El Nido Tour A – Big Lagoon Premium Tour (Private / Shared)

Five stops, one very full day. El Nido Tour A packs Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Payong-Payong Beach, Secret Lagoon, and Seven Commandos Beach into roughly seven hours. I like the mix of dramatic limestone scenery and simple beach time, and I like that lunch, boat transport, hotel pickup, drinking water, and an experienced crew are included. The main catch is that private and shared arrangements need careful checking, especially since some bookings have involved crowded boats or pickup changes.

Big Lagoon is the clear star. Its narrow blue waterway, dark cliffs, and karst formations create the sort of view that makes you stop talking for a while. I also like the range of stops: you can snorkel, swim, rest on sand, squeeze through the Secret Lagoon entrance, and finish at Seven Commandos Beach. Still, the advertised $40 price may not be the best local value, and the mixed 3.2 rating from 27 ratings suggests that the day can depend heavily on boat arrangements and communication.

Key points to know before booking

• Big Lagoon takes center stage: You get about 90 minutes for the most dramatic stop, with swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking possible.
• Five stops fit into seven hours: The pace is active, with about an hour to 90 minutes at each location.
• Lunch and water are included: The picnic meal includes fruit and a choice of seafood and pork or chicken dishes.
• Kayak access is limited: A kayak is included for the private tour only, not the shared option.
• Pickup may need confirmation: Some hotels listed for pickup have still required guests to meet near central El Nido.
• Weather can change the plan: Payong-Payong Beach is weather dependent, and the start time has sometimes changed to suit sea conditions.

What this El Nido day is really offering

This is a classic El Nido island-hopping day, not a quiet private escape by default. The route gives you the area’s most famous scenery in a compact package, with enough time at each stop to swim, snorkel, take photographs, or simply sit on the beach.

The advertised price is $40 per person. That is appealing if your booking includes the listed transport, lunch, guide, and hotel pickup. But you still need to budget for the Big Lagoon entrance fee of PHP 200 per person, the environmental fee of PHP 400 per person, and a snorkeling mask rental of PHP 150 if you do not bring or otherwise have access to one.

That makes the mandatory extra fees especially important. The environmental fee is valid for five days, so it may cover other island-hopping days during the same stay. If you are in El Nido for several days, that fee is less painful than it first appears.

There is also a price warning worth taking seriously. One unhappy customer felt the online booking price was more than double what similar boat trips cost when arranged in town. I cannot say that every local operator will offer the same inclusions or reliability, but I would compare the total cost, not just the headline price.

Big Lagoon: the reason to choose Tour A

Big Lagoon gets about one hour and 30 minutes, which is the longest single stop. That is sensible because this is the place most people picture when they think of El Nido: emerald-toned water, tall dark limestone walls, and craggy rock shapes rising around a narrow water passage.

You may swim, snorkel, kayak, or simply enjoy the view from the boat and water. The lagoon works well for photography, but it is not just a photo stop. The water and cliff walls create a strong sense of scale, and the slow route through the channel lets you take in the formations at close range.

The PHP 200 admission fee is extra, and the kayak is included only with the private version. That distinction matters. If kayaking is one of your main reasons for booking, confirm that your reservation is genuinely private and that the kayak is part of your package.

Big Lagoon is also where timing matters most. A later arrival can mean more boats and less calm around the narrow waterway. The operator has changed start times because of weather conditions, so do not treat the advertised departure time as completely fixed. That may frustrate you, but sea conditions are a real factor in this area.

Shimizu Island brings in the beach break

After the lagoon, the boat heads to Shimizu Island for another 90 minutes. This stop gives the day a change of rhythm: powdery white sand, clear water, forested areas, and time to snorkel or swim in a relatively shallow setting.

This is a useful stop for mixed groups. Strong swimmers can explore the water, while less confident swimmers can stay near the beach and still enjoy the setting. The description specifically highlights schools of fish, so bring a mask if you want to see more than the shoreline.

The tour does not include a snorkeling mask. Rental is listed at PHP 150 per person. That is a small extra cost, but it is easy to overlook when you are focused on the base fare and entrance fees.

Lunch is included during the day, with fruit and seafood plus pork or chicken options. A direct account of the meal described it as good and varied, though another described the food as limited. I would expect a practical picnic lunch rather than a restaurant meal. It should keep the day moving, not become a dining event.

Payong-Payong Beach depends on the weather

Payong-Payong Beach is scheduled for one hour, but this is the least certain part of the route. If conditions allow, you can snorkel and enjoy a quiet beach setting. If not, the crew will take you to another place with suitable water for snorkeling.

That flexibility is useful, but it means you should not treat Payong-Payong as guaranteed. The day is built around the sea, not a rigid land schedule. Wind and water conditions can affect which beaches are safe or pleasant to visit.

This stop also helps break up the more famous lagoon visits. You get a chance to slow down, swim in clear water, and enjoy the pale sand without needing to make it the main event.

Secret Lagoon is short, unusual, and possibly crowded

The Secret Lagoon is reached through a small cave, followed by an enclosed lagoon area used for sightseeing. The entrance is the attraction here. It gives the stop a little adventure without requiring a long walk or strenuous activity.

You have about an hour at the site. That can be enough for the cave, photographs, and a look around, but do not expect a long, empty hideaway. Its fame means other boats may also be arriving, and the narrow entrance naturally limits movement.

