El Nido: Tour A (Big & Secret Lagoon, Shimizu, 7 Commando)

El Nido looks best from the water. This $23 group boat tour links the area’s most famous stops, from the pale cliffs around Big Lagoon to the quiet cove at Secret Lagoon. I like the variety of the route and the chance to snorkel at Shimizu Island, where coral and marine life add more than just pretty beach views.

I also like that lunch and bottled water are included, and that the crew can help with practical matters such as gear and onward travel. The main concern is reliability: one recent trip suffered a broken boat, a long wait, and a replacement vessel that also caused trouble. You should also budget for several extra charges, especially the environmental fee, kayak rental, and Big Lagoon entrance fee.

Five useful facts before you book

• Big Lagoon costs extra: The entrance fee is P200, and kayaking costs another P300 if you want to paddle inside.
• Shimizu Island gets the longest stop: The planned visit lasts 105 minutes, giving you time for lunch, swimming, and snorkeling.
• The meeting time needs checking: The information gives both 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM, so confirm the exact time before departure.
• It is a shared tour: You will travel with other people unless you choose a private option.
• Weather can change the day: Storms may lead to cancellation, and rough conditions can affect the boat ride.
• The guide and office support matter: Mark from Akingventures Travel & Tours has been praised for helping with registration, equipment, questions, and ferry tickets.

Why Tour A works for a first El Nido day

Tour A is popular for a simple reason: it gathers several of El Nido’s big sights into one seven-hour outing. You do not need to arrange separate boats for the lagoons, a beach stop, and snorkeling. For a first look at Bacuit Bay, that makes the day easy to understand and easy to book.

You begin near Grounded 100% Arabica Coffee in El Nido town, then walk about 15 minutes to the departure area. The finish is at Bacuit Bay Floating Dock 1. The trip is planned to return around 4:30 PM, though boat conditions, waiting times, and weather can affect that schedule.

The setting is the main attraction. Tall limestone cliffs rise from clear water, and each stop offers a slightly different kind of scenery. Big Lagoon gives you the grand views, Shimizu Island provides beach and snorkeling time, and Secret Lagoon adds a short, more enclosed stop.

The route is not a quiet private escape. Tour A is shared, and these famous places can feel busy. Still, the $23 base price offers good value if you want several sights in one day and do not mind paying the required extras.

Starting early at Grounded Arabica Coffee

The stated meeting point is Grounded 100% Arabica Coffee, El Nido Branch. One part of the information says 8:30 AM, while another says 9:00 AM. That is not a detail to leave vague. Confirm the departure time with Akingventures before the morning of the tour, then arrive early enough to avoid a rushed start.

The short walk from the meeting point to the boat area is listed at about 15 minutes. Wear footwear that can handle walking and getting wet. You may need to move between town streets, the dock, and the boat without much time to change.

This is also the point to sort out practical extras. The environmental fee is P400. If you already paid it earlier, it remains valid for five days, but you need to show the issued copy. Big Lagoon has a separate P200 entrance fee, and snorkeling equipment costs P100 if you need to rent it. Aqua shoes are also available for P100.

Those charges can make the final cost much higher than the advertised $23. I would treat the headline price as the basic boat fare, not the complete cost of the day. Bring enough cash for fees and rentals, and ask which items you truly need before paying.

Seven Commandos Beach, your first taste of the bay

The first listed stop is Seven Commandos Beach, with about 45 minutes for the guided visit. This gives you an early chance to step off the boat, stretch your legs, and see the pale sand and surrounding cliffs from shore.

Forty-five minutes is enough for a quick swim, photos, and a little rest. It is not a long beach day, so keep your expectations in check. If you spend too much time taking pictures here, you may have less time for snorkeling or relaxing at the later stops.

I like this opening because it eases you into the day. You are not sent straight into a long water activity. You get a quick beach stop first, then continue toward the lagoons and reefs.

Bring sunscreen, a hat, and swimwear from the start. The supplied guidance also recommends a camera, snacks, and water. A 300 ml bottle is included, but I would not rely on that as your only drink during a full day in the sun.

