El Nido Island Hopping Tour A with Lunch

The best part of this El Nido boat trip is the mix of white-sand beaches, limestone islands, and clear swimming water packed into one day. You visit Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Seven Commandos Beach, with two additional stops advertised as part of the five-island route.

I like the generous lunch, which can include fish, chicken, pork, vegetables, fruit, and rice, and I like that downtown transport and boat transfers are covered. Guides such as Ariel have earned praise for being attentive and helpful. The main catch is the extra cost for environmental and lagoon fees, plus some uncertainty around the exact five-stop route and snorkeling charges.

Key points to know before booking

• Secret Lagoon combines beach time with a short lagoon visit, with about 30 minutes scheduled at the stop.
• Shimizu Island gives you a pleasant swimming and picnic setting, shaded by trees and bordered by clear water.
• Seven Commandos Beach allows the longest listed beach stop, with about one hour to swim and relax.
• Lunch is a real strength, with a broad spread that can include seafood, meat, vegetables, fruit, and rice.
• The advertised five-stop route needs clarification, since only three stops are named in the supplied schedule.
• Budget extra money for fees and rentals, including the ₱400 environmental fee and possible Big Lagoon, kayak, snorkeling, or aqua-shoe charges.

What this El Nido day on the water is really like

El Nido is best seen from the sea. Limestone walls rise out of the water, small beaches appear between rocky islands, and the boat ride itself becomes part of the day rather than just transport between attractions.

This Tour A outing gives you a standard full-day island-hopping plan, starting at 9:00 a.m. and lasting roughly 6 to 8 hours. You meet at Mabuhay Sports Bar in downtown El Nido, then return to the same point at the end.

The group can reach 30 people, so this is not a private cruise. That keeps the $24 starting price low, but it also means more waiting when people board the boat, gather at a beach, or arrange kayaks. If you enjoy a social day and want to keep costs down, that tradeoff may work well. If you want quiet coves and your own schedule, look for a smaller private boat instead.

The tour advertises three route choices, built around lagoons and beaches, caves and coves, or hidden beaches and shrines. The supplied schedule for this Tour A version specifically names Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Seven Commandos Beach. It also says you visit five islands, but it does not identify the remaining two stops. I would ask the operator to confirm the full route before paying, especially if one of the missing stops is Big Lagoon.

Secret Lagoon: a beach stop with a short passage inland

Secret Lagoon is the first named stop. You arrive at an island with a white beach and clear water, then make your way to the lagoon tucked inside the island.

Only about 30 minutes is scheduled here. That is enough for a quick look and some time on the beach, but it is not a leisurely stay. Depending on conditions and the number of boats present, you may spend part of that time moving with the group.

The appeal is the contrast. From the beach, you see open water and limestone scenery. A short route takes you toward a more enclosed pool hidden behind the island. It is a compact stop, so keep your belongings organized and be ready to move when the guide calls the group back.

There is one important money question here. The booking information lists a Big Lagoon user fee of ₱200 per person, even though the named schedule refers to Secret Lagoon. It also lists kayak rental at ₱350 per person for access to Big Lagoon. These details do not line up perfectly with the published stop list, so confirm which lagoon is included in your version and which fees apply.

Shimizu Island: shade, swimming, and lunch potential

Shimizu Island is described as a calm place to shelter beneath trees and spend time beside clear blue water. Its white-sand beach gives you an easy break from the boat, with room to swim, sit, and take in the green island backdrop.

The listed visit lasts 30 minutes, which is brief. You will have time for a quick swim or a short walk along the beach, but you should not expect a long, quiet beach session. The value here comes from variety: after the enclosed feel of Secret Lagoon, Shimizu gives you open beach and water.

Lunch is included, and this is where the schedule may vary. The meal has been described as a large spread with fish, chicken, pork, vegetables, fruit, and plenty of rice. One booking experience also arranged vegan food when requested, but you should state dietary needs clearly before departure and confirm that the request has been noted.

Do not assume every food or equipment detail is included just because one part of the description sounds generous. The inclusions list says lunch, a local guide, and boat transfers are covered. It also mentions free snorkeling equipment in the general tour description, while the exclusions list gives a snorkeling charge of ₱150 per person. Ask which policy applies to your booking.

Seven Commandos Beach: the longest named stop

Seven Commandos Beach receives about one hour, making it the most generous stop in the listed schedule. Its limestone mountain, green vegetation, white sand, and clear water give you time to slow down after the shorter lagoon and beach visits.

This is the place to swim without watching the clock every few minutes. You can also use the hour to sit beneath the greenery, take photos, or simply enjoy the view from the shore.

A beach with a name like Seven Commandos naturally invites a story, but the experience here is about the setting, not a formal history lesson. The supplied information does not promise a guided historical talk, so come for the beach, water, and scenery.

The main limitation is that a one-hour stop can pass quickly when a group of up to 30 people is unloading and reboarding. Keep track of the boat and listen for instructions. A beautiful beach is less enjoyable when you are the last person trying to find the right departure point.

The missing two stops deserve a question before departure

The tour promises five island stops, but the detailed schedule names only three: Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Seven Commandos Beach. The overview says the route can include beaches, caves, lagoons, coves, or shrines, depending on the selected option.

