El Nido: Private/Exclusive Island Hopping Tour A BEST PRICE!

Big Lagoon is the star here, and rightly so. You glide between black limestone cliffs into startling blue water, with the option to swim or rent a kayak. This private Tour A also gives you time at Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Payong-Payong Beach, and 7 Commandos Beach without being tied to a large group’s schedule.

I like the private boat and the way the guide can adjust the order of stops. That matters in El Nido, where arriving a little earlier or later can mean a quieter beach and better photos. I also like the helpful crews, including guides such as Gabi, Jason, Renz, Edward, Joshua, and Cyron, who have been praised for safety, photography, and personal attention.

The main catch is cost. At $135 per person, this is a serious step up from a shared boat, and you still pay the government environmental and lagoon fees, plus any kayak, mask, snorkel, or fin rental. Lunch quality can vary, and you should clarify exactly what is included before setting out.

Key points at a glance

• Big Lagoon is the main event: Black cliffs, clear blue water, swimming, photos, and optional kayaking fill the centerpiece of Tour A.
• A truly private day: You have the boat for your own group and can ask the guide to change the stop order when conditions allow.
• Strong guide and crew service: Guides such as Renz and Edward have helped with photos, while other crews have taken special care with safety and comfort.
• Five classic El Nido stops: The route includes 7 Commandos Beach, Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Secret Lagoon, and Payong-Payong Beach.
• Bring water shoes and a dry bag: You may need to walk through shallow water to reach the boat, and rocks and coral can make bare feet uncomfortable.
• Budget beyond the advertised price: Environmental fees, lagoon entry, equipment rentals, and hotel drop-off are not included.

Why private Tour A can be worth the extra cost

The great advantage is control. A shared boat follows a fixed rhythm, while a private group can often ask to change the order of the stops. That flexibility has helped some groups miss the thickest crowds, take a quieter lunch break, or spend longer at a favorite beach.

I would consider this especially worthwhile for couples, families, photographers, and small groups who dislike being hurried. The price is harder to justify for solo visitors or anyone mainly interested in getting from one famous stop to the next as cheaply as possible.

The boat is reserved for your group, but private does not mean completely isolated. El Nido’s famous lagoons and beaches remain popular, and weather and local access rules can affect the route. Still, your own boat gives you more breathing room and lets the guide respond to the day.

The crew’s role adds real value. Several guides have been praised for taking photos and videos at good viewpoints, while others have helped guests feel safe in changing sea conditions. One guide even arranged a less crowded lunch stop, and another crew assisted a sick guest in reaching a hospital. Those details point to a hands-on style of service rather than a bare transport operation.

The morning starts with a short tuk-tuk ride

Pickup is available within one kilometer of Corong-Corong Beach, using a tuk-tuk. The ride is listed as about five minutes, so you should not expect hotel-to-harbor service across all of El Nido. If you are staying farther away, confirm where you need to meet the driver.

Getting to the boat may involve walking through shallow water. This is one reason I would wear water shoes from the start, not pack them at the bottom of your bag. Some access points can have stones and coral, and your clothes may get wet before the boat even leaves.

Bring cash for fees and rentals, plus a dry bag for phones, wallets, and spare clothes. A towel, sun hat, swimwear, camera, and a change of clothes belong in your day bag. Plastic bottles, smoking in the vehicle, littering, and intoxication are not allowed.

7 Commandos Beach brings an easy first stop

The first listed stop is 7 Commandos Beach, with about 45 minutes for photos, swimming, sightseeing, and time on the sand. It is named for a group of soldiers who were stranded there during World War II, and its setting has a dramatic feel, with limestone cliffs around the beach.

This is a useful opening stop because it gives you a gentle start to the day. You can swim, take photos, or settle into the boat routine before the more enclosed lagoon stops. Coconut water and a warm stretch of sand fit the mood, though the beach may feel less private than the name of the tour suggests if several boats arrive together.

The private format helps here because your guide may choose a different order when conditions permit. If 7 Commandos is busy, you may get more value from moving on and returning later, though no particular order is guaranteed.

