Small-Group El Nido Island Hopping Tour

El Nido Tour A packs five famous Palawan stops into one busy, beautiful day. The star is Big Lagoon, where dark limestone walls rise around clear water, but the route also gives you beaches, a small rock-enclosed pool, and one of El Nido’s better snorkeling areas.

I like the low $23.50 price, which covers the boat, guide, lunch, water, vest, and pickup. I also like the simple mix of scenery: Big Lagoon for the views, Shimizu Island for snorkeling, and Seven Commando Beach for sand and swimming. The tradeoff is crowding. This is a shared tour with up to 25 people, and the popular stops can feel packed.

Key points to know before booking

• Big Lagoon is the main event: Allow about two hours here, but remember the lagoon fee is extra.
• Five stops fill seven hours: You move from limestone scenery to beaches and a snorkeling stop without much idle time.
• Lunch and basic boat service are included: You get a picnic-style meal, drinking water, a licensed guide, a vest, and pickup.
• Extra costs add up: Eco fees, the lagoon fee, snorkeling gear, kayak rental, and hotel drop-off are not included.
• This is a shared boat, not a private cruise: The maximum group size is 25, and popular sites may be crowded.
• Bring your own towel: Towel rental is not listed as an option, so pack one.

What the $23.50 price really covers

At $23.50 per person, this is an inexpensive way to see El Nido’s best-known island route. You are paying for shared transport by boat, not personal space or a flexible schedule. That distinction matters here because the same famous stops attract many operators.

The package includes a picnic-style lunch and drinking water, along with a licensed guide, life vest, and free pickup. Those basics make the price useful for visitors who want a straightforward day on the water without arranging each part separately.

Several charges sit outside the advertised price. Big Lagoon has an admission fee, and the eco-tourism development fee is also separate. Snorkeling equipment and kayaks cost extra, while hotel drop-off after the tour is not provided.

You should also expect to pay for convenience if you want to rent gear. Aqua shoes and a kayak are available as optional rentals, but the supplied details do not give prices. Ask about those costs before departure so the final bill does not surprise you.

The value is strongest if you already plan to spend time around El Nido and want one organized day covering the classic sights. It is less compelling if you want a quiet boat, a slow pace, or full control over how long you stay at each stop.

Morning pickup and the shared-boat setup

Pickup is offered within El Nido town proper, with a stated pickup window from 8:30 to 9:00 a.m. The meeting point is CafeElena Suites on the first floor in Barangay Corong-Corong. The activity information also gives an 8:00 a.m. start time, so confirm your exact meeting instructions after booking.

You are asked to provide the name of your hotel. That helps the operator organize the pickup, but do not assume the boat will return you to that same hotel. After the tour, you return to the meeting point, and you arrange your own way back.

This is a joiner tour, meaning you share the boat with other paying passengers. The maximum is 25 people. That is not an enormous group, but it is large enough to affect boarding, lunch, photo stops, and access to the most popular parts of each beach.

The group format also explains why the day can feel busy. Operators generally follow the same Tour A route, so Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, and Seven Commando Beach can all receive several boats at once. One review praised the crew’s effort but pointed to some early disorganization, while another said the guides were very nice and still enjoyed the day despite the crowds.

I would arrive ready for a practical, shared excursion rather than a polished private charter. Keep your belongings compact, listen closely when the guide gives meeting times, and expect some waiting if several boats reach a stop together.

Big Lagoon, the scenic centerpiece

Big Lagoon receives about two hours, the longest stop on the route. You enter through relatively shallow water, then see the color change as the lagoon reaches greater depth. Dark limestone cliffs surround the water, creating the dramatic setting that gives this tour its strongest visual moment.

This is where the optional kayak can make sense. The supplied information lists kayak rental as an extra, but does not state the price. If you want to move at your own pace inside the lagoon, ask about availability and cost before setting out.

The lagoon entrance has shallow water, but the interior is deeper. Your life vest is included, and you should use it as directed by the guide. The tour does not include a towel, so bring one if you plan to get wet.

Big Lagoon is also the stop most likely to test your patience with crowds. The scenery is striking, but the shared schedule means you will not have the place to yourself. The separate lagoon fee is another cost to remember when comparing this tour with other El Nido packages.

Still, two hours here gives you more than a quick photo stop. You have time to look up at the cliffs, take in the water, and use a kayak if you choose. For many people, this is the reason to select Tour A.

Secret Lagoon and its rock-framed pool

Secret Lagoon is scheduled for about one hour. The attraction is a small pool enclosed by unusual rock formations, giving the stop a more enclosed feel than Big Lagoon.

The setting is compact, so the visit may feel quicker once you have seen the pool and surrounding rocks. It is a good contrast with the open views at Big Lagoon, but it is not the place to expect a long beach break.

Admission is listed as free, though the separate eco-tourism fee for the overall area is not included in the tour price. Your guide will help coordinate the stop, but the shared group means you may need to wait for others before moving on.

I like the way this stop breaks up the day. After a large lagoon, you get a smaller natural feature that rewards a close look rather than a wide panorama. Keep your expectations realistic: the appeal is the rock setting and enclosed water, not a long, leisurely stay.

Seven Commando Beach for sand and swimming

Seven Commando Beach gets about two hours, making it another substantial stop. It has white sand, turquoise water, coconut trees, and tall limestone around the shore. If you prefer beach time to boat sightseeing, this is likely to be one of your favorite parts of the route.

