El Nido: Island Hopping Tour A

Clear water, famous lagoons, one busy day. El Nido Tour A packs the best-known corners of Bacuit Bay into eight hours, with boat transport, lunch, a guide, and hotel pickup in El Nido Town. I like the mix of Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, and Secret Lagoon, and I like that Shimizu Island adds time for swimming and snorkeling rather than making the whole day about sightseeing from the boat.

The main catch is that the most famous stops can be crowded, and the $34 price is not the final cost. You still need to allow for the environmental fee, lagoon fees, personal expenses, and snorkeling equipment. I would also confirm the meeting point through WhatsApp before departure, since the pickup information needs to be clear.

Tour A at a glance

• Four major stops: Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, and Shimizu Island form the main route.
• Eight hours on Bacuit Bay: You get a full day rather than a short scenic cruise.
• Water time matters: Swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking are part of the appeal, though mask and snorkel rental is not included.
• Lunch is included: That makes the base fare more useful for a long day away from town.
• Pickup is limited: Hotel pickup applies to El Nido Town only. A hotel farther away may require a tricycle at your own cost.
• A popular route: Expect beautiful places, but do not expect solitude at every stop.

Why El Nido Tour A is so popular

Tour A is the classic introduction to El Nido. It brings together the scenery people usually picture when they think of Palawan: limestone cliffs, pale sand, clear water, and narrow lagoons enclosed by steep rock walls.

That range is the real strength. You are not spending eight hours at one beach. Instead, the day shifts between open water, sheltered lagoons, sandy shores, and short water activities. If you want a single tour that gives you a broad taste of Bacuit Bay, this route makes sense.

I also like the practical setup. A professional guide, boat, lunch, and town pickup are included, so you do not have to arrange each part separately. At $34 per person, the base price is appealing for a full-day boat trip, but you should add the required environmental fee of 400.00, the lagoon fees of 200.00, and the cost of mask and snorkel rental if you need equipment.

The trade-off is popularity. Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon are major draws, so the day may feel more organized around access and timing than around quiet exploration. That is not a flaw unique to this tour. It is simply part of visiting El Nido’s best-known sights.

Entering Big Lagoon by clear water

Big Lagoon is usually the visual centerpiece of Tour A. The water reaches into a dramatic opening in the limestone, creating a long, enclosed passage that feels very different from the open bay.

This is where the scenery does most of the work. You can expect towering rock walls, calm water, and a strong sense of scale as the boat reaches the lagoon. The clear water is also suited to kayaking, although kayaking availability and any rental arrangement should be confirmed before you go because the listed price does not include every water accessory.

Bring a camera, but protect it carefully around the water. A dry bag or waterproof phone case is sensible, especially if you are moving between the boat, a kayak, and the shore.

Big Lagoon can be busy. If you are hoping for a quiet, private paddle, this may not deliver it. Still, the setting is impressive enough that the stop earns its place on the route. I would treat it as a scenic highlight rather than a peaceful retreat.

Small Lagoon and the appeal of close-up exploring

Small Lagoon offers a different mood. The entrance is more enclosed, and the visit is about getting closer to the rock formations and clear water rather than taking in a wide view.

This stop works well for people who enjoy short, active outings. You may swim or kayak in the sheltered water, depending on the arrangements for the day. Comfortable clothes and shoes suited to water activities are important here. Bring extra clothing so you are not stuck in wet swimwear for the rest of the tour.

The name can be misleading. Small Lagoon is not necessarily a quick photo stop. Water conditions, access, and the time allowed can affect how long you spend there. Ask the guide about the plan when you arrive, especially if you have a strong preference for swimming or kayaking.

As with Big Lagoon, popularity can affect the atmosphere. The narrow setting may feel crowded when several boats and groups arrive together. Even so, the enclosed rock walls give Small Lagoon its own character, and the contrast with the larger lagoon makes the two stops feel worthwhile on the same day.

Secret Lagoon, with a little effort at the entrance

Secret Lagoon adds a more enclosed visit to the itinerary. Reaching the water involves passing through a small opening in the limestone, so this stop feels more like a short physical adventure than a simple beach landing.

You should wear footwear that works in and around water. The guidance specifically calls for comfortable clothing and shoes for water activities, and this is one place where that advice matters. Bring your camera only if you can keep it secure while moving through the entrance.

The lagoon itself is compact, and the limited space can make it feel busy. You might need to wait your turn or share the area closely with other groups. If your priority is peace and quiet, this may be the least relaxing stop. If you enjoy unusual natural spaces, the narrow entrance and enclosed setting make it memorable.

Do not touch plants or marine life. That rule is simple, but important. The best way to enjoy these fragile places is to look, swim carefully, and leave the surroundings as you found them.

Shimizu Island for lunch and water time

Shimizu Island gives the day a welcome change of pace. After the enclosed lagoons, you get a chance to spend time on a beach, eat lunch, and enjoy the bay from a more open setting.

Lunch is included, which is useful because eight hours on the water is a long stretch. You should still bring snacks and water, as recommended, particularly if you are active in the lagoons or prefer to eat between scheduled stops.

This is also one of the better parts of the tour for swimming and snorkeling. The water around the island is presented as clear, with marine life forming part of the appeal. Mask and snorkel are not included, so check whether you can rent them locally or bring your own.

