Shared El Nido Tour A

Five islands, one long day on the water. Shared El Nido Tour A combines Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon with snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, lunch, and boat rides around Palawan’s famous limestone scenery. I like the range of stops, since you get both lagoon visits and beach time, and I like that lunch, a guide, crew, boat transfers, and life vests are included.

The main drawback is the shared-boat setup. A $24 price looks excellent, but you must add the environmental and Big Lagoon fees, plus possible rentals and local transport. Also, a delayed departure or crowded boat can take the shine off an otherwise beautiful day.

Key points to know before booking

• Five named destinations: Secret Lagoon, Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Payong-Payong Beach, and Seven Commando Beach are the advertised highlights, though the exact order and final beach stop can vary.
• A 6 to 7 hour schedule: Meet at Mabuhay Sports Bar between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM, then return there after the island-hopping day.
• The $24 price is a starting point: Add ₱400 for the environmental fee and ₱200 for Big Lagoon, with kayak, snorkeling gear, and tricycle costs extra.
• Lunch comes with the boat day: The meal is served at one of the island stops, with Shimizu Island listed as a meal location.
• Weather can change the route: Rainy-season conditions may send the boat to alternative destinations or tour options.
• The shared format saves money: It also means you may wait for late arrivals and have less room on the boat.

What this El Nido day is really offering

Tour A is built around El Nido’s classic combination: tall limestone formations, clear water, narrow lagoons, small beaches, and easy water activities. You are not signing up for one single attraction. You are buying a full day of moving between several coastal stops, with the scenery changing often enough to keep the trip interesting.

The advertised rate is $24 per person, which is attractive for a full-day boat tour with lunch and a licensed guide. But calculate the real cost before you book. The environmental fee is ₱400 per person, and Big Lagoon adds another ₱200. Kayaks, snorkeling equipment, and the tricycle ride to Mabuhay Sports Bar are not included.

That still may be good value, especially if you want the standard El Nido experience without paying for a private boat. Just think of the headline price as the base fare, not the final bill.

The tour has a listed rating of 3.9 out of 5, which fits the trade-off here. The natural sights are the strong point. Organization, departure timing, smoking rules, and crowding can be less predictable.

Starting at Mabuhay Sports Bar near the wharf

Your morning begins at Mabuhay Sports Bar, a short walk from the El Nido wharf area. The location serves as both the meeting point and the dispatch center, so you will check in, complete documentation, and confirm your boat assignment there.

The meeting window is between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM. That sounds simple, but shared boat tours depend on everyone arriving and finishing registration. One recent booking had an 80-minute delay before departure, and another visitor specifically objected to a 9:00 AM departure that did not leave at 9:00.

My practical advice is to arrive early, with your ID or a copy of it ready. You will need to go through verification before boarding, and an early arrival gives you a better chance of getting through the morning process without added stress.

The boat is assigned by the local team after registration. You board with the other people in your group, along with the crew and licensed English-speaking guide. This is a public group tour, not a quiet private cruise.

Secret Lagoon: a compact first stop

Secret Lagoon is listed as the first main destination. The stop includes guided sightseeing, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and marine-life viewing, so it offers plenty to do even though your time is shared among several activities.

The appeal is variety. You can stay in the water, look for marine life, paddle if a kayak is available, or focus on the rock formations and the enclosed-water setting. The exact balance depends on the day, the group, and the conditions.

You should also expect the usual practical limits of a multi-stop tour. You will not have unlimited time at Secret Lagoon, and kayak or snorkeling gear costs extra. If you already own compact snorkeling equipment, bringing it may help you avoid another rental charge, though the provided information does not state whether personal gear is restricted.

A life vest is included and should be used as directed by the crew. The tour is not designed for people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or people with serious pre-existing medical conditions. Getting in and out of the boat and moving through water-based stops may be difficult.

