El Nido: Island Hopping Tour A Lagoons and Beaches

The star of El Nido Tour A is Big Lagoon, where you can paddle between towering limestone walls in calm, clear water. The rest of the day fills out the picture with the Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Seven Commandos Beach, and a snorkeling stop in Bacuit Bay.

I like the generous eight-hour schedule and the cheerful crew members who help with boarding, swimming, kayaking, and photos. I also like the lunch, which is more substantial than the usual boat-tour meal, with meat or fish, vegetables, fruit, and plenty to eat. The main drawback is simple: Tour A is popular, so the famous stops can be crowded, and Big Lagoon entry and kayak rental cost extra.

Key things to know before booking

• Big Lagoon is the main event: Kayaking gives you the best way to see the quiet water and steep limestone walls.
• Four stops fit into one full day: Expect a mix of lagoon, beach, and snorkeling time rather than long stays at every location.
• Lunch is included: The buffet-style meal has received especially strong praise for variety and quantity.
• Extra charges matter: Bring cash for the 400 PHP environmental fee, 200 PHP Big Lagoon entry, and kayak or equipment rental.
• Private tours can reduce waiting: A private boat may reach each stop before the larger shared groups.
• The crew is part of the value: Guides including Buddy, Dexter, John, Jordan, Jojo, Nathan, and others are often praised for safety help and taking photos.

Why Tour A is El Nido’s classic day on the water

For a first full day in El Nido, Tour A gives you the area’s signature scenery without asking you to choose between beaches and lagoons. You spend the day moving through Bacuit Bay, where pale sand, jungle-covered islands, and tall limestone cliffs frame the water.

The tour runs about eight hours. That sounds leisurely, but four main stops, boat transfers, lunch, and loading time make the day feel active. I would not book this expecting hours of quiet beach time. I would book it for variety and for the chance to see several of El Nido’s most recognizable places in one outing.

You can join a shared boat or arrange a private group. The shared option offers the best price at about $23 per person. A private boat costs more, but it can give your group a more flexible pace and may help you reach the stops before the larger crowd gathers.

Secret Lagoon: a short passage into a hidden pool

The Secret Lagoon is usually one of the first major stops. A gap in the rock leads into a small enclosed area, creating a dramatic change from the open sea to a sheltered pool surrounded by jagged limestone.

The entrance can be tight and access involves getting off the boat and moving through the water or around the rocky edge. That matters if you have limited mobility. This trip is not recommended for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.

The stop is more about the setting than a long swim. You will probably want to look up at the rock walls, take a few photos, and enjoy the contrast between the open bay and the compact lagoon. Aqua shoes can help around rocky or sharp surfaces, but they are not included. You can rent them if available.

Because Tour A is popular, the Secret Lagoon may feel busy. The guide helps keep the group together and manages the movement through the entrance, but this is not a private wilderness experience. Go early if your schedule allows, and expect other boats at the same places.

Big Lagoon: bring cash for the kayak

Big Lagoon is the stop I would build the day around. Its broad, calm water sits between tall limestone walls, and a kayak lets you move at your own speed instead of simply looking at the lagoon from the boat.

Entry is not included in the basic price. The listed fee is 200 PHP, and kayak rental is extra. Recent visitors paid around 300 PHP for a kayak that holds two people, though prices can vary. Bring cash and confirm the current charge before setting out.

Kayaking is suitable even if you are not a strong swimmer, provided you follow the crew’s safety instructions and wear the supplied life vest. A guide may help you get into the kayak, and guides have assisted solo visitors and people using a kayak for the first time.

The main tradeoff is crowding. Big Lagoon has limited entry, and access can sell out or become unavailable. If that happens, the itinerary changes to another location. Even when entry is available, a late start can hurt your time here. One group reported waiting nearly an hour for late passengers and arriving at Big Lagoon when it was already full of boats.

That is a good reason to be ready at the meeting point and to choose a private tour if quiet water matters more to you than the lowest price. On a shared tour, the crew does not control every delay, and all passengers affect the schedule.

Shimizu Island: clear water and a proper beach break

Shimizu Island provides the classic beach stop: white sand, clear water, and a chance to get out of the boat for a swim or a rest. It is a useful pause after the tighter spaces of the lagoons.

This is also where you may spend some time snorkeling. The underwater scenery around Bacuit Bay can be lovely, with coral and fish in suitable areas, though conditions vary. Some sections are better for swimming than for serious snorkeling, and sharp coral can make entering the water uncomfortable.

Aqua shoes are a sensible extra if you plan to walk into the water. Fins and other equipment can also be rented, but they are not part of the base price. If you want the best use of your time, ask the crew where the safest entry point is rather than stepping in anywhere along the shore.

Shimizu Island is attractive, but it will not feel empty. The sand is a natural gathering point for many boats, especially in good weather. I would enjoy the water and scenery here, then accept that the beach is shared with plenty of other groups.

Seven Commandos Beach: coconut trees and white sand

Seven Commandos Beach is the most relaxed stop on the route. Coconut trees line the white sand, and the open beach gives you room to swim, sit, or dry off after the lagoon stops.

It is a good place for people who want a beach day but do not want every stop to involve snorkeling. You can sunbathe here, take photographs, or simply enjoy a cold drink if refreshments are available for purchase at the islands.

The beach is still part of a popular route, so do not expect solitude. Seven Commandos works best as a pleasant final stop or a low-pressure break between more active parts of the day. If you are traveling with children or with someone who does not swim, this type of stop can make the schedule easier.

The crew can also help with photos. Several guides are praised for taking pictures on passengers’ phones, which is useful when everyone wants a group shot without handing a phone to a stranger on the beach.

