. You still need to budget for the P400 environmental fee, unless you have already paid it for another El Nido activity within the previous five days.

The Big Lagoon entrance fee is P200. Kayaking costs P300, and optional snorkeling gear and aqua shoes cost P100 each. If you want to snorkel, paddle, and use water shoes, the advertised extras total P700 before the environmental fee. That still may be fair for a full day on the water, but the headline price does not tell the whole story.

This is a group tour, so you should expect to share the boat and follow a common schedule. That keeps the cost down, but it also means less freedom to linger at one beach or leave a crowded stop early.

Meeting in El Nido and getting to the boat

The stated meeting point is Grounded 100% Arabica Coffee, El Nido Branch. One set of instructions gives 8:30 AM, while another says 9:00 AM. Do not treat that hour and a half difference as a minor detail. Ask Akingventures Travel & Tours to confirm the exact time before the morning of the trip.

The detailed route says you walk about 15 minutes from the coffee shop before reaching the departure area. Wear sandals or shoes that can handle a short walk and getting wet. You finish at Bacuit Bay Floating Dock 1, so the end point is not necessarily the same place where you began.

The shared-boat setup is worth keeping in mind. Boats in El Nido serve several operators, and the day depends on weather, loading, dock conditions, and the condition of the boat itself. One serious report described a damaged boat, a replacement after about an hour and a half, and poor communication from the crew. That appears to be an exception rather than the standard experience, but it is a fair reason to confirm the boat and ask what happens if there is a mechanical delay.

Seven Commandos Beach: a gentle first stop

Seven Commandos Beach is listed as a 45-minute guided stop. This gives you enough time to step ashore, see the beach, take photographs, and enjoy a short swim if conditions allow. It is a good opening to the day because you are not asked to start with a difficult activity.

The short visit also sets a limit. You are not getting a long, unhurried beach afternoon here. If the boat arrives while other groups are present, your time can feel brief. Use the stop for the simple pleasures: stretch your legs, take in the cliffs, and get your camera ready for the larger scenery later.

Bring your own small snack if you tend to get hungry between meals. The tour supplies a buffet lunch, but the schedule begins in the morning and the supplied water is only 300 ml.

Big Lagoon and the cost of kayaking

Big Lagoon is the visual centerpiece of Tour A. High limestone walls surround calm water, giving the stop the grand scale El Nido is known for. The lagoon is also promoted for marine life and exploration, although the experience can depend on weather, water clarity, and how many boats are visiting at the same time.

You can visit without renting a kayak, but the P300 fee is relevant if you want to explore the lagoon under your own power. Kayaking changes the pace. Instead of only looking from the boat, you get closer to the rock walls and control your movement through the water.

The extra fee is not a minor add-on for a budget traveler. At P300, it costs more than the optional snorkeling gear or aqua shoes, and you may need to decide at the dock. Bring enough cash and ask the guide when payment is due.

The schedule gives one hour for an unnamed guided stop after Seven Commandos. The wider description identifies Big Lagoon as a main visit, but the detailed stop list does not label that one-hour section clearly. It also mentions Small Lagoon in the general description, while the detailed route does not include it. Confirm whether your departure includes Big Lagoon only, Big and Small Lagoon, or a route change based on crowd and weather conditions.

That clarification matters. You should not assume that every place named in the sales description will be visited on the same day, especially when the route lists Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Seven Commandos more clearly than Small Lagoon.

Shimizu Island: the day’s longest stop

Shimizu Island receives 105 minutes, the longest listed stop. That makes it the practical center of the tour. You have time to snorkel among colorful coral, swim, take photographs, and sit down for the included buffet lunch.

I like this stop because it combines several needs in one place. If you want activity, the snorkeling is the main draw. If you prefer a slower hour, you can relax on the beach and enjoy the surrounding cliffs without rushing from one short stop to another.

Snorkeling gear is optional and costs P100 if you do not have your own. Aqua shoes are also P100. Shoes can be useful if you dislike walking over rough shore areas, but the tour does not require you to buy either item. Bring your own equipment if you already have it and want to avoid another rental charge.

The tour rules are sensible and important. Do not touch coral, fish, or other marine life. Do not touch plants, litter, or smoke. These are not fussy restrictions. Coral breaks easily, and a crowded snorkeling area stays pleasant only when people leave it alone.

The buffet lunch is a useful inclusion, but the exact menu is not specified. I would still carry a small snack, especially if you have dietary needs that may not match a shared buffet. Keep sunscreen, a hat, and drinking water handy. A single 300 ml bottle is not much for a full day in the sun.