Big Lagoon and the extra ₱200 fee

Big Lagoon is the tour’s major paid attraction. Its calm water, steep limestone walls, and scenic approach are the reason many people choose Tour A rather than another route.

You can expect guided sightseeing, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and views along the way. The approach itself is part of the experience, so keep your camera ready, while also protecting it from water. The trip description presents Big Lagoon as one of the central scenic stops, not a quick photo pause.

There is an entrance fee of ₱200 per person for Big Lagoon, separate from the tour price. That fee is easy to overlook when comparing packages, so include it in your budget from the start.

Kayak hire is also extra. If paddling through the lagoon is high on your list, ask about availability and price during registration or before departure. The tour includes the boat transfer, not the kayak itself.

The lagoon may be the day’s most memorable stop, but it can also be the busiest part of the route. The shared nature of the boat means you should expect other groups and a set schedule rather than a slow, private exploration.

Shimizu Island: lunch with a view

Shimizu Island is scheduled as a break, sightseeing stop, water-activity stop, and meal location. This is where the practical side of the tour becomes especially useful. You can eat without leaving the route or arranging a separate restaurant visit.

Lunch is included, and it is served amid the island scenery. That matters because the day is long, and you do not want to spend your limited time searching for food between boat transfers.

The meal also creates a natural pause. After the early stops, you can eat, look around, swim, or snorkel before continuing. The available information does not specify the menu, so do not book this tour expecting a particular dish or dietary arrangement unless you confirm it in advance.

Shimizu Island is also one of the places where you can appreciate the tour’s mix of activities. You might prefer to stay dry and enjoy the view, while someone else in your group goes snorkeling. That flexibility is useful for mixed groups, although the shared schedule means no one can linger indefinitely.

Payong-Payong Beach and the final beach stop

Payong-Payong Beach is listed for guided sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling. Compared with the enclosed lagoons, this stop gives the day a more open beach setting.

You can use it as another chance to get in the water or simply slow down for a while. The tour description also lists a further break with sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling before the return to Mabuhay Sports Bar. Seven Commando Beach appears among the five headline destinations, but the detailed stop-by-stop schedule does not name it directly in that final slot.

Because of that difference, ask at check-in which beach stops are planned for your departure date. Weather, sea conditions, and local availability can affect the order or choice of destinations. During the rainy season, the route may change to alternative stops or tour options for safety.

This is a useful reminder not to treat the schedule as a minute-by-minute guarantee. You are paying for a full day of island-hopping around El Nido, but the exact sequence may shift.

Snorkeling, swimming, and kayaking costs

The tour includes plenty of water activities, but the equipment is not all included. Life vests come with the booking. Snorkeling gear, kayaks, and other aqua equipment cost extra.

That distinction affects the value. If you only plan to swim and sightsee, the included boat, guide, crew, lunch, and life vest cover the core experience. If you want to kayak at Big Lagoon and snorkel at several stops, your final cost will rise.

Snorkeling and marine-life viewing are offered at Secret Lagoon, Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Payong-Payong Beach. Conditions can vary, and the description does not promise a particular species or level of visibility. Think of these as chances to explore the water, not guaranteed wildlife encounters.

You should bring an ID or copy, comfortable footwear, sun protection, and a secure way to carry small personal items. Large bags, luggage, glass objects, valuables, and plastic bottles are not allowed. The restrictions are strict enough that packing light is the sensible choice.

The shared boat trade-off

The shared format is the main reason this tour can sell for $24. You split the boat and guide service with other people instead of paying for a private charter.

The benefit is clear: Tour A gives you access to several well-known El Nido stops at a low base price. The cost is less control. You may have to wait for other people, follow the group’s timing, and accept a fuller boat.

One booking described a boat that was crowded enough to leave very little room. Another reported that crew members smoked despite the boat being described as non-smoking, creating an unpleasant smell. These are not minor details if you are sensitive to smoke, need personal space, or get seasick.

