El Nido: Island Hopping Tour A Lagoons and Beaches

Big Lagoon is the star of this El Nido island-hopping tour, especially if you rent a kayak and paddle through the calm water between towering limestone walls. Tour A also gives you a good mix of swimming, snorkeling, beach time, and easy boat travel, all for about $23 per person.

I like the generous eight-hour schedule, which gives the day room to include four major stops, and I like the crew’s hands-on approach. Guides such as Buddy, Dexter, John, Mark, Jordan, and Jojo have been singled out for helping with kayaks, taking photos, and assisting older or less confident swimmers. The main catch is crowding, since Tour A is one of El Nido’s most popular routes and the Big Lagoon can feel busy.

Key points to know before you book

• Big Lagoon kayaking is the main attraction: Entry costs extra, and kayak rental is separate, but this is the stop that gives Tour A its strongest sense of place.
• Four classic Bacuit Bay stops: Expect Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Seven Commandos Beach, and a snorkeling stop within an eight-hour day.
• Lunch is included: The buffet usually includes meat or fish, vegetables, fruit, and other dishes, making the low tour price even better value.
• The crew helps beyond basic guiding: Guides regularly assist with boarding, kayaking, swimming, photos, and getting safely on and off the boat.
• Shared or private options are available: A private boat can reach some stops earlier and give you more control over the pace.
• Extra costs matter: Bring cash for the 400 PHP El Nido Tourism Development Fee, the 200 PHP Big Lagoon entry fee, and optional equipment rental.

Why Tour A remains El Nido’s popular choice

El Nido’s Bacuit Bay is made for a boat day. Pale limestone cliffs rise straight from clear water, and small islands break up the ride between beaches and lagoons. Tour A gathers several of the area’s best-known sights into one outing, so you spend less time choosing and more time in the water.

At roughly $23 per person, the basic price is unusually low for an eight-hour trip with a boat, guide, life vest, and lunch. You do need to add the 400 PHP environmental fee and the 200 PHP Big Lagoon fee, plus anything you rent, but the total can still be strong value for a full day.

I would choose this tour if you want El Nido’s signature scenery in one day. It is less suitable if you want empty beaches, long quiet pauses, or a slow private cruise without other boats nearby.

Starting the day in Bacuit Bay

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and the meeting point can vary depending on the option you book. Check the meeting instructions carefully, then arrive ready to board from the beach.

The boat carries life vests, and a licensed guide leads the day in English or Tagalog. The crew also handles the practical parts of the trip, from boarding to getting into the water. This matters because island-hopping boats often require you to step from the beach into shallow water or climb a short ladder.

Bring your passport or ID card, swimwear, a change of clothes, sunscreen, and cash. Large bags, luggage, plastic bottles, and smoking are not allowed. A small waterproof pouch is useful for your phone and money, though that specific item is not supplied.

The shared boat offers the lowest price and a social atmosphere. A private group costs more, but the extra space and flexible pace can be worthwhile for couples, families, or anyone hoping to reach the stops before the busiest wave of boats.

Big Lagoon: the reason to bring cash for a kayak

Big Lagoon is usually the most memorable part of the route. The entrance fee is 200 PHP, and you must pay it separately from the tour price. Entry is limited, so availability is not guaranteed. If the lagoon is full, the operator will substitute another stop.

Once inside, a kayak lets you move quietly across the enclosed water. The limestone walls make the lagoon feel very different from the open sea, and the paddling gives you more freedom than simply swimming from the boat. Kayaks are available to rent, but the rental cost is not included. Some bookings have paid about 300 pesos for a two-person kayak, so carry enough cash and confirm the current charge before setting off.

I would plan on kayaking here rather than treating it as an optional extra. The lagoon is the part of the day where the tour feels most distinctive, and the kayak gives you a better view of the cliffs and water than standing on a crowded beach.

There is one practical tradeoff. Big Lagoon can be busy, particularly when several boats arrive at once. One way to improve the experience is to choose a private tour, since private groups may reach the destinations earlier than shared boats. Even then, no boat can control the overall number of visitors or the entry limit.

