El Nido: Island Hopping TOUR A with Lunch, Transfer & EDTF

El Nido Tour A gives you a full day of Palawan’s signature scenery: pale beaches, clear water, and limestone cliffs rising straight from Bacuit Bay. Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon are the headline stops, but the day works best as a mix of sightseeing, swimming, snorkeling, and a beach lunch.

I like that the $50 price includes the boat, guide, lunch, drinking water, lagoon fee, and environmental fee. I also like the range of stops, from the narrow passage into Secret Lagoon to the broad white sand of Seven Commandos Beach. The main drawback is unclear transport arrangements outside El Nido Town Proper, along with extra charges for snorkeling gear and kayaks.

Key points to know before booking

• Big Lagoon is the main scenery stop: Expect limestone walls, blue-green water, and about an hour for photographs and exploring.
• Secret Lagoon requires care underfoot: The entrance involves a rocky, cave-like passage that can be awkward at high tide.
• Lunch is served at Shimizu Island: The stop also gives you time to swim and snorkel near the beach.
• Kayaks, masks, fins, and aqua shoes cost extra: Bring your own snorkeling gear if you have it.
• Pickup is included only in El Nido Town Proper: Lio, Nampacan Beach, Meregmeg, and other outlying areas need special confirmation.
• The day is long and sun-exposed: A hat, reef-safe sunscreen, towel, water shoes, and a dry bag will make a real difference.

What the $50 El Nido Tour A package actually covers

For an eight-hour outing, $50 is a reasonable price if you are staying inside El Nido Town Proper and plan to use the included boat and lunch. You are paying for more than transport between beaches. The package also covers the lagoon fee, environmental fee, guide fee, life vest, drinking water, and a cooked island lunch.

That list matters in El Nido, where individual charges can quickly make a low advertised price less attractive. Here, the main entry costs are included, so you have a clearer idea of the day’s base cost.

The price does not include a snorkeling mask, fins, aqua shoes, or kayak rental. Those omissions are easy to overlook. If snorkeling is important to you, bring your own mask and fins if possible. A kayak can be rented during some stops, but it is an extra purchase, and you should inspect it carefully before getting on the water.

The boat is motorized, and life vests are provided on board. You have an English-speaking guide for the day. The operator is KKJ Travel Services, and pickup details are meant to be confirmed after booking, with a reminder sent two days before departure.

Getting from your hotel to the port

Pickup is included within El Nido Town Proper only. This is the detail I would settle before paying, especially if your accommodation is in Lio, Nampacan Beach, Meregmeg, or another area outside the town center.

The pickup promise has caused confusion for some customers staying outside the stated zone. In one case, a hotel transfer that had been discussed in advance turned into a tuk-tuk charge on the morning of the tour. Another booking involved uncertainty about the return ride after the boat came back. The practical lesson is simple: get the exact pickup point, price, and return plan in writing.

If you are inside the included area, wait in your hotel lobby. The driver is supposed to arrive with a sign showing your name. If you are outside town, ask KKJ Travel Services whether a paid transfer is available and how much it costs before the day begins.

The tour starts and ends in El Nido. The exact departure time depends on availability, so check the start time when booking. Set aside the full eight hours, since the schedule includes five major stops and boat transfers between them.

Big Lagoon, one hour among Miniloc Island’s cliffs

Big Lagoon is the grand visual opening. The water cuts into Miniloc Island, with tall limestone cliffs enclosing the broad inlet. It is the kind of place that makes you understand why El Nido appears on so many postcards.

You have about an hour here for a photo stop and a visit. The scale is the main attraction. Rather than a small swimming hole, Big Lagoon gives you open views across calm water and steep rock walls.

Kayaking may be available as an extra, but it is not included in the package. If you rent one, check that it is sound before leaving the beach or boat. A damaged kayak can turn a pleasant paddle into a safety problem, and one reported rental on this route took on water and became unusable.

You should also expect other boats and groups at the famous stops, particularly around the lagoons. Big Lagoon is still worth seeing, but your best approach is to treat the hour as a scenic visit rather than expecting solitude.

Secret Lagoon and the short rocky entrance

Secret Lagoon feels different from Big Lagoon. The entrance is concealed behind limestone cliffs, and reaching the natural pool requires passing through a narrow, rocky opening from a white sand beach.

