El Nido Private Tour A w/ Lunch

El Nido’s best sights are scattered across a wide stretch of sea, and this private island-hopping tour gives you a practical way to see several in one day. You visit Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Secret Lagoon, Seven Commando Beach, and Payong-Payong Beach without sharing the boat with strangers. The route can also be adjusted around your group’s interests and the day’s conditions.

I like the personal service and the chance to set your own pace. Guides such as Darrel, Jul, RJ, and Marc are noted for helping with safety, photos, and quieter timing, while Captain Oliver receives particular praise for careful boat handling. I also like that lunch, drinks, fruit, environmental fees, and town pickup are bundled into the price.

The main consideration is the extra cost once you add a kayak and snorkel equipment. At $143 per person, the tour makes the most sense for a group that values privacy and flexibility. If you are happy to follow a fixed schedule in a shared boat, a cheaper group trip may offer better value.

Key points to know before you book

• Big Lagoon is the visual highlight: Limestone walls rise around calm water, and a kayak or SUP is the best way to explore beyond the boat.
• The boat is private: Only your group takes part, so you can ask for more time at a favorite beach or move on when a stop feels crowded.
• Five major stops fit into one long day: Plan on roughly 7 to 8 hours, with about 90 minutes shown for each main stop.
• Lunch is served at Shimizu Island: Soda, water, and fruit are included, with Shimizu also offering a chance to watch for turtles and snorkel.
• A few useful extras cost more: Snorkel equipment is P100 per set, and a kayak is P400 pesos.
• Pickup has a clear limit: Free hotel pickup covers El Nido town proper or accommodation within 2 kilometers of the public market.

Why a private boat changes the El Nido day

A shared boat trip can be fine, but El Nido’s popular lagoons work better when you are not waiting for a large group to finish every stop. On this outing, only your own party joins the boat. That gives you a say in how long you stay, within the limits of the route, weather, and local access rules.

This matters most at Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon. One person may want to linger for photographs, while another may prefer swimming or snorkeling. A private guide can help your group make those calls without turning the day into a series of shouted countdowns.

The tour is also meant to use a different route at times to reduce crowd pressure. That does not mean the famous places will be empty. Big Lagoon is one of the most popular sights in El Nido, and conditions can change quickly. Still, an experienced crew may help you reach certain spots at a better time.

The guide service is a real part of the value here. Darrel is specifically praised for helping people stay safe, explaining the islands, and taking photographs. Jul and RJ are also associated with attentive service and knowing where to go when a place is less busy. These details matter on a private trip because your guide can respond to your group rather than simply deliver a standard speech.

Big Lagoon, karst walls and a possible kayak fee

Big Lagoon is the first major stop and likely the day’s signature view. Tall limestone formations surround a long body of clear water, creating the classic El Nido scene that appears in countless photographs. The rock formations were shaped over millions of years, and their scale is difficult to appreciate until you are on the water below them.

You are given about 90 minutes here. The best way to make use of that time is by kayak or stand-up paddleboard, but neither is included. The stated kayak cost is P400 pesos, and the lagoon entrance is listed among the included fees. The information also marks Big Lagoon admission as not included in the stop details, so I would confirm exactly how the local fees are being handled before departure.

The lagoon is a place for slow looking rather than a packed activity schedule. You will want time for photos, paddling, and taking in the cliffs. If your group has anyone who does not want to kayak, ask the crew what options are available before paying for equipment.

Wind can affect this part of the tour. One account of the day describes beautiful scenery but rougher water caused by a windy day. That is a useful reminder that the boat ride and lagoon conditions are controlled by nature, not by the itinerary.

Shimizu Island, lunch and time in the water

Shimizu Island is scheduled for about 90 minutes and is used as the lunch stop. It is also a pleasant place to swim, snorkel, and look for turtles. The island’s name honors Shimizu, one of the early explorers of El Nido’s waters.

Lunch includes soda, water, and fruit. That is a simple meal rather than a restaurant experience, but it is exactly what works on a full day at sea. You can eat without losing time returning to town, then get back in the water or relax on the beach.

Snorkel gear is not included. A set costs P100, which is modest, but you should still budget for it if you want to see the reef. One account describes swimming among a school of several hundred fish, so the water time can be a strong part of the day when visibility and sea conditions cooperate.

You should not treat that fish encounter as a guarantee. Marine life and water clarity vary. The useful point is that Shimizu is not only a lunch table. It gives the crew a natural place to combine food, swimming, and snorkeling before the afternoon stops.

Secret Lagoon, a small opening with a big payoff

Secret Lagoon offers a different kind of stop. Instead of a broad open beach and wide views, you enter a smaller enclosed space through a narrow opening in the limestone. The setting feels more tucked away, though it can become crowded because the area is compact.

The planned visit is another 90 minutes. That is enough time to explore the lagoon and enjoy the nearby beach, but you may not need every minute inside the smaller area. If the entrance has a queue, your guide can help you decide whether to wait or spend more time outside.

This stop rewards patience and sensible footwear. The supplied details do not specify the exact approach conditions, so you should follow the crew’s instructions and take care near wet rock. The attraction is the contrast between the open sea, the beach, and the enclosed limestone space.

