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

El Nido Tour A packs the area’s classic scenery into one long day on the water: Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and 7 Commando Beach. The mix works well, giving you limestone cliffs, swimming time, snorkeling, and a beach break rather than one long stop of the same kind.

I like the buffet lunch and bottled water, which remove two small but important chores from a full day outside. I also like the tour’s flexible booking terms and the care shown by the crew during stormy weather on one recent trip.

The main caution is boat reliability and communication. One recent outing had a broken boat, a 90-minute wait, and a replacement boat in poor condition, while the total rating sits at 3.4 from eight reviews. I would confirm the meeting time and ask about the boat before paying.

Key points to know before booking

• Big Lagoon costs extra: Bring P200 for the entrance fee, plus P300 if you want to rent a kayak.
• The tour lasts about seven hours: Meet near central El Nido in the morning and expect to return around 4:30 PM.
• Shimizu Island includes the longest stop: You get about 105 minutes for lunch, beach time, and optional snorkeling.
• The boat is shared: This is a group outing unless you choose a private option.
• Snorkeling gear is optional: Rental costs P100, and aqua shoes cost another P100.
• Weather can change the day: Tours may be canceled if conditions are unsafe, and rough weather can affect the order of stops.

What Tour A is really offering

For $23 per person, this is a low-cost way to see several of El Nido’s best-known spots in one outing. The price includes the boat excursion, visits to the main sites, a buffet lunch, and a 300 ml bottle of water.

The headline price does not cover everything. You should budget for the P400 environmental fee, unless you already paid it and can show the receipt. Big Lagoon adds P200, and optional snorkeling equipment costs P100. A kayak at Big Lagoon costs P300, while aqua shoes cost P100.

That makes the tour good value if you already have a mask, do not need a kayak, and have paid the environmental fee elsewhere. If you add every listed extra, the final cost rises sharply from the advertised price. I would calculate the full amount before booking, especially if you are watching your budget.

Starting the morning in El Nido

The stated meeting point is Grounded 100% Arabica Coffee, El Nido Branch. The information gives both 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM as meeting times, so you should verify the exact departure time with Akingventures Travel & Tours before the day begins.

The itinerary includes a 15-minute walk in El Nido before reaching the tour route. Wear sandals or shoes that can handle a short walk, and arrive early enough to sort out environmental fees and equipment without holding up the group.

You will be joining a shared tour unless you reserve a private option. That usually keeps the price down, but it also means the pace is set by the group, the boat crew, and the conditions on the water. If you want long, quiet stretches at one beach, a private trip may suit you better.

7 Commando Beach gives you an easy first stop

The first listed attraction is 7 Commando Beach, with about 45 minutes set aside for the guided visit. This is a sensible opening stop because it gives you time to settle into the boat day, stretch your legs, and enjoy a beach setting before the lagoon visits.

The stop is relatively short, so I would treat it as a taste of the coast rather than a full beach afternoon. You can take photos, relax, and look across the surrounding scenery, but you will need to watch the time when the guide calls the group back.

The tour description also refers to Small Lagoon, although the detailed stop list names Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and 7 Commando Beach. That mismatch matters. If Small Lagoon is important to you, ask the operator which lagoon is included on your departure date and whether the route changes with weather or permits.

Big Lagoon is the visual centerpiece

Big Lagoon is the stop most likely to dominate your memories. Its appeal comes from the sharp limestone walls, calm water, and dramatic scale. The setting is made for photographs, but it is also the place where extra costs and visitor timing matter most.

Entry costs P200, and a kayak costs P300. Kayaking gives you a way to move through the lagoon under your own power, while skipping the rental keeps your expenses down. The supplied information does not state how long you remain here, so your actual time on the water may depend on the group schedule and local operating rules.

Bring sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, and a camera, but protect your phone and camera from splashes. You should also carry some snacks because the included water is only 300 ml, and the lunch stop comes later in the route.

Big Lagoon is not the quietest part of the day if several boats arrive together. Still, it earns its place on the route because the cliffs and water create the strongest sense of scale. I would prioritize being ready when you arrive, since delays here can shorten your time elsewhere.

Shimizu Island combines lunch and snorkeling

The schedule allows about 105 minutes at Shimizu Island, making it the longest named stop. That extra time is useful. You can eat the buffet lunch, rest on the beach, and use the water for snorkeling instead of rushing through each activity.

The island is presented as a place for colorful coral and marine life. Snorkeling gear is optional and costs P100, so bring your own equipment if you have it. Aqua shoes are also optional at P100. They can be useful if you prefer extra foot protection, but the tour does not require you to rent them.

The lunch is included, which gives this tour an advantage over bare-bones boat trips. You do not need to arrange a separate meal during the day, although snacks are still worth carrying. The food details are not specified, so do not book this expecting a particular menu.

The snorkeling here is one of the better reasons to choose Tour A over a route focused only on beaches and viewpoints. You get a chance to see marine life at close range, but the rules are important: do not touch coral, fish, plants, or other marine life. Those rules protect the reef and also keep you from damaging yourself on sharp surfaces.

