El Nido: Island Hopping Tour A Lagoons and Beaches

El Nido Tour A puts you among Bacuit Bay’s most famous sights: sheer limestone walls, clear water, bright beaches, and the spectacular Big Lagoon. The best part is the mix of gentle swimming, beach time, snorkeling, and kayaking, so the day never feels like one long boat ride.

I like the helpful boat crews, who regularly assist with boarding, photos, safety, and kayaking. I also like the generous lunch, which includes meat, fish, vegetables, and fruit. The main drawback is no secret at all: Tour A is popular, and the best places can feel crowded, especially when several boats arrive together.

Key points

• Big Lagoon kayaking: The day’s star attraction, with a separate entry fee and kayak rental.
• Four-stop format: Expect up to four main stops, with the exact mix affected by access and timing.
• Lunch included: A substantial buffet-style meal is served during the day.
• Strong crew support: Guides such as Buddy, Dexter, John, and others are praised for help with photos, safety, and water activities.
• Extra costs: Bring cash for the 400 PHP environmental fee, Big Lagoon’s 200 PHP entry fee, and optional equipment.
• Crowds are part of the deal: An early start or private boat can make the famous stops calmer.

What Tour A Is Really Like After Eight Hours on Bacuit Bay

At $23 per person, this is one of El Nido’s easiest ways to see several headline sights in one day. You get a licensed guide, boat transport between the islands, life vests, and lunch.

That low base price does not cover everything. You must pay the 400 PHP El Nido Tourism Development Fee before boarding unless you already have proof of payment. Big Lagoon requires another 200 PHP entry fee, and kayaking, fins, and aqua shoes are optional extras.

I would treat the advertised price as the starting cost, not the final bill. Still, the value is strong. You receive a full eight-hour outing, a meal, several major Bacuit Bay stops, and a crew that usually does far more than simply point at the next island.

The boat may be shared or private, depending on the option you choose. A private trip costs more, but it can help you reach stops before the main rush and gives you more control over the pace. One private group found that arriving ahead of shared boats meant quieter moments at the islands.

Secret Lagoon: A Short Passage Into Limestone

The Secret Lagoon is usually the first major stop, and it gives Tour A its sense of adventure right away. The entrance is concealed within tall, jagged rock walls. To reach the small inner pool, you pass through a narrow opening in the stone, usually by swimming or following the access route directed by the crew.

The setting is striking because the outside beach and the hidden pool feel like two separate places. The water is calm, and the surrounding rock makes the stop feel enclosed and unusual.

This is not the best place for a long, peaceful swim. Space can be tight, particularly when several boats arrive. You may also need to wait your turn near the entrance. Bring water-friendly footwear if you have tender feet, since sharp rock and coral can make bare-foot access uncomfortable.

Your guide will explain how to enter safely. Pay attention, especially if the tide or weather makes the opening less easy to pass. The crew’s help is useful here, since getting on and off the boat can be awkward even for confident swimmers.

Big Lagoon: The Stop Worth Paying Extra For

Big Lagoon is the main reason many people choose Tour A. High limestone walls rise around a long stretch of still, blue-green water. The usual way to enter is by renting a kayak and paddling into the lagoon.

The kayak gives you time to look up at the cliffs instead of merely passing them from the boat. You can move at your own pace, stop for photos, and enjoy the quiet water. Several people found this to be the strongest part of the day, and I understand why. It is the one stop that feels more active and spacious than a standard beach visit.

The extra charges matter. Big Lagoon has a 200 PHP entry fee, and the kayak is not included. Recent bookings have paid about 300 PHP for a kayak that holds two people, though you should confirm the current rate before setting out. Fins and other water equipment are also separate rentals.

Access is limited. If the lagoon has reached its daily limit, the boat will visit another location instead. This is an important point when comparing tours, because Big Lagoon is not guaranteed simply because it appears in the plan.

Timing can also affect the experience. One group arrived about an hour late and found the lagoon full of boats, leaving less room and less time for kayaking. If Big Lagoon matters most to you, ask about the start time and consider a private trip if your budget allows.

