El Nido’s lagoons feel like a movie set. This El Nido Group Tour A strings together Big Lagoon kayaking, the Secret Lagoon, and Seven Commando Beach, with a proper beach lunch when you’re ready to slow down. I also like that the day keeps moving—boat time to the next stop, short swims, then back on board—so you actually see a lot without spending hours changing plans. The main catch: kayak rides and snorkel masks cost extra, so check those fees before you go.

You start at 9:00am, and the tour runs about 7 hours, which is a nice middle ground in a place where boat days can easily balloon. Pickup is only included for El Nido town, so if you’re staying outside town you may pay extra to get to the meeting point.

One more practical note: you’ll be doing water walking and climbing a ladder to board at stops, so if mobility is a concern, plan around that. Still, the overall vibe is fun and well-paced, with crew members who help you get through the day smoothly.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Big Lagoon kayaking through calm turquoise water with towering limestone walls all around
• Secret Lagoon access through a small opening in the limestone, ending in a sheltered, cliff-ringed pool
• Seven Commando Beach time to relax, swim, and enjoy lunch on shore
• Shimizu Island snorkeling is simple, with reef viewing that’s best for casual mask-and-fish spotting
• Extra gear costs apply for kayaks and mask/snorkel sets, even though the lagoon entrance is included
• Short stops, lots of variety across lagoons and beaches rather than one long single location

Big Lagoon and the rhythm of a full El Nido water day

This tour is built like a best-of hits list, but it doesn’t feel rushed in the wrong way. You’ll start with Big Lagoon, then move through a series of lagoons and beaches—each with a different mood, different water color, and different things to do.

At Big Lagoon, the signature activity is kayaking—paddle through the calm water, look up at limestone cliffs, then swap between cruising and quick swims. The water here is the reason El Nido gets so famous. It’s clear and bright, and the scale of the cliffs makes even a short paddle feel special.

The tour timing keeps you from getting bored. Big Lagoon is about 1 hour 30 minutes, which is enough time to enjoy the scenery and do a lap or two without feeling like you’re being rushed off the water. If you’re paying for your kayak separately, this is the stop where that extra time tends to matter most—this is your “slow-and-scenic” moment of the day.

One practical consideration: snorkeling here can be hit or miss depending on what the reef is doing that day. So I treat snorkeling as a bonus, not as the main reason for booking. (If you go in expecting mostly small fish and quick sightings, you’ll have a better time.)

Shimizu Island snorkeling: what you should expect from the reef time

After Big Lagoon, the day shifts to Shimizu Island, a great spot for snorkeling in clear water. The tour gives you about 1 hour 30 minutes at this stop, which is a solid block if you want to do a couple of short snorkel attempts.

Here’s my honest read: snorkeling can be less “wow-bang” and more “steady fish-watching” depending on conditions. In this tour style, you’re not guaranteed a parade of huge fish. That doesn’t mean it’s not worth it—it just means you’ll enjoy it more if you’re there to see colorful coral areas and enjoy the water clarity, not to hunt for trophy-sized marine life.

If you don’t already have your own gear, plan for the mask and snorkel set fee. It’s not included in the base price, so budget for it if you want to snorkel comfortably. The water is clear, which helps, but you still need a good fit so you can actually stay out there and breathe without fighting the mask.

Payong-Payong Beach for a softer pause between lagoons

Then you get a breather at Payong-Payong Beach. This stop is about 1 hour, and it’s a different kind of beauty—less “action,” more quiet. The sand is fine, the water is shallow in places, and the cliffs frame the beach so it feels like your day has a natural reset button.

Payong-Payong is the place to slow your pace, stretch your legs, and take a proper breath after time on boats and ladders. If you’re the type who likes photos, this is also a strong one. The setting is the kind that looks good from nearly any angle because the coastline is so clean and the water stays clear.

A tip that matters here: wear footwear that can handle wet sand and water edges. A lot of people show up in sandals that work fine at the beach bar back home, but don’t love them once you’re stepping in and out of water repeatedly.

Secret Lagoon: the sheltered payoff that makes the trip worth it

This is the stop people remember: Secret Lagoon. You access it through a small opening in the limestone wall, then end up in a sheltered pool surrounded by cliffs. Even if you’ve seen lagoon pics before, the “you’re inside, but you’re still outside” feeling hits when you’re there.

You’ll get about 1 hour 30 minutes here, which is enough time to take it in slowly and still swim. The water in a sheltered lagoon like this often feels calmer, which makes it a great choice if you want a relaxed swim instead of constant paddling.

One thing I like about this stop is that it’s not just a scenic photo stop. It has a built-in rhythm: enter, find your footing, check the water, swim a bit, then sit back and let the place do the entertaining. If you’re traveling with mixed comfort levels in the water, this stop can be a win.

