El Nido Island Tour A

Palawan packs a lot into one boat day. El Nido Island Tour A combines kayaking through the Big Lagoon with clear-water swimming, coral snorkeling, beach breaks, and a buffet lunch for about $27 per person. I like the mix of active stops and easy sightseeing, especially the double-decker boat, which gives you a high viewpoint over Bacuit Bay.

I also like that licensed guides, life jackets, lunch, and mineral water are included. The main drawback is that the advertised price does not cover several important extras, including the PHP 400 environmental fee, PHP 200 lagoon entrance fee, and kayak rental. You should also double-check the meeting point, since the map has been reported as incorrect and the actual dispatch area is on the beach beside Kuridas Restaurant.

Key points to know before booking

• Big Lagoon is the tour’s main event: You get about 105 minutes for kayaking, swimming, guided sightseeing, and photographs.
• The double-decker boat adds a useful viewpoint: The upper level is a good place for scenic pictures of Bacuit Bay.
• The $27 price is not the final cost: Add the environmental fee, lagoon fee, kayak rental, and any equipment you need.
• Five stops create a full day: Secret Lagoon, Payong-Payong Beach, Shimizu Island, and Seven Commandos Beach follow the Big Lagoon.
• Lunch is included: Expect a buffet with fresh seafood, fruit, vegetables, and a 500 ml bottle of mineral water.
• The meeting point needs attention: Find the Tour A dispatch area on the beach to the right of Kuridas Restaurant, rather than relying only on the map.

Why Tour A is a good first day in El Nido

Tour A gives you the classic El Nido combination: dramatic limestone scenery, calm lagoons, small beaches, coral water, and plenty of time for pictures. You are not choosing between a sightseeing cruise and a beach day. This trip tries to give you both.

The seven-hour format works well if you want a strong introduction to Bacuit Bay without committing several days to island tours. The stops are varied enough to keep the day moving. You might paddle through a lagoon in the morning, swim at a beach later, then spend free time on an island before returning to El Nido.

The pace is not slow. The listed stop times add up to a little over seven hours, and the boat ride to the Big Lagoon takes about 45 minutes. Your exact return time can depend on the group, with the day expected to finish around 3 or 4 PM. That makes this a better choice for an active day than for anyone hoping to linger alone on one beach.

The real cost of the $27 tour

At roughly $27 per person, this is a strong starting price for a full boat day. You get the boat, life jacket, licensed English-speaking guide, buffet lunch, and mineral water. Those inclusions matter because buying each part separately would make a simple island day harder to arrange.

Still, treat $27 as the base price. The government environmental fee and lagoon entrance fee add PHP 600 per person. A kayak costs PHP 300 for two people, so a solo visitor may need to find a partner or pay the full kayak charge. Mask and snorkel rental costs PHP 100, and aqua shoes cost another PHP 100 if you do not bring your own.

You may also pay for a GoPro or drone service if available, along with personal expenses. The smart approach is to budget for the required fees and at least one optional activity before deciding that this is a bargain. It remains good value, but the headline price is not the full amount.

Lunch improves the value. The buffet includes fresh seafood, fruit, vegetables, and a 500 ml bottle of mineral water. Food is especially useful on a long boat day because the schedule moves from stop to stop, and you will not want to spend your swimming time looking for a meal.

Finding the beach meeting point

The published meeting location is the right side of Kuridas Restaurant, in the dispatch area for Tour A. The important detail is that this is on the beach. A verified booking reported that the map showed the wrong location, so do not wait at a road-facing point and assume the boat will find you.

Give yourself extra time to locate the dispatch area. Bring your booking information, and make sure your destination, full name, age, nationality, and food restrictions are recorded correctly. The operator is Caera Travel and Tour, and the tour uses an English-speaking guide.

This is a small logistical issue, but it can affect the whole morning. El Nido boat tours work on group schedules, so arriving late may create stress before the enjoyable part begins. Ask locally for the Tour A dispatch area beside Kuridas Restaurant if the map does not make the beach access clear.

