El Nido Island Hopping Tour A

El Nido’s limestone coast looks best from the water. This nine-hour trip combines lagoons, snorkeling, white sand, and dramatic cliffs covered in green vegetation, making it a strong first choice for seeing the area in one full day. I especially like the mix of quiet swimming stops and beach time, plus the included picnic lunch.

I also like the price: $27 per person covers the boat, guide, life vest, hotel pickup within El Nido town proper, and lunch. The main drawback is that you still pay the environmental and lagoon fees separately, and the open boat ride may be rough for anyone prone to seasickness.

One recent booking had several morning problems, yet the crew still delivered the full day and served a buffet lunch. That is encouraging, though it also suggests you should allow some patience if the start of the day does not run perfectly.

Key Points Before You Book

• Shimizu Island combines snorkeling and beach time, so you can choose between swimming over coral, looking for fish, or simply resting on the sand.
• Seven Commando Beach has a small bar, giving you a simple place to buy a drink near the end of the day.
• The scenery is built around limestone cliffs and clear coastal water, with vegetation clinging to steep rock walls.
• Lunch is included, and one recent booking specifically praised the buffet meal.
• The $27 price does not include all fees, with an environmental fee of 400 pesos and a lagoon fee of 200 pesos per person.
• Pickup is limited to El Nido town proper, so accommodation outside that area requires a tricycle ride to Petron Gasoline Station near El Nido Port.

Why Tour A Is El Nido’s Popular Starting Point

Tour A works because it gives you several versions of El Nido in one day. You get enclosed lagoon scenery, open beach, snorkeling, swimming, and boat views of the limestone coast. It is not just a beach day, and it is not only a snorkeling trip.

I would choose this route if you have limited time in El Nido and want a broad sample of the area. The nine-hour schedule is long enough to make the boat ride worthwhile, but you should expect a full day in the sun rather than a quick half-day outing.

The scenery does much of the work. Tall limestone cliffs rise from the sea, with plants covering their rough faces. From a motorized boat, you see the coastline from a low angle, which makes the cliffs feel larger and more dramatic than they do from shore.

The tradeoff is that this is one of the most popular island-hopping routes. The information provided does not give a group size or exact departure time, so you should check availability before booking. The length of the day also means you need to be comfortable with repeated boat rides, swimming, heat, and wet clothes.

Starting From El Nido Town Proper

Hotel pickup is included when your accommodation is inside El Nido town proper. That is useful because you do not need to arrange a separate ride to the port area.

If you are staying outside town proper, pickup does not extend to your accommodation. You need to take a tricycle to El Nido town proper and meet your assigned guide at the Petron Gasoline Station near El Nido Port.

That detail matters more than it may seem. Plan extra time for the tricycle ride, and confirm your meeting instructions before the morning of the trip. The guide speaks English and Tagalog, so basic communication about meeting points and equipment should be manageable.

The tour uses a motorized boat and provides a life vest. You should still bring a waterproof bag, since a boat transfer and beach stops are not friendly to phones, wallets, or dry clothing. A waterproof camera is also sensible if you want to capture the cliffs and underwater views.

Lagoons, Cliffs, and Time on the Water

The lagoon portion is the visual centerpiece of Tour A. You can expect calm water framed by large limestone cliffs covered with vegetation. The setting changes from broad coastal views to tighter, more enclosed scenery, giving the day some variety.

Swimming in a lagoon can be a pleasant break from the boat, but the exact amount of time in the water depends on the day’s schedule and conditions. Bring beachwear and sunscreen, and use biodegradable sunscreen as requested for the marine environment.

The lagoon fee is separate from the advertised tour price. You pay 200 pesos per person, along with a 400-peso environmental fee. Together, those charges add 600 pesos per person, so your real cost is higher than $27.

Kayak rental is optional. If kayaking is available at your lagoon stop, it can give you a slower way to see the rock walls and nearby water. It is not included, so ask about the current rental cost before accepting one. You should also know that mask and snorkeling equipment are optional extras, not part of the base package.

Shimizu Island for Coral and White Sand

Shimizu Island gives you the clearest choice of the day. You can snorkel above coral and look for the many fish species found in the area, or stay on the white sand and enjoy the shore.

I like this setup because it does not force everyone into the water. Strong swimmers can spend more time snorkeling, while you can relax on the beach if you prefer not to use a mask. The tour provides life vests, but snorkeling equipment itself is optional, so bring your own goggles and gear if you have them.

The underwater appeal is the chance to see coral and hundreds of fish species. Keep your expectations practical: this is a short island stop during a larger day, not a dedicated marine research trip. Still, for many people, the chance to swim over coral and then step onto a fine white sand beach is exactly the sort of variety that makes Tour A worthwhile.

Sea turtles are also possible, though never guaranteed. I would treat a turtle sighting as a lucky extra rather than something to plan the trip around. Keep your camera ready, but do not let the search distract you from the coral, fish, and cliffs already around you.

Seven Commando Beach and the Small Bar

Seven Commando Beach is the final named stop in the supplied itinerary. It has a long stretch of white sand, giving you room to walk, swim, or simply sit near the shore after a day on the boat.

The small bar is a useful touch. You can buy a drink and enjoy a more relaxed end to the outing rather than returning directly from snorkeling to the boat. The information provided does not specify which drinks are available or whether they are included, so budget for any purchase separately.