At low tide, you may be able to wade through the entrance. At higher tide, the passage can become more awkward, and you need to watch your head. The rocks may also be slippery, so water shoes are one of the most useful items to pack.

Once inside, you find a small natural pool enclosed by rock. The setting is more intimate than Big Lagoon, but the entrance is the tradeoff. This is not the easiest stop for anyone with limited mobility, despite the tour’s effort to welcome children, older people, and people with disabilities.

The itinerary allows about an hour for swimming, kayaking, and a hop-on, hop-off style stop. Bring only what you can carry safely. A waterproof pouch or small dry bag helps protect phones and wallets around the water and rocky passage.

Shimizu Island, lunch and easy water time

Shimizu Island is the lunch stop, and it is also one of the better places to slow the pace. The island has a white sand beach, clear water, fish, coral, and shade from the limestone cliffs.

Lunch is included and served during roughly an hour at the island. Drinking water is also included. The meal is useful rather than luxurious, so think of it as a practical beach lunch that keeps the day moving.

Bring patience and a little flexibility. Cutlery service has not always been well coordinated, and supplies can run short if food service becomes busy. A small reusable utensil or finger-friendly food plan is not a bad backup, though the package does provide lunch.

After eating, you can swim or snorkel near shore. The water is described as home to fish and coral, and there is a chance of seeing sea turtles while snorkeling. That possibility is not a promise, so enjoy the marine life you do find rather than treating turtles as a guaranteed sighting.

The local story says the island was named for a scuba diver called Shimizu, whose remains were found after he disappeared while exploring underwater tunnels. It is a striking bit of local lore, though the main reason you stop here is the beach, water, shade, and lunch.

Seven Commandos Beach, the relaxed final stop

Seven Commandos Beach stretches for about 320 meters, with white sand, coconut trees, and limestone cliffs. Although it is technically part of El Nido’s mainland, boat access gives it the feel of an island stop.

This is a good place to swim, take photographs, or sit under the palms after the busier lagoon visits. Kayaking may be available for an added fee. The itinerary allows about an hour here, so you get enough time to enjoy the beach without making the stop feel endless.

The name has several stories attached to it. One version connects it to stranded soldiers. Other accounts tie it to a fishing boat or a carved stone found by local people. You do not need to choose one version to appreciate the beach, but the name adds a little character to an otherwise very scenic stop.

Seven Commandos can also be a practical place to use the last stretch of your energy. If you have spent the morning climbing over rocks, paddling, and snorkeling, a simple swim and a shaded rest may be better than trying to add another activity.

Payong-Payong Beach, a quieter place to swim

Payong-Payong Beach is set among cliffs, unusual rock shapes, and shady trees on the southern part of Miniloc Island. The water is clear, and the gentle waves make it a comfortable place for swimming.

Snorkeling is possible near the beach, with fish and coral in the water. There are no listed sports or organized activities here, which is part of the appeal. You can swim, take photographs, sit on the sand, and enjoy a slower hour.

The itinerary places this stop after Seven Commandos Beach, although boat conditions and local operations can affect the exact order. The important point is that Tour A is not only about famous lagoons. Payong-Payong adds a quieter beach pause to a day otherwise built around major attractions.

Keep your expectations sensible. This is a scenic rest stop, not a full activity center. If you want a packed schedule of water sports, you may find the downtime too gentle. If you prefer a swim and a little shade, it is a welcome change.

Snorkeling, turtles, and what to bring

The tour includes access to several good swimming and snorkeling areas, but it does not include a snorkeling mask or fins. You can rent or arrange your own equipment, yet the simplest option is to bring a well-fitting mask if you already own one.

Use biodegradable or reef-safe sunscreen. The sun can be strong throughout the day, and you will spend much of the tour exposed to it on beaches, in the boat, or in shallow water.

Pack:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sun hat, sunscreen, and a headscarf if useful
• Flip-flops plus water shoes
• Snorkeling gear
• Beachwear and a waterproof bag
• Hand sanitizer or tissues
• Drinking water, in addition to the water supplied

Water shoes deserve special attention. Secret Lagoon has a rocky entrance, and beach landings can involve uneven surfaces. Flip-flops are handy on sand, but they are not a substitute for shoes with a secure grip.

Sea turtles may appear while you snorkel, but wildlife sightings are never certain. Avoid chasing animals, standing on coral, or touching marine life. Reef-safe habits matter in a place where the scenery below the water is part of the reason you came.

