El Nido: Tour A (Big & Secret Lagoon, Shimizu, 7 Commando)

El Nido’s best day is spent on the water. This 7.5-hour island tour brings together dramatic limestone scenery, swimming stops, a buffet lunch, and time at several of Bacuit Bay’s most famous places. I especially like the mix of scenery and activity: you get the calm beauty of Big Lagoon, coral snorkeling at Shimizu Island, and a beach break at Seven Commandos.

I also like the low starting price of $23 per person, which includes lunch and bottled water. The main caution is that the final cost rises with required or likely add-ons, including the environmental fee, Big Lagoon fee, and optional kayak and snorkeling equipment. Boat reliability is another point to consider, since one January 2026 booking described a long delay caused by two poorly working boats.

Key points to know before booking

• Big Lagoon is the visual centerpiece: Expect steep limestone walls, calm water, and striking views, with a separate entrance fee and optional kayak cost.
• Shimizu Island gets the longest stop: The advertised 105 minutes gives you time for lunch, swimming, and snorkeling.
• Seven Commandos is a short beach stop: The scheduled visit lasts about 45 minutes, enough for a quick swim and a look around.
• Secret Lagoon requires a narrow entrance: The appeal is the small opening leading to a quiet enclosed pool, though access may depend on conditions and crowd levels.
• The price is only the starting point: Budget for the environmental fee of P400 and Big Lagoon entrance fee of P200, plus optional gear.
• Weather and boat conditions matter: Tours can be canceled for bad weather, and one poor report raised concerns about boat maintenance and crew communication.

Starting at Grounded Coffee in El Nido

The day begins at Grounded 100% Arabica Coffee in El Nido. The supplied details give both 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM as the meeting time, so I would confirm the exact departure time with Akingventures Travel & Tours before the morning of your trip.

From the coffee shop, you walk about 15 minutes toward the departure area. That short walk is simple, but it is worth wearing sandals or shoes you can use around wet docks. The tour finishes at Bacuit Bay Floating Dock 1, so you should not assume you will return to the same coffee shop.

This is a shared group tour, unless you arrange a private option. That keeps the price down, but it also means the pace is not entirely yours. You may need to wait while the group boards, gathers for lunch, or gets ready for the next stop.

The tour is conducted in English. A guide is included, and one booking praised the guide for being friendly and attentive. That is useful on a water-based trip, where help with boarding, swimming stops, and changing conditions makes the day easier.

Seven Commandos Beach: a gentle first stop

Seven Commandos Beach is scheduled for about 45 minutes. It is a sensible opening stop because it gives you a chance to get used to the boat day without starting with the most demanding activity.

The name is tied to a wartime story about seven Japanese soldiers who stayed on the island after World War II. The supplied tour details do not promise a history talk, so think of this primarily as a short beach visit rather than a formal cultural stop.

You can expect time to relax, take photographs, and possibly swim. The beach is also a useful place to get a first look at the limestone scenery around Bacuit Bay. Since the visit is under an hour, I would not count on a long, quiet beach day here.

Bring sunscreen and a hat, but keep both easy to pack away. You will be moving between boat, beach, and water, and anything left exposed can get wet. A camera is listed among the suggested items, though a waterproof pouch is a sensible extra if you have one.

Big Lagoon: the tour’s most memorable setting

Big Lagoon is the major scenic stop. Tall limestone walls frame a broad stretch of clear water, creating the kind of view that explains why El Nido tours are so popular. The water and cliffs are the main attraction here, so even a short visit can feel worthwhile.

The tour description presents Big Lagoon as a place for exploring and snorkeling, but the separate P200 entrance fee and P300 kayak rental are important. Kayaking is optional, not included in the $23 price. If you want to paddle through the lagoon, add that cost before deciding how good the deal is for you.

The supplied schedule has a one-hour guided-tour block after Seven Commandos, but the stop is not clearly labeled in the timing list. Big Lagoon is named as one of the included places, yet the schedule does not give it a plainly stated duration. I would ask the operator how much time is assigned there and if kayaking is done during that window.