This stop is especially welcome if you prefer easy beach time to another active water stop. After several hours of sun and salt water, a drink and a stretch of sand can feel like the right finish.

The beach also gives you another chance to photograph the limestone cliffs and clear water. Bring a waterproof bag, since you may still be moving between the boat and shore. A towel is not listed among the included items, so pack one if you want to stay comfortable after swimming.

Lunch Is More Important Than It Sounds

Picnic lunch is included in the $27 tour price. One recent booking specifically praised the buffet lunch, even after the morning had several problems. That makes the meal more than a minor convenience.

A full day on the water creates a steady need for food and drinks. Having lunch arranged means you do not need to search for a restaurant between island stops, and it helps keep the day moving.

The supplied information does not give the menu, drinks policy, or exact lunch location. I would not book this expecting a particular dish. Think of it as practical fuel included with the excursion, with a buffet meal reported on at least one recent departure.

Bring water if you prefer to have your own supply, though the tour details do not state what beverages are included. Keep snacks in a waterproof bag if you need food between stops.

What the $27 Price Really Covers

At $27 per person, the base rate is appealing. You receive the motorized boat, a DOT-licensed tour guide, life vest, lunch, and pickup within town proper. For a nine-hour day, that is a useful package.

The environmental and lagoon fees change the calculation. Add 400 pesos for the environmental fee and 200 pesos for the lagoon fee per person. Kayak rental, mask, and snorkeling gear can also cost extra.

I see this as good value if you already have your own snorkeling equipment and are staying in town proper. You get transport on the water, several major types of scenery, a meal, and a guide without paying for each part separately.

The value is less clear if you stay outside town and need a tricycle to the meeting point, or if you plan to rent both a kayak and snorkeling gear. Those costs do not make the tour a bad choice, but they should be part of your budget from the start.

What to Bring for a Comfortable Day

Pack for water, sun, and a long day outdoors. The most useful items are:

• Sunscreen, preferably biodegradable
• Beachwear
• Waterproof bag
• Waterproof camera
• Goggles
• Snorkeling gear if you own it

You should also consider bringing a towel and a change of dry clothes, though they are not listed in the official inclusions. Keep electronics and money protected during boat transfers.

Because seasickness is the one stated suitability warning, prepare carefully if boat rides usually bother you. The tour uses a motorized boat and lasts nine hours, so this is not a short exposure. If you are prone to seasickness, this may not be the right activity for you.

Who Will Enjoy Tour A Most

I would recommend Tour A to first-time visitors who want a well-rounded day around El Nido. It suits you if you want to see lagoons, swim, snorkel, sit on white sand, and photograph limestone cliffs without arranging several separate trips.

It also works for mixed groups. One person can snorkel at Shimizu Island while another stays on the beach. The life vest helps with basic water safety, though you still need to be comfortable around the sea.

Families and couples may appreciate the range of stops, but the day can feel long for anyone who dislikes heat or boat travel. People who want a quiet, private outing should also check the group setup before booking, since no private boat or group size is specified.

The tour is less suitable if your main goal is serious snorkeling. The snorkeling is one part of a broader route, not the sole focus. It is also a poor match if you are prone to seasickness or want every expense included in the headline price.

Booking and Timing Advice

The activity lasts nine hours, but the exact starting times depend on availability. Check the schedule before paying, especially if you have another activity planned for the same day.

Pickup is included only within El Nido town proper. If you need to make your own way to Petron Gasoline Station near El Nido Port, leave room for a tricycle ride and meeting time.

You can reserve now and pay later, which is useful if your island plans are still changing. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Those terms give you some flexibility, but you should still confirm the final meeting details before departure.

The tour is operated by TOP ACE ISLAND ADVENTURE TRAVEL SERVICES. A DOT-licensed guide is included, and the available languages are English and Tagalog.

Should You Book El Nido Tour A?

Book this tour if you want the classic El Nido mix: lagoons, limestone cliffs, coral, fish, white sand, lunch, and a full day on the sea. At $27, it offers solid value before the 600 pesos in required fees, especially if you stay in town proper and bring your own snorkeling gear.

Think twice if you get seasick, dislike long boat days, or want a private and highly flexible schedule. Also budget for a tricycle if your accommodation is outside town proper, plus optional gear and drinks.

For most first-time visitors with one open day in El Nido, Tour A is a sensible choice. Its strength is variety, and its main weakness is the combination of extra fees, possible morning delays, and a long day in the open air.

FAQ

How long does El Nido Island Hopping Tour A last?

The tour lasts nine hours.

What is included in the tour price?

The price includes hotel pickup within El Nido town proper, a DOT-licensed tour guide, a motorized boat, a life vest, and picnic lunch.

Are the environmental and lagoon fees included?

No. You pay an environmental fee of 400 pesos per person and a lagoon fee of 200 pesos per person separately.

Is hotel pickup available outside El Nido town proper?

No. If your accommodation is outside town proper, you need to take a tricycle to El Nido town proper and meet your assigned guide at Petron Gasoline Station near El Nido Port.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Mask and snorkeling equipment are optional, so you can bring your own or ask about rental availability.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live guide service is available in English and Tagalog.

Can I cancel the tour for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.