That gives you a useful clue about the broader Tour A format, but not enough detail to know exactly what your day includes. The additional stop could affect your decision, especially if you care most about kayaking, snorkeling, caves, or quiet beach time.

I would send one simple question before booking: Which five stops are included in my Tour A departure, and are Big Lagoon and kayak rental part of this route? Also ask whether snorkeling equipment is free or costs ₱150. The answers matter more than a polished route title.

Lunch is one of the better parts of the deal

For $24 per person, including the boat, guide, and lunch, this tour offers a strong basic package. The food is not just a token sandwich. The meal can include fish, chicken, pork, vegetables, fruit, and rice, giving you several choices during a long day in the sun.

That matters in El Nido because island-hopping leaves you away from town for hours. Buying a separate meal on an island could be difficult or costly, while a shared spread keeps the day moving.

Food service can still be uneven. One person reported not receiving a requested meal, while another received vegan arrangements. I would send dietary requests in advance, then remind the crew at the start of the day. If you have strict allergies, ask exactly what is in the dishes rather than relying on a general request.

What the $24 price does and does not cover

The advertised price is low for a full-day boat outing. At $24, you receive lunch, a local guide, and boat transfers, with round-trip transport from downtown El Nido included through the meeting-point arrangement.

But the starting price is not the final cost for everyone. The listed extras include:

• El Nido Eco-Tourism Development Fee: ₱400 per person
• Big Lagoon user fee: ₱200 per person
• Big Lagoon kayak rental: ₱350 per person
• Snorkeling equipment: ₱150 per person
• Aqua shoes: ₱150 per person

The eco-tourism fee deserves special attention. A complaint about being charged ₱400 was answered by explaining that the amount covered the ₱200 environmental fee plus the ₱200 lagoon user fee. The lesson is simple: ask for a clear breakdown before handing over money.

The equipment charges also need checking because the general description refers to free snorkeling equipment, while the exclusions list gives a rental price. Bring your own gear if you already have it, or confirm the charge before the boat leaves.

Guides, crew, and the human side of the trip

The strongest service reports focus on the crew. Ariel is specifically praised for being attentive and helpful, while other crew members are described as friendly, service-minded, and easy to talk with.

Another important detail is that one group was taken in the reverse direction from many other boats. That can reduce crowding at some stops, though it is not guaranteed for every departure. Route order depends on conditions and the operator’s plan.

The booking information identifies Corazon Travel and Tours as the provider, while some praise refers to LoveLynne tours. That may reflect a local partner or a different booking label. If having a particular guide or operator matters to you, confirm who will run your departure rather than assuming Ariel will be assigned.

The boat, water entry, and comfort questions

The tour uses boat transfers, but the supplied details do not identify the boat type or promise a dry boarding point. One account described boarding through chest-high water before climbing a ladder. That may depend on the tide, beach conditions, and the day’s landing point, but it is worth preparing for.

Wear clothing and footwear that can get wet. Aqua shoes are listed at ₱150 for rental, so you can decide if that is worth paying or bring your own suitable footwear. Keep phones, cameras, and wallets in a waterproof pouch.

The trip requires good weather. If poor weather cancels the activity, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the 9:00 a.m. start time. Changes or cancellations within 24 hours are not accepted.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would choose this trip if you want a low-cost introduction to El Nido’s island scenery and prefer a ready-made day rather than arranging a private boat, lunch, and guide separately.

It suits you if you like:

• Swimming and beach time
• A social group outing
• A full schedule with several stops
• Shared lunch with meat, seafood, vegetables, fruit, and rice
• A guide and crew handling the boat logistics
• The option to add kayaking or snorkeling for a separate fee

It may not suit you if you need a quiet boat, a slow pace, or complete certainty about every stop before departure. The 30-person maximum is manageable for many people, but it is still a fairly large group for small beaches and narrow lagoon access.

You should also be comfortable with possible wet boarding and extra charges. The base price is attractive, but the total cost can rise once you add fees, a kayak, snorkeling gear, or aqua shoes.

Should you book El Nido Tour A?

Book it if your priority is value. The $24 price covers the main boat experience, a guide, lunch, and a full day among El Nido’s beaches and limestone islands. The food sounds especially good for a budget group trip, and the crew may make a real difference, with Ariel and other guides receiving specific praise for attentive service.

Before you pay, confirm three things: the complete list of five stops, the exact environmental and lagoon fees, and whether snorkeling equipment is free or charged at ₱150. If those details are clear and you are happy with a group of up to 30, this is a sensible way to see El Nido from the water.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Mabuhay Sports Bar in El Nido, Palawan.

What time does the tour begin?

The scheduled start time is 9:00 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately 6 to 8 hours.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point in El Nido.

What is included in the price?

Lunch, a local guide, and boat transfers are included. Round-trip transport from downtown El Nido is also included in the tour arrangements.

How many people can join the group?

The maximum group size is 30 people.

Which stops are named in the schedule?

The named stops are Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Seven Commandos Beach. The tour advertises five island stops, so you should confirm the other two before booking.

Is the environmental fee included?

No. The El Nido Eco-Tourism Development Fee is listed as ₱400 per person.

Is kayaking included?

No. Kayak rental for access to Big Lagoon is listed at ₱350 per person.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted. If poor weather cancels the tour, you are offered another date or a full refund.