The longer stop gives you room to sit, swim, and enjoy the shore instead of rushing through a ten-minute photo break. It also provides a welcome change after the rock walls of the lagoons.

The main limitation is the same one found throughout Tour A: this is a well-known shared route. The beach may be busy, especially when several boats arrive at once. You can still enjoy the setting, but do not expect a private strip of sand.

Lunch is included as a picnic-style meal with drinking water. The supplied details do not specify the menu, so you should not book this expecting a particular dish or dietary arrangement. If you have special food needs, ask the operator before the tour.

Shimizu Island, the snorkeling stop

Shimizu Island receives about one hour and is described as the best snorkeling stop on the route. Tall, dark limestone formations frame a clear-water beach, giving you both scenery and time in the water.

Snorkeling equipment is not included. You can bring your own or rent gear, but the price is not provided. The same applies to aqua shoes. Since the tour does include a vest, you have one basic piece of water equipment, but not a complete snorkeling setup.

This is the stop where a small amount of preparation can improve the day. If you want to snorkel, confirm rental arrangements before departure. If you do not plan to use gear, you can still enjoy the beach and clear water, but one hour passes quickly.

The island adds variety to the route. Big Lagoon is about cliffs and open water, while Shimizu Island gives you a closer look below the surface. Just remember that the tour’s one-hour schedule leaves limited room for delays.

Payong-Payong Beach on Miniloc Island

Payong-Payong Beach is a small white-sand beach surrounded by mountain rock formations. It receives about one hour and is another compact stop built around scenery rather than a long activity program.

The small scale is part of its appeal. You get a framed coastal view, clear water, and a chance to stretch your legs between boat rides. It also makes a good final impression if the timing runs smoothly.

Because the beach is small and the tour is shared, space may be limited when boats arrive together. If you want a quiet beach day, this is not the right expectation. If you enjoy collecting several different coastal views in one outing, it fits the route well.

The five stops work because each offers something different. You see a large lagoon, a small enclosed pool, a broad beach, a snorkeling area, and a smaller cove. None receives unlimited time, but the route gives you a strong sample of El Nido’s classic scenery.

What the seven-hour schedule feels like

The advertised tour runs from roughly 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., after the pickup period. Seven hours sounds generous, but the schedule includes boat movement, boarding, lunch, group coordination, and five stops.

Big Lagoon and Seven Commando Beach each receive about two hours. Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Payong-Payong Beach receive about one hour each. That balance favors the two larger headline stops while still fitting in several shorter visits.

You should expect a full day in the sun. Bring a towel, sun protection, and any personal items you need, but keep your luggage light. The supplied information confirms that towels are not included and that hotel drop-off is not part of the service.

The schedule is best for someone who prefers a set plan. You do not need to negotiate boat transfers or decide which famous spots to prioritize. In exchange, you give up flexibility. If Big Lagoon is your favorite stop, you cannot simply stay longer while skipping another scheduled location.

Weather can also affect the outing. The tour requires good weather. If poor conditions cause cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. For the best chance of keeping your plans flexible, the free cancellation policy allows a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.

Who will get the most from this tour

I would recommend this tour to a first-time El Nido visitor who wants the well-known sights at a low price. It suits you if you like a full schedule, do not mind sharing a boat, and want lunch and basic equipment handled in one booking.

It also works for people who want a simple introduction before deciding how much more time to spend around the islands. You get a broad look at the area in one day, with enough time at Big Lagoon and Seven Commando Beach to make the route feel worthwhile.

The tour is a weaker match if you want privacy, silence, or a relaxed pace. A private boat would give you more control, though this shared option is much cheaper. It is also not ideal if you want all costs included, since several important extras are paid separately.

The tour has a 4.9 rating from nine reviews, but the small number of ratings means you should treat that score as a useful sign, not a guarantee. The strongest consistent positives are the friendly guides, the beauty of the stops, and the value of the package. The clearest cautions are crowds and some possible confusion at the start.

Should you book El Nido Tour A?

Book it if you want maximum scenery for a low upfront price and are comfortable with a shared group. Big Lagoon, Seven Commando Beach, Shimizu Island, Secret Lagoon, and Payong-Payong Beach give you a well-rounded day, while lunch, water, a guide, a vest, and pickup keep the basic arrangements simple.

Before paying, budget for the eco-tourism fee, Big Lagoon admission, snorkeling gear or a kayak, and your return from the meeting point to your hotel. Bring a towel, confirm your pickup time, and ask about optional gear costs.

Skip it if your priority is an empty beach or a private, unhurried boat ride. For everyone else, this is a practical way to see El Nido’s signature Tour A route without spending much, as long as you accept the crowds and extra charges.

FAQ

How long does the El Nido island hopping tour last?

The island hopping portion runs for about seven hours, from approximately 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pickup is scheduled between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m.

Which locations does the tour visit?

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

Is this a private boat tour?

No. This is a shared joiner tour with a maximum of 25 travelers.

Is pickup included?

Yes. Free pickup is offered within El Nido town proper. The stated meeting point is CafeElena Suites in Barangay Corong-Corong.

Is hotel drop-off included after the tour?

No. The activity ends back at the meeting point, and you arrange your own transport to your hotel afterward.

Are lunch and drinking water included?

Yes. A picnic-style lunch and drinking water are included, along with the boat transfer, licensed guide, and vest.

Are snorkeling gear and kayak rental included?

No. Snorkeling gear and kayak rental are optional extras. Aqua shoes are also available as an optional rental, while towels are not included.