El Nido: Island Hopping Tour A Lagoons and Beaches

El Nido’s limestone islands make a fine day out. This eight-hour boat tour packs Bacuit Bay’s classic sights into one trip, including the Secret Lagoon, Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Seven Commandos Beach, and a snorkeling stop. I especially like the excellent value at $23, with lunch, a licensed guide, boat transport, and life vests included. The crew also gets frequent praise for helping with photos, boarding, kayaking, and safety.

The two strongest reasons to book are the chance to kayak through Big Lagoon and the generous lunch buffet. You should also expect crowds, extra fees, and some waiting, especially on a shared boat. Big Lagoon entry is limited, and late departures can mean arriving when the lagoon is already full.

Tour A at a glance

• Big Lagoon kayaking: Pay the extra entry and kayak fee for the day’s most memorable stop.
• Four main stops: Expect a mix of lagoon scenery, white sand, swimming, and snorkeling.
• Lunch included: The buffet has received especially strong praise for its variety of meat, fish, vegetables, and fruit.
• Shared or private boat: A private trip costs more, but can bring an earlier, quieter start at each stop.
• Extra costs matter: Budget for the 400 PHP environmental fee, 200 PHP Big Lagoon fee, and kayak rental.
• Eight hours on the water: Bring swimwear, sunscreen, dry clothes, cash, and motion sickness medicine if needed.

Why Tour A is El Nido’s popular choice

Tour A works because it gives you a little of everything. You are not spending the whole day snorkeling or visiting only beaches. Instead, the schedule moves between tall rock walls, calm swimming water, sandy shorelines, and open-water scenery.

At $23 per person, the base price is unusually good for a full-day boat trip with lunch. The extra charges raise the real cost, but the package still offers solid value if you want El Nido’s best-known sights without arranging several separate activities.

I also like that the crew often takes pictures for you. That matters more than it sounds. You will be getting on and off a boat, handling a kayak, and keeping your phone dry, so having someone else capture the moment is useful.

The main catch is popularity. Tour A is busy because it visits the places most people want to see. You might share the water with many other boats, and a delay at the meeting point can affect the rest of the day.

Starting from Bacuit Bay

The tour begins at a meeting point that depends on the option you book. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so check the exact meeting instructions before you leave your accommodation.

Bring only what you need. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, and plastic bottles are also prohibited. A small waterproof bag for your phone, cash, ID, and change of clothes is the sensible approach.

The boat carries life vests, and a licensed guide leads the day in English or Tagalog. The crew’s job goes beyond pointing out rocks. Guides such as Buddy, Dexter, John, Jordan, and Mark have been singled out for friendly service, clear help, humor, and careful attention to safety.

You should not expect a quiet private cruise unless you book the private option. A shared boat keeps the price low, but the group must move together. Private groups offer more control and, based on the way the tour operates, may reach stops earlier and spend time at a more flexible pace.

Secret Lagoon: a short passage into rock

The Secret Lagoon is a neat first stop because the attraction is not simply the water outside. You enter a small opening in the jagged rock walls to reach a sheltered pool hidden from the bay.

The entrance can feel cramped when several groups arrive at once. This is one place where timing makes a real difference. If your boat reaches the site with many others, you may spend part of your visit waiting to pass through rather than quietly enjoying the lagoon.

Still, it is a worthwhile stop for the contrast between the open boat ride and the enclosed rock setting. The water is calm and inviting, though you should follow your guide’s instructions and take care around the rocky entrance.

Shimizu Island for swimming and snorkeling

Shimizu Island brings the classic postcard scene: pale sand, clear water, and steep island rock behind you. It is a good balance to the lagoon stops because you can swim, sit on the beach, or simply enjoy the view from the shore.

This is also one of the day’s snorkeling areas, though conditions can vary. One snorkeling stop has been described as average, with few fish and sharp coral making it awkward to reach the beach. That is useful to know if snorkeling is your main reason for booking.

Bring aqua shoes if you have them, or rent them locally through the tour. They can make entry over rocky or coral sections more comfortable. Fins and other equipment are also available to rent, but they are not included in the base price.

For confident swimmers, the clear water is the reward. For non-swimmers, the day is still possible, but you should stay close to the crew, wear your life vest, and choose beach time or kayaking rather than going far into the water.

Seven Commandos Beach and its coconut-lined shore

Seven Commandos Beach is the most straightforward beach stop. Coconut trees frame a broad stretch of white sand, and the water is suited to a relaxed swim.

This is the place to slow down. After boarding, disembarking, snorkeling, and walking through rocky areas, you may appreciate a stop where the main activity is sunbathing and swimming.

Do not expect solitude. Seven Commandos is part of the standard El Nido circuit, so several boats can arrive together. That does not ruin the beach, but it changes the mood from private island escape to popular day-out.

The crew may have cold drinks and ice cream available for purchase at island stops, but bring cash if you want anything beyond the included meal. Prices and availability can vary, so do not count on every item being available.

Big Lagoon: the highlight worth paying extra for

Big Lagoon is the reason many people choose Tour A. Tall limestone walls surround calm, blue-green water, and the scale feels different from the smaller Secret Lagoon.

Entry is regulated. You must pay the 200 PHP destination fee, and access can sell out or close once the daily limit is reached. If that happens, the boat visits another location instead, so Big Lagoon is a major attraction but not an absolute guarantee.

You will also need to rent a kayak if you want to paddle inside. Recent pricing mentioned by participants was around 300 PHP per kayak, with one kayak holding two people, but confirm the current rate when booking or with the crew.

I think the kayak is worth the extra cost. It gives you the freedom to move at your own speed and see more of the lagoon than you would from the boat. Several people have described kayaking here as the best part of the day, and that makes sense: the water is calm, the rock walls rise around you, and the setting rewards a slower pace.

