El Nido: Island Hopping Tour A Lagoons and Beaches

Paradise comes with a paddle. This popular eight-hour boat trip through Bacuit Bay packs Secret Lagoon, Big Lagoon, and white-sand beaches into one full day, with lunch and a helpful crew included. At $23 per person, it offers a lot for the money.

I especially like the chance to kayak through Big Lagoon and the generous buffet lunch. The crew often helps with swimming, boarding, and photos, and guides such as Buddy, Dexter, John, Jordan, and Jojo have earned warm praise for their care. The main drawback is simple: Tour A is busy, and Big Lagoon entry is not guaranteed.

Key points before you book

• Big Lagoon kayaking is the star: The calm water, tall limestone walls, and freedom to paddle make this the most memorable part for many people.
• Four stops fill the day: The route includes Secret Lagoon, Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Seven Commandos Beach, and a snorkeling area, with up to four stops in total.
• Lunch is better than expected: A buffet with meat, fish, vegetables, and fruit is included, making this stronger value than many budget boat trips.
• Crowds are part of the deal: Tour A is one of El Nido’s most popular routes, so beaches and lagoons can feel busy.
• Extra cash is essential: You must pay the 400 PHP environmental fee, plus the 200 PHP Big Lagoon entry fee and rental charges for kayaks or water gear.
• Private trips offer a quieter pace: A private boat can reach stops earlier and give you more control over timing, though the shared tour costs less.

What your $23 buys in Bacuit Bay

For $23, you get an eight-hour island-hopping trip, a licensed guide, boat transport, life vests, and lunch. That is a strong package in El Nido, especially when the day includes the bay’s best-known lagoon and several beaches.

The price is not quite the final cost. Before boarding, you need to pay the 400 PHP El Nido Tourism Development Fee, also called the environmental fee. Big Lagoon requires another 200 PHP entry payment. Aqua shoes, fins, and kayaks are rented separately, and some recent bookings paid about 300 PHP for a kayak that held two people.

That still leaves Tour A as a good-value outing. You are paying for a full day on the water, not a short scenic cruise. The included lunch also matters. Several people found the buffet surprisingly good, with fresh meat, fish, vegetables, and fruit in generous portions. One practical complaint was that the lunch setup could be organized better, so expect a simple boat-tour meal service rather than a polished restaurant experience.

You do not get hotel pickup or drop-off. The meeting point can change depending on the option you book, so check your confirmation carefully. Bring cash for fees, rentals, drinks, and small purchases at the stops.

Secret Lagoon: a short passage into limestone

Secret Lagoon gives Tour A its sense of discovery. From the boat, you head toward a break in the jagged rock and enter a small enclosed pool. The passage is narrow, and the lagoon feels very different from the open sea outside.

The setting is the attraction here. Towering limestone walls surround clear water, creating one of those compact El Nido scenes that looks almost too carefully arranged. You will likely spend more time appreciating the rock formation and taking photos than swimming long distances.

This stop can be awkward for anyone who has trouble with balance or getting in and out of the water. The tour is formally not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. Still, crew members have helped older people and weaker swimmers with boarding and disembarking, so tell the guide about your needs before the boat leaves. Their willingness to assist seems to depend on the situation and the group.

Secret Lagoon also shows the central compromise of this trip. Its small size makes it special, but it also means that a few boatloads can make the area feel crowded. Move patiently, follow crew instructions, and keep your belongings light.

Big Lagoon: the reason most people choose Tour A

Big Lagoon is the headline stop. Its broad, calm water sits between dramatic limestone walls, and a kayak lets you move at your own pace instead of simply taking a quick swim from the boat.

The extra kayak cost is worth considering if you can paddle comfortably. A kayak gives you room to look around, take photos, and enjoy the scale of the lagoon. Several people described kayaking here as the best part of the day, and I can see why. The water is serene, the rock walls are huge, and the slower pace suits this setting better than a crowded swim stop.

A kayak generally holds two people, and one guide even joined a solo participant who had never kayaked before. That is useful if you feel unsure, though you should still be honest about your swimming ability and comfort on the water. Life vests are included.

