El Nido Group Tour A with Beach Lunch

El Nido Tour A packs the area’s best-known scenery into one busy, beautiful day. You’ll kayak beneath huge limestone cliffs at Big Lagoon, squeeze through the opening of Secret Lagoon, snorkel near Shimizu Island, and finish with sand, palms, and lunch by the sea. I especially like the mix of active stops and easy beach time.

The two strongest points are the variety and the price. For $44.95, you get a seven-hour boat outing, beach lunch, town pickup, lagoon entry, and the environmental fee. The main catch is that a kayak costs P400 per kayak for two people, and masks and snorkels cost P100 per set. Families should also request small life jackets before departure.

Key points at a glance

• Big Lagoon takes about 90 minutes: Kayak or swim through calm turquoise water framed by towering limestone walls.
• Five major stops fill the day: You visit Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Payong-Payong Beach, Secret Lagoon, and Seven Commando Beach.
• Beach lunch is included: You eat by the water rather than returning to town for a midday meal.
• Extra costs are modest but easy to miss: Kayaks and snorkeling sets are not part of the $44.95 price.
• Be ready for wet access: You may need to walk through the water and climb a boat ladder at each stop.
• The group can reach 50 people: This is a social, fixed-route boat trip, not a private island-hopping day.

Why Tour A remains El Nido’s classic boat day

I like this route because it gives you several different versions of El Nido in one outing. Big Lagoon supplies the grand scenery, Shimizu Island adds snorkeling, Secret Lagoon brings a little adventure, and the two beaches slow the pace down.

You also get practical value. The price includes the environmental fee, listed at P400 per person and valid for 14 days, plus the lagoon entrance fee of P200 per person, lunch on the beach, and free pickup within El Nido town. That makes the advertised price more useful than a bare boat fare.

The tradeoff is that this is a group tour with a maximum of 50 people. The route is fixed, the day is fairly full, and the most popular stops can feel active rather than private. If you want quiet coves and a flexible schedule, a private boat would suit you better.

Big Lagoon: 90 minutes beneath limestone walls

Big Lagoon is the visual centerpiece. Clear turquoise water runs between steep limestone cliffs, creating the sort of setting that makes you stop talking for a moment and look around.

You have about an hour and a half here. Kayaking is the main extra activity, with a kayak priced at P400 for two people. If you prefer not to kayak, the lagoon also allows time for swimming and snorkeling, though the exact mix depends on your group and conditions.

I see the kayak fee as reasonable if two people share one. It lets you move at your own pace through the calm water and gives you a better angle on the cliffs than sitting on the boat. Still, bring cash or confirm the payment method before you go, since kayaking is not included in the tour price.

The word big matters here. This stop is about open views and dramatic rock walls, not a tiny secret pool. You’ll want a waterproof phone case or dry bag because the boat, transfers, and water access can all leave your belongings wet.

Shimizu Island: snorkeling with modest expectations

Shimizu Island gets about 90 minutes and is the main snorkeling stop. Its clear water and coral areas give you a chance to see tropical fish without needing a full-day reef excursion.

The snorkeling is pleasant, but I would set your expectations at a sensible level. Fish may be small, and the reef experience can feel fairly ordinary rather than spectacular. You might see a few larger fish, but this is not the place to expect huge schools or large marine animals.

A mask and snorkel set costs P100. That is a small extra charge, and it may be worth paying if you did not bring your own equipment. The supplied feedback also points to another practical detail: you should wear footwear that works in the sea, especially if you dislike rough surfaces or wet boat entries.

Your time here is not only about looking underwater. Shimizu Island gives you a chance to swim, cool down, and enjoy the cliffs and water from sea level. If snorkeling is your top reason for booking, treat it as one part of the day rather than the entire point of the tour.

Payong-Payong Beach: one hour of quiet sand

Payong-Payong Beach is the calmer beach stop. It has powdery white sand, clear shallow water, limestone cliffs, and greenery around the shore. With one hour here, you can swim, sit in the shade if available, or simply let the day slow down.

This stop helps balance the more active parts of the route. After a kayak session or a swim, an hour on a smaller beach feels useful, even if you do nothing more ambitious than dry off and take photos.

The shallow water is helpful for people who prefer an easy swim, but the tour still involves boat access and wet footing. You should not assume that every transfer is a dry walk from boat to sand. Wear sandals or water shoes that stay secure.

Payong-Payong is also a good reminder that Tour A is built around scenery rather than elaborate activities. The beach itself is the attraction. You do not need special skills or a strict plan to enjoy it.

Secret Lagoon: a small entrance with a big payoff

Secret Lagoon is reached through a small opening in a limestone wall. Once inside, you find a secluded pool enclosed by tall cliffs, with a sense of discovery that differs from the wide-open views at Big Lagoon.

The stop lasts about 90 minutes. Access can require walking in the water and climbing a ladder, so you should be comfortable with both. One of the clearest practical points from the experience is that you may repeat this kind of boat-to-water movement at several stops.

I would keep your hands free here. A waterproof bag protects phones, wallets, and cameras, while footwear with a firm grip makes the short entry easier. If mobility is a concern, tell the crew early. The crew and boat driver have helped people with limited mobility, but the water walk and ladder remain real parts of the visit.