There is a tradeoff. If your group arrives late, Big Lagoon can be crowded, with kayaks filling the water and less room for quiet photos. One shared boat was delayed by about an hour, and by the time it arrived, the lagoon was full. If Big Lagoon matters most to you, an early private departure is the stronger choice.

Lunch that earns its place

Lunch is included, and this is one of Tour A’s strongest features. The meal is served buffet-style, with reports of meat, fish, vegetables, fruit, and several choices. Some people have rated it better than meals on other island tours in the Philippines.

That does not mean you should expect a restaurant meal or a carefully timed dining room. Organizing a buffet for a boat group can take time, and one complaint was that the lunch setup could be better managed.

Still, the amount and variety make a difference. You are spending eight hours swimming and moving between islands, so a substantial meal is more useful than a small snack. If you have dietary needs, the supplied information does not confirm special meal arrangements, so ask before booking rather than assuming.

Shared boat or private trip?

The shared option is the budget choice. At $23, it makes sense for solo visitors, couples watching costs, and families who want a full day on the water without paying for an entire boat.

The drawbacks are fixed group timing and possible delays. If someone is late or does not arrive, the whole group may wait. A late start can also mean more boats at Big Lagoon and the beaches.

The private option is worth considering if you care about timing, privacy, or a quieter visit. A private group was able to reach destinations before the regular shared boats and enjoy calmer moments before larger crowds arrived.

You should not assume that private means completely empty beaches. The same popular sites remain popular. The advantage is control over your own boat, not a guarantee of solitude.

What the $23 price really covers

The headline price includes:

• Boat tour around the islands
• Licensed guide
• Life vest
• Lunch

The required extras are important:

• 400 PHP El Nido Tourism Development Fee
• 200 PHP Big Lagoon entry fee, if available
• Kayak rental for Big Lagoon
• Optional aqua shoes and fins

The environmental fee must be paid before boarding. If you have already paid it, show your receipt to avoid paying twice.

Even after adding these costs, Tour A remains good value for an eight-hour outing with multiple major stops and lunch. It is not an all-inclusive price, so budget for the add-ons before comparing it with a more expensive private boat.

Practical advice for a smoother day

Pack swimwear under your clothes, sunscreen, a change of clothes, and cash. You should also bring a passport or ID card, since it is required information for the activity.

A waterproof phone pouch is sensible, though it is not listed as a required item. Keep your belongings small because large bags and luggage are not allowed.

If you get motion sickness, bring your usual medicine. The boat ride can be long, and one person specifically advised taking precautions. Do not wait until you feel ill to deal with it.

Wear footwear that can handle wet surfaces. Aqua shoes are useful around sharp coral and rocky entries, especially at the snorkeling stop. You can rent them, but bringing your own may save time and money.

Rain does not automatically ruin the trip. People have had enjoyable days in wet weather, and the islands remain dramatic under cloudy skies. Still, rain can affect visibility, comfort, and the quality of your photos.

The crew is often helpful with seniors, non-swimmers, and first-time kayakers. One guide even joined a solo kayaker who had never used a kayak before. That is encouraging, but the formal information says the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. If you have limited mobility or balance concerns, contact the operator before booking and explain exactly what help you need.

Who should book Tour A?

I would choose this tour if you want El Nido’s signature sights in one day. It suits swimmers, beach lovers, first-time visitors, couples, families, and anyone keen to kayak through Big Lagoon.

It also works for non-swimmers who are comfortable staying in shallow water, using a life vest, relaxing on beaches, or kayaking with assistance. The crew has a strong record of helping people, but you should not treat that as a substitute for checking your own comfort and mobility.

I would be more cautious if you dislike crowds, need a quiet beach day, or want to spend a long time at one location. Tour A covers several places, and the group schedule can feel busy. For photographers or visitors who value peace, private booking and an early start are likely worth the added cost.

Should you book El Nido Tour A?

Yes, if you want the best-known mix of lagoons, beaches, snorkeling, and kayaking at a low starting price. The food, friendly crew, full eight-hour duration, and Big Lagoon access give the tour strong value.

Before booking, decide how much the Big Lagoon matters. If it is the main reason you are going, allow for the entry fee, kayak rental, and the possibility that daily limits may prevent access. A private boat can also reduce the risk of arriving late, though it will cost more.

For most first-time visitors to El Nido, Tour A is a sensible introduction to Bacuit Bay. Just bring cash, expect company, and remember that paradise sometimes has a queue.

FAQ

How long does El Nido Tour A last?

The tour lasts eight hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $23 per person. Extra charges apply for the environmental fee, Big Lagoon entry, kayak rental, and optional equipment.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included in the tour price and is served during the day.

What places does Tour A visit?

The tour includes the Secret Lagoon, Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Seven Commandos Beach, and a snorkeling area. There are up to four stops in total, and the exact selection can change if Big Lagoon entry is unavailable.

Is the Big Lagoon entry fee included?

No. Big Lagoon entry costs 200 PHP and must be paid separately if entry is available.

Do I have to rent a kayak at Big Lagoon?

Kayaking is optional, but you need to rent a kayak to enter Big Lagoon. Kayak rental is not included in the tour price.

Is the environmental fee included?

No. The El Nido Tourism Development Fee is 400 PHP and must be paid before boarding. Show your receipt if you have already paid it.

Can I choose a private boat?

Yes. A private group option is available, as well as a shared boat option.

What languages does the guide speak?

The tour is offered with a live guide who speaks English or Tagalog.

What should I bring?

Bring a passport or ID card, swimwear, a change of clothes, sunscreen, and cash. Avoid bringing luggage or large bags, and do not bring plastic bottles.