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

Picture-perfect Palawan starts here. El Nido Tour A packs Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Secret Lagoon, Payong-Payong Beach, and 7 Commandos Beach into one full day for $23 per person. I especially like the mix of kayaking in Big Lagoon and easy beach time at 7 Commandos, plus the buffet lunch makes the price unusually good for an eight-hour outing.

The main catch is crowding. Tour A is one of El Nido’s most popular routes, so boats can gather at the same stops, and the morning departure may not run exactly on schedule. You should also budget for the government fees and possible kayak rental, which are not included in the advertised price.

Five stops that define the day

• Big Lagoon kayaking: Paddle through blue-green water between towering limestone cliffs.
• 7 Commandos Beach: Swim, sunbathe, and buy a cold drink at a simple beach bar.
• Shimizu Island snorkeling: Explore coral reefs, then eat lunch beside the water.
• Secret Lagoon entrance: Squeeze through a small opening in the rock to reach a sheltered pool.
• Payong-Payong Beach: Finish with quieter sand, swimming, and snorkeling.
• Buffet lunch included: Food, fruit, and water help keep the long day affordable.

What the $23 price really gets you

At $23 per person, this is a strong-value way to see several of El Nido’s famous coastal sights in one day. Your price includes pickup within El Nido Town and Corong-corong, a licensed tourist boat, captain, guide, crew, life vest, buffet lunch, water, and fruit.

That is a lot of transport and food for the money. You are not just paying for a boat ride to one beach. The route covers five different stops, with time for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, sightseeing, and lunch.

Still, $23 is not the final cost. You need to pay a 400-peso environmental fee and a 200-peso lagoon entrance fee. Kayaking at Big Lagoon may also cost extra. The listed price does not include drop-off back at your hotel, so check your return plan before leaving.

The value is best if you want a classic El Nido day without arranging a private boat. You trade some privacy and flexibility for a lower price and a ready-made route.

Starting the morning from El Nido

The tour begins at Beachfront Travel and Tours, with free pickup within El Nido Town and Corong-corong. The advertised start time may be around 8:30 or 9:00, depending on the operating schedule, so confirm the meeting time carefully and arrive early.

The start of the day may feel less polished than the scenery. One departure was reported as running late, with confusion over whether the group should arrive at 8:15 or 8:45. That kind of delay matters because every stop later in the day has a fixed rhythm, and an hour lost at the dock can make the route feel rushed.

Bring cash from the start. You may need it for government fees, kayak rental, drinks, snacks, or other purchases at the beaches. The boat has life jackets and a licensed crew, but you should still bring your own drinking water if the operator has not clearly confirmed how much is supplied on board.

The route can change with weather and sea conditions. The guide chooses the lunch location, and the exact order of the stops may shift. That flexibility is useful when water conditions are poor, but it also means you should treat the published sequence as a guide rather than a guarantee.

7 Commandos Beach: an easy first stop

7 Commandos Beach is often the gentle opening to the day. You get pale sand, coconut trees, limestone cliffs, and clear water suited to a first swim.

The name comes from a local story about seven commandos who supposedly lived here after World War II. You do not need to know the story to enjoy the setting, but it gives the beach a bit more character than a nameless strip of sand.

You can spend the hour swimming, taking photographs, stretching out in the sun, or simply looking across the water. Rustic bars and small shops offer drinks and snacks, though those purchases are extra.

This stop works well early in the morning because you can get comfortable with the boat group before the more active parts of the route. It is also a good place to use sunscreen and check that your waterproof bag is properly closed.

The drawback is popularity. 7 Commandos is a well-known stop on El Nido routes, so the beach may not feel private. If you want a quiet, empty shore, this is not the right expectation. Think of it as a scenic swim stop with basic facilities, not a deserted island.

Big Lagoon and the cost of kayaking

Big Lagoon is the visual center of Tour A. The boat approaches a narrow entrance, then the cliffs open into a calm body of blue-green water. The rock walls create a dramatic natural amphitheater, and the scale of the place is easy to appreciate even when other boats are nearby.

Kayaking lets you move at your own pace and see the lagoon from a lower, quieter viewpoint. You can paddle toward the cliff walls, take photographs from the water, and enjoy the contrast between the open bay and the enclosed lagoon.

The extra kayak fee is worth considering if this is your main reason for booking Tour A. The itinerary allows about an hour at Big Lagoon, but that time includes getting organized, entering the lagoon, kayaking, and returning to the boat. If the water is unsettled or many groups arrive together, part of the hour may be spent waiting.

One report described a wait of nearly an hour in open water while kayaks entered the lagoon. That is a serious inconvenience, particularly when you have paid an entrance fee and the weather is not suitable for paddling. If conditions look poor, ask the guide how long the wait may be and what happens if you decide not to enter.

Big Lagoon is still a major reason to choose this tour. Just remember that the best photographs are not guaranteed by the schedule. Weather, boat traffic, and crowd levels shape the experience on the day.

Shimizu Island: snorkeling and lunch beside the reef

Shimizu Island is the main snorkeling stop. The water around the island has coral reefs and colorful fish, giving you a chance to see more than just cliffs and sand.

You will receive a life vest, but bring a mask and snorkel if you have gear you trust. The tour includes the snorkeling stop, though specific equipment details are not provided, so it is sensible to confirm what is available before departure.

The island is named after a Japanese diver associated with its waters. The name is a small reminder that these islands have long attracted people who come for the sea itself, not only for the postcard views.