Comfort, safety, and the weak points to watch

The tour is intended to be suitable for children, seniors, and people with disabilities, but the physical details vary by stop. The Secret Lagoon passage can be tight and rocky. Boat boarding, beach landings, swimming, and getting in or out of a kayak may also require assistance.

Pregnant women and people over 95 are listed as unsuitable for this activity. If you have mobility, balance, or medical concerns, ask the operator exactly how assistance works before booking rather than relying only on the general accessibility wording.

Do not bring alcohol or drugs. Wear the life vest provided on board, especially during crossings and if you are not a confident swimmer.

One safety concern deserves direct attention: inspect any rental kayak before use. Check the hull, cockpit, and fittings. If it takes on water or feels unstable, return it immediately and ask for a replacement or refund. It is not worth missing a lagoon visit for an unsafe piece of equipment.

Smoking on a small motorized boat is also a poor idea, particularly around fuel. If smoking is permitted by the crew, you can still ask for a smoke-free area or request that it stop for the crossing.

How the day feels in practice

The schedule gives each main stop about an hour, but that hour includes getting off the boat, walking to the attraction, taking photographs, swimming, and returning to the boat. You will not have unlimited time at every beach.

That structure is useful if this is your first visit to El Nido. You see the area’s most famous sights in one day without arranging separate boats, entrance payments, lunch, and a guide. The cost is also easier to manage because major fees are bundled into the booking.

The tradeoff is a fixed rhythm. If Big Lagoon is your priority, you cannot simply stay all afternoon. If you prefer quiet beaches and long swims, the boat schedule may feel rushed.

Weather can also change the feel of the day. A rainy return would be uncomfortable without a dry bag and a spare layer. Keep your phone, cash, and documents protected, even if the morning begins under clear skies.

Who should book this Tour A outing

I would choose this tour if you want the classic El Nido circuit in one organized day. It suits first-time visitors, couples, families with older children, and anyone who values included lunch, boat transport, a guide, and the main environmental charges.

It is also a sensible choice for a last-minute booking. The reservation can be made with pay later terms, and cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Check the exact conditions at booking, but that flexibility helps when island weather or flight plans are uncertain.

I would think twice if you want a private, quiet experience, need long periods of rest, or are staying well outside town. I would also avoid booking without clarification if you expect kayaks, masks, fins, or hotel transfers to be included.

The English-speaking guide and generally friendly, helpful crew are strong points. The best experience depends on clear communication about pickup, return transport, environmental fees, and optional equipment.

Should you book El Nido Tour A with KKJ Travel Services?

Book it if your goal is to see Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Payong-Payong Beach, and Seven Commandos Beach in one day for a straightforward $50 package. The scenery is the reason to go, and the combination of lagoons, beach time, lunch, and snorkeling gives you a good first taste of Bacuit Bay.

Before booking, confirm three things: your hotel is inside the free pickup area, the return transfer is included, and any extra kayak or gear charges are clear. Bring water shoes, reef-safe sunscreen, a dry bag, and your own snorkeling equipment if you have it.

This is a good-value group day for seeing El Nido’s greatest hits. It is less suitable for anyone who needs a leisurely pace, guaranteed solitude, or perfectly organized optional rentals.

FAQ

How long does El Nido Tour A last?

The tour lasts about eight hours, including pickup, boat travel, visits to the five listed stops, and the return to El Nido.

What places does the tour visit?

The tour visits Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Seven Commandos Beach, and Payong-Payong Beach.

Is lunch included?

Yes. An island lunch and drinking water are included in the package.

Are the lagoon and environmental fees included?

Yes. The package includes the lagoon fee and environmental fee.

Is hotel pickup included?

Round-trip port transfer is included for hotels within El Nido Town Proper only. Accommodation in areas such as Lio, Nampacan Beach, and Meregmeg is not included in the standard transfer.

Are snorkeling masks and fins included?

No. Snorkeling masks and fins are not included.

Is kayak rental included?

No. Kayak rental is not included. Kayaks may be available at some stops for an additional charge.

What language does the guide speak?

The live guide speaks English.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a sun hat, flip-flops, water shoes, beachwear, snorkeling gear, and hand sanitizer or tissues. Biodegradable sunscreen is recommended.

Can I cancel the booking?

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