You may find the lagoon more peaceful from a kayak than from the main boat, but the choice depends on your priorities. Kayaking costs extra and may involve more effort. If you mainly want photographs and scenery, staying with the group may be enough. If you want to move quietly across the water, the rental can be worth considering.

Big Lagoon is also where crowding and timing can affect the mood. A shared tour gives you access at a low price, but you do not control how long the group stays. I would keep expectations realistic: this is a popular El Nido stop, not a private wilderness outing.

Shimizu Island: the best all-around break

Shimizu Island receives the longest listed stop, about 105 minutes. That makes it the most useful part of the day for combining lunch, swimming, and snorkeling without rushing from one activity to another.

The island is known here for colorful coral reefs and marine life. Snorkeling equipment costs P100 if you need to rent it, and aqua shoes are another optional P100. The tour does not say that personal equipment is provided, so ask before departure if you plan to bring your own mask, snorkel, or water shoes.

A buffet lunch is included, along with a 300 ml bottle of water. That inclusion adds real value to the price because a full day on the water is difficult without a meal. Still, 300 ml is not much for several hours outdoors, especially if you swim and snorkel. Bring extra water and snacks, as the practical instructions suggest.

Shimizu is probably the easiest place to slow down. You can eat, look over the surrounding views, and choose how active you want to be. If the weather is unsettled, you may prefer to stay close to the group and limit time in the water. One booking from January 2025 described stormy conditions, but praised the crew for taking safety seriously and keeping watch over the group.

That safety-minded approach matters. Snorkeling is simple for confident swimmers, but sea conditions can change. Follow the guide’s instructions, avoid touching coral or marine life, and do not handle plants. Those rules protect the place and help you avoid damaging fragile areas.

Secret Lagoon through its narrow opening

Secret Lagoon offers a different kind of stop. Instead of a wide open bay, you reach the enclosed area through a narrow opening. That entrance is part of the appeal, but it can also make the stop feel less relaxed if many people are trying to pass through at once.

The scheduled visit lasts about one hour. That should give you time to see the lagoon, take photographs, and enjoy the unusual setting. You should not expect a long swim session unless conditions and crowd levels allow it.

The name can create oversized expectations. This is not a completely private place, and the tour is part of a popular shared route. Still, the short passage and enclosed water make it distinct from Big Lagoon. I like that the day includes both types of scenery: a broad, open view and a smaller, more sheltered stop.

Bring footwear you can use around wet or uneven areas. Aqua shoes are optional at P100, and they may be useful if the access involves sharp or slippery surfaces. The supplied information does not guarantee the exact access conditions, so ask the guide before entering the water.

The Small Lagoon question

The overview mentions Small Lagoon alongside Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon. However, the detailed stop list names Seven Commandos Beach, Shimizu Island, Secret Lagoon, and Big Lagoon, while the timing information does not clearly assign a visit to Small Lagoon.

That matters because Small Lagoon is not simply another name for Big Lagoon. If seeing Small Lagoon is important to you, confirm the exact route before booking. The title and main details focus on Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Seven Commandos, so I would not assume Small Lagoon is guaranteed without written confirmation.

This is a small but important planning point. El Nido tours often sound similar while using different combinations of stops. A quick check with the operator can prevent disappointment.

What the $23 price really covers

At $23 per person, this is an inexpensive way to spend most of a day around Bacuit Bay. The included buffet lunch and bottled water improve the deal, as does the English-speaking guide.

But the headline price does not cover everything. You should budget for:

• Environmental fee: P400, valid for five days if you have already paid it and can show the receipt
• Big Lagoon entrance fee: P200
• Kayak rental: P300, optional
• Snorkeling gear: P100, optional
• Aqua shoes: P100, optional

The environmental fee is especially important because it can be paid earlier and used for five days. Keep the issued copy with you. If you have already paid it, showing proof may save you from paying again.

The optional fees are not unreasonable, but they change the value calculation. A visitor who already has snorkeling equipment and skips the kayak will pay much less than someone renting everything. I would view the tour as good value for the transport, guide, lunch, and several major stops, but not as an all-inclusive $23 day.