Shimizu Island: Clear Water and a Proper Beach Break

Shimizu Island offers the classic El Nido scene: pale sand, clear water, and limestone cliffs rising behind the shore. It is a good place to slow down after the activity at the lagoons.

Depending on the day’s arrangement, this stop may be used for swimming, snorkeling, lunch, or a mixture of all three. You can expect the crew to point out the best place to enter the water and help you back onto the boat.

The water is generally the attraction, but conditions can change. Rain does not necessarily spoil the outing, yet cloud cover can soften the famous blue-and-green colors. Strong sun, on the other hand, makes sunscreen and a change of clothes essential.

This is also a practical stop for people who do not want to snorkel the whole day. You can sit on the sand, swim close to shore, or simply enjoy the view. The tour is not limited to confident swimmers, although you still need to manage boat boarding and uneven shore access.

Seven Commandos Beach: Coconut Trees and Easy Relaxation

Seven Commandos Beach is the most straightforward beach stop. Coconut trees line the sand, and the water is inviting for a swim. After several hours of moving between cliffs and lagoons, the open beach gives you space to stretch out.

It is a good choice for families and mixed groups because not everyone has to do the same activity. Strong swimmers can head into the water, while others can stay near the beach or take photos.

Do not expect solitude. Seven Commandos is one of the better-known stops in El Nido, and several tour boats may share the beach. Its appeal comes from the simple combination of white sand, palms, and clear water, not from being an untouched private island.

Some visitors have found cold drinks and ice cream available for purchase at island stops. Bring cash if you want those extras, since the tour price covers lunch but not personal purchases.

Snorkeling: Good Water, Uneven Conditions

The snorkeling portion adds welcome variety, but it is the least predictable part of the day. A stop may offer pleasant swimming and underwater scenery, yet visibility, fish, tide, and coral conditions can change.

One reported experience found the first snorkeling area average, with few fish and a difficult approach over sharp coral. That is useful advice: bring aqua shoes if your feet are sensitive, and do not judge the entire tour by one snorkeling stop.

The included life vest makes the activity easier for less confident swimmers. Fins are available to rent, and the crew can help you get into the water. You can also choose to stay aboard or enjoy the beach if snorkeling conditions do not suit you.

The water around the islands remains one of Tour A’s main pleasures, but this is not a specialist snorkeling expedition. Choose it for the full day of lagoons, beaches, and swimming. Choose another style of boat trip if underwater viewing is your only priority.

Lunch on the Boat or Beach

Lunch is included, and it is a real part of the value here. The meal is served buffet-style, with reports of fresh meat, fish, vegetables, and fruit. Portions are described as generous, and the variety is useful after a morning in the sun and water.

The exact setup and timing can vary. You may eat during a beach stop or at a designated lunch area, and the serving process can feel less organized when many boats arrive at once. One person specifically wanted better lunch organization, so do not expect restaurant-style service.

Even with that limitation, the meal is better than the bare-bones picnic you might receive on a very cheap boat trip. If you have dietary needs, the available information does not confirm special menus, so ask the operator before booking.

Bring your own refillable water container if possible. Plastic bottles are not allowed, and the tour asks you not to bring luggage or large bags. Cash is useful for fees, equipment, drinks, and ice cream.

The Crew Makes More Difference Than the Boat

The crew is one of the strongest parts of this experience. Guides named Buddy, Dexter, John, Mark, Jordan, Jojo, Nathan, Angelo, and others have been singled out for patience, humor, safety help, and photo assistance.

That matters because island hopping involves many small tasks: stepping from the boat, climbing onto a beach, handling a kayak, carrying snorkel equipment, and keeping track of personal items. A cheerful crew can turn these moments from awkward to easy.

Guides often take photos with your phone. This is especially useful at the lagoons, where you may not want to risk your own camera while swimming. If you want a photo, ask clearly and hand over your phone only when you are comfortable doing so.

Service is not identical on every departure. One guide was described as speaking too quickly and seeming impatient when asked to repeat information. If you need instructions repeated, ask early and directly. Safety advice matters more than keeping up with the group.

The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. It can still work for some older participants or non-swimmers, since the crew may assist with boarding and water activities, but you should be honest about balance and mobility before booking.

Shared Boat or Private Boat?