Lunch is served at a beach stop selected by the guide, often around Shimizu Island. The buffet is one of the strongest parts of the package. Food choices can be generous, and the meal is designed for a group rather than a restaurant-style service. Water, fruit, and soft drinks may be available, but because the information is not completely consistent, carry extra water.

The food helps make the day easier. You do not need to leave the route to find a restaurant, and you can eat near the water before returning to snorkeling or sightseeing. If you have dietary restrictions, ask before boarding, since the menu is not specified.

Secret Lagoon through the rock

Secret Lagoon is the most unusual stop on the route. You enter through a small hole in the limestone wall, then reach a sheltered lagoon enclosed by rock.

The entrance can require squeezing through a narrow opening, so keep your belongings secure and wear footwear that can handle wet ground. The stop is more about the unusual setting than long-distance swimming. You are there to see how a tiny opening leads to a hidden pool surrounded by cliffs.

The lagoon can feel magical when conditions are calm. It gives the day a change of pace after the broad views at Big Lagoon and the open-water snorkeling at Shimizu Island.

Do not expect complete solitude. Tour A is popular, and the small entrance can create a line when several boats arrive close together. Be patient and follow the guide’s instructions. A short wait is part of the price of seeing a place with such a narrow access point.

Payong-Payong Beach for a quieter finish

Payong-Payong Beach is a smaller, calmer beach framed by plants and rock formations. It is suited to swimming, sunbathing, photography, and snorkeling without the large open sweep of 7 Commandos.

This stop may be moved or replaced depending on weather and local conditions. That can work in your favor. The crew has sometimes chosen a calmer, less crowded beach for the final stop, giving you a more relaxed end to a busy day.

You may also find simple drinks or cocktails at a beach stop, but these are not part of the tour price. Keep some cash dry in your waterproof bag if you want to buy one.

The one-hour slot is enough to enjoy the water without making the stop feel like a full afternoon. If you are tired after kayaking and snorkeling, Payong-Payong gives you permission to do very little. Swim, sit in the shade, and let the cliffs do the work.

How crowded and organized is the experience?

You should expect a shared boat and a group schedule. Tour A is popular, and multiple boats can reach the same locations at similar times. That affects the atmosphere at Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, and the best swimming areas.

The crew is generally described as friendly, helpful, and professional. Good guides make a real difference here because they manage boarding, swimming times, kayaking, lunch, and the return to the boat. The strongest days are the ones when the crew keeps the group moving without making every stop feel hurried.

Organization can vary. A late departure or a forgotten lunch can disrupt the rhythm of the day. One particularly poor schedule involved a boat leaving people at a beach for around two hours instead of the expected 40 minutes while lunch was retrieved. That is not the normal experience described by the stronger ratings, but it shows why you should keep your plans after the tour flexible.

The tour is conducted in English and Tagalog. Ask the guide questions early, especially about the lunch stop, kayak fees, entrance fees, drinking water, and the expected return time.

What to pack for the boat

Pack lightly, but bring the items that protect you from sun, salt water, and wet seats.

• A change of clothes
• Beachwear and biodegradable sunscreen
• Waterproof shoes
• A waterproof bag for cash, phone, and camera
• Cash for fees, drinks, snacks, and kayak rental
• Camera or phone with reliable water protection
• Extra drinking water unless the crew confirms the supply

Plastic bags, smoking, alcohol, drugs, and littering are not allowed. The rule about plastic is especially important in a place where shorelines and reefs are easily damaged.

Use reef-friendly sunscreen and apply it before you reach the first beach. Reapply after swimming. Also keep your belongings compact, since shared boats have limited personal space.

Who will enjoy Tour A most?

I would choose this trip if you want the famous El Nido sights in one affordable day. It suits first-time visitors, couples, friends, and families who like a little activity but also want plenty of swimming and beach time.

It is also a good fit if you prefer a simple package. Pickup, boat transport, crew, life jackets, lunch, water, and fruit are arranged for you. You do not need to negotiate with boat operators at the shore.

You may want a different option if you dislike crowds, need a precise schedule, or want long, quiet stretches on one beach. A private boat would offer more control, but it would cost more. Tour A gives you the famous places, not a secret itinerary.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and reserve-now, pay-later booking add useful flexibility. Still, confirm the starting time and fee details before the day begins.

Should you book El Nido Tour A?

Book it if you want maximum scenery for a low price, and you are comfortable sharing the boat with other people. Big Lagoon is the headline stop, while Shimizu Island adds worthwhile snorkeling and the buffet keeps the long day from becoming complicated.

Go in with realistic expectations. The route can be crowded, schedules may wobble, and kayak or government fees can add to the advertised cost. Bring water, protect your phone, keep some cash handy, and leave your evening open in case the boat returns late.

For a first El Nido visit, this is an efficient and affordable introduction to the area. It is not the most private or perfectly managed day on the water, but the combination of cliffs, lagoons, beaches, snorkeling, and lunch makes it a sensible choice for many visitors.

FAQ

How long does El Nido Tour A last?

The tour lasts about 8 hours, including the boat journey, five stops, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, sightseeing, and lunch.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $23 per person. A 400-peso environmental fee and a 200-peso lagoon entrance fee are not included.

What destinations are included?

The route includes 7 Commandos Beach, Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Secret Lagoon, and Payong-Payong Beach.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet lunch, fruit, and water are included. The guide chooses the lunch stop, and the exact location can change with weather.

Is kayaking included in the price?

Kayaking at Big Lagoon is part of the planned activity, but the additional kayak rental fee is not included.

Is hotel pickup available?

Free pickup is available within El Nido Town and Corong-corong. Drop-off back to your hotel is not included.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live guide service is available in English and Tagalog.

Can I cancel the booking?

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