Big Lagoon is the reason most people book

Big Lagoon is the visual centerpiece of this route. The boat enters a broad opening surrounded by dark limestone walls, then follows a narrow stretch of striking blue water. The contrast between the rock and water makes this the best stop for photos.

You have about 45 minutes here for sightseeing, swimming, and kayaking. Kayaks are not included in the price, so budget for a rental if you want to paddle rather than remain on the boat or swim. One important point: a kayak mentioned in a booking may refer only to carrying belongings to the boat, not to free use inside the lagoon. Confirm this before departure.

The water looks inviting, but the experience is not only about swimming. The cliffs and tight passageways are the real attraction. I would keep your camera ready, but protect it properly. A dry bag is more useful than an expensive phone case if you are entering the water from the shore or boat.

Crowds can change the mood of Big Lagoon. Your guide may be able to time the visit well, but this is a famous El Nido stop, not a secret corner known only to your group. Even so, a private boat lets you avoid the awkward shuffle of a large party and gives you more control over how you use those 45 minutes.

Shimizu Island combines lunch and snorkeling

Shimizu Island is scheduled for about an hour and serves as the main break for lunch, swimming, and snorkeling. The water around the island is calm-looking and framed by large limestone cliffs, making it a comfortable place to pause after the lagoon visit.

The advertised lunch is a Filipino buffet. The meal can be a welcome chance to try local dishes, and there should be enough food to share with your guide and boat crew. One point to keep in mind is that food quality is not always the strongest part of the day. Most feedback about the meal is positive, but at least one recent comment called it the tour’s weak spot.

If you have a seafood allergy, tell the operator before the trip. A seafood-free lunch was arranged for one couple, which shows that food concerns may be handled when communicated ahead of time. Do not assume every dietary request will be covered without notice.

Snorkeling gear is not included. Masks, snorkels, and fins can be rented, but you may save time and money by bringing your own if you have them. The highlight here is the chance to see marine life and, according to the advertised experience, swim near turtles. Sightings in nature are never guaranteed, so treat the turtles as a possibility rather than a promise.

Secret Lagoon is small, dramatic, and slightly awkward

Secret Lagoon is reached through a narrow opening in the limestone. Inside, you find a sheltered pool enclosed by rock, with about 45 minutes for photos, sightseeing, and swimming.

The entrance is part of the fun, but it can also be the least comfortable section of the day. You need to pass through a tight gap, and the rocks around the water can be uneven. Water shoes are useful here, especially if you are not confident walking barefoot on stone or coral.

The lagoon feels more enclosed and intimate than Big Lagoon. It is a place for a quick swim and a close look at the rock formations rather than a long open-water session. I would listen closely to the guide, move carefully, and avoid treating the narrow entrance like a race.

Payong-Payong Beach is made for a quiet pause

Payong-Payong Beach is listed for about 45 minutes of sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling. It has a small beach, distinctive rock formations, and gentle, modest waves that suit paddling and casual swimming.

This may become your favorite stop if you prefer a slower setting. You can sit in the shade, take photos of the cliffs, or let the day settle down after the busier lagoon visits. The private boat is particularly useful here because your group can decide whether to swim, snorkel, or simply rest.

The water is not described as a dedicated equipment station, so do not count on every piece of gear being supplied. Bring or rent your mask and snorkel, and keep your expectations realistic if weather changes the water conditions.

What the eight-hour schedule really feels like

The tour lasts about eight hours, but the listed stop times add up to roughly four hours. The rest is used for boat travel, loading, swimming access, meals, and transitions between islands. That is normal for an El Nido island day, but it means you should not expect 45 uninterrupted minutes at every site.

The schedule is also a guide, not a guarantee. Destinations may change because of weather, and the guide decides where lunch works best. One group missed 7 Commandos but received quieter time at another beach, which is a useful reminder that a good day is not always the day that follows the printed route exactly.