The 45-minute ride to Big Lagoon

The boat ride to the first major stop takes about 45 minutes. That gives you time to settle in, organize your bag, and choose where you want to sit. The double-decker boat is one of the more appealing details of this trip because the upper level gives you a scenic view over Bacuit Bay.

Use the ride for photographs, but protect your camera from spray. A waterproof bag is more useful than a regular daypack. The lower deck should be more practical when you want shade or easier access to your belongings, while the top deck is the place to look for broad views and pictures.

A life jacket is provided. You should still bring water, sunscreen, and a towel, since the boat ride comes before the day’s main swimming and kayaking activities.

Big Lagoon: kayaking, swimming, and the best photographs

Big Lagoon receives the longest listed stop, about 105 minutes. This is where the tour’s kayaking focus makes the most sense. The water and enclosed rock scenery provide a calmer setting for paddling and photographs than an open-water beach stop.

Kayaking is an extra charge at PHP 300 per kayak for two people. If you are traveling alone, ask about sharing before paying. You may prefer to spend the time swimming, taking pictures, or simply looking around from the boat, but the lagoon is the stop where the optional kayak rental offers the clearest added value.

Plan your time rather than trying to do everything at once. A short paddle lets you see the lagoon from the water, while swimming and photography fill the rest of the visit. The tour description allows for all three, but 105 minutes is not unlimited once you account for boarding and group movement.

Big Lagoon is also the stop where the additional PHP 200 lagoon entrance fee applies. Include that charge in your budget. Bring a waterproof camera or a phone in a waterproof case, and use biodegradable sunscreen to help protect the marine setting.

Secret Lagoon brings a change of pace

Secret Lagoon follows with about one hour for a guided visit, photographs, and sightseeing. This is less about a long swim and more about seeing another enclosed coastal setting and the scenery along the way.

The stop gives you a useful break from kayaking. If you prefer taking pictures to paddling, you will have a chance to focus on the rock formations and views. If you are hoping for another long water session, keep your expectations in check because the listed emphasis here is guided sightseeing and a photo stop.

The guide helps keep the group moving through the schedule. That matters on a tour with five stops. You can enjoy the place without having to work out the route yourself, but you will also need to follow the group’s timing rather than setting your own.

Payong-Payong Beach for coral and swimming

Payong-Payong Beach is scheduled for about an hour and focuses on swimming and snorkeling. This is the stop to use your mask and snorkel, either with your own equipment or with a PHP 100 rental.

The coral makes this stop valuable for anyone who wants more than scenery. Bring water shoes if you have them, since aqua shoes are also available to rent for PHP 100. The tour information specifically asks visitors not to touch marine life, so keep your hands off coral and animals even when the water looks calm and inviting.

Snorkeling depends on water conditions and visibility, which can vary. The tour promises access to coral areas, not a guaranteed wildlife display. You will get the most from this stop by treating it as a chance to observe carefully rather than chase fish or stand on the reef.

Shimizu Island combines free time and lunch

Shimizu Island receives about 105 minutes, making it one of the longer stops. The schedule allows for a guided visit, photographs, walking, swimming, and free time. That wider choice makes it a useful middle-to-late stop, especially if you want a little control over how you spend the day.

This is also where the included buffet lunch becomes important. Fresh seafood, fruit, vegetables, and mineral water give you a proper break from the morning’s activities. If you have food restrictions, enter them when booking and confirm them with the tour team before the meal.

The long stop gives you room to eat without rushing straight back to the boat. You might walk first, swim after lunch, or focus on pictures from the island. The schedule also mentions sunset at Shimizu Island, but the tour is generally expected to return to El Nido around 3 or 4 PM. Do not book this trip expecting a late sunset outing unless the operator confirms the timing for your date.

Seven Commandos Beach ends the water day

The final listed stop is Seven Commandos Beach, with about 105 minutes for a break, photographs, free time, and swimming. After the more activity-focused lagoon and snorkeling stops, this is a simple place to slow down before the return trip.

You can use the time for one last swim or for beach photographs. It is also a good point to dry off, repack your waterproof bag, and check that nothing has been left on the boat or shore.