Secret Lagoon feels different from Big Lagoon

Secret Lagoon offers a change of mood and scale. Access is through a narrow opening, leading to a more enclosed space than the broad water of Big Lagoon. The listed visit lasts about one hour, enough for a look around and some quiet time if conditions allow.

The narrow entrance is part of the attraction, but it can also make the stop feel more controlled than an open beach visit. Follow the guide’s instructions, move carefully, and expect the group to gather near the access point.

I like the contrast between these two lagoon stops. Big Lagoon gives you open views and imposing cliffs, while Secret Lagoon offers a smaller, more enclosed setting. If you prefer a full hour of swimming or a long stretch of empty sand, this may feel brief, but as part of a varied day it works well.

Guides and service can shape the day

The tour includes a live English-speaking guide, but no guide’s name is provided in the booking details. That means you should not book expecting a particular person. The crew’s role matters here because this is a shared outing with multiple water activities and several stops.

A recent trip received praise for a friendly, attentive guide who helped make the experience comfortable. Another trip during stormy weather reported careful handling of the group, with the guides paying close attention to safety. Those details are encouraging, particularly in a place where weather can change quickly.

At the same time, one outing had serious boat problems. The first boat broke down, passengers waited about 90 minutes for a replacement, and the second boat was reportedly in poor condition. Communication from the crew was also described as weak. I would not ignore this warning simply because the price is attractive.

Ask where and when you should meet, confirm that the boat is operating normally, and keep some patience in reserve. If you have a ferry connection later that day, do not schedule it too tightly after the tour.

Weather is more than a small footnote

Tours can be canceled because of weather, and storms may also affect the order of stops or the amount of time you spend in the water. One recent group still enjoyed the day in unsettled conditions because the guides focused on safety, but the weather reduced the quality of the views and activities.

Bring sunscreen even if the morning looks cloudy. Pack a hat, swimwear, a camera, snacks, and water, and expect to spend much of the day exposed to sun, spray, and changing conditions.

Smoking and littering are not allowed. Touching marine life and plants is also prohibited. These rules are straightforward, but following them matters in a reef and lagoon environment that depends on careful handling.

The return to Bacuit Bay

The tour finishes at Bacuit Bay Floating Dock 1, with the full day expected to run roughly seven to seven and a half hours. The schedule gives a return time around 4:30 PM, though weather, boat issues, and group movement can all affect that estimate.

I would keep the evening easy. This is not the right day to plan a tight restaurant reservation, airport transfer, or ferry connection immediately after the return. If you have onward travel to Coron, the operator has helped some customers arrange ferry tickets, but you should still handle your own transport timing carefully.

The end point is not the same as the morning coffee-shop meeting point, so make sure you know where you need to go after the boat docks.

Who will enjoy this El Nido day?

I would choose Tour A if you want a first look at El Nido’s best-known sights without paying for a private boat. It suits people who like variety: a beach, two major lagoon experiences, snorkeling, lunch, and scenic boat travel in one day.

It is also a good fit if you are comfortable with optional costs and a group schedule. The $23 starting price is appealing, but the environmental fee, lagoon entry, kayak, and equipment can make the real total much higher.

I would be more cautious if you need reliable transport, clear communication, or a strict finish time. The boat complaint is specific enough to take seriously, even though other feedback praises the guide’s care and the company’s helpful follow-up.

Should you book Tour A?

Book it if you want the classic El Nido route at a low starting price and you are happy to share the boat. Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon provide two different settings, while Shimizu Island gives you the best block of time for lunch and snorkeling.

Before booking, confirm the meeting time, ask whether Small Lagoon is actually included, and check which extra fees apply to your group. I would also avoid pairing the tour with an important same-day connection.

The strongest reason to go is the range of scenery packed into one day. The strongest reason to hesitate is the uneven boat and communication record. For flexible visitors who can accept those limits, it is a worthwhile introduction to El Nido. For anyone who values a smooth, tightly managed schedule, a private or more highly rated option may be the safer choice.

FAQ

How long does El Nido Tour A last?

The activity is listed as lasting 7.5 hours, with the practical tour duration described as about seven hours. The expected return time is around 4:30 PM.

Where do I meet the tour?

The meeting point is Grounded 100% Arabica Coffee, El Nido Branch. The supplied information gives both 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM, so confirm the exact time with the operator.

Which places are included?

The tour includes Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and 7 Commando Beach. The overview also mentions Small Lagoon, but the detailed stop list does not clearly confirm it, so ask before departure.

Is lunch included?

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

Is the environmental fee included?

No. The environmental fee is P400. If you already paid it, the receipt is valid for five days and should be shown at checking.

How much does kayaking at Big Lagoon cost?

Kayak rental costs P300. It is an optional extra and is not included in the starting tour price.

Are snorkeling equipment and aqua shoes provided?

They are available as optional rentals. Snorkeling gear costs P100, and aqua shoes cost P100.

Is this a private tour?

No. It is a shared group tour unless you book a private option.

Can the tour be canceled because of weather?

Yes. Tours may be canceled because of weather conditions. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you delay payment until your plans are firmer.