Snorkeling: attractive water, variable conditions

The snorkeling stop adds another type of scenery to the day. You can see the underwater side of Bacuit Bay, and some people consider the snorkeling here among the better water activities they experienced in the Philippines.

Keep your expectations measured. One section has been described as average, with few fish and a difficult shore entry over sharp coral. Conditions, visibility, and the exact stop can change. This is not a dedicated snorkeling expedition, so the emphasis remains on seeing lagoons and beaches.

If snorkeling is your top priority, bring or rent fins and ask the guide about the day’s conditions. If the water is rough or visibility is poor, you may enjoy the lagoon kayaking more. The tour works well because it does not depend on one activity being perfect.

Lunch is a real part of the value

Lunch is included, and it is one of the strongest reasons this tour offers good value at around $23. The meal is served buffet-style and can include meat or fish, vegetables, fruit, and other dishes. Portions are generous, and there is usually enough variety for different tastes.

Meal organization can be less smooth than the food itself. One person found the lunch process could be better organized, which is understandable when many people are eating from a boat or beach setup at once. Allow a little patience during the serving period.

I would still count the included meal as a major advantage. You are out for eight hours, and buying separate food at each stop would quickly reduce the appeal of the low tour price. Bring cash for drinks, ice cream, and other purchases, since those are not included.

Shared boat or private tour?

The shared tour is the obvious choice if you want to keep the price low. You get the boat, guide, safety equipment, lunch, and the standard route without paying for the whole vessel. It is a social day, but group size and waiting time can affect the experience.

A private tour is worth considering for couples, families, or small groups who care about timing. Private groups have reported reaching destinations before the regular shared boats, allowing quieter moments before more boats arrived. You may also find it easier to set the pace, though the listed details do not promise unlimited time at every stop.

The crew quality seems to be a strong point across both formats. Names mentioned during recent trips include Buddy, Dexter, John, Nathan, Mark, Jordan, Jojo, Angelo, Gerald, Arnold, and others. Their roles vary by boat, but the useful pattern is clear: the crew helps passengers board, handles kayaks, watches out for safety, and takes photographs.

Do not assume every guide will communicate in the same way. One guide was said to speak quickly, which made it harder for some people to follow instructions. If you miss something, ask for a repeat before entering the water or boarding a kayak.

Timing, crowds, and the environmental fee

The most important practical issue is timing. Big Lagoon entry is limited, and a late departure can mean arriving after the best access window. Be ready at the stated meeting point and avoid creating delays for the rest of the boat.

The meeting point can vary depending on the option you book. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to make your own way to the correct departure location.

Before boarding, you must pay the 400 PHP El Nido Tourism Development Fee, also called the environmental fee or EDTF. If you have already paid it, bring the receipt and show it to the guide so you are not charged again. Big Lagoon adds another 200 PHP if entry is available.

Pack light. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, and plastic bottles are prohibited. Bring your passport or ID card, swimwear, a change of clothes, sunscreen, and cash. A waterproof pouch is a sensible way to protect your money and phone, though it is not listed as provided.

The boat has life vests, but you should bring motion-sickness medicine if boat travel affects you. The tour lasts a full day on the water, and even a beautiful bay can become uncomfortable if your stomach disagrees.

Who will enjoy Tour A most?

I would recommend this tour to first-time visitors who want the main El Nido sights in one day. It also suits couples, families with confident swimmers, photographers, and anyone who wants a good mix of kayaking, swimming, beach time, and snorkeling.

Non-swimmers can still enjoy the outing, especially with a kayak and attentive crew. One group of older passengers with limited balance received extensive help from the crew, but that should not be taken to mean the tour is easy for everyone with mobility limits. Boarding a boat, moving over uneven surfaces, and reaching beaches can be physically demanding.

You may prefer another plan if you dislike crowds, need a quiet schedule, or want serious snorkeling. Tour A is famous for good reason, but its most beautiful places are also its busiest. A private boat improves control, but it does not guarantee an empty lagoon.

Should you book El Nido Tour A?

Yes, if you want the best all-round introduction to Bacuit Bay and you accept a busy day. At about $23, the combination of boat transport, guide, life vest, lunch, beaches, lagoons, and snorkeling offers strong value. Just budget for the 400 PHP environmental fee, Big Lagoon’s 200 PHP entry fee, and optional kayak or equipment rental.

Choose the private option if you are traveling as a small group and want earlier arrivals or a more flexible pace. Choose the shared boat if price matters most. Either way, arrive ready, carry cash, pack lightly, and make Big Lagoon kayaking your priority.

FAQ

How long does El Nido Tour A last?

The tour lasts about 8 hours. The day includes up to four main stops, boat travel, lunch, and time for swimming, kayaking, beach visits, or snorkeling.

What places does Tour A visit?

The route includes the Secret Lagoon, Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Seven Commandos Beach, and a snorkeling area. The exact plan can change if Big Lagoon entry is no longer available.

Is Big Lagoon included in the tour price?

Big Lagoon is listed as a destination, but its 200 PHP entry fee is not included. Entry is limited, so you may visit another location if access is unavailable.

Is kayak rental included?

No. Kayaks are available to rent at an additional charge. Recent pricing mentioned for a two-person kayak was about 300 PHP, but you should confirm the current amount.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included in the tour. It may include meat or fish, vegetables, fruit, and several buffet-style dishes.

Do I need to pay an environmental fee?

Yes. The El Nido Tourism Development Fee is 400 PHP and must be paid before boarding. If you already paid it, show your receipt to the guide.

What should I bring?

Bring a passport or ID card, swimwear, a change of clothes, sunscreen, and cash. Pack lightly because luggage and large bags are not allowed.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. Boarding the boat and reaching some beaches or lagoon entrances can require movement over uneven surfaces.