Big Lagoon has a capacity limit. If all available entry slots are gone, the boat visits another location instead. Even with a confirmed stop, timing matters. One group arrived about an hour late and found the lagoon full, with less time available than hoped. Another private group enjoyed quieter moments because it reached the stops before the larger shared boats.

This is the clearest reason to consider a private trip if Big Lagoon is your priority. A private boat costs more than the $23 shared option, but it may give you an earlier arrival and a more flexible pace. On the shared tour, delays can happen if people arrive late or if the boat waits for missing passengers.

Shimizu Island: beach time between the lagoons

Shimizu Island provides a change of mood. After the enclosed rock walls of the lagoons, you get a more open beach setting with pale sand and clear water.

This is a useful stop for mixed groups. Strong swimmers can get in the water, while anyone who prefers to stay dry can sit on the beach, take photos, or relax under the coconut trees. One non-swimmer enjoyed the day by kayaking and taking part in activities without needing to swim.

The water around the island is inviting, but do not expect to have the beach to yourself. Tour A is popular, and the same route brings many boats to the same places. The crew may help you find a comfortable spot and take photos with your phone, a small service that makes a difference when you are traveling without a photographer.

You may also find drinks and ice cream available to buy at some stops. These are not included, so cash is useful.

Seven Commandos Beach: the easygoing beach stop

Seven Commandos Beach is the classic postcard beach on this route. Coconut trees line the white sand, and the water is pleasant for a swim or a slow paddle.

The appeal is less about a single dramatic feature and more about having time to relax. Tour A can feel activity-heavy, with boats, swims, snorkeling, and lagoon visits. Seven Commandos gives you space to sit down and enjoy the setting.

The amount of time here varies with the day’s schedule. Some people wanted less time at the attractions and a faster pace, while others liked being allowed to stay as long as they wished. A guide may give your group flexibility, but shared tours still need to coordinate with the boat schedule and other passengers.

If you want a quiet, untouched beach, this may disappoint during a busy period. If you want a beautiful beach that is easy to enjoy without a demanding activity, it fits the trip well.

Snorkeling: good water, uneven conditions

The snorkeling stop adds underwater scenery to a day otherwise focused on beaches and rock formations. You can see the clear water of Bacuit Bay and explore beneath the surface with optional fins and other rental gear.

The quality of the snorkeling can vary. One account found the first snorkeling site average, with few fish and a difficult approach over sharp coral. That is an important warning if you are choosing Tour A mainly for marine life.

Wear aqua shoes if you have sensitive feet, and ask about renting fins if you are not comfortable swimming without them. Plastic bottles are not allowed, so use the water arrangement provided by the operator and avoid bringing disposable plastic containers.

The snorkeling stop is best viewed as one part of a broader day. If you want a trip built around coral and fish, another route may suit you better. Tour A earns its strongest praise for Big Lagoon, the beaches, and the variety of stops.

Lunch on the boat or beach

Lunch is included, and it receives unusually strong praise for a low-cost island tour. Expect a buffet-style spread with several types of food, including meat, fish, vegetables, and fruit.

That variety is valuable because you are away from town for most of the day. You do not need to pack a full meal, and there is enough choice for people with different preferences. Still, organization can be a weak point. One person specifically wished the lunch service were handled more efficiently.

Bring any special snacks or dietary items you need. The supplied information does not promise vegetarian, allergy-friendly, or other special menus. Do not count on buying a proper meal at the islands.

Shared boat or private boat?

The shared trip is the obvious choice for price. At $23, it gives solo visitors and budget-conscious couples a full day of scenery, lunch, a guide, and boat transport. You also get a social atmosphere, with more people around to share the fun.

The tradeoff is timing. A shared boat may wait for late passengers, and popular stops can already be crowded when you arrive. Guides work hard to keep the day moving, but they cannot control how many other Tour A boats are in the bay.

