El Nido: Private/Exclusive Island Hopping Tour A BEST PRICE!

Big Lagoon is worth getting up for. This private El Nido boat trip brings you to the famous Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Payong-Payong Beach, and Seven Commandos Beach in one full day. I especially like the exclusive boat, which lets your group adjust the order of stops, and the crew’s strong focus on safety, photos, and personal service. I also like the mix of swimming, snorkeling, beaches, limestone cliffs, and a Filipino buffet lunch rather than a day spent at only one attraction.

The main catch is cost. At $135 per person, this is far more than a shared boat tour, and lagoon fees, the environmental fee, kayak rental, and snorkeling equipment are extra. Lunch also received mixed praise, and one recent booking raised concerns about soft drinks and kayak access, so you should confirm exactly what is included before paying.

Five details that shape the day

• Private boat for your group: You can ask to change the order of stops and spend more time in places that suit you.
• Big Lagoon is the centerpiece: Black limestone cliffs and bright blue water create El Nido’s most famous scene.
• Five major stops: The route includes Seven Commandos Beach, Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Secret Lagoon, and Payong-Payong Beach.
• Crew service is a major strength: Guides such as Gabi, Jason, Renz, Edward, Joshua, and Cyron have been praised for safety, photos, timing, and care.
• Extra fees matter: Environmental and lagoon entrance fees are not included, and kayak rental may cost more.
• Come ready to get wet: You may need to walk through the water to reach the boat, and water shoes and a dry bag are useful.

Why a private Tour A can be worth the extra money

El Nido’s Tour A route is popular for good reason. It gathers the area’s signature sights into one day: huge limestone walls, narrow lagoon entrances, white beaches, clear water, and snorkeling areas. On a shared boat, you follow the group’s schedule. On this private trip, your guide can adjust the sequence and, in some cases, help you avoid the busiest periods.

That flexibility is the real value. A private boat does not guarantee an empty lagoon, but it gives you a better chance to arrive at a favorable time. Several people praised guides for changing the order of stops, finding quieter beaches, and avoiding crowds. One couple even skipped Seven Commandos Beach and spent time at Lapu Lapu Beach instead. That is the kind of small change that can make a long day feel personal rather than prepackaged.

You also get more direct attention. Guides have taken photos and videos, helped with swimming and snorkeling, watched over solo passengers, and adjusted the pace for couples. If you are celebrating something, traveling with children who need breaks, or simply dislike being hurried, the private format has a clear advantage.

Still, do the math. The $135 price is per person, not per boat, and extra government fees and equipment charges add to the final bill. For a larger group, the private arrangement may offer better value because the cost is shared across fewer people. For one or two people, it is a comfort purchase, not the cheapest way to see El Nido.

Getting from El Nido to the boat

Pickup is included within one kilometer of Corong-Corong Beach and is handled by tuk-tuk. The listed transfer takes about five minutes. Hotel drop-off is not included, so plan your return ride and keep some cash available.

The boat is a licensed tourist boat operated by a licensed guide and crew. Life vests and bottled water are provided. The tour is listed as eight hours, though the exact starting time depends on availability and local conditions.

The first practical surprise is that you may have to enter the water to reach the boat. Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel, dry clothes, and a dry bag. Water shoes are a smart choice because the shore and shallow areas can have rocks and coral.

Plastic bottles, littering, smoking in the vehicle, and intoxication are not allowed. These rules are sensible in a place where the water and beaches are the whole reason for coming.

Seven Commandos Beach: an easy first stop

Seven Commandos Beach is scheduled for about 45 minutes. It works well as an opening stop because you can settle into the boat day with a swim, photographs, and a little time on the sand.

The beach is framed by limestone cliffs and has a pleasant, open feel. Its name comes from a group of soldiers who were reportedly stranded there during World War II. You do not need to turn that detail into a history lesson, but it adds character to what might otherwise be just another pretty beach stop.

Forty-five minutes is enough for a swim and some pictures, but not a long beach session. If you want a quiet stretch of sand and the stop is busy, ask your guide about changing the order or spending more time elsewhere. The private format gives you a better chance of making that request.

Big Lagoon: the reason many people book Tour A

Big Lagoon is the visual star of the day. You enter a striking natural basin surrounded by steep black limestone cliffs, with bright blue water running between the rock walls. The contrast is dramatic even on a cloudy day, though sunlight will make the water colors more impressive.

The planned visit lasts about 45 minutes and may include swimming, sightseeing, photographs, and kayaking. Kayaking is a fine way to see the lagoon at a slower pace, but the rental is not included in the stated price. Do not assume that a kayak mentioned during booking means unlimited lagoon use. One booking reported being told that the kayak was only for carrying bags to the boat, then being charged separately at the lagoon.

Ask two direct questions before departure: Is lagoon kayaking included, and how much is the rental? That quick check can prevent a needless argument on the beach.

Big Lagoon is also where timing matters most. The private boat can request a different sequence, and some guides have been praised for reaching the main sights at less crowded times. You will not control the weather or the number of boats, but you may avoid arriving at the busiest moment.

Shimizu Island: lunch, snorkeling, and a slower hour

Shimizu Island is planned as a one-hour stop and usually serves as the lunch break. This gives the day a needed pause after the first major lagoon visit.

The island is surrounded by calm water and large limestone formations. It is a good place to swim, snorkel, eat, and sit in the shade. The tour includes a buffet lunch of Filipino dishes and bottled water. Many people have found the food delicious, while one person considered the food the main weakness. That is a fair warning: expect a practical island buffet, not a restaurant meal.

The lunch can be generous. One couple found there was more food than two people could finish, with enough to share with the guide and boat crew. If you have a seafood allergy, tell the operator before the trip. A seafood-free lunch was arranged successfully for one booking, but you should not leave this request until the plates are already on the beach.

