El Nido: Big Lagoon Kayaking & Island Adventure

Paradise comes with a paddle. This six-hour El Nido trip packs Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and 7 Commandos Beach into one busy day across the Bacuit Archipelago. I like the mix of kayaking and snorkeling, and I also like the cheerful local crew, with guides such as Arnold, Anderson, and Ken Kyle helping keep the boat ride lively.

The main catch is the pace. An hour at 7 Commandos Beach can feel short, and popular stops may be crowded. You should also budget for the kayak, environmental fee, and Big Lagoon access fee, since the advertised $23 price does not cover those extras.

Key points before you book

• Big Lagoon by kayak: Paddle beneath high limestone walls and look for the small cave mentioned by one happy paddler.
• Four classic El Nido stops: The route combines 7 Commandos Beach, Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Secret Lagoon.
• A generous Filipino lunch: Expect grilled fish, chicken, prawns, vegetables, pancit, rice, melon, and other dishes, though food availability may depend on when you eat.
• Strong crew support: The boat team helps people on and off the vessel and provides life jackets, masks, and snorkels.
• Extra fees matter: Kayaks, water shoes, fins, the environmental fee, and Big Lagoon access are not included.
• Best for active first-time visitors: You get the classic Tour A sights, but the day is not designed for long, quiet beach stays.

What the $23 El Nido tour really includes

At $23 per person, this is an appealing way to see several of El Nido’s best-known sites without arranging a boat, captain, guide, lunch, and snorkeling gear separately. The package includes a licensed tourist boat, licensed captain, local guide, mask, snorkel, life jacket, picnic lunch, and one 330-milliliter bottle of purified water served with lunch.

That is good value for a six-hour outing, especially if you want a simple introduction to the Bacuit Archipelago. The tradeoff is that several practical costs sit outside the headline price:

• A two-seat kayak costs 300 Philippine pesos.
• A three-seat kayak costs 350 Philippine pesos.
• Water shoes cost 100 pesos per pair to rent.
• Fins cost 150 pesos per pair to rent.
• The environmental fee is 400 pesos per person and remains valid for five days.
• Big Lagoon charges a 200-peso user fee for one access.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

For most people, the kayak is the one essential add-on because Big Lagoon is the star of the day. Add water shoes if you plan to enter Secret Lagoon, where the rocky sea floor can make bare feet uncomfortable. Bring cash for these charges, plus any drinks or snacks sold on the boat.

Meeting at Marbers and getting the day moving

The meeting point is Marbers Resto Bar on Calle Hama Beach Front. Go inside and look for Annabelle or a member of the Alexzus team. The finish point is Dockyard, so plan your onward arrangements around that rather than expecting a return to your hotel.

The advertised duration is six hours, but you should allow some patience at the start. One booking began about 45 minutes late. That does not mean every departure will be delayed, but island boats work around loading, permits, weather, and sea conditions. Arrive ready, keep your schedule loose, and do not book a tight airport transfer immediately afterward.

The boat crew provides a safety briefing and life jackets. The day includes swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, climbing around rocky lagoon entrances, and moving between boat and shore, so it is active rather than purely scenic. It is not suitable for wheelchair users.

English is the stated tour language. A private group option is available if you want more control over the pace and company, though the supplied price is presented per person and does not explain private-group pricing.

7 Commandos Beach: palm trees, sand, and too little time

The first stop is 7 Commandos Beach, scheduled for about an hour. It is an easy way to begin the day: white sand, palms, a swing, open water, and time for swimming or sunbathing.

I like this stop because it gives you a calm visual introduction to El Nido before the more enclosed lagoons. It is also a good place to shake off the boat ride and take photographs. The beach invites you to slow down, but the schedule does not always allow it.

One hour is enough for a quick swim and a few pictures. It is not enough if you want a long beach session, a leisurely drink, and time under the palms. Several people rated the stop highly but wished they could stay longer. That is the central rhythm of this trip: you see many beautiful places, but you rarely have the whole afternoon at one.