A private group costs more, but it can be worth it for couples, families, or small groups that care about pace. A private pair reached the stops ahead of the shared boats and enjoyed quieter moments before the larger crowds arrived. Private tours also give you more control over how long you stay, although Big Lagoon entry limits still apply.

For a solo visitor, the shared tour is likely the better value. For a special occasion or a group with older relatives and children, private may be the more comfortable choice.

The crew makes a real difference

The strongest part of this experience is often the crew rather than the boat itself. Guides and staff have been praised for helping with kayaks, taking photos, watching out for less confident swimmers, and keeping the mood light.

Names that come up positively include Buddy, Dexter, John, Jordan, Jojo, Nathan, Mark, Angelo, Gerald, Arnold, Edgar, and Kuya Dex. The guide’s style can shape the day. One guide explained things quickly, which was difficult for people who needed information repeated. Most of the feedback, though, points to friendly and attentive service.

Safety support is especially useful at the water stops. Crew members have helped people with limited balance and older visitors get on and off the boat. This does not remove the formal accessibility limits, but it does suggest that people with modest mobility concerns should contact the operator before booking rather than assume the boat will be easy to use.

Bring sunscreen, swimwear, a change of clothes, your passport or ID card, and cash. Motion sickness medicine is sensible if boat rides bother you. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, so pack a small waterproof day bag instead.

Crowds, weather, and the eight-hour schedule

Tour A is popular because it covers the places most people want to see first. That popularity brings a steady flow of boats, especially at Big Lagoon and the beaches. You should expect shared space, not private-island solitude.

Weather does not always cancel the fun. People have enjoyed the trip in rain, and the limestone scenery remains impressive under cloud. Still, rain can affect visibility, comfort, and the quality of photos. Pack dry clothes and protect your phone.

The full duration is eight hours, which is long enough to feel like a proper day out. It can also feel tiring if you are not used to repeated boat transfers, swimming, and sun exposure. The schedule may stretch at lunch or compress at a busy attraction. One group felt the kayaking lasted too long, while another wanted more time at Big Lagoon. The right pace depends on your priorities.

Who should book El Nido Tour A?

I would choose this trip if you want the classic El Nido mix: lagoons, beaches, snorkeling, and a full day on the water. It works particularly well for first-time visitors who want to see several famous sights without arranging separate transport.

It is also a good fit for families and mixed-ability groups, provided everyone can manage a traditional boat and water access. Non-swimmers can still enjoy the beaches and kayak with help, but you should not treat the tour as fully accessible.

You may want another option if you dislike crowds, want serious snorkeling, or prefer a slow beach day. In that case, a private boat or a different island route may suit you better. If Big Lagoon is the one place you cannot miss, book early and arrive on time, since entry is limited.

Should you book Tour A?

Yes, if you want the best-known El Nido sights at a low price and you can accept crowds. The combination of Big Lagoon kayaking, Secret Lagoon, beach stops, snorkeling, lunch, and an attentive crew is hard to beat for $23 before fees.

Book the private option if quiet moments and flexible timing matter more than saving money. Choose the shared trip if value is your priority, arrive promptly, bring cash for the required charges and kayak, and pack lightly.

The main reason to book is Big Lagoon. The main reason to hesitate is the crowd level. Know those two facts, and you will have a fair idea of what this day can deliver.

FAQ

How long does El Nido Tour A last?

The tour lasts eight hours. Starting times depend on availability and the option you book.

What stops are included?

The route includes Secret Lagoon, Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Seven Commandos Beach, and a snorkeling area, with up to four stops in total. The exact schedule can change, and another location may replace Big Lagoon if entry is no longer available.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included in the tour price and is served buffet-style. It may include meat, fish, vegetables, and fruit.

How much are the extra fees?

The El Nido Tourism Development Fee is 400 PHP. Big Lagoon entry costs 200 PHP. Aqua shoes, fins, and kayaks cost extra, and some recent bookings paid 300 PHP for a kayak.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The meeting point may vary depending on the option booked.

What should I bring?

Bring a passport or ID card, swimwear, a change of clothes, sunscreen, and cash. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, and plastic bottles are prohibited.