Snorkeling equipment is not included. Masks, snorkels, fins, and aqua shoes can be rented if you do not bring your own. Check the equipment policy before leaving El Nido, especially if snorkeling is a main reason for booking.

Secret Lagoon: a short passage into another world

Secret Lagoon is scheduled for about 45 minutes. The entrance is hidden among tall limestone walls, and reaching the inner pool involves passing through a narrow opening in the rock. The entrance can feel more adventurous than the lagoon itself.

The space is small, so patience helps. You may find the entry crowded or the water movement less comfortable than at an open beach. Listen to the guide, take care near the rocks, and do not treat the narrow passage as a place to rush through for a photograph.

The reward is the enclosed setting. After moving through the opening, you arrive in a sheltered area surrounded by stone. It is a good contrast to Big Lagoon, which feels broad and open. Secret Lagoon is less about a long swim and more about seeing how the island’s rock formations create hidden spaces.

Payong-Payong Beach: a gentle final stop

Payong-Payong Beach is scheduled for 45 minutes and is suited to a relaxed end to the route. It has a small beach, unusual rock formations, cliffs, and relatively gentle waves. You can paddle, swim, snorkel, or simply sit in the shallows.

This stop may be especially useful if your group wants a quieter break from the main attractions. The water is described as calm and modest in wave size, though conditions can change. Bring your mask and snorkel if you have them, and keep your camera protected when moving between sand, rock, and boat.

The order of the stops may change with weather and sea conditions. Your guide also decides where lunch is served. That is not necessarily a flaw. A flexible plan is safer and often more comfortable than forcing a fixed route in rough water.

What the crew adds to the experience

The strongest part of this tour is the human service. Guides and crew members have been praised by name, including Gabi, Jason, Renz, Edward, Joshua, Cyron, Captain Jerry, Captain Glenn, George, and Dexter. The recurring pattern is clear: friendly help, attention to safety, good timing, and a willingness to take photographs.

Photo help matters here. The scenery is spectacular, but it is hard to pose, swim, hold a phone, and keep your belongings dry at the same time. Guides have taken photos and videos at good viewpoints, which can be a real benefit for couples and solo passengers.

The crew has also handled difficult days well. One booking had rain throughout the trip, but the crew kept spirits high and made the best of the weather. Another passenger became ill near the end of the day, and the crew took that person to the hospital and followed up afterward. You should not expect medical care as part of the tour, but this shows the practical value of having attentive people on the boat.

Price, extra charges, and the real value

At $135 per person, this is a premium day on the water. The price includes the private boat, guide and crew, tuk-tuk pickup within the stated area, lunch, bottled water, and life vests. It does not include the environmental fee, lagoon entrance fee, hotel return, snorkeling gear, fins, aqua shoes, or kayak rental.

That list changes the value calculation. If your top goal is seeing the major Tour A sights as cheaply as possible, a shared boat is likely the better choice. If your group values space, flexibility, quieter timing, and personal attention, the extra charge may feel justified.

I would book this private option for a group of friends, a couple who wants privacy, or anyone who places a high value on photographs and a calm pace. I would be more cautious if you are traveling alone on a tight budget, since the per-person cost is harder to justify.

Before the boat leaves, confirm the fee list in writing. Pay special attention to kayak use and soft drinks. One booking expected soft drinks but received only paper cups and a large bottle of water, while the operator disputed that soft drinks were included. The safest approach is simple: rely on the written inclusions, not an informal promise.

Who should choose this island day

You are a good match for this tour if you want El Nido’s classic sights in one day and do not want to share the boat with strangers. It also suits you if you want help with photos, prefer a flexible route, or need the guide to adjust the pace.

The tour is less suitable for wheelchair users, since the boat, beaches, and water entry points are not designed for wheelchair access. It is also not ideal if you dislike getting wet, walking over uneven shorelines, or paying extra for optional equipment.

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, beachwear, a towel, spare clothes, a camera, and cash. Pack light, protect electronics, and wear water shoes. The trip is eight hours, so good preparation matters more than bringing lots of gear.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. The guide service is available in English and Tagalog. These terms give you some flexibility, but check the final fee total before confirming.

Should you book Poseidon Tours and Expeditions?

I would book this tour if you want a private, photo-friendly day built around Big Lagoon and you are willing to pay for comfort and flexibility. The crew receives unusually strong praise for being kind, safety-minded, and helpful, and the ability to change the stop order can make a crowded El Nido route feel far more relaxed.

I would skip it if your priority is the lowest price or if you want every extra included in the headline cost. Confirm the environmental fee, lagoon fee, snorkeling gear, soft drinks, and kayak rental first. For the right group, this can be the highlight of an El Nido stay. Just remember that the private boat improves your control of the day, not the weather.

FAQ

How long is the El Nido private Tour A?

The tour lasts eight hours.

Which places are included?

The planned route includes Seven Commandos Beach, Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Secret Lagoon, and Payong-Payong Beach. Stops may change because of weather conditions.

Is the boat private?

Yes. The tour provides exclusive use of the boat for your group.

Is hotel pickup included?

Free tuk-tuk pickup is included within one kilometer of Corong-Corong Beach. Hotel drop-off is not included.

Is lunch provided?

Yes. A buffet lunch featuring local Filipino dishes is included, along with bottled water.

Are snorkeling masks and fins included?

No. Masks, snorkels, fins, and aqua shoes are not included, but snorkeling equipment can be rented.

Is kayak rental included at Big Lagoon?

Kayak rental is listed as an extra. Confirm the exact arrangement with the operator before the tour, since one booking reported confusion about kayak use.

Can I cancel the tour?

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