Bring a hat and sunglasses, and use sunscreen that follows local marine protection rules. The activity instructions ask you not to touch marine life, animals, or plants. That is good practice at every stop, not just a formal rule.

Big Lagoon: the reason to pay for the kayak

Big Lagoon gets about 105 minutes, including guided sightseeing and kayaking. This is the most memorable part of the route for many visitors, and it is where the extra kayak rental earns its keep.

You paddle across calm, turquoise water surrounded by towering limestone walls. The enclosed setting makes the water feel still and reflective, while the cliffs provide the grand scale that El Nido is known for. A kayak also lets you move at a gentler pace than a motorboat and take in the narrow passages from water level.

One useful detail is the small cave near the lagoon that you may reach by kayak. It is the sort of minor feature that can make the stop feel more personal than simply taking photographs from the boat. Do not count on having it to yourself, though. Big Lagoon is one of the busiest stops on the route.

Demand for kayaks can affect the schedule. One group had to return to Big Lagoon three times because no kayaks were available on the first attempt. The crew used other stops to fill the waiting time, but this shows why the day can shift around. If kayaking is your main goal, tell the guide early and stay alert for instructions.

Kayak rentals are not included. A two-person kayak is 300 pesos, while a three-person kayak is 350 pesos. The small difference makes a three-person boat useful for a family or group, but remember that paddling space and balance will vary by boat.

Shimizu Island: snorkeling and the beach lunch

Shimizu Island receives about 105 minutes, making it the longest scheduled stop. It combines snorkeling with lunch, so this is less a quick photo stop and more the day’s main break.

The snorkeling area is described as full of colorful coral and tropical fish. If sea conditions change, the guide may move the snorkeling to Advance or South Miniloc. That flexibility is helpful because the best water conditions cannot be guaranteed at one fixed site.

You receive mask and snorkel equipment, plus a life jacket. Fins are available to rent for 150 pesos per pair, but they are not part of the package. If you are comfortable snorkeling without fins, you can save the money. If you want more control in the water, especially around a reef, fins may be worth it.

Lunch is served on the beach and includes a Filipino-style spread. The food can include grilled fish, chicken, prawns, vegetables, pancit, rice, melon, eggplant, and other dishes. This is a generous menu for a boat trip, though timing matters. One late eater found that much of the chicken was gone by the time they reached the food. If you are especially hungry, do not wait too long to make your plate.

Vegetarians should ask about the meal before booking or boarding. The supplied experience details do not promise a separate vegetarian menu, and one vegetarian found mainly rice and noodles available. The lunch is included, but special dietary arrangements are not confirmed.

You receive one 330-milliliter bottle of purified water with lunch. That is not enough water for a six-hour day in the sun, so bring more from town. Snacks are also worth packing, although drinks and snacks may be available for purchase on board.

Secret Lagoon: a short entrance and a rocky approach

Secret Lagoon is scheduled for 45 minutes. Reaching the natural pool involves passing through a small opening in the limestone, then entering a secluded pool enclosed by rock walls. The entrance is part of the attraction, but it is also the most awkward access point of the day.

You may need to swim toward the opening, and the water around the entrance has rocks on the bottom. The crew can help pull people toward the entrance, which is reassuring if you are not a confident swimmer. Still, water shoes or sandals with secure straps are a smart choice. Loose flip-flops can float away, and bare feet may be uncomfortable on the rocks.

This stop suits people who enjoy a little physical effort for a dramatic setting. It is less suitable if you want easy, level access everywhere. Follow the guide’s instructions and avoid touching plants, animals, and marine life.

Forty-five minutes gives you time to see the pool, take pictures, and swim if conditions allow. It is not a long stay, but the narrow entry makes the stop feel distinct from the wide open beach and lagoon scenes earlier in the day.

The crew makes a crowded route easier

The people running the boat are an important part of the experience. The guides are described as funny, friendly, and energetic, and Arnold is singled out for keeping the group entertained. Anderson and Ken Kyle also received warm praise for making the trip memorable.