The stop is best for people who enjoy unusual natural formations and short access points with a bit of drama. If you dislike tight spaces, ask the crew about the conditions before entering. The available information confirms that access is through a small cave, but it does not provide dimensions or accessibility details.

Seven Commandos Beach closes the day gently

The final stop lasts about an hour at Seven Commandos Beach. Its formula is simple and effective: white sand, turquoise water, palm trees, rock formations, and a beach bar.

This is a good place to finish because it is less about checking off a natural wonder and more about enjoying the setting. You can swim, take photographs, sit under the palms, or have a drink at the bar if you choose. After several boat transfers and water stops, that slower finish may be welcome.

At the end, you return to the El Nido floating dock. The listed duration is about seven hours, though the exact day can shift with weather, sea conditions, and departure timing.

Private, shared, and the crowded-boat question

The wording around private and shared needs attention. The information describes the activity as private, with only your group participating, but some customer accounts describe it as more of a shared experience with a cramped boat.

That is not a small technical detail. A private boat gives you more control over pace, space, and stops. A shared boat usually means less room and less say in how long you stay. Before paying, ask in writing:

• Is the boat reserved only for your group?
• Is the kayak included for this exact booking?
• How many people will be on the boat?
• Is hotel pickup included from your specific property?
• Which entrance fees must be paid on the day?

The word premium should not be taken to mean luxury. The included package is practical: a boat, crew, guide, life jackets, water, lunch, and pickup as available. It does not promise a high-end boat or a private beach.

Pickup problems are the biggest practical warning

Hotel pickup is advertised, but several bookings ran into trouble because the hotel was considered too far from the central pickup area. One customer said the property appeared in the pickup dropdown but was later excluded. Another was told to meet near the departure point, reportedly only a short car ride from the hotel.

That sort of last-minute change can be irritating, especially for an early island day. Confirm your pickup location before the cancellation window closes. If the hotel is outside central El Nido, ask for the exact meeting point, transport method, and any added cost.

The tour is near public transportation, and most people can participate. Still, the combination of beaches, boat transfers, a small cave, and swimming means you should be comfortable moving around a boat and getting in and out of the water.

The crew can make or break the day

The strongest praise focuses on the crew, especially a guide named Jerry. He was singled out for helping everyone have a good experience, and another account also credited him for making the day run well.

That matters on a boat tour. A good guide can explain where to go, help with equipment, keep the group together, and adjust the plan when the weather changes. The boat crew was also praised for being attentive, which is particularly useful during swimming and snorkeling stops.

At the same time, service consistency appears to be uneven. The overall rating of 3.2 from 27 ratings is not a disaster, but it is far from a sure thing. Some people had an excellent day, while others dealt with cancellation, pickup confusion, altered start times, or a boat that felt cramped.

Who will get the most from this tour?

I would consider this tour for someone who wants to see the main Tour A sights in one day and values having lunch, water, a guide, and boat transport bundled together. It suits first-time visitors who do not want to arrange each beach and lagoon separately.

It is also a good match for a group that wants the private option and confirms the details before booking. The private package includes a kayak, which adds value at Big Lagoon and gives your group more freedom.

I would be more cautious if you are booking around a birthday, honeymoon, or another date that cannot move. The operator has canceled a private booking the night before because of technical difficulties, and another planned start time changed because of weather. The policy is non-refundable and cannot be amended, except when the operator cancels because of poor weather, in which case you are offered a new date or a full refund.

Should you book El Nido Tour A?

Book it if the convenience of a packaged day matters more than having the lowest possible local price. Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Seven Commandos Beach give you a strong sample of El Nido’s best scenery, and the included lunch and crew support make the day easy to organize.

I would book the private version only after confirming the boat, kayak, and pickup in writing. If the operator cannot give a clear answer, compare it with a local El Nido provider before committing.

For a flexible holiday, this can be a rewarding day, especially if you get a helpful guide such as Jerry and cooperative weather. For a fixed celebration or a visitor who strongly dislikes crowds, pickup surprises, and schedule changes, the mixed record is a reason to choose carefully rather than book on the headline price alone.

FAQ

How long does El Nido Tour A take?

The tour lasts approximately seven hours, including the five scheduled stops and the return to the El Nido floating dock.

What places are included?

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

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup is included in the tour details, but some properties may be considered too far from the central pickup area. Confirm your exact pickup point before the tour.

Is the tour private or shared?

The activity is described as private for your group, but some bookings have involved a shared-style experience and a crowded boat. Confirm the boat arrangement and group size before booking.

Is kayaking included?

A kayak is included with the private tour only. It is not included with the shared option.

Are entrance fees included?

No. The Big Lagoon admission fee is PHP 200 per person. An environmental fee of PHP 400 per person is also required and is valid for five days.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

A snorkeling mask is not included. Mask rental is listed at PHP 150 per person.

Is lunch provided?

Yes. A picnic lunch with fruit is included, with seafood and pork or chicken options listed.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The tour requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund. Payong-Payong Beach may also be replaced by another snorkeling location when conditions require it.

Can most people participate?

Most people can participate, and the tour is near public transportation. You should still be comfortable with boat transfers, swimming or snorkeling activities, and entering a small cave at Secret Lagoon.