Eight hours, six dreamy bays. This tour is a tight hit of El Nido scenery, with Big Lagoon doing the heavy lifting and Secret Beach adding that cave swim-through moment. One heads-up: kayaking and some key fees (like Big Lagoon entrance and government eco tax) aren’t included, so plan a little extra cash.

I like that it runs like a real day on the water, not a random checklist. You start at 8:00 am, get picked up inside El Nido Town Proper, and ride on an own private local boat with a licensed guide and crew. The pace is relaxed enough to enjoy the stops, but it’s still built for travelers with limited time.

Lunch is part of the deal too: island lunch with soda/pop and bottled water. You’ll be happier if you treat this as your main El Nido day, since the route focuses on the classic bays plus two calmer, more secluded beaches.

Key points at a glance

• Big Lagoon first thing: dramatic cliffs and bright, clear water while the day is still young
• Secret Beach cave swim-through: a memorable add-on that feels like a private moment
• Private local boat and crew: your group gets the boat set-up for the day
• Seven Commando Beach break: white sand, turquoise water, and a beach bar nearby
• Helicopter Island shape: a quick visual wow when you get close
• Hidden Beach downtime: towering rock formations and a quieter sandy shoreline

Price and logistics: what you’re really paying for

At $182.50 per person, this sits in the mid-range for El Nido island hopping. The value comes from the included “day package” side: lunch, bottled water, soda/pop, a licensed guide, and pickup within El Nido Town Proper. You’re also getting an own private local boat and crew, which matters because it helps your day feel smoother than shared-boat setups.

Here’s the part you should budget for upfront. Kayak use isn’t included. If you want it, there’s a P400 kayak fee (and the max is 2 passengers per kayak). Also, you’ll pay the Big Lagoon entrance fee plus the government eco tax fee. Those extras are common in Palawan, but the ticket price alone won’t cover everything.

Timing is simple: the start time is 8:00 am, and the day runs about 8 hours. If your plan is to see the major bays in one go, this makes sense. If you’re the type who wants to linger for hours at a time in just one bay, you’ll probably want a different, more flexible tour.

Pickup is only within El Nido Town Proper (places like Lio or Nacpan aren’t included). So if you’re staying outside town, double-check your hotel location first, or you may need your own way in.

Big Lagoon: the classic lagoon with cliffs, light, and that postcard look

Big Lagoon is the reason many people plan an El Nido highlights day in the first place. It’s a top El Nido tourist spot inside Miniloc Island’s lagoon area, and when you enter, the visuals hit fast: clear blue water, limestone formations, and a ray-of-light effect coming through the cliffs.

What I like about starting here is that it sets the tone for the whole day. Big Lagoon is the sort of place you can watch for 10 minutes and still feel like you’re getting new angles. You’ll also understand why this lagoon shows up in drone shots, movies, and postcards—everything lines up in a way that looks made for photos.

The only practical note: kayaking. Some people love a kayak view here, but your kayak use isn’t included. If you want that extra time on the water, budget for the P400 per kayak cost. If you don’t care about kayaking, you can still enjoy the lagoon comfortably from the boat and shoreline areas.

Secret Beach: secluded water, limestone walls, and a cave swim-through

Secret Beach is the “slow down” stop. It’s secluded, framed by tall limestone cliffs, and it includes a cave swim-through element that adds spice to an otherwise relaxing beach moment.

This is the kind of place where the setting does half the work. The limestone walls make the water feel tucked-in, and that cave swim-through gives you a fun, slightly adventurous contrast to the open-lagoon feeling earlier in the day. If you like nature that feels a little more hidden than the main hotspots, this stop usually lands well.

One more thing to keep in mind: Secret Beach is popular with tour boats. Even though the cove is sheltered, you shouldn’t expect total emptiness. If you prefer quiet, focus on the swim-through and the calmer moments rather than the busiest surface areas.

Seven Commandos Beach: white sand, turquoise water, and an easy break

Seven Commandos Beach is a classic beach rest stop, and the details are exactly the kind you’ll want after hours on boats. You get serene white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water, plus palm trees and rock formations along the shore. There’s also a beach bar nearby, which is a nice morale boost if you want something cold while the sun is doing its thing.

This stop is valuable for two reasons. First, it’s a natural reset between more “wow” sightseeing points. Second, the beach setting makes it easier to enjoy the day without feeling like you’re always just moving from one viewpoint to another.

A small, realistic consideration: sand and sun can wear you out faster than you expect. Wear sunscreen and plan to take shade when you need it. It sounds basic, but on island days, it makes the difference between enjoying the beach and feeling spent before the later stops.

Helicopter Island: why the sand shape is the whole attraction

Helicopter Island earns its name from the island’s shape when viewed from a distance—like a helicopter. Up close, the attraction is the look and feel: silky cream-colored sand and turquoise water that draws you in once you get closer.