That matters because Tour A is popular. Boats can feel full, and several stops may have many groups arriving at once. A good guide cannot remove the crowds, but can make boarding smoother, explain where to go, point out photo spots, and keep the mood light when the schedule changes.

The crew also helps people on and off the boat at each stop. That practical support is especially useful at Secret Lagoon and during snorkeling transfers. You still need to manage your own comfort and safety, but the service sounds attentive rather than hands-off.

One weakness is that the amount of information about each place may be limited. If you want long historical or geological explanations, ask questions directly. The experience is built more around scenery, movement, and company than formal interpretation.

What to bring for a smoother six hours

Pack lightly, but do not rely on the single included water bottle. Your day bag should contain:

• Extra drinking water
• Sun hat and sunglasses
• Swimwear and a change of clothes
• Snacks
• Waterproof camera or phone pouch
• Insect repellent
• Cash
• Water shoes or secure sandals

Beachwear is expected, but a dry change of clothes makes the ride back more comfortable. A waterproof camera is useful for the lagoons and reef, though you should protect it carefully while moving between the boat and shore.

Smoking, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed. The marine rules also prohibit touching animals, plants, and marine life. These restrictions help protect the places you came to see, and they are easy to follow.

The tour is active enough that you should eat breakfast and arrive with energy. You will paddle, swim, climb through a rocky opening, snorkel, walk on beaches, and spend much of the day in the sun.

Who should book this Tour A outing?

I would recommend it most strongly to first-time El Nido visitors who have one free day and want the classic combination of lagoons, reef, sand, and lunch. It also suits couples, families with older children, and small groups who prefer a guide and crew to handle the boat arrangements.

You should book it if Big Lagoon kayaking is high on your list and you are happy to share a popular route. The trip gives you more variety than a beach-only excursion, and the crew’s humor and hands-on help add real value.

Think twice if your ideal day means staying at one quiet beach for several hours. The stops are tightly scheduled, and crowds can interfere with the peaceful feeling shown in photos. You should also look elsewhere if you need wheelchair access, a confirmed vegetarian lunch, or detailed commentary at every location.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those policies help if your El Nido plans depend on weather or boat availability, but the tour still requires flexibility on the day itself.

Should you book the Big Lagoon kayaking tour?

Yes, if you want a well-priced introduction to El Nido’s famous island route and do not mind a busy schedule. Big Lagoon kayaking, reef snorkeling, the Secret Lagoon entrance, and the white sand of 7 Commandos Beach give you a lot in six hours.

Before paying, add the environmental fee, Big Lagoon fee, kayak rental, and any footwear or fins you need. Bring extra water, eat lunch early if you are hungry, and wear secure footwear for Secret Lagoon. With those details handled, this is a strong choice for a first El Nido day, particularly because the friendly crew helps turn a crowded route into a fun one.

FAQ

How long does the El Nido Big Lagoon kayaking tour last?

The tour lasts six hours. Starting times vary, so you should check availability when booking.

Where does the tour meet?

Meet at Marbers Resto Bar, Calle Hama Beach Front. Enter Marbers and look for Annabelle or any Alexzus staff member.

Where does the tour finish?

The tour finishes at Dockyard. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is kayaking included in the price?

No. Kayak rental costs 300 Philippine pesos for a two-seat kayak and 350 pesos for a three-seat kayak.

What destinations are included?

The route includes 7 Commandos Beach, Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Secret Lagoon. Snorkeling may move to Advance or South Miniloc if sea conditions require it.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A picnic lunch is served at Shimizu Island, with Filipino-style dishes such as fish, chicken, vegetables, rice, and fruit. One 330-milliliter bottle of purified water is served at lunch.

Are snorkeling equipment and life jackets provided?

Yes. The tour includes a mask, snorkel, and life jacket. Fins are optional and cost 150 pesos per pair to rent.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available.