EL NIDO: Sharing/Joiner Island Hopping Tour A w/BUFFET LUNCH

The best part of this El Nido Tour A is the variety. In one day, you get white sand, towering limestone walls, a calm lagoon for kayaking, coral reefs for snorkeling, and a narrow cave-like entrance into Secret Lagoon. It gives you a broad look at the Bacuit Archipelago without arranging several separate trips.

I especially like the five different stops and the included buffet lunch, fruit, and basic boat equipment. I also like that the route mixes active time with easy beach breaks. The main caution is crowding: Tour A is one of El Nido’s most popular routes, and boats often reach the same places at about the same time.

Key points to know before booking

• Big Lagoon kayaking is the main attraction: The tall limestone walls and calm blue-green water make this the most scenic part of the day, but kayak rental costs extra.
• Five stops give you a full day out: You visit 7 Commandos Beach, Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Secret Lagoon, and Payong-Payong Beach.
• Snorkeling is strongest around Shimizu Island: Expect coral, colorful fish, and time to swim from the beach.
• Lunch is served on the island: The buffet includes several choices, with fruit and water provided as part of the package.
• Extra charges affect the low headline price: You pay a 400 environmental fee and a 200 lagoon entrance fee, plus any kayak rental.
• The schedule can shift: Weather, boat traffic, and operating conditions may change the order or replace a stop.

What $23 really gets you

At $23 per person, this is a low-cost way to see several of El Nido’s famous coastal sights in one day. You get a licensed tourist boat, captain, guide, crew, life vest, buffet lunch, fruit, and water. Pick-up is included within El Nido Town and Corong-corong, though hotel drop-off afterward is not.

The price looks especially good if you want the classic El Nido route and do not need a private boat. You are paying for a shared outing, so the tradeoff is less control over timing. You cannot simply stay longer at a quiet beach or skip a stop because the boat crew must keep the group moving.

Remember to add the 400 environmental fee and 200 lagoon entrance fee to your budget. Kayaking at Big Lagoon is also an extra charge. Those additions do not ruin the value, but they make the true cost higher than the advertised base price.

The tour lasts about eight hours. That is enough time to see a lot, but this is not a slow private cruise. Each listed stop is planned for about an hour, and the boat must allow for transfers, loading, and movement between islands.

Starting from El Nido and Corong-corong

The tour offers free pick-up within El Nido Town and Corong-corong. The meeting point is Beachfront Travel and Tours. Confirm the exact start time before you go, since the advertised meeting time and the actual departure can differ.

One booking experience reported an early arrival instruction followed by a later departure time at the meeting point. That sort of loose start can happen on shared boat trips, where crews gather passengers, arrange paperwork, and wait for the boat to be ready. I would arrive on time, then expect some flexibility rather than planning a tight activity afterward.

The boat has life vests, a licensed captain, a licensed guide, and crew. Bring your own waterproof bag for your phone, wallet, and dry clothes. A camera is worth carrying, but only if you can protect it from spray and wet hands.

7 Commandos Beach: an easy first swim

The first stop is 7 Commandos Beach, a bright strip of pale sand backed by coconut trees and limestone cliffs. The name comes from a story about seven commandos who supposedly lived here after World War II, but the real draw is simple: this is an easy place to swim, stretch your legs, and settle into the day.

The water is clear and inviting, and small bars and shops offer drinks or snacks. You can use this stop for a quick swim, a beach walk, or photos from the sand. If you want a tan, this is one of the better chances, although biodegradable sunscreen is the responsible choice for the reef areas later.

The drawback is that 7 Commandos is not a secret beach in practice. It is a standard stop on the route, so several boats may arrive together. Go in expecting a pretty shared beach rather than a private tropical escape.

Big Lagoon: the day’s signature scene

Big Lagoon is the reason many people choose Tour A. The boat approaches a narrow opening between high limestone cliffs, then enters a calm body of water surrounded by dramatic rock walls. The effect is striking, especially when the water reflects the cliffs and the sky.

Kayaking lets you see the lagoon at your own pace instead of only viewing it from the tour boat. Paddle into quieter corners, look down through the clear water, and give yourself time to appreciate the silence between groups. You do not need to be an expert paddler for this activity, but you should be comfortable sitting in a kayak and following the crew’s instructions.

Kayak rental is not included. Ask about the current price before setting off, and carry enough cash. The lagoon fee is also extra. This is an important budgeting point because Big Lagoon can become the most expensive part of an otherwise inexpensive day.

Big Lagoon can also be the most frustrating stop if many boats arrive together. One account described waiting almost an hour in open water while kayaks entered the lagoon. Poor weather can make kayaking less appealing, too. If the conditions are rough or cloudy, the views may not match the picture-perfect expectation, and the guide may change the plan.

Shimizu Island: lunch beside the reef

Shimizu Island is the usual place for snorkeling and lunch. The island takes its name from a Japanese diver who explored the surrounding waters. Its reef area is home to colorful fish and other sea life, making this the strongest stop for people who want time in the water.

You can snorkel from the boat or near the island, depending on conditions and the crew’s choice. Bring a waterproof camera if underwater photos matter to you, but do not forget that visibility changes with weather, tide, and boat traffic.

