El Nido Tour A

The lagoons do the talking. El Nido Tour A takes you across clear water around Miniloc Island, with time at Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Seven Commando Beach. I like the mix of dramatic rock walls and easy beach time, and I like that the price includes a boat, captain, guide, packed lunch, and bottled water.

The main catch is that the low advertised price does not cover every cost. You must add the environmental fee and lagoon entrance fee, while a kayak costs extra. I would also want clearer instructions from the crew and better food planning, especially if you are vegetarian or need a substantial lunch.

Key points to know before booking

• Big Lagoon is the main visual prize: Expect clear water, tall limestone walls, and a setting made for slow exploration.
• The day combines lagoons and beaches: Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Seven Commando Beach give the schedule more variety than a lagoon-only trip.
• Kayaking costs extra: A kayak is listed at Php 300 for two people, so bring cash or confirm the current payment method.
• Budget beyond the $27 fare: The environmental fee is Php 200 per person, and the lagoon entrance fee is another Php 200 per person.
• The crew receives strong praise for care: The boat team and guides are a major strength, though instructions and timing could be clearer.
• Pack for water, sun, and a full day: Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, a hat, sunscreen, and your passport.

Why El Nido Tour A remains popular

El Nido Tour A works because it gives you several classic Palawan settings in one eight-hour outing. You are not limited to one beach or one stretch of sea. The day includes lagoons for scenery, a beach for lunch and rest, and more open coastal stops for swimming and sun.

At $27 per person, the base price is appealing. You get boat transport, a licensed captain, a licensed English-speaking guide, a packed lunch, and bottled water. That is good value if you want the standard El Nido island-hopping experience without arranging a private boat yourself.

The real cost is higher than $27. Add Php 200 per person for the environmental fee and Php 200 per person for the lagoon entrance fee. If you want to kayak, the listed cost is Php 300 for two people. I would calculate the full amount before booking so the bargain does not surprise you at the meeting point.

The experience has a rating of 4.3 from eight verified bookings, which suggests a generally positive day with some practical flaws. The strongest praise goes to the crew and guides. The weak points are food, pickup coordination, and a lack of clear instructions at each stop.

Big Lagoon and the Miniloc Island scenery

Big Lagoon is the stop most likely to define your memory of the day. The water around Miniloc Island is described as clear, and the lagoon is framed by steep limestone formations. You can expect a calm, enclosed setting rather than the broad open sea, which makes this part feel sheltered and scenic.

Kayaking is available in the lagoon, but it is not included. The listed price is Php 300 for two people, so sharing makes it a modest extra charge. You should decide early if kayaking matters to you, because the stop may feel different when you are moving across the water rather than simply looking at it from the boat.

The wording for this experience refers to three lagoons, including Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, and Small Lagoon. The listed highlights specifically name Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon, while the fuller description also mentions Small Lagoon. I would confirm the exact lagoon route with BIZ IT Travel and Tours before departure, since the information does not present one perfectly consistent list of stops.

That small detail matters. An eight-hour trip can feel generous, but every lagoon transfer, entry procedure, and equipment rental uses part of the day. If Small Lagoon is important to you, ask if it is included on your departure date rather than assuming the route always includes all three.

Secret Lagoon and the extra entrance costs

Secret Lagoon offers a different kind of stop from Big Lagoon. The name points to a more enclosed setting, and the description links it with clear water and beach access. You should expect a scenic stop that feels more compact than Big Lagoon, with time shaped by boat access, walking, and the group schedule.

The lagoon entrance fee is listed separately at Php 200 per person. This is one of the costs that can make the advertised fare look lower than the final amount. I recommend setting aside money for both the environmental fee and lagoon fee before you meet the representative.

The environmental fee is Php 200 per person and remains valid for 10 days. That is useful if you are staying in El Nido for several days and plan to take another qualifying outing during that period. Keep the ticket safe, since its value comes from being valid beyond this one day.

The pickup and payment arrangement deserves attention. One booking had a hotel transfer that was nearly missed, and the environmental fee was paid at an informal roadside office before a walk toward the beach. I would be ready early, confirm the pickup time, and ask exactly where you should meet the BIZ IT Travel representative.

Shimizu Island, with time to slow down

Shimizu Island is the beach pause in a day otherwise built around lagoons and boat movement. The plan calls for white sand, sun, and time to relax. I like this balance because you are not spending every minute squeezing through a schedule of water stops.

The island’s name is linked to a Japanese diver who allegedly died in a nearby underwater tunnel. That story adds a somber note to an otherwise easygoing beach stop. It also reflects how local places can carry layers of folklore and outside influence without needing a formal museum or guided lecture.

The supplied information does not give a fixed length of stay at Shimizu Island. That makes the guide’s instructions important. Ask how long you have at each stop and when you need to return to the boat, particularly if you want time to eat, swim, change clothes, and dry off.

Food is the clearest concern at lunch. A packed lunch is included, but one meal was considered too limited, with vegetarian food reduced to cucumbers and lemon. If you do not eat meat or need a larger meal, ask BIZ IT Travel and Tours what the current menu is before departure and consider bringing a permitted backup snack.

Seven Commando Beach and the beach portion of the day

Seven Commando Beach gives Tour A another stretch of sand and open water. Along with Shimizu Island, it prevents the itinerary from feeling like a series of similar lagoon visits. You can use the beach stops to rest your eyes, dry off, and enjoy a less enclosed view.