Sea conditions can affect comfort. One group experienced rain and rougher water but still received strong help from the crew. Another found the water a little wild and was advised to use care around the shore. Pack a light cover-up, secure your belongings, and do not judge the tour only by the weather forecast.

Price, extras, and the real value

The listed price is $135 per person. It covers the private licensed tourist boat, guide and crew, buffet lunch, bottled water, life vest, and pickup within one kilometer of Corong-Corong Beach.

It does not cover the government environmental fee or lagoon entrance fee. You also pay separately for a kayak at Big Lagoon, unless your booking clearly states otherwise. Masks, snorkels, fins, and aqua shoes are not included, and hotel drop-off is not provided.

That makes the final price higher than the headline figure. I would ask for the exact total before departure, especially if your group wants kayaking or several pieces of snorkeling equipment. Also note that bottled water is included, but soft drinks should not be assumed. One booking dispute arose over drinks, so rely on the stated inclusions rather than verbal promises.

The value comes from the private boat, not from a long list of included extras. If you split $135 among several people, the cost may feel more reasonable because you are buying space, flexibility, and personal attention. For two people, it is a premium day. For a larger private group, it can make more sense than paying for several separate shared seats while losing control of the schedule.

Safety, comfort, and accessibility

Life vests are included, and a licensed guide and crew operate the boat. Guides have been praised for keeping people safe, helping with photos, and responding well when rain or rougher water affected the day.

This is still an active water excursion. You must handle boarding, shallow-water access, uneven rock, swimming, and possibly kayaking. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.

For comfort, I would wear a swimsuit under quick-drying clothes and carry a dry change of clothes. Keep sun protection close, but remember that shade can be limited on beaches and boats. Bring cash for fees, equipment, and drinks, since not every island stop will have the same buying options.

Who will get the most from this tour

I would choose this trip if you want El Nido’s classic Tour A sights but dislike being packed into a large group. It works well for couples who want help with photos, families who need a little more flexibility, and small groups that want to choose between swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and resting.

It is also a good choice for people who value attentive service. Guides have helped with photo angles, changed the route to reduce crowd exposure, and adjusted lunch arrangements for a food allergy. Those details can make an eight-hour boat day much easier.

I would think twice if your main goal is the lowest possible price, if you do not want to pay extra for lagoon fees and equipment, or if you need fully accessible transport. I would also avoid booking it solely for a guaranteed turtle sighting. The scenery and private setup are the dependable reasons to go.

Should you book Poseidon Tours and Expeditions?

Book it if you want Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, and the main Tour A beaches with your own boat and a guide who can adapt the day. The strongest parts are the private schedule, attentive crews, photo help, and the chance to avoid some of the heaviest crowd periods.

Before paying, confirm the total cost, environmental and lagoon fees, kayak arrangements, available snorkeling equipment, pickup point, and lunch needs. If $135 per person fits your budget, this is a well-supported choice for a more personal El Nido day. If not, a shared tour may deliver the same main sights for less, though with less control and less room to slow down.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. The current score is 4.4 from 72 ratings, which suggests a strong experience overall with a few practical caveats around food, drinks, equipment, and added charges.

FAQ

How long does the El Nido private Tour A last?

The tour lasts eight hours, including boat travel, transitions, meals, and time at the island and lagoon stops.

Which places are included in the route?

The planned route includes 7 Commandos Beach, Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Secret Lagoon, and Payong-Payong Beach. Stops can change because of weather, and the guide determines the lunch location.

Is the boat private?

Yes. The booking provides exclusive use of the boat for your private group, with a licensed guide and crew.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet lunch with local Filipino dishes and bottled water is included. Soft drinks are not listed as an inclusion, so you should not assume they are provided.

Are kayaking and snorkeling equipment included?

No. Kayak rental, masks, snorkels, fins, and aqua shoes are not included. These may be rented separately, and you can bring your own equipment.

Where is pickup available?

Free tuk-tuk pickup is available within one kilometer of Corong-Corong Beach in El Nido. Hotel drop-off is not included.