A day in Bacuit Bay feels like a postcard you can swim in. Tour A focuses on three lagoon stops that give you that glassy-water feeling, plus Shimizu Island for more time in the sun and sea. I like that the trip is built around unforgettable lagoons and a live English guide, so you know what you’re looking at instead of guessing.

The main trade-off? These lagoons can feel crowded, because El Nido is popular and everyone wants the same photo angles. Also, the day runs long and involves water activities, so you’ll want to be ready for boats, sun, and getting in and out of the water.

Key highlights worth planning around

• Big Lagoon for the classic lagoon look and calm-water vibe
• Small Lagoon and Secret Lagoon for shorter, scenic water time and different viewpoints
• Shimizu Island for beach time and snorkeling opportunities in Bacuit Bay
• English live guide to help you make sense of each stop
• Lunch and boat included so you’re paying for time in the water, not just transport

Why Tour A’s Lagoon Route Makes Sense in El Nido

El Nido’s island hopping is usually sold as a “see everything” day. Tour A does it with a smart theme: lagoons first, then Shimizu Island. If you’re the type who likes calm water, gentle scenery, and time to float and swim, this route fits your style.

The lagoon sequence matters. Big Lagoon tends to feel like the headline stop—big views, wide water, and lots of chances for photos. Then you move into Small Lagoon and Secret Lagoon, where the scenery shifts slightly and the mood can feel more intimate, even if you still share the water with other boats. I like that the tour doesn’t just “drop and go.” You get time in the water and time to enjoy each place.

One more point: you can’t treat lagoons like a private beach. Crowds are part of the deal in El Nido, especially at the more famous sites. Your best defense is simple: go with a relaxed attitude, take your photos fast, then spend the rest of the time enjoying the water.

Your 8 Hours on the Water: Pickup, Boat Time, and What to Expect

Tour duration is listed as 8 hours, so plan a full day. Pickup is included only if you’re staying in El Nido Town. If your hotel is farther out, you’ll pay extra for a tricycle ride using your own money.

Here’s the practical rhythm you should expect:

• You arrive at pickup time and move as a group to the boat.
• You spend several stretches on the water between stops.
• You get breaks for swimming/snorkeling and lagoon time.
• You end back in town after the day’s last stop and boat return.

The tour also says you’ll skip the ticket line, which saves you from waiting in whatever line forms that day. That’s a small detail, but it adds up when you only have 8 hours.

One logistics tip that’s saved me time in places like this: the tour guide asks you to be ready 15 minutes before pickup. Do not show up exactly at pickup time and hope for the best. Being early keeps the day smooth, and you avoid that stressful sprint with sunscreen on your face.

Big Lagoon: The Classic El Nido Moment

Big Lagoon is the stop most people picture when they hear El Nido. It’s the scale of it. The water looks calm, the rock shapes frame the views, and the whole scene feels designed for photos and lingering.

What you’ll likely enjoy most here:

• Clear water for swimming time
• Scenic lagoon views that work from the boat and from the water
• A chance to reset and slow down after travel days

What to watch for:

• Crowds can build around the most photogenic angles.
• You may spend part of your time moving between viewpoints rather than staying still.

My advice is to treat Big Lagoon as both an experience and a strategy stop. Take your main photos quickly, then switch to “slow mode.” If you want better time in the water, keep your gear ready so you don’t lose precious minutes fiddling with your bag.

Small Lagoon and Secret Lagoon: Where the Mood Changes

After Big Lagoon, Tour A shifts into Small Lagoon and Secret Lagoon. Even though these are still famous, the vibe can feel different because the spaces feel more “around you” and less open.

This is where kayaking and water play tend to become more enjoyable. The tour description highlights swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking in the clear waters of Bacuit Bay. Lagoons are a great place for kayaking because the water is usually calmer than open sea.

How to make these stops work for you:

• Bring water-ready shoes or footwear you’re comfortable stepping in and out of.
• Keep your camera protected and easy to grab.
• Expect multiple boats nearby and plan your timing, not just your destination.