Do keep in mind that the whole day uses boats and ladders. If you have balance issues, go slow. The crew tends to be helpful, but you still want to stay steady on your own.

Seven Commando Beach and lunch on the sand

By the time you reach Seven Commando Beach, the day is in full “relax now” mode. This is a popular beach in the El Nido area, and it shows in how easy it is to enjoy. White sand, clear blue water, palm trees along the shore—it’s a classic postcard beach, but you’re not stuck staring at it from a distance.

You’ll have 1 hour 30 minutes here. That time includes lunch on the beach, which is a big quality-of-life win. Boat tours often feed you later, or give you something you eat fast while standing. This one gives you a place to sit, eat, and reset your energy for the next swim-or-rest cycle.

If you want to make the most of this beach time:

• Bring a waterproof bag so your phone and camera survive splashes
• Wear suitable footwear for sea and sand transitions

Also, remember that drinks like water or soda aren’t included. You’ll want to either bring what you can or buy on-site if you feel thirsty—don’t wait until you’re cooked in the sun.

Kayak and snorkel add-ons: how the pricing actually plays out

The listed tour price is $44.95 per person, and the included items cover the big ticket entry items—but not the water gear. Here’s the practical budgeting logic:

Included:

• Lagoon entrance fee (and it also lists an environmental fee valid for 14 days)
• Beach lunch
• Free pickup only within El Nido town
• Mobile ticket
• Environmental fee coverage is explicitly stated, which matters because reef and marine sites in the Philippines often require these charges

Not included (common extras you’ll likely want):

• Kayak: P400 per kayak, good for 2 persons
• Mask and snorkel: P100 per set
• Drinks like water or soda
• Pickup outside El Nido town (extra charge)

So the value question becomes: do you plan to kayak and snorkel? If yes, the add-ons don’t make the tour a bad deal—they just mean the base price isn’t the whole picture. If you’re mainly there for the lagoons and beaches and you can snorkel in your own gear, you can save by skipping rentals.

Either way, I like that the essentials are handled. You’re not stuck paying surprise entrance costs mid-day. Just budget the gear and drinks so the day stays fun, not stressful.

Crew help, group size, and the “water-body” realities

This tour caps at 50 travelers, which is decent for El Nido in a day tour format. It’s not a tiny private boat, so you’ll share space, but it doesn’t feel like a mass event.

The crew and guides are another big reason people enjoy the day. You’ll find them fun and helpful, including people who help when you’re dealing with mobility challenges. In one case, the crew supported an aunt and mum with limited mobility, but the day still requires you to walk in the water and climb the ladder each time. That means you should be realistic about your comfort level even if help is available.

If you’re bringing kids, here’s a direct tip: if your child needs a smaller life jacket, ask in advance. The tour uses life jackets, but sizing can be an issue, and getting the right fit early saves time and stress.

Weather matters more than you think

This experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll either be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s important in El Nido because boat routes depend on conditions, and “almost good” weather can still mess with timing.

If you’re trying to fit this into a tight itinerary, give yourself a little flexibility. A tour like this is all about water and visibility—when conditions are off, the whole vibe changes.

Should you book El Nido Tour A with Beach Lunch?

Book it if you want a single day that hits multiple lagoon-and-beach settings—Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, plus Seven Commando Beach—with beach lunch included and crew help that keeps the day moving.

Skip or think twice if:

• You want everything included with no add-ons. Kayaks and snorkel gear cost extra.
• Mobility is an issue for you, because you’ll be stepping in water and using a ladder to board at stops.
• You’re expecting big, showy reef life for every snorkel session. In this tour format, snorkeling is more casual fish spotting.

If your goal is “see the El Nido lagoons that everyone talks about, then relax on a real beach,” this one fits nicely. Just plan your budget for kayak and snorkeling gear, and pack for wet feet and sudden splashes.

FAQ

What time does El Nido Group Tour A start?

It starts at 9:00am.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 7 hours.

Is pickup included?

Free pickup is included only for El Nido town. Pickup outside El Nido town has an extra charge.

What’s included in the price?

You get entrance to the lagoon, the environmental fee (valid for 14 days), and lunch on the beach. The tour also states you’ll have a mobile ticket.

What costs extra during the tour?

Kayak is P400 per kayak (good for 2 persons). Mask and snorkel are P100 per set. Drinks like water or soda are not included.

How many people are on the tour?

The tour has a maximum of 50 travelers.

What should I bring for comfort?

The tour involves beach and water time. From practical experience, you’ll be happier with waterproof storage for your phone and a pair of footwear suitable for sea and sand.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel if my plans change?

Yes—free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel within 24 hours, the amount paid isn’t refunded.

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