Big Lagoon, the grand visual centerpiece

Big Lagoon is the stop most likely to define your memory of Tour A. The water, cliffs, and narrow passages create the classic El Nido scene. The area is also promoted for marine life and exploration, but the real appeal here is the scale and shape of the place.

A kayak rental costs P300. If you want to paddle rather than remain on the tour boat, add that fee to your budget. Kayaking can give you a slower look at the cliffs and water, but it also adds physical effort and another piece of equipment to manage.

The Big Lagoon entrance fee is P200, separate from the tour price. Ask how the visit will work on your departure day, since access arrangements and local rules can affect the timing.

The water may look calm in photographs, but the day still depends on the weather. Storms can arrive in the area, and rough conditions may change the route or cancel the trip. One positive account from a storm-affected day praised the guides for watching the group carefully and putting safety first. That is worth remembering: a less perfect sky does not automatically ruin the day, but it can change the experience.

Shimizu Island, the best place to slow down

Shimizu Island receives the longest planned stop, about 105 minutes. That makes it more than a quick photo stop. You have time to eat the included buffet lunch, rest on the beach, and rent snorkeling gear if you want to see the coral and marine life.

I like this part of the schedule because it gives the day some breathing room. Many boat tours rush from one location to the next. Here, the long stop lets you choose your pace. You can spend the whole time in the water, stay on the sand, or divide the time between lunch and snorkeling.

Snorkeling equipment is optional and costs P100. Aqua shoes cost P100 if you prefer extra protection for your feet. You should not touch marine life or plants, and you should follow the guide’s instructions around the reef. These rules protect the site and help keep the water experience pleasant for everyone.

Lunch is included as a buffet, along with 300 ml of bottled water. The exact food selection is not provided, so do not book this expecting a particular menu. If you have dietary needs, the available information does not promise special meals. Bringing snacks is sensible, especially if you know you need more than a light midday meal.

Shimizu Island is also a good place to judge the group dynamic. With a shared boat, people will have different ideas about how to spend the stop. You may need to be ready when the guide calls everyone back, even if you would happily stay in the water longer.

Secret Lagoon, a short passage into calm water

Secret Lagoon is reached through a narrow opening. That entrance is part of the attraction, as you leave the open bay for a smaller, more enclosed space. The listed stop lasts about one hour, enough for a look around and some photos without turning the visit into a long stay.

This stop feels different from Big Lagoon. Big Lagoon gives you wide views and towering rock formations. Secret Lagoon is about the change in scale, moving through a small opening into a quieter pocket.

The narrow entry can make the stop feel more active than its name suggests. You may need to wait your turn or move carefully, depending on conditions and how many boats are present. The tour description does not promise a private visit, so expect other groups to be part of the scene.

I would keep your phone or camera protected from splashes. The supplied advice to bring a camera is useful, but the sea is still the sea. A waterproof pouch is a sensible personal choice, though it is not included with the tour.

Boat quality and guide support

The biggest practical warning comes from the boat. On one January 2026 trip, the original boat broke down, and a replacement arrived after about an hour and a half. The replacement was also reported to be in poor condition, with uncertainty at each stop about whether it would start again. Communication from the crew was described as very limited.

That is a serious concern because this is a boat-based day. A delay of 90 minutes can shorten your time at every stop and make a seven-hour trip feel much longer. I cannot promise that this problem will happen on your departure, but you should understand the risk before paying.

The picture is not entirely negative. A January 2025 account described the day as fun and said the guides were careful during stormy weather. Mark, from the local tour office, was praised for answering questions before departure, helping with registration and snorkeling gear, checking on the experience afterward, and even helping arrange ferry tickets to Coron.

Another account praised the guide for being friendly and attentive. The guide’s name was not provided, so I cannot identify that person, but the point is useful: personal support may be one of the stronger parts of the operation.

If you have a tight ferry connection later in the day, do not schedule it too closely after the advertised 4:30 PM return. Boat trouble and weather can cause delays, and the tour provider does not control the sea.