This isn’t a long, back-to-back activity stop. It’s more of a visual and swim/snorkel-style moment where you enjoy the island’s signature look and the water quality around it. If you’re the kind of traveler who loves that “wait, that’s real” effect when something matches its nickname perfectly, you’ll probably grin here.

Also, this stop tends to be popular with snorkeling enthusiasts. Your best move is to pay attention to your own comfort in the water—if conditions aren’t your thing, you can still enjoy the beach and the viewpoints without pushing it.

Hidden Beach: quiet time behind limestone cliffs

Hidden Beach is the tour’s calmer chapter. You’re heading to a secluded locale with towering rock formations, abundant coral, and a peaceful sandy beach tucked away behind limestone cliffs.

This stop works because it changes the tone again. By now, you’ve had the main lagoon hit, the cave swim-through, and the brighter beach moments. Hidden Beach gives you a quieter atmosphere and a more “let’s enjoy the shoreline” feeling, where the scenery reads more like a sheltered natural room than a busy postcard set.

Because coral is mentioned as part of the scenery, this stop can be a great moment if you like snorkeling or just want to watch what’s happening underwater. If you’re sensitive to choppy water or long swims, go at a comfortable pace. The goal here is peaceful time, not sprinting.

The kayak and fee reality: avoid surprise expenses

This tour is clear about what’s included and what isn’t, which is great for planning. Kayak use costs P400 per kayak, and a kayak holds up to 2 passengers. So if you and a partner want it, this is usually a simple split. If you’re traveling solo, think about whether you want to pay for kayak time versus enjoying the boat stop views.

You’ll also want to keep space in your budget for:

• Big Lagoon entrance fee
• Government eco tax fee

Even though these aren’t listed in the main price, they’re part of how island areas work in Palawan. Bring whatever payment method your operator expects (and a bit of cash just in case), and you’ll avoid the stressful end-of-day moment when everyone realizes they need to pay.

Lunch on the island: included fuel that keeps the day fun

The island lunch is included, along with soda/pop and bottled water. That matters more than it sounds. On tours like this, food is often where people get cranky—either too long between meals or not enough energy for the sun and water.

Because lunch is planned into the day, you can focus on the bays instead of hunting for food. I also like that bottled water is included. You’ll go through it quickly when you’re alternating sun, sea breeze, and walking on boats and shorelines.

Bring simple basics like sunscreen and a dry change of clothes in your day bag. Your skin and comfort will thank you later at Hidden Beach and on the ride back.

Who this tour suits best (and who should think twice)

This is one of those tours that fits a very specific travel style: you want the highlights without turning El Nido into a multi-day research project.

It’s a solid match if:

• You have limited time and want several major stops in one day
• You like a structured route that still gives you time to enjoy each bay
• You prefer being with a licensed guide and a crew that keeps things moving smoothly

The included pickup is also a plus if you’re staying in El Nido Town Proper, since it keeps logistics easy.

Think twice if:

• You have mobility limitations; the tour isn’t recommended for people with mobility problems
• You expect kayaking to be included; it isn’t
• You’re staying outside the Town Proper pickup zone (Lio, Nacpan, etc. aren’t included)

The good news: it’s listed as usable for most travelers, and service animals are allowed. Also, it’s near public transportation, which helps if you’re coordinating your own way to the meeting area.

Should you book this El Nido Highlights Tour w/ Island Lunch?

If you’re planning one El Nido day and want the classic stops packed into an 8-hour route, I’d book this. The combination of Big Lagoon, Secret Beach cave swim-through, plus Seven Commando Beach, Helicopter Island, and Hidden Beach is exactly how you build a complete El Nido day without missing the big visual hits.

I’d especially consider it if you appreciate a friendly, flexible crew and a pace that doesn’t feel rushed. The tour is also priced so that the core day experience is already covered (lunch, drinks, guide, boat/crew, and town pickup). Just don’t get blindsided by the add-ons: Big Lagoon entrance, eco tax, and kayaking.

If you’re the type who wants one beach to be your whole day, this might feel a little too “see everything.” But for most visitors—especially those on a tight schedule—it’s a smart, high-impact choice.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour start time is 8:00 am.

How long is the El Nido Highlights Tour with island lunch?

The duration is about 8 hours.

What’s included in the tour price?

Included items are lunch, soda/pop, bottled water, pickup within El Nido Town Proper, a licensed guide, and an own private local boat and crew.

Are pickup and drop-off included from places outside El Nido Town Proper?

Pickup is not included outside El Nido Town Center (for example Lio and Nacpan).

Do I need to pay extra for kayaking and entrance fees?

Yes. Kayak use costs P400 per kayak (maximum 2 passengers). Big Lagoon Entrance and the government eco tax fee are also not included.

Does the tour include a beach lunch?

Yes, lunch is included as part of the experience, along with soda/pop and bottled water.

Is this tour recommended for people with mobility problems?

No, it is not recommended for people with mobility problems.

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