Because the day’s return time depends on the group, the final stop may feel shorter or longer in practice. Keep your belongings together and listen for boarding instructions. The boat then returns to El Nido.

What to pack for a comfortable boat day

Pack as if you will get wet, even if you plan to stay mostly on the boat. A towel, swimwear, beachwear, water shoes, biodegradable sunscreen, insect repellent, and a waterproof bag are all useful.

Bring a camera or waterproof camera if photographs matter to you. The upper deck of the boat offers scenic views, while the lagoons and beaches provide the main picture opportunities. A waterproof phone case is a sensible backup.

Snorkeling gear can be rented, but bringing your own may save time and fit better. Water is included at lunch, yet carrying additional drinking water is listed among the recommended items.

The tour does not allow alcohol, drugs, fishing, littering, fireworks, sharp objects, sprays, or aerosols. High heels, sports shoes, skateboards, scooters, bikes, skates, and electric wheelchairs are also listed as prohibited. Shoes should not be worn indoors. The operator also prohibits touching marine life, which is worth remembering around the coral.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would choose Tour A if you want the famous El Nido sights in one organized day. It suits people who enjoy switching between kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, walking, and photography rather than spending the entire day in one place.

It is also a good fit for visitors who value a guide and included lunch. You do not need to arrange your own boat, route, or meal, and the licensed guide can keep the group moving between stops.

The tour may be less suitable if you have a cold, since the activity includes swimming, snorkeling, and time in open air. It may also frustrate anyone who wants a private, quiet schedule. The day follows the group, and the return time can change depending on how the group moves.

The tour is listed as wheelchair accessible, but electric wheelchairs are specifically not allowed. If you use a mobility device, confirm the exact arrangements before booking so there are no surprises at the beach or boat.

Booking flexibility and final practical advice

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible. Check the available start time for your date because the activity is listed as seven hours, while the detailed stop schedule totals slightly more than that.

Before departure, confirm the beach meeting point, required fees, kayak plans, and food restrictions. Wear swimwear under your clothes, keep valuables in a waterproof bag, and bring enough cash for the government fee, lagoon charge, rentals, and personal needs.

One verified booking rated the experience four out of five and praised the staff, boat, and overall day. The one practical complaint was the incorrect map location. That is easy to avoid if you remember the key instruction: go to the beach dispatch area on the right side of Kuridas Restaurant.

Should you book El Nido Island Tour A?

Book it if you want a well-rounded El Nido day with Big Lagoon kayaking, coral snorkeling, several beaches, an included buffet lunch, and a guide to handle the route. At the base price, it offers a lot, even after you add the required fees.

Skip it if you want a private itinerary, dislike group timing, or need a completely dry and relaxed boat ride. For most active visitors, though, Tour A is a sensible first choice. Just budget beyond the $27 headline price and confirm the beach meeting point before you set out.

FAQ

How long does El Nido Island Tour A last?

The activity is advertised as seven hours. The detailed stop schedule adds up to slightly more than seven hours, and the return to El Nido may be around 3 or 4 PM depending on the group.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at the Tour A dispatch area on the beach, on the right side of Kuridas Restaurant in El Nido. The map location may be incorrect, so use the beach location as your main guide.

Is kayaking included in the price?

No. Kayak rental costs PHP 300 per kayak for two people. The Big Lagoon stop includes time for kayaking, but the rental is an extra charge.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The package includes a buffet lunch with fresh seafood, fruit, vegetables, and a 500 ml bottle of mineral water.

What fees are not included?

The government environmental fee is PHP 400 per person, and the lagoon entrance fee is PHP 200 per person. Personal expenses and optional equipment rentals are also separate.

Can I rent snorkeling equipment?

Yes. A mask and snorkel cost PHP 100, and aqua shoes cost PHP 100. You can also bring your own snorkeling gear and water shoes.

Is an English-speaking guide provided?

Yes. The tour includes the services of a licensed English-speaking guide.

Can I cancel the booking?

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