Secret Lagoon is not a long hike or a demanding expedition. Its appeal comes from the narrow entrance and the sudden change in space once you pass through. If you dislike confined openings or awkward water access, this may be the least comfortable stop for you.

Seven Commando Beach: the relaxed final hour and a half

Seven Commando Beach gives you 90 minutes of white sand, blue water, and coconut palms. It is a natural place to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or enjoy a fresh coconut if one is available for purchase.

The beach is popular, so do not expect total solitude. Its value is different: you get an easy final stop where you can stretch out after the lagoons and eat lunch by the sea. That combination makes the day feel more like a holiday than a string of quick photo stops.

The included beach lunch is one of the tour’s better features. You do not need to arrange a restaurant between islands, and the meal fits the setting. Drinks such as water and soda are not included, so bring money for them or confirm what you want before leaving town.

Because this is the final listed stop, it is also a good place to keep your schedule loose. Boat days can run according to water conditions and group movement. Use the beach time to enjoy the setting rather than watching the clock every few minutes.

What the $44.95 price really covers

At $44.95 per person, this is a strong value if you want a standard El Nido island route without arranging every detail yourself. You receive free pickup in El Nido town, entrance to the lagoon, the P400 environmental fee, lunch on the beach, and the boat itinerary.

The price does not cover everything. Budget separately for:

• Kayak rental: P400 per kayak for two people
• Mask and snorkel: P100 per set
• Drinks, including water and soda
• Pickup outside El Nido town, which may cost extra

The environmental fee is especially useful because it remains valid for 14 days. If you take another qualifying outing during that period, you may not need to pay it again, though you should confirm how the fee applies to your plans.

I like that the two main activity extras are not expensive. Still, the advertised price can look more all-inclusive than it is. Add the gear you need before comparing this tour with another boat trip.

A 9:00 am start and a seven-hour pace

The meeting time is 9:00 am, and the tour lasts about seven hours. The five listed stops account for roughly six and a half hours, leaving the remaining time for boat travel, loading, unloading, and movement between sites.

That makes for a full but sensible day. You see a lot without needing to book a second outing, but you should not expect long, unplanned breaks. Each stop has a purpose and a time window.

Pickup is offered only within El Nido town at no charge. If you are staying outside town, an extra pickup charge may apply. Confirm this before booking so the morning does not begin with a surprise transport bill.

The group limit is 50 people. That does not mean every departure will reach the limit, but you should choose this experience knowing it is designed for shared transport and a shared timetable. The upside is a lower price. The downside is less control over when you leave each stop.

What to pack for the boat

A few small choices will make this day much easier. I would bring a waterproof bag for your phone, cash for gear and drinks, sun protection, and secure footwear that can handle sand, shallow water, and a boat ladder.

You should also pack a change of clothes or a light cover-up. Even if you do not snorkel, boat transfers and swimming stops can leave you wet.

For families, contact the operator about small life jackets in advance. One child-safety concern is worth handling before the morning begins, rather than hoping the right size is available at the dock.

If you have limited mobility, ask questions before booking. The crew can assist people who need help, but you still need to walk in the water and climb the ladder at each relevant transfer. Most participants can take part, and service animals are allowed.

Is the snorkeling the main reason to book?

I would not choose this tour solely for snorkeling. The underwater viewing at Shimizu Island can be enjoyable, but fish may be small and not especially numerous. The strength of the day is the combination of lagoons, beaches, cliffs, swimming, kayaking, and lunch.

I would choose it if you want a first look at El Nido’s signature sights. Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon give you the most distinctive scenery, while the beaches provide time to rest. The route also works well for couples, friends, and families who want several activities without paying for a private boat.

You may want another option if you dislike group schedules, need dry and easy access at every stop, or want serious reef time. A maximum of 50 people can make the boat and beaches feel active, especially at popular sites.

Weather, cancellation, and the booking decision

The tour requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the 9:00 am start time.

Inside the 24-hour window, you will not receive a refund, and changes are not accepted. That policy makes it smart to check the forecast before the cutoff, especially during unsettled weather.

I would book Tour A if you want the classic El Nido combination at a reasonable price and you are happy to share the boat. The best reasons are the included lunch, environmental fee, town pickup, and access to five major stops in one day.

I would skip it only if privacy, flexible timing, or advanced snorkeling matters more to you than value. For most first-time visitors with realistic expectations about crowds and extra gear costs, this is a practical way to see El Nido’s famous water and limestone scenery.

FAQ

What is included in El Nido Tour A?

The tour includes town pickup, lagoon entrance, the environmental fee of P400 per person, and lunch on the beach. Drinks, kayaks, and mask and snorkel sets are not included.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $44.95 per person.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately seven hours.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 9:00 am.

Which places does the tour visit?

The route visits Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Payong-Payong Beach, Secret Lagoon, and Seven Commando Beach.

Is kayaking included?

No. A kayak costs P400 and is suitable for two people.

How much does snorkeling equipment cost?

A mask and snorkel set costs P100.

Is pickup available outside El Nido town?

Free pickup is available only within El Nido town. Pickup outside town may cost extra.

Can children take part?

Most travelers can participate, but families with small children should request small life jackets in advance.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes cancellation. You can also receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.