What the $23 price really gets you

At $23 per person, Tour A is priced as an affordable shared excursion. It includes visits to Seven Commandos Beach, Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Secret Lagoon, a buffet lunch, and a 300 ml bottle of water. For a full day around several major El Nido sights, that is a fair starting price.

The add-ons change the calculation:

• Environmental fee: P400
• Big Lagoon entrance: P200
• Kayak rental: P300
• Snorkeling gear: P100, optional
• Aqua shoes: P100, optional

The environmental fee may already be covered if you paid it during another recent visit, and the receipt is valid for five days. That can save you from paying twice, but you must bring the proof.

The best value comes if you already have suitable footwear and snorkeling gear, or if you plan to enjoy the beaches without renting much equipment. The least favorable value comes when you add every charge and then lose time to a boat delay.

Still, lunch and the number of included stops help balance the cost. I would book this for convenience and variety, not for a private or polished luxury experience.

Who will enjoy this shared boat trip

This tour suits you if you want a straightforward introduction to El Nido and prefer one organized day over several separate bookings. It works well for people who want famous lagoons, one beach, snorkeling, lunch, and a guide in a single outing.

You should be comfortable with swimming, getting on and off a boat, and spending much of the day outdoors. The information does not provide detailed accessibility guidance, so contact the provider directly if you have mobility concerns or need specific assistance.

Families and first-time visitors may appreciate the range of stops, but you will need to keep track of children around the water and follow the no-touch rules near marine life. Couples and solo visitors may enjoy the scenery, though the shared format means you will not control the pace.

I would hesitate if your main goal is peace and privacy. I would also hesitate if you have a fixed ferry, flight, or hotel transfer immediately after the scheduled return. The weather and boat conditions deserve a little space in your plan.

Simple ways to make the day better

Arrive early, especially because the meeting information gives two different times. Confirm whether you should report at 8:30 AM or 9:00 AM.

Bring sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, a camera, snacks, and extra water. Pack lightly, since you will be moving between the dock, boat, beach, and water.

Keep the environmental fee receipt if you already paid it within the past five days. Bring cash for the Big Lagoon fee and optional equipment.

Do not smoke or litter. Do not touch coral, plants, or marine life. These are basic rules, but they matter in a place where every boat carries people into a sensitive coastal area.

Finally, leave room in your schedule after the tour. The planned return is around 4:30 PM, but a shared boat trip in changing weather may run late.

Should you book El Nido Tour A?

Book it if you want the main El Nido sights at a low starting price, and you are comfortable with a shared boat, extra fees, and some uncertainty caused by weather. Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Seven Commandos Beach give you a good spread of scenery and activities.

Think twice if you need a highly dependable boat, private timing, or a firm afternoon connection. The strong guide support and careful handling of stormy conditions are encouraging, but the reported boat breakdown is too important to ignore.

For most first-time visitors with a flexible schedule, Tour A is a sensible introduction to Bacuit Bay. Just budget beyond the $23 headline price, confirm the meeting time, and treat the timetable as an estimate rather than a promise.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet?

The meeting point is Grounded 100% Arabica Coffee, El Nido Branch.

What time should I arrive?

The information gives both 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM. Confirm the exact meeting time with the provider before departure.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts about 7.5 hours, with an expected return around 4:30 PM.

Is this a private tour?

No. It is a shared group tour unless you book a private option.

Which places are included?

The route includes Seven Commandos Beach, Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Secret Lagoon, and other areas around Bacuit Bay.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet lunch and a 300 ml bottle of water are included.

How much is the environmental fee?

The environmental fee is P400. If you paid it earlier, the receipt is valid for five days and should be presented at checking.

Does Big Lagoon cost extra?

Yes. The Big Lagoon entrance fee is P200.

Can I rent a kayak or snorkeling equipment?

Yes. A kayak costs P300. Snorkeling equipment costs P100, and aqua shoes cost P100. These are optional.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Tours may be canceled because of weather conditions. Storms can also affect the route and boat timing.