Lunch is served buffet-style, with fruit and water included. The food has received particularly strong praise, and the selection is described as generous for a shared day tour. You should still keep expectations sensible: this is an island picnic prepared for a boat group, not a restaurant meal.

Shimizu Island also gives you time to sit in the shade and listen to the water. That matters because Tour A is active in short bursts. You will appreciate having a proper pause before the next swimming stop.

Secret Lagoon: a small entrance and a tight squeeze

Secret Lagoon is reached through a small opening in the limestone. You may need to squeeze through the entrance, so this stop is not ideal if narrow spaces make you uncomfortable. Inside, the lagoon feels enclosed by high rock walls and has a quieter mood than the open beaches.

The entrance itself is part of the attraction. You are not simply stepping off the boat onto a broad beach. You are moving through a natural opening into a tucked-away pool, which gives the stop a little sense of discovery without requiring a long hike.

The space can be crowded, and the narrow access point slows the flow of people. Be patient, keep your belongings secure, and follow the guide’s directions. The tour description includes sightseeing and snorkeling here, but the exact water activity depends on conditions and the crew’s decision.

Payong-Payong Beach: a calmer final stop

Payong-Payong Beach is smaller and quieter than the main stops. Its soft sand, clear water, plants, and rock formations create a good setting for swimming, snorkeling, photos, or simply sitting in the shade.

This is the stop I would value most if you need a break from the busiest parts of the route. It gives the day a gentler finish, although the actual choice of final beach can change. The crew may substitute another beach if weather, boat traffic, or local conditions make that a better option.

A useful detail from the booking information is that guides may adjust the final stop for a calmer, less crowded beach. That flexibility is a plus. At the same time, you should not book this tour expecting every stop to follow a fixed script.

Small beach bars may sell cocktails or other drinks at certain stops, but these are not included. Alcohol is not allowed as part of the tour rules, so check with the crew before buying anything. Smoking, plastic bags, drugs, and littering are also prohibited.

Crowds, timing, and the shared-boat tradeoff

Tour A is popular because it combines the area’s best-known sights. That popularity has a cost. The same beaches and lagoons may receive many boats within a short period, particularly at Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon.

The shared format also means the guide must keep everyone together. You may be called back to the boat even if you would like another ten minutes in the water. In exchange, you pay far less than you would for a private charter and still see the classic locations.

Organization can vary. Most of the feedback is strongly positive about the crew, with repeated praise for friendly service, helpful guides, smooth stops, good food, and fun group energy. But one account described a late start and a long delay because lunch had not been loaded. That is not the normal outcome to plan on, but it is a fair reminder to keep your schedule open after the tour.

The route may change because of weather. That is not just a minor technical note. Wind and rain can affect kayak access, snorkeling visibility, and which beaches are safe or pleasant. A changed route may be less photogenic than your original plan, but it can also save you from spending an hour in poor conditions.

What to pack for a wet day

Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, waterproof shoes, biodegradable sunscreen, cash, and a waterproof bag. A towel is not listed among the inclusions, so pack one if you need it.

Carry a refillable water bottle if possible. Water is included, and some outings also provide soft drinks, but service can vary and one booking account specifically advised bringing water. You will be outside for most of eight hours, so having your own supply is sensible.

Cash is useful for the environmental fee, lagoon fee, kayak rental, and optional purchases at beach shops. Do not bring plastic bags, since they are prohibited. Keep small items together because you will repeatedly move between boat, beach, kayak, and water.

Who will enjoy this Tour A experience?

I would choose this tour if you want the classic El Nido sights at a modest price and are happy sharing a boat. It suits first-time visitors who want beaches, snorkeling, kayaking, and dramatic rock scenery in a single day.

It also works well for mixed groups. One person can snorkel while another relaxes on the sand, and the kayaking gives active visitors something more to do. The stops are not all physically demanding, though squeezing into Secret Lagoon and getting in and out of boats require some ease with wet, uneven surroundings.

I would hesitate if you dislike crowds, need exact departure times, or want long, quiet stretches at one beach. A private boat would offer more control, but it would cost more. Tour A is about coverage and value, not solitude.

Should you book El Nido Tour A?

Book it if you want a full day of famous El Nido scenery without paying private-boat prices. The combination of Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island snorkeling, five stops, and a well-regarded buffet makes the $23 base price attractive, even after the extra fees.

Go in with realistic expectations. You may share the water with many other boats, wait for lagoon access, or see the order of stops change. Bring water, cash, sun protection, and patience, then this is a strong introduction to El Nido’s island-hopping scene.

FAQ

How long does El Nido Tour A last?

The tour lasts about eight hours. Starting times depend on availability, so check the schedule when booking.

What places does the tour visit?

The planned stops are 7 Commandos Beach, Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Secret Lagoon, and Payong-Payong Beach. The order and exact destinations may change because of weather.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet lunch and fruit are included. Lunch is usually served during the Shimizu Island stop, although the guide chooses the lunch location.

Is kayaking included?

No. Kayaking at Big Lagoon requires an additional rental fee.

Are the environmental and lagoon fees included?

No. The environmental fee is 400, and the Big Lagoon entrance fee is 200. These are listed as government charges.

Is hotel pick-up available?

Free pick-up is available within El Nido Town and Corong-corong. Drop-off back at your hotel is not included.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live guide service is offered in English and Tagalog.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity also offers a reserve-now, pay-later option.