El Nido: Tour A (Big & Secret Lagoon, Shimizu, 7 Commando)

El Nido Tour A packs some of Palawan’s best-known sights into one long boat day: Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and 7 Commandos Beach. You get steep limestone scenery, clear water, beach time, and a buffet lunch without paying a high base price.

I like the mix of active stops and easy breaks. You can paddle or swim at a lagoon, snorkel over coral at Shimizu, then stretch out on the sand at 7 Commandos. I also like that the crew gets involved beyond the boat itself. Mark, who works with Akingventures, has helped guests with registration, snorkeling gear, and even onward ferry tickets to Coron.

The main caution is reliability. One recent outing had a broken boat, a long wait, and a replacement vessel that also caused concern. The meeting time is also listed as both 8:30 and 9:00 AM, so confirm it before you set your alarm.

Key points to know before booking

• Big Lagoon is the headline stop: Expect dramatic cliffs, calm water, and a possible kayak charge of P300.
• Shimizu Island gives you the best snorkeling window: The stop lasts about 105 minutes, with optional gear rental at P100.
• The base price is low, but extras add up: The P400 environmental fee and P200 Big Lagoon fee are separate.
• 7 Commandos is the gentlest stop: You get about 45 minutes for sand, views, and a swim.
• The day runs roughly 7 to 7.5 hours: Departure is listed around 8:30 or 9:00 AM, with a return near 4:30 PM.
• Boat condition matters: Ask about the vessel and weather before departure, especially in unsettled conditions.

What this El Nido boat day is really like

This is a shared group tour around Bacuit Bay, not a quiet private cruise. You meet near Grounded 100% Arabica Coffee in El Nido, walk about 15 minutes, and then head to the boat area. The published finish is Bacuit Bay Floating Dock 1.

The day is built around short bursts of activity. You might climb through a narrow opening into Secret Lagoon, float through the wider Big Lagoon, snorkel near Shimizu Island, and then spend a calmer half-hour on 7 Commandos Beach. That variety is the reason Tour A remains such a popular first outing in El Nido.

You should also keep your expectations practical. This is a budget boat trip with several famous stops, so timing and comfort depend on the group, the sea, and the boat assigned that day. You are paying for access to a full route, lunch, and a guide, not a polished luxury cruise.

Meeting in El Nido and getting on the boat

The stated meeting point is Grounded 100% Arabica Coffee, El Nido Branch. One set of details gives 8:30 AM, while another says 9:00 AM. I would treat this as something to confirm directly with Akingventures Travel & Tours before the morning of the tour.

The walk from the meeting point to the boat area is listed at about 15 minutes. Wear sandals or shoes you do not mind getting wet, and keep your phone, cash, and camera in a dry bag if you have one.

The tour is shared with other people unless you book a private option. That can be good for the price, but it means you will not control every stop or departure time. If you want long, quiet pauses at one location, a private boat may suit you better.

7 Commandos Beach, an easy first stop

The itinerary allows about 45 minutes at 7 Commandos Beach. This is a useful opening stop because it gives you time to settle into the boat day without demanding much effort right away.

You can expect sand, sea views, and a chance to swim or sit back. It is the sort of stop that works well after the early start, particularly if some people in your group want a simple beach break before the lagoon visits.

The short stay is also the limitation. Forty-five minutes passes quickly once you arrive, get off the boat, take photos, and settle near the water. Think of 7 Commandos as a pleasant introduction, not the main event.

Big Lagoon and the extra cost of kayaking

Big Lagoon is the visual centerpiece of Tour A. Tall limestone walls frame calm water, and the enclosed setting gives the stop its strong sense of scale. It is a place for photos, slow paddling, and looking into the clear water rather than rushing from one view to the next.

Kayaking is listed as an optional extra at P300. If you want to move through the lagoon at your own pace, budget for it. If you prefer to keep costs down, you should still be able to enjoy the scenery from the boat and water access provided by the tour, but the exact arrangement can depend on local rules and conditions.

There is also a Big Lagoon entrance fee of P200. This is separate from the advertised tour price, so the headline $23 fare does not represent your full spend. Carry Philippine pesos for this and the other possible charges.

The supplied route details do not clearly place Big Lagoon in the numbered itinerary, even though it is repeatedly described as a main stop. That is worth confirming when you book. The same information mentions Small Lagoon in the overview, but the named route lists Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and 7 Commandos. Ask which lagoon is included on your departure day.

Shimizu Island and the best water time

The Shimizu Island stop is listed at about 105 minutes, making it one of the longest pauses of the day. That gives you time to combine lunch, beach rest, and snorkeling without having to choose only one.

The water around the island is promoted for coral and marine life. Snorkeling gear is optional at P100, and you can also rent aqua shoes for P100. I would consider aqua shoes if you are not comfortable walking over rough or uneven surfaces, though the supplied information does not guarantee what the entry area will be like on every departure.

A buffet lunch and a 300 ml bottle of water are included. The water allowance is modest for a full day in the sun, so bring more if you can. Snacks are also on the suggested packing list, and I would take them seriously. A small breakfast, fruit, or crackers can make the long boat day easier.

Shimizu is likely to be the most flexible stop. You can snorkel if conditions are good, swim, eat, or simply enjoy the surrounding views. The tradeoff is that popular snorkeling areas can feel busy when several boats arrive together. Your guide and boat crew will direct you toward the permitted areas, and you must not touch coral, plants, or marine life.