The available details do not specify every activity at Seven Commando Beach, nor do they provide a set timetable. I would treat it as a flexible beach stop rather than expecting a particular show, meal, or water activity. Your guide should explain what is available when you arrive.

This is also where packing well pays off. Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, a sun hat, and sunscreen. A waterproof bag would be sensible for personal items, though it is not specifically listed as included. You should also bring your passport, which is required in the important information even though it may not be needed at every stop.

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. That rule is simple, but it is worth knowing before you pack for a beach day. The tour is also not suitable for people prone to seasickness or people with high blood pressure, so consider the boat conditions and your own health before paying.

How the boat day is likely to feel

The tour lasts eight hours, making this a full day rather than a quick coastal outing. You will spend meaningful time on the boat between stops, so seasickness is not a minor concern. If you are prone to it, this may be the wrong excursion even if the destinations appeal to you.

A licensed captain and licensed guide are included. The strongest part of the operation appears to be the crew’s care for the group. You can reasonably expect a team that pays attention to passengers, but you should not assume that every transition will be explained in detail.

One booking described delays caused by unclear instructions. At some stops, the group arrived and then had to gather belongings or work out what to take, which used valuable time. I would keep your essentials together in one small waterproof bag and listen for the return-to-boat time as soon as you arrive.

The guide speaks English, and the experience is listed as wheelchair accessible. Accessibility can depend on the boat, shoreline, and lagoon conditions, so you should still discuss your specific needs with the provider before booking. The supplied information confirms accessibility, but it does not describe ramps, transfer assistance, or beach conditions.

What the $27 price really includes

The $27 fare covers the core transport and service:

• Boat transfer
• Licensed boat captain
• Licensed English-speaking guide
• Packed lunch
• Bottled water for each person

That package makes sense for someone who wants a straightforward shared excursion. You are paying for access to several well-known El Nido stops without having to arrange the captain, route, and lunch yourself.

The exclusions are just as important:

• Environmental fee: Php 200 per person, valid for 10 days
• Lagoon entrance: Php 200 per person
• Kayak: Php 300 for two people

I see the tour as good value if you want the standard route and are comfortable with a basic lunch. I would be less enthusiastic if you expect a polished, tightly managed operation or a generous vegetarian meal. The price is low enough that some rough edges are understandable, but clear pickup details and better food planning should still be part of the service.

What to pack for a smoother day

You do not need a large bag. I would keep your kit small and easy to carry between the boat, beach, and lagoon.

Bring:

• Swimwear
• A complete change of clothes
• Sunscreen
• A sun hat
• Your passport
• Money for the environmental fee, lagoon fee, and possible kayak rental

The change of clothes matters more than it may seem. With several water-focused stops, you may spend much of the day wet or damp. Keeping dry clothes in a protected bag can make the boat ride home much more pleasant.

Use sunscreen before boarding and reapply during the day. The itinerary includes exposed beaches and open boat time, so shade may not always be available. Bottled water is included, but the listed supply is one bottle per person, so you may want to ask the operator if additional water is allowed or available.

Who should book El Nido Tour A?

I would recommend this tour to you if you want a classic Palawan day with several famous stops, a reasonable starting price, and a crew that appears to care about passenger comfort. It suits couples, friends, and families who enjoy a mix of swimming, beach time, boat scenery, and short periods of organized exploration.

It is also a good fit if you value convenience over complete control. The boat, captain, guide, lunch, and water are arranged for you. You only need to manage your personal gear and the extra fees.

I would hesitate if you are highly sensitive to boat motion, need a carefully timed schedule, or require a dependable vegetarian meal without advance confirmation. People with high blood pressure and those prone to seasickness should not choose this activity according to the stated restrictions.

The experience may also disappoint you if you assume every detail is included in the $27 fare. Budget for the extra fees, confirm the exact lagoon lineup, and ask about pickup and food before you go.

Should you book this Palawan island tour?

Book El Nido Tour A if Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Seven Commando Beach match the kind of day you want. The scenery and variety make the route attractive, and the crew is the best reason to feel confident about the basic service.

Go in with realistic expectations. This is an affordable shared boat day, not a luxury charter. Confirm your pickup, ask whether Small Lagoon is included, check the vegetarian lunch options, and keep cash ready for the Php 200 environmental fee, Php 200 lagoon fee, and optional Php 300 kayak.

With those details settled, I think the tour offers a solid way to see El Nido’s signature lagoons and beaches in one long day.

FAQ

How long does El Nido Tour A last?

The tour lasts eight hours. Starting times depend on availability, so check the available departure options when booking.

What places are included?

The main listed highlights are Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Seven Commando Beach, and Shimizu Island. The description also refers to Small Lagoon and three lagoons, so confirm the exact route with BIZ IT Travel and Tours.

Is kayaking included in the price?

No. Kayak rental costs Php 300 for two people.

What extra fees must I pay?

The environmental fee is Php 200 per person and is valid for 10 days. The lagoon entrance fee is Php 200 per person. Both are separate from the $27 tour price.

What is included in the tour?

The price includes a packed lunch, bottled water for each person, a licensed English-speaking guide, boat transfer, and a licensed boat captain.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, a sun hat, sunscreen, and your passport. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.