Seven Commando Beach, a slower beach break

Seven Commando Beach is named for seven commandos who once lived on the island, with their names marked on the cliffs. The beach lies close to the mainland and has a long, gently sloping stretch of sand.

This is the kind of stop that gives your day room to breathe. After the enclosed space at Secret Lagoon, you get a broad beach where you can walk, swim, or sit with a drink. It is also a useful place for anyone in your group who is less interested in snorkeling or paddling.

The schedule allows roughly 90 minutes. That is generous enough for a relaxed stop, though the feel of the beach will depend on how many boats arrive. A private tour cannot remove every other boat from the bay, but it can let you leave sooner if the shore is too busy for your taste.

Payong-Payong Beach and the final stretch

Payong-Payong Beach closes the listed route. Its appeal is straightforward: pale sand, clear water, and tall limestone cliffs around the shore. The setting is made for photographs, but it is also a good final swim if the weather remains calm.

The tour information marks admission here as not included, so ask about any local charge before the boat leaves. The broader package includes the environmental fee and lagoon entrance, but not every stop is described the same way in the fee details.

By this point, you will have spent most of the day outside. The final beach is best enjoyed without trying to force another major activity into the schedule. If your group has a favorite stop from earlier, the private format may allow you to discuss spending more time there, subject to the guide’s route and local rules.

What the $143 price really covers

The price is $143 per person, and that is a serious rate for an island-hopping trip in El Nido. Its value depends heavily on group size and how much you care about having the boat to yourselves.

The package includes:

• Private boat experience for your group
• Professional licensed guide and crew
• Lunch, soda, water, and fruit
• Environmental fee
• Lagoon entrance
• Free pickup from accommodation in El Nido town proper or within 2 kilometers of the public market

You still pay P100 per snorkel set and P400 pesos for a kayak. Pickup outside the stated town area costs extra. Those charges are not large compared with the main price, but they can affect the final total, especially for a couple or small group.

For a larger private group, the cost can feel more reasonable because you are buying privacy, not just transport. You also avoid the wasted time that comes from waiting for unfamiliar passengers. For one or two people, the price is harder to justify unless having your own boat is central to the trip.

The package includes enough food and drinks to keep the day moving, but do not expect a gourmet lunch. The real value is the access to five well-known coastal stops with a guide and crew handling the route.

Pickup, timing and what to bring

The day lasts about 7 to 8 hours and ends back at the meeting point near the El Nido Police Station on C. Hama. Free pickup is offered around town proper and within 2 kilometers of the public market. If your accommodation lies outside that area, confirm the added transfer cost before booking.

The tour can also begin from the stated meeting point. Confirmation is provided when you book, and the activity is listed as suitable for most people. Service animals are allowed, and the meeting area is near public transportation.

Bring swimwear, sun protection, a towel, and a waterproof way to protect your phone. You should also keep some cash available for the kayak and snorkel set. The tour includes water, but your own refillable bottle may still be useful.

Pack lightly. A boat day is easier when your bags are small and easy to keep dry. Since the activity depends on good weather, the operator may move the date or offer a full refund if poor conditions force cancellation.

Who will enjoy this tour most

This is a strong fit for families, couples, and friends who want control over the pace. It also suits anyone who cares about photographs, since the guide can help with pictures and your group does not need to rush because a boatload of strangers is waiting.

It works well for mixed groups. One person can snorkel while another enjoys the beach, and the guide can help everyone stay together. Captain Oliver is specifically noted for careful attention to safety, which matters when your day includes boat travel, swimming, and uneven coastal areas.

This is not the best match if you want a cheap, no-frills day or a quiet boat ride with very little structure. The five-stop route is active, and the most famous locations can still be busy. You also need to accept that wind, sea conditions, and local access rules may change the feel of the day.

Should you book El Nido Private Tour A?

I would book this tour if you are traveling with a group and want the freedom to pause, move on, and ask for help with photos or snorkeling. The combination of Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Secret Lagoon, Seven Commando Beach, and Payong-Payong Beach gives you a broad sample of El Nido in one long day.

I would hesitate if you are traveling alone or as a pair and care mainly about keeping costs down. In that case, compare the price of a shared boat before committing. Also confirm the pickup area, kayak charge, snorkel fee, and lagoon admission details so the final cost is clear.

For the right group, the privacy is the main reason to choose it. The scenery is spectacular, but the freedom to set a more comfortable pace is what makes this package worth considering.

FAQ

How long does El Nido Private Tour A last?

The tour lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours and ends back at the meeting point.

Which places are visited?

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

Is the boat private?

Yes. This is a private activity, and only your group participates.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch, soda, water, and fruit are included.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Free pickup is available from accommodation in El Nido town proper or within 2 kilometers of the public market. Pickup outside that area costs extra.

Are snorkeling equipment and kayaks included?

No. Snorkel equipment costs P100 per set, and a kayak costs P400 pesos.

Is the environmental fee included?

Yes. The environmental fee is included. Lagoon entrance is also listed among the included items.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. Cancellations made at least 24 hours before the start time also qualify for a full refund.