Secret Lagoon through the narrow opening

Secret Lagoon is listed as a one-hour guided stop. Access is through a narrow opening, which gives the visit a more enclosed and unusual feel than the broad water of Big Lagoon. The passage itself is part of the appeal, but it can also make the stop feel tight when several groups arrive together.

This is a place for patience. You may need to wait your turn at the entrance, and the water or weather can affect how easily you get inside. Follow the guide’s instructions and avoid pushing through the opening or touching the rock and plant life.

The one-hour allowance should give you time to see the lagoon without turning the stop into a long expedition. If you are not comfortable with narrow access, tell the guide before entering and enjoy the surrounding area instead. The activity is meant to be fun, not a test of nerve.

Weather, safety, and the quality of the crew

Weather is a major part of any El Nido boat day. Tours can be canceled because of conditions, and a storm can change the water, reduce visibility, or make the ride uncomfortable. One particularly positive account described guides staying alert and careful during stormy weather, keeping people safe during the activities.

That is the right standard to expect. A beautiful itinerary is not worth following when conditions are poor. If the sea looks rough, accept a delay or cancellation rather than treating it as a failure of the trip. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your forecast is uncertain.

The guide speaks English. A friendly, attentive guide can make a shared trip much easier, especially when you need to understand boat transfers, snorkeling rules, meal timing, and extra fees. Mark, who helps at the Akingventures business, has been particularly useful for answering questions before departure, arranging snorkeling gear, following up after the tour, and helping with ferry tickets to Coron.

That kind of practical support matters in El Nido, where a small question about a dock, fee, or onward connection can affect your whole day. It is separate from the skill of the boat crew, so still confirm the guide and boat details on the morning of departure.

What to pack and what to leave behind

Pack lightly, since you will spend most of the day moving between the boat, beaches, and water.

• Swimwear and a change of clothes
• Hat and sunscreen
• Camera in a waterproof pouch
• Snacks
• Extra drinking water
• Aqua shoes, if you already own them
• Cash for the P400 environmental fee, P200 Big Lagoon fee, kayak, or rentals

Smoking and littering are not allowed. You also should not touch marine life or plants. Keep your belongings secure and expect them to get splashed, even if you stay mostly on the boat.

Who will get the most from Tour A?

I would choose this tour if you want a low-cost introduction to El Nido’s main island scenery and are happy to share the day with other people. It suits visitors who want a little of everything: a beach, two or more lagoon areas, snorkeling, lunch, and a scenic boat ride.

It is also a good choice if you are comfortable with a flexible schedule. The exact route may change with weather and local conditions, and the conflicting information about Small Lagoon means you should confirm the final stops.

I would hesitate if you need a private, quiet experience or if you dislike added fees. A private option may offer more control, but this shared trip is built around value rather than personal timing. I would also be cautious about booking it on a tight schedule before a ferry or flight, since the return is expected around 4:30 PM but boat delays can happen.

The overall rating is 3.4 from eight recorded ratings, which suggests a mixed experience rather than a sure thing. The strongest positive points are the guide’s friendly care, the company’s helpful support, and the fun variety of the day. The clearest warning is boat reliability and communication during a mechanical problem.

Should you book El Nido Tour A?

Book it if you want the main El Nido scenery at a modest base price, appreciate an English-speaking guide, and do not mind paying extra for the lagoon and gear you actually use. Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Secret Lagoon give the day real variety, while Seven Commandos adds a relaxed beach break.

Before confirming, ask three direct questions: Is the meeting time 8:30 or 9:00 AM? Is Small Lagoon included? What boat and exact stops are planned that day? If the answers are clear and the weather looks good, this is a sensible first island-hopping day.

If you want a slower pace, guaranteed privacy, or no surprise costs, choose a private trip or a package with fees included. For a budget-minded visit to Bacuit Bay, though, Tour A offers a lot, provided you go in with realistic expectations and a little extra cash.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet?

Meet at Grounded 100% Arabica Coffee, El Nido Branch. The instructions give both 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM as possible meeting times, so confirm the exact time with the operator.

How long does the tour last?

The activity is advertised as about 7.5 hours. The practical information describes roughly seven hours, with an expected return around 4:30 PM.

Which places does the tour visit?

The route includes Seven Commandos Beach, Shimizu Island, Secret Lagoon, and Big Lagoon. Small Lagoon is also mentioned in the general description, but it is not clearly listed in the detailed schedule, so confirm whether it is included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet lunch and one 300 ml bottle of water are included.

What costs extra?

The environmental fee is P400, unless you already paid it and can show the receipt from the previous five days. Big Lagoon costs P200, kayak rental is P300, snorkeling gear is P100, and aqua shoes are P100.

Can I cancel the tour?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour may also be canceled because of weather conditions.