Boat reliability and communication

Most of the useful feedback is positive about the human side of the operation. One booking praised Akingventures Travel & Tours for being helpful before and after the trip. Mark answered questions at the company office, helped with registration and snorkeling gear, followed up afterward, and even assisted with ferry tickets to Coron.

That sort of practical help can be valuable in El Nido, where tour details, fees, and onward boat travel may require coordination. Another booking praised the guide’s friendly and attentive manner.

There is also a serious negative report. A January 2026 booking described a broken boat, a wait of about 1.5 hours for a replacement, and a second boat that appeared unreliable. The same report criticized the lack of communication from the crew. This is only one account, but it is too specific to ignore.

The overall score provided is 3.4 out of 5 from eight bookings. That suggests a mixed experience rather than a clear recommendation for everyone. Before paying, I would confirm the departure time, ask how delays are handled, and make sure the operator has your correct contact details.

Weather, safety, and what to pack

Tours can be canceled because of weather. That is not a minor detail in El Nido, where the day depends on sea conditions, boat movement, and safe access to lagoons.

Pack a hat, swimwear, sunscreen, water, snacks, and a camera. I would also bring a dry bag or waterproof phone case, though those items are not specifically listed. Keep your belongings compact because space on a shared boat may be limited.

Smoking and littering are not allowed. Touching marine life and plants is also prohibited. These rules are straightforward, and they matter most at the snorkeling stops, where careless contact can harm coral and animals.

The tour lasts about seven hours and is expected to return around 4:30 PM, although the stated duration is also given as 7.5 hours. Plan your evening with some flexibility, especially if weather or boat problems slow the day.

Who will enjoy this tour most?

I would recommend Tour A to you if this is your first visit to El Nido and you want several famous stops in one day. It suits people who like a balance of beach time, snorkeling, photographs, and guided sightseeing.

It is also a good fit if you are watching your budget and do not need a private boat. The buffet lunch helps, and the basic rate is low compared with arranging separate transport and meals.

I would be more cautious if you want long, quiet stays at each location. The shared format and multiple stops mean the schedule can feel busy. You should also think carefully if you dislike uncertain boat conditions or need a tightly timed return for another booking.

Families and mixed-ability groups may appreciate the range of activities, but everyone should be comfortable with boat transfers and swimming stops. The provided information does not give detailed accessibility guidance, so ask the operator directly if mobility support is important.

Should you book El Nido Tour A?

Book this tour if you want a low-cost introduction to El Nido’s most famous water stops, and you are comfortable paying the extra fees for the environmental charge, Big Lagoon, and optional equipment. The combination of Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Seven Commandos gives you plenty of variety in one day.

I would book it with two checks first: confirm whether Small Lagoon is actually included, and verify the meeting time, since both 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM appear in the supplied details. I would also leave room in your schedule in case weather or boat trouble causes delays.

Akingventures appears especially helpful with questions and onward travel planning, and the guide and safety feedback is encouraging. The boat complaint keeps this from being an automatic recommendation, but for a flexible visitor who values price and variety, it remains a reasonable El Nido choice.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet?

The meeting point is Grounded 100% Arabica Coffee, El Nido Branch. The supplied information gives both 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM, so confirm the exact time with the tour operator.

How long does El Nido Tour A last?

The tour is listed as lasting 7.5 hours, with another note describing about seven hours and a return around 4:30 PM.

What places are included?

The tour includes Big Lagoon, Seven Commandos Beach, Shimizu Island, and Secret Lagoon. The overview also mentions Small Lagoon, but the detailed stop schedule does not clearly confirm it, so ask before booking if it is important to you.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet lunch and one 300 ml bottle of water are included.

What extra fees should I expect?

The environmental fee is P400, and the Big Lagoon entrance fee is P200. Kayak rental costs P300, while snorkeling gear and aqua shoes cost P100 each. The kayak, snorkeling gear, and aqua shoes are optional.

Is this a private or shared tour?

It is a shared group tour unless you book a private option.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour also offers a reserve-now-and-pay-later option, subject to the booking terms.