Secret Lagoon and its rougher edge

Secret Lagoon is reached through a narrow opening in the rock. Inside, you find a small enclosed pool surrounded by jagged limestone, a striking contrast to the wide bay outside.

The entrance can be awkward, especially when the water is moving or many people are trying to pass through. This stop is not a good match for anyone with major mobility limits, and the activity is specifically not suitable for wheelchair users.

Wear secure footwear if you have it. Aqua shoes are available to rent, and they can help around rocky entry points and sharp coral. They are not included, so you will need to arrange and pay for them separately.

Secret Lagoon is more about the unusual setting than a long stretch of beach. I would keep your expectations focused on the rock passage and the small pool rather than expecting a large, quiet lagoon.

Shimizu Island for swimming and lunch

Shimizu Island brings the classic tropical beach pause: white sand, clear water, and time to swim or sit in the sun. It is a welcome change after the enclosed lagoons, since you get a more open view across the bay.

This is also where the day’s lunch fits into the rhythm of the tour. Lunch is included and is generally served buffet-style. The selection can include meat or fish, vegetables, fruit, and other dishes. Several meals have been praised as generous and surprisingly good for a budget boat trip.

Lunch organization may not always be perfectly smooth. If you are hungry after swimming, expect a busy serving period rather than a restaurant-style meal. Still, I consider the included food a major part of the value, particularly when compared with the low starting price.

Shimizu Island is also useful for non-swimmers. You can remain on the sand, wade in shallow water, or simply enjoy the view while other people snorkel. Crew members have helped older passengers and people who are not strong swimmers, but you should still tell the guide about any concerns before entering the water.

Seven Commandos Beach and an easy final swim

Seven Commandos Beach is lined with coconut trees and bright sand. It is the most straightforward beach stop on the route, with no narrow rock opening or lagoon entry to manage.

You can swim, sunbathe, take photos, or buy a cold drink or ice cream if vendors are operating. The beach can be crowded, but that is part of the reality of El Nido’s main island routes. You are visiting a famous place, not a private sandbar.

The stop works well late in the day because it gives you a simple break after kayaking and snorkeling. If you prefer active sightseeing all day, you might find the beach time a little long. If you want a chance to dry off and rest, it is welcome.

Snorkeling: good water, uneven conditions

A snorkeling stop is included, with equipment such as fins and aqua shoes available to rent. Bring your own gear if you already have it, or ask the crew about rentals before leaving.

The underwater scenery around Bacuit Bay can be beautiful, but conditions vary by exact stop, weather, and water clarity. One reported experience found the first snorkeling area average, with few fish and a difficult beach approach over sharp coral. That is useful to know: the lagoons and beaches are the most reliable highlights, while snorkeling may be the more variable part of the day.

Do not judge the whole tour by a single snorkeling spot. The route gives you several different settings, and the open-water swim at one stop may be better than the conditions at another. Wear a life vest if you need one, and listen closely to the crew around coral and boat traffic.

Guides, safety, and the human side of the trip

The strongest feature beyond the scenery is the crew. The guide is not just there to point at islands. Crew members have taken photos on passengers’ phones, helped solo visitors with kayaking, and assisted people with limited balance or swimming ability.

Dexter, also called Kuya Dex by some passengers, has been praised for clear explanations, safety checks, and personal help in a kayak. Buddy has earned similar praise for keeping the day friendly and well organized. John, Mark, Nathan, Edgar, Gerald, Arnold, Jordan, Jojo, Angelo, and others have also been named for attentive service.

Guiding styles can vary. One experience found the guide spoke very quickly and seemed impatient when asked to repeat information. If you miss an instruction, ask again, especially before swimming or kayaking. Safety comes before politeness.

The boat crew’s help is particularly useful when boarding from the beach, stepping into the water, or returning to the boat. Even so, this is not an assisted-access tour. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with serious mobility impairments.

Shared boat or private group?

The shared option makes financial sense for most people. At $23 per person, it lets you see the core sights without committing to a costly private charter. You should expect other people at every major stop, especially at Big Lagoon and Seven Commandos Beach.

