El Nido Group Tour A with Beach Lunch

El Nido’s Tour A packs the area’s best-known islands into one full day on the water. You’ll paddle through Big Lagoon, search for the narrow opening to Secret Lagoon, snorkel near Shimizu Island, and finish with sand, palms, and swimming at Seven Commandos Beach.

I like the way the tour combines active stops with quiet beach time. I also like that the P400 environmental fee and lagoon admission are included, along with a beach lunch and free pickup within El Nido Town.

The main catch is that the advertised price does not cover every activity. Kayaking costs P400 per kayak for two people, masks and snorkels cost P100 per set, and drinks are extra. The group can reach 50 people, so this is not a private island trip.

Key points to know before booking

• Big Lagoon sets the tone: You get about 90 minutes for kayaking, swimming, and taking in the limestone cliffs.
• Five stops fill seven hours: The schedule is active, with little wasted time between major sights.
• Beach lunch is included: You can eat on the beach rather than returning to town midday.
• Bring water footwear: You may need to walk through shallow water and climb the boat ladder at stops.
• Snorkeling is pleasant but modest: Expect small tropical fish rather than a major marine-life spectacle.
• Town pickup keeps things simple: Pickup is free in El Nido Town, but an extra charge applies outside town.

What the seven-hour El Nido route feels like

This is the classic El Nido island-hopping day: one boat, several famous stops, and a mix of lagoons, reefs, beaches, and limestone cliffs. The start time is 9:00 am, and the total duration is about seven hours.

The group size can reach 50 people. That matters. You should expect a shared boat experience rather than a calm private charter. The tradeoff is price. At $44.95 per person, you get a full day of major El Nido sights without paying for a private boat.

I see this tour as a good first look at the area. It gives you a broad sample of what makes El Nido popular: dramatic rock walls, clear water, small beaches, and short bursts of swimming or snorkeling. If you prefer slow mornings, long meals, and lots of quiet time, the schedule may feel busy.

The crew includes a boat driver and guides or lifeguards. The available feedback gives the crew credit for being helpful, including with an aunt and mother who had limited mobility. Still, you should be ready to walk in the water and use a ladder to get back onto the boat at several stops.

Big Lagoon: one and a half hours among limestone walls

Big Lagoon is the visual centerpiece of the day. Tall limestone cliffs rise around clear turquoise water, creating the kind of enclosed setting that makes El Nido instantly recognizable.

You have about 90 minutes here. That gives you time to kayak, swim, and take photos without rushing through in a few minutes. Kayaking is not included in the base price, but a kayak costs P400 for two people. If you are traveling with a partner or friend, that is a reasonable shared extra.

The water is described as calm, which makes this the most natural place on the route to choose a kayak. You can move at your own pace and get a better view of the cliffs from the water. Swimming and snorkeling are also listed, though the main appeal here is the setting and the paddle through the lagoon.

Bring a waterproof bag for your phone and other small items. You will be around water all day, and the boat, shore, and kayak create several chances for belongings to get wet.

Shimizu Island: a practical snorkeling stop

Shimizu Island gives the day its main reef stop. The water is clear, and you can snorkel over coral and look for tropical fish during roughly 90 minutes here.

The snorkeling is enjoyable, but you should keep your expectations in check. The fish may be small, with many less than palm-sized and only a few reaching around 1.5 feet. This is a pleasant look at local sea life, not a major aquarium-style encounter.

Masks and snorkels are not included. A set costs P100, which keeps the extra cost low, but you should know about it before boarding. If you already have your own gear, bringing it can save a rental and ensure a better fit.

This stop works well for mixed groups. Strong swimmers can snorkel, while others can stay near the beach or enjoy the water at a slower pace. The crew also serves as lifeguards, but you remain responsible for judging your comfort in the water.

Payong-Payong Beach: one hour to slow down

After the larger sights, Payong-Payong Beach offers a quieter hour. It is surrounded by limestone cliffs and greenery, with pale sand and shallow clear water.

This is the kind of stop that helps break up a full day of activities. You can swim, sit on the sand, or simply enjoy the view from the shore. The one-hour stay is long enough to relax, but not so long that the day loses momentum.

Do not expect a large resort beach with lots of facilities. The appeal is the natural setting and the chance to step away from the boat for a while. Since the schedule includes several stops, keep your belongings together and be ready to return to the boat when called.

Secret Lagoon: the day’s little adventure

Secret Lagoon is reached through a small opening in a limestone wall. Passing through that narrow entrance leads to an enclosed pool surrounded by high cliffs.

The entrance is what makes this stop memorable. It adds a simple physical challenge to the usual beach-and-snorkel routine. You are not just stepping onto a beach. You are finding your way through rock into a tucked-away pool.

You get about 90 minutes here. The stop includes time for exploring, swimming, and taking in the unusual setting. The opening may not suit everyone, especially if you dislike tight spaces or find getting in and out of the water difficult.