The shared option is the budget choice and makes the $23 price possible. You will spend the day with other people, and the boat may wait for late arrivals or move according to a group schedule.

This can affect the famous stops. One late departure delayed the whole day, and another group waited nearly an hour for people who had not arrived. Those delays are not guaranteed, but they show why departure timing matters.

A private boat gives you more breathing room. It may allow an earlier arrival at each location, a more flexible pace, and a quieter experience before other boats arrive. It is especially useful for couples, families, or small groups with one clear priority, such as spending more time at Big Lagoon.

Private does not mean every fee disappears. You still need to account for the environmental fee, Big Lagoon entry, and rental equipment. I would choose shared if price is the priority and private if crowd avoidance is worth the extra cost.

What to Pack for the Eight-Hour Day

Pack lightly. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, so use a small day bag for essential items.

Bring:

• Swimwear and a full change of clothes
• Sunscreen
• Passport or ID card
• Cash for required fees and rentals
• Aqua shoes if your feet are sensitive
• Any motion-sickness medicine you normally use
• A refillable water container, since plastic bottles are not allowed

A towel is not listed among the included items, so confirm if you need one. Keep your phone in a waterproof case if you plan to ask the crew to take photos near the water.

The sun can be strong even when the sky is cloudy. Rain does not always stop the trip, and several departures have continued in wet weather, but the colors of the water and cliffs may look less dramatic.

Is $23 Good Value for El Nido?

Yes, with a few conditions. The headline price is low for eight hours on the water and includes the guide, boat, life vest, and lunch. The food is a particularly useful inclusion, since buying every meal and drink separately at island stops would add up.

Your actual spending will be higher after the 400 PHP environmental fee, the 200 PHP Big Lagoon fee, and any kayak or equipment rental. The kayak is the extra I would prioritize. It gives you the most memorable use of your time and lets you experience Big Lagoon from inside the waterway rather than viewing it from the boat.

The value is also tied to your expectations. If you want empty beaches and a slow private pace, the shared tour may disappoint. If you want to see El Nido’s most famous stops without arranging transport, it is a strong deal.

Who Should Book Tour A?

I would choose this tour if you are visiting El Nido for the first time and want the classic Bacuit Bay sights in one day. It suits couples, families, groups of friends, and solo visitors who like a mix of swimming, photos, snorkeling, and beach time.

It also works for non-swimmers who are comfortable around water and can use a kayak or accept help from the crew. Life vests are supplied, and the crew has assisted older participants and people with balance concerns.

I would think twice if you dislike crowds, need step-free access, or want a dedicated snorkeling trip. The most popular places can be busy, shore access may involve sharp coral or uneven footing, and the exact stop sequence can change.

Should You Book El Nido Tour A?

Book it if you want Big Lagoon kayaking, several famous beaches, a filling lunch, and a helpful crew at a remarkably low starting price. Pay the extra fees without surprise, arrive ready for crowds, and bring cash for the kayak.

Choose a private group if you can afford it and care about arriving ahead of the main boat traffic. Choose the shared version if your main goal is to see Bacuit Bay’s best-known sights while keeping costs down.

The best reason to book is the variety. Tour A gives you cliffs, hidden rock passages, calm lagoons, snorkeling, beach time, and a meal in one long day. The main tradeoff is that El Nido’s most beautiful places are also its most popular.

FAQ

How long does El Nido Tour A last?

The tour lasts eight hours. Starting times depend on availability and the option booked.

What destinations are included?

The tour can include the Secret Lagoon, Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Seven Commandos Beach, and a snorkeling area. You can expect up to four stops in total, and the exact selection may change.

Is Big Lagoon guaranteed?

No. Entry is limited, and if access is no longer available, the boat will visit another spot.

Is kayaking included?

No. Kayaks are available to rent, but the rental cost is separate. Big Lagoon also has a separate 200 PHP entry fee.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included with the boat tour. The meal may include meat, fish, vegetables, and fruit.

What other fees must I pay?

You must pay the 400 PHP El Nido Tourism Development Fee before boarding unless you already have proof of payment. Big Lagoon entry and rental equipment are separate costs.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live guide service is available in English and Tagalog.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity also offers reserve now and pay later.