Secret Lagoon through the narrow opening

Secret Lagoon is listed as a one-hour stop and is reached through a narrow opening. That entrance is part of the appeal. It makes the visit feel more tucked away than an open beach stop, though the same narrow passage can mean waiting your turn when several groups arrive.

Inside, you can expect a quieter enclosed setting surrounded by rock. The stop is less about covering distance and more about seeing a distinct natural formation close up. Bring a camera, but protect it carefully. Water access and footing may vary, and the tour instructions specifically call for swimwear and sensible preparation.

This is also a stop where patience helps. The group may need to move together through the opening, and you may not get a long private pause inside. If you prefer wide-open water and plenty of room, Big Lagoon will probably be your favorite. If you like unusual access points and compact natural spaces, Secret Lagoon adds a different note to the day.

Weather, boat condition, and safety

Boat quality is the biggest practical concern in the available feedback. One January outing was delayed for about an hour and a half after the original boat broke down. The replacement boat also caused concern, and communication from the crew was described as poor.

That appears to be a specific bad day, not proof that every departure will have the same problem. Still, it is fair to ask about the boat at check-in and pay attention to how clearly the crew explains the schedule. A good guide can make a weather-shortened day feel orderly. A quiet or disorganized crew can make even a beautiful route stressful.

Weather can cancel the tour, and one recent party had stormy conditions during its trip. The guides were described as careful and alert to safety, while the weather limited the enjoyment. This is an important point about island excursions: the route may look fixed on paper, but wind, rain, and sea conditions decide what is sensible on the water.

Do not touch marine life or plants, and do not litter. Smoking is not allowed. Sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, a camera, snacks, and extra water belong in your day bag.

What the $23 price really covers

At about $23 per person, this is an inexpensive way to see several major El Nido locations in one day. The price includes the shared boat excursion, an English-speaking guide, buffet lunch, and a 300 ml bottle of water.

The add-ons are important:

• Environmental fee: P400, unless you have already paid it and can show the receipt. The fee is valid for five days.
• Big Lagoon entrance fee: P200.
• Kayak rental: P300.
• Snorkeling gear: P100, optional.
• Aqua shoes: P100, optional.

If you need the environmental fee, Big Lagoon admission, a kayak, snorkeling gear, and aqua shoes, the final cost is much higher than the advertised base fare. It can still be good value, especially if you want a full route and included lunch, but compare the total rather than the booking price alone.

The value is strongest for first-time visitors with limited time in El Nido. You get several different settings in one day instead of arranging separate beach and lagoon trips. It is less compelling if you already have your own kayak and snorkel equipment, or if you want a private schedule.

The guide and the level of support

The activity uses a live English-speaking guide. The guide’s personal name is not provided, so I would not expect to choose a particular guide when booking.

Akingventures also has a useful local support point in Mark, who has helped with pre-tour questions, registration, snorkeling gear, and ferry tickets to Coron. That kind of help matters in El Nido, where several fees, meeting points, and onward transport details can make a simple day feel more complicated than expected.

One Italian guest specifically praised the guide for being friendly and attentive. That matches the best use of a guide here: keeping the group together, explaining where to go, and watching conditions while you focus on the scenery. The boat breakdown report shows why communication is just as important as friendliness.

Who should book Tour A

I would recommend this tour to you if you want a broad introduction to El Nido and you are comfortable sharing a boat. It suits couples, friends, and active families who want some snorkeling and swimming mixed with beach time.

It also works for budget-minded visitors. The base fare is low, lunch is included, and the route covers several iconic locations. You just need to set aside extra cash for fees and optional equipment.

I would be more cautious if you need a tightly managed schedule, dislike boat delays, or want a quiet day with no crowds. You should also think twice if your visit falls during unsettled weather and your plans are difficult to change. The tour can be canceled for weather, and the experience depends heavily on sea conditions.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Palawan plans are still moving around, but they do not remove the need to confirm the morning meeting time.

Should you book this El Nido tour?

Book it if you want the classic El Nido route at a low starting price and you like having your day arranged for you. Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and 7 Commandos offer a good range of scenery and activity, while lunch keeps the day simple.

Before paying, confirm three things: the actual meeting time, which lagoons are included, and the complete extra-fee total. If Akingventures has a sound boat ready and the weather is steady, this can be a strong first day around Bacuit Bay. If you want more control, more space, or better certainty about boat comfort, pay extra for a private option.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin?

Meet at Grounded 100% Arabica Coffee, El Nido Branch. The information provided gives both 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM as the meeting time, so confirm the exact time before departure.

How long does the tour last?

The activity is described as lasting about 7 to 7.5 hours. The expected return time is around 4:30 PM.

Which places are included?

The named stops are Big Lagoon, 7 Commandos Beach, Shimizu Island, and Secret Lagoon. The overview also refers to Small Lagoon, so confirm the exact route before booking.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet lunch and one 300 ml bottle of water are included.

Is the environmental fee included?

No. The environmental fee is P400. If you already paid it, the receipt is valid for five days and should be shown at checking.

Do I have to rent a kayak at Big Lagoon?

No. Kayaking is optional and costs P300. The Big Lagoon entrance fee of P200 is also separate.

Are snorkeling equipment and aqua shoes included?

No. Snorkeling gear is optional at P100, and aqua shoes are optional at P100.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour may also be canceled because of weather conditions.