This is another reason to wear suitable footwear. You may be walking in shallow water and managing uneven access near the rocks. The tour feedback also points out that you need to use the boat ladder at stops, so anyone with mobility concerns should consider that before booking.

Beach lunch and Seven Commandos Beach

Lunch is served on the beach, one of the strongest practical features of this package. You do not have to spend the middle of the day returning to El Nido Town for food. Eating beside the water also gives the day a more relaxed rhythm.

The exact menu is not specified, so do not book this expecting a particular dish or dietary arrangement. Drinks such as water and soda are not included, so bring money for beverages or confirm what you want before leaving town.

Seven Commandos Beach receives about 90 minutes. Its white sand, clear blue water, and coconut palms make it a good final stop. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or simply sit with a coconut and enjoy the shore.

The beach is popular, so do not expect complete solitude. Still, the long stop gives you enough time to settle in rather than taking a quick photograph and rushing back to the boat. I like ending here because the day finishes with easy beach time after the more active lagoon and snorkeling stops.

What the $44.95 price really covers

At $44.95 per person, this is good value if you want the standard El Nido highlights in one outing. The price includes free pickup in El Nido Town, entrance to the lagoon, the environmental fee valid for 14 days, and lunch on the beach.

The environmental fee alone is P400 per person, and lagoon entry is listed at P200. That makes the package more useful for anyone planning other activities in El Nido within the same 14-day period, since the environmental fee remains valid.

Set aside extra cash for:

• Kayak rental: P400 per kayak for two people
• Mask and snorkel rental: P100 per set
• Drinks
• Pickup outside El Nido Town

The extra charges are not large, but they change the final cost. A couple sharing a kayak may spend P200 each for that activity, while a solo visitor pays the full kayak rate unless paired with someone else. If you add gear and drinks, the day costs more than the headline price.

The larger concern is group size. With up to 50 people, the low price comes with less personal space and less control over the schedule. I would choose this tour for value and convenience, not for privacy.

Practical advice for a smoother day

Wear footwear that can handle water and uneven surfaces. One person specifically advises suitable footwear because you may walk in the sea, and you will also need to climb the boat ladder at stops.

A waterproof bag is one of the best things to bring. It protects phones, wallets, and spare clothes while you move between boat, beach, kayak, and shallow water.

Remember that drinks are not included. Bring enough money for water or soda, especially because the day lasts about seven hours and includes swimming and sun exposure.

If you are bringing small children, ask about small life jackets in advance. The standard equipment may not fit young children well, and this is worth sorting out before departure.

Pickup is free only within El Nido Town. If your accommodation is outside town, an extra charge may apply. Confirm the pickup point before the 9:00 am start so you are not trying to arrange transport at the last minute.

The tour requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. For a normal cancellation, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations inside that window are not refunded, and changes are not accepted within 24 hours.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would recommend Tour A to first-time visitors who want to see several famous El Nido locations without arranging separate boat trips. It suits couples, friends, and families who are comfortable sharing a boat and moving through a fairly full schedule.

It is also a sensible choice if you want both activity and downtime. Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon provide the most distinctive scenery, Shimizu Island adds snorkeling, and Payong-Payong and Seven Commandos offer room to rest.

Families should plan carefully. Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed, but the water walking, boat ladder, and life-jacket fit matter. Ask for small life jackets in advance if you have young children.

I would be more cautious if you have serious mobility limitations. The crew can help, but the route still involves getting in and out of the boat, walking in water, and using a ladder. Contact the operator before booking if those movements are difficult.

Strong snorkelers may also want to adjust expectations. The reef stop can be enjoyable, but the fish are often small and not especially abundant. The tour is strongest for scenery and variety, not for a major snorkeling expedition.

Should you book El Nido Tour A?

Book this tour if you want a well-priced introduction to El Nido’s classic island stops, with lunch and town pickup included. The combination of Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Payong-Payong Beach, and Seven Commandos Beach gives you a full picture of the area in about seven hours.

Before you reserve, budget for the kayak, snorkeling gear, drinks, and any pickup outside town. Also accept that the boat may carry as many as 50 people.

I would choose it for a first visit, a limited schedule, or anyone who values convenience over privacy. I would look for a smaller private trip if you want a slower pace, more control over stops, or a quieter beach day.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 9:00 am.

How long does El Nido Tour A last?

The tour lasts about seven hours.

Is pickup included?

Free pickup is offered within El Nido Town. Pickup outside El Nido Town may cost extra.

What stops are included?

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

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch on the beach is included.

Is the environmental fee included?

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

Is lagoon admission included?

Yes. Lagoon entrance, listed at P200 per person, is included.

Is kayaking included?

No. Kayak rental costs P400 per kayak, and the kayak is suitable for two people.

Are masks, snorkels, and drinks included?

No. Mask and snorkel rental costs P100 per set. Drinks such as water and soda are also extra.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.