I would not assume that Shimizu Island will be an empty beach. Tour A is a popular route, and the same scenery that attracts you attracts many other people. Still, a beach stop with lunch and time in the water helps balance the day. You get more than a sequence of quick photographs from a boat.

What the $34 price really covers

The $34 fare is a reasonable starting price for an eight-hour island trip. You receive a boat, professional guide, lunch, and hotel pickup if your hotel is in El Nido Town. Those inclusions remove several common planning tasks.

The extras need attention. The environmental fee is listed as 400.00, and the lagoon fees are listed as 200.00. Personal expenses are not covered, and mask and snorkel are also outside the base price. Because the currency is not specified in the tour details, confirm the exact currency and payment method before departure.

Your hotel location can affect the total cost, too. Pickup is limited to El Nido Town, while a hotel farther away may involve a tricycle fare paid from your own funds. That is a small point, but it matters when comparing the headline price with the amount you will actually spend.

For the right visitor, the value remains good. You get a full day, multiple major sights, food, and a guide in one booking. For someone who already has transport, equipment, or a preference for a very small private group, the value calculation may look different.

Pickup details deserve your attention

The meeting arrangement is one area where I would be proactive. You are asked to send your hotel through WhatsApp so the nearest pickup hotel can be confirmed. Be ready 15 minutes before the pickup time, and do not rely only on the location shown in an app.

A German guest who took the trip on January 19, 2026, praised the boat crew as kind and helpful, but had trouble because the app showed the wrong meeting point. Communication afterward was not as smooth as it should have been. That is useful warning, not a reason to reject the tour.

My advice is simple: message in advance, confirm the exact hotel or meeting point, and save the reply. If your hotel is outside town, ask about the tricycle cost and pickup instructions before the day begins.

The live guide speaks English. No group size is provided, so you should not assume a small boat or private service. If group size is a major concern, ask before booking.

How to prepare for eight hours on the bay

Pack for a wet day, not just a sightseeing trip. You will want swimwear, a hat, sunscreen, a camera, water, snacks, and dry clothes for changing afterward.

Use reef-safe habits even though a specific sunscreen type is not required in the tour details. Do not touch marine life or plants, and do not smoke during the activity. These rules protect both the setting and the people sharing it.

Non-swimmers should think carefully before booking. The tour includes water activities and is not considered suitable for non-swimmers, pregnant women, or people with back problems. If you are comfortable only in shallow water, tell the guide early and ask which activities are appropriate.

The tour also may not suit anyone seeking a slow, private day. You are moving through several popular locations within eight hours, so the pace can feel full. I would choose it for variety and scenery, not for total control over the schedule.

How Tour A compares with the other routes

The same provider offers four broad routes around El Nido. Tour A focuses on the lagoons and Shimizu Island, making it the most obvious choice if clear water and enclosed limestone spaces are your priority.

Tour B goes to Snake Island, Cudugnon Cave, and Matinloc Shrine. Tour C combines destinations from Tours A and B, so it may appeal to someone who wants a wider sample of the bay. Tour D visits Cadlao Island, the largest island in Bacuit Bay, along with its beaches.

These options help you choose based on your interests. Pick Tour A for the famous lagoon experience. Choose B if the cave and shrine appeal more. Look at C for a mixed route, and D for Cadlao Island and beach time.

The names alone do not tell you which trip will have the quietest conditions or smallest crowds. Those details are not provided, so confirm them if they matter to you.

Who should book this island day

I would recommend Tour A to first-time visitors who want to see several signature El Nido sights without arranging separate boats, food, and guides. It also suits active couples, friends, and families with confident swimmers who want a full day of swimming, snorkeling, and short explorations.

It is a good fit if you value variety. Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, and Shimizu Island each offer a different setting, which keeps the itinerary from feeling repetitive.

I would be more cautious if you have back problems, are pregnant, do not swim, or dislike crowded attractions. You may also prefer another option if your main goal is a quiet beach day.

The strongest praise goes to the crew. The boat staff were described as especially kind and helpful, and that matters on a long day involving water, transfers, and shared spaces. Good crew support can make a busy route feel much easier.

Should you book El Nido Tour A?

Book it if you want the classic El Nido picture in one organized eight-hour outing. The route offers the best-known lagoons, a beach stop, lunch, and chances to swim, snorkel, and kayak for a modest base price.

Before paying, confirm the exact meeting point by WhatsApp, check the added environmental and lagoon fees, and arrange mask and snorkel equipment if needed. If you accept some crowds and arrive prepared for a wet, active day, Tour A is a sensible way to see Bacuit Bay.

FAQ

How long does El Nido Tour A last?

The tour lasts eight hours. Check the available start times when booking.

What locations does Tour A visit?

Tour A visits Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, and Shimizu Island.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included in the tour.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup is included for hotels in El Nido Town only. If your hotel is farther from town, you may need to pay a tricycle fare yourself.

What additional fees should I expect?

The environmental fee is listed as 400.00, and the lagoon fees are listed as 200.00. Personal expenses are also not included.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Mask and snorkel are not included in the tour price.

What should I bring?

Bring a hat, swimwear, camera, snacks, sunscreen, water, and extra clothes for changing.

Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers?

No. The activity is listed as not suitable for non-swimmers.

What language does the guide speak?

The live tour guide speaks English.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, according to the booking terms.