A private group gives you more room and may allow an earlier arrival at some destinations. That can mean quieter moments before the larger group of shared boats arrives. It does not guarantee an empty lagoon, and the Big Lagoon entry limit still applies.

I would choose shared if you are watching your budget, traveling solo, or do not mind a social day. I would pay for private if you are traveling as a couple or family, want a flexible pace, or strongly dislike waiting for a large group.

One timing issue deserves attention: departures can be delayed if people are late or fail to appear. One trip lost close to an hour waiting for missing passengers. A private booking reduces that particular risk, though weather and destination controls remain outside your control.

What the $23 price really covers

The headline price includes the boat, a licensed guide, life vests, and lunch. For a full eight-hour trip, that is excellent value.

Budget separately for:

• 400 PHP El Nido Tourism Development Fee
• 200 PHP Big Lagoon entry fee
• Kayak rental at Big Lagoon
• Aqua shoes or fins, if needed
• Drinks, ice cream, or other purchases at the islands

The environmental fee must be paid before boarding. If you have already paid it, show the receipt to the guide so you do not pay twice.

The extra fees are not a reason to reject the tour, but you should calculate the real cost before booking. The low base rate can make the final price look smaller than it is. Even with the required fees and a kayak, the package remains a strong deal for a full day of island visits and lunch.

Weather, crowds, and how to prepare

Rain does not automatically ruin this outing. The boat continues in wet weather when conditions allow, and the limestone cliffs, lagoons, and beaches remain impressive under cloud. Still, poor weather can reduce visibility and make beach access less comfortable.

Sunscreen is essential, even on cloudy days. A change of clothes matters because you may get wet several times, and a dry top makes the return boat ride more comfortable. Bring cash in small amounts for fees and rentals.

If you get motion sickness, bring your usual medicine. The tour lasts eight hours, and the boat ride between stops can feel tiring for anyone sensitive to movement.

Avoid plastic bottles because they are not allowed. Use the water container permitted by the operator, or ask before boarding about acceptable alternatives.

Who should book Tour A?

I would recommend Tour A to first-time visitors who want El Nido’s most recognizable lagoons and beaches in one day. It also suits families with older children, couples, solo visitors, and non-swimmers who are comfortable receiving help from the crew.

The tour is especially good for you if:

• Big Lagoon is high on your list
• You want kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, and beach time in one day
• You value lunch being included
• You are happy to share a boat
• You want guides who help with photos and water activities

I would look at a private option if you need more control over timing. I would also think twice if crowded beaches frustrate you, if you have significant mobility limitations, or if you want a quiet nature trip with long stretches away from other boats.

Should you book this El Nido island-hopping tour?

Yes, if you want a broad introduction to Bacuit Bay at a low starting price. The Big Lagoon kayak, Secret Lagoon passage, white sand beaches, included lunch, and helpful crew create a satisfying full-day package.

Book it with realistic expectations. You will share famous places with many other boats, pay several charges beyond the advertised price, and possibly lose time to late passengers or a full Big Lagoon. If you can accept those limits, Tour A gives you a lot for the money. Choose private if quiet timing matters more than price, and reserve the kayak budget before you go.

FAQ

How long does El Nido Tour A last?

The tour lasts eight hours. Check the available booking options for the exact starting time.

Which places does the tour visit?

The planned stops include Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Seven Commandos Beach, and a snorkeling area. The day includes up to four stops in total, so the exact combination can vary.

Is the Big Lagoon fee included?

No. Big Lagoon entry costs 200 PHP and must be paid separately. Entry is limited, and you may visit another location if access is no longer available.

Is kayaking included in the tour price?

No. Kayaks are available to rent at Big Lagoon, but the rental fee is separate. Aqua shoes and fins also cost extra.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included in the tour price. It is generally served as a buffet with dishes such as meat or fish, vegetables, and fruit.

Do I need to pay an environmental fee?

Yes. The El Nido Tourism Development Fee is 400 PHP and must be paid before boarding. If you have already paid it, show your receipt to the guide to avoid paying again.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. The boat and island entries require boarding, walking, and getting in and out of the water.