The tour specifically advises against booking if you are prone to seasickness. That warning is worth taking seriously. You will spend much of the day on a boat, and the experience may be uncomfortable if boat movement affects you.

The activity is also not suitable for unaccompanied minors, people over 95, visually impaired people, or people with pre-existing medical conditions. Non-folding wheelchairs, mobility scooters, electric wheelchairs, non-folding strollers, bikes, surfboards, and scooters are not accepted.

Timing, weather, and what you should pack

The day normally lasts 6 to 7 hours, beginning with registration around 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM and ending back at Mabuhay Sports Bar. A late departure can shorten your time at the stops or push the return later, so avoid scheduling a tight afternoon connection.

Rainy-season changes are possible. The operator may divert the boat to alternative destinations or tour options depending on weather and availability. That is a sensible safety rule, but it means you should book this as a flexible day rather than a fixed promise of five exact stops.

The prohibited-item list is unusually detailed. Do not bring weapons or sharp objects, alcohol or drugs, red wine, firework materials, glass objects, fire-making items, skates, or high-heeled shoes. Large bags and luggage are also prohibited.

Plastic bottles are not allowed, so check how you will carry drinking water before leaving. The information provided does not specify the replacement or refill arrangement. It is better to confirm that point with the operator before the morning meeting.

Cancellation and payment flexibility

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which is useful when your El Nido schedule depends on weather or other transport plans.

The tour is valid for one day, and starting times depend on availability. English is the listed tour language, and a licensed guide is included.

These policies make the booking fairly flexible, but they do not solve the main operational risks. A flexible cancellation window is helpful. It does not guarantee a prompt departure, an uncrowded boat, or a fixed route during poor weather.

Who will get the most from Tour A?

I would point this tour toward an active first-time visitor who wants El Nido’s most famous sights in one day and wants to keep the price down. It suits you if you are happy with a shared boat, basic group logistics, several short stops, and extra charges for some equipment.

It is also a good fit for people who want choices. You can swim, snorkel, kayak, watch marine life, take photos, or enjoy lunch and scenery without needing to do every activity.

I would hesitate if you need strict departure times, dislike crowded boats, are highly sensitive to smoke, or want a quiet and private day. I would also choose another arrangement if you have mobility needs or a medical condition that makes boat transfers and swimming difficult.

Should you book Shared El Nido Tour A?

Book it if your priority is seeing Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, and several beaches at a low base price. The natural stops are the reason to go, and the included lunch, licensed guide, boat crew, transfers, and life vest make the package useful for a budget-conscious day out.

Before paying, add ₱600 in required environmental and Big Lagoon fees, then allow for kayak, snorkeling gear, and tricycle costs. Arrive early at Mabuhay Sports Bar, pack lightly, and keep your schedule open after the tour.

Skip it if you want privacy, punctuality above all else, or guaranteed comfort on the boat. For everyone else, Tour A offers a solid introduction to El Nido’s island scenery, with the usual shared-tour compromises clearly attached.

FAQ

How much does Shared El Nido Tour A cost?

The listed price is $24 per person. You must also pay an environmental fee of ₱400 per person and a Big Lagoon entrance fee of ₱200 per person. Kayak rentals, snorkeling gear, other aqua equipment, and tricycle fare are extra.

How long does the tour last?

The tour typically lasts 6 to 7 hours. The meeting time is between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM, with return to Mabuhay Sports Bar after the island-hopping route.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at Mabuhay Sports Bar, located a few minutes’ walk from the El Nido wharf area. Registration, document checks, and boat assignment take place there.

What destinations are included?

The named destinations are Secret Lagoon, Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Payong-Payong Beach, and Seven Commando Beach. The route or exact stops may change during rainy weather or based on availability.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included and is served at one of the island stops. Shimizu Island is listed as a meal location.

Are snorkeling equipment and kayaks included?

No. Life vests and boat transfers are included, but snorkeling gear, kayaks, and other aqua equipment must be rented separately.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The listed live tour guide language is English.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.