One thing to remember: lagoons are not the place to treat the water like a playground where you touch everything. You’re not allowed touching marine life or touching plants. That rule is about protecting the ecosystem, but it also helps you avoid getting pulled into risky behavior or getting in trouble. Enjoy the sights, don’t poke at them.

Shimizu Island: Snorkeling and Sun Time in Bacuit Bay

Shimizu Island is the “more sun, more sea” part of Tour A. You get a beach break feel, plus the chance to be in the water again—this tour lists snorkeling and swimming as key activities, and it’s known for that clear Bacuit Bay water look.

Why Shimizu Island is a good fit:

• You can balance lagoon time with open-water views
• You get more opportunities to swim and snorkel during the day
• The island setting gives you a natural pause from the lagoon rhythm

What to plan around:

• You may want to manage sun exposure because you’ll likely be outside more.
• Your snorkel gear matters. Mask and snorkel are not included, so if you care about comfortable fit, bring your own.

Even with the best conditions, snorkeling time depends on how your group moves and how you handle entry/exit. If you’re prone to getting flustered, arrive with your gear already set the night before and keep a small dry pouch for your phone and valuables.

Cost Breakdown: How $34 Turns Into the Real Total

The listed price is $34 per person, which is attractive for an 8-hour tour with a boat, a hotel pickup (only in town), a professional guide, and lunch included. But El Nido comes with fees you should expect to pay on top of the base price.

Not included:

• Environmental fee: 400.00
• Lagoon fees: 200.00
• Mask & snorkel

Also, if you’re not in El Nido Town, you’ll pay extra tricycle fare for pickup from farther hotels.

So how do you judge value?

• If you’re staying in town and you bring your own mask/snorkel, you’ll likely feel the price is fair for a full day.
• If you need to buy or rent mask/snorkel locally, your cost goes up.
• If your hotel is outside town, the extra tricycle ride also changes the math.

My advice: do a quick “all-in” estimate before you book. Include the environmental and lagoon fees and decide whether you’ll bring your own snorkel gear. Once you do, Tour A often feels like a good deal for what you get: multiple lagoon stops plus Shimizu Island, all in one day with lunch handled.

What’s Included (and What You Must Bring) for a Smooth Day

This tour includes:

• Professional guide
• Hotel pickup (El Nido Town only)
• Lunch
• Boat
• English live tour guide
• Skip the ticket line

You should bring:

• Hat
• Swimwear
• Camera
• Snacks
• Sunscreen
• Water
• Extra clothes to change (strongly suggested)

Two practical notes that make this kind of day easier:

1. Pack sunscreen and water where you can grab them without digging through a dry bag.
2. Bring a change of clothes even if you think you won’t get that wet. Boats, spray, and lagoon entries happen fast.

Also note the rules:

• No smoking
• No touching marine life
• No touching plants

These aren’t just “sign rules.” They help keep the tour safe and protect the natural areas you came to see.

Meeting Point Reality: How to Avoid a Pickup-Day Headache

Meeting point info here is a little unusual: your hotel sends your details on WhatsApp to the nearest hotel only. Translation: the cleanest plan is to confirm the exact pickup spot with your hotel, not just rely on a map pin.

I’d do this the day before:

• Ask your hotel where the nearest pickup point is for this exact tour.
• Ask them to confirm the name of the pickup hotel so you can match it quickly.
• Be ready 15 minutes early, because groups move fast once everyone is assembled.

One more small travel habit that pays off: have a screenshot of the tour name and Tour A details saved offline on your phone. Communication can be tricky when you’re switching between apps, WhatsApp messages, and boat-time schedules.

Who Tour A Fits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

Tour A is listed as not suitable for:

• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• Non-swimmers

That’s not just legal language. This kind of boat + water day involves getting on and off transport, spending time in and around water, and moving around while you’re sun-exposed and sometimes damp.

Who tends to enjoy Tour A most:

• People who want lagoon scenery and clear-water swimming time
• Snorkelers who plan to bring their own mask/snorkel for comfort
• Travelers who like a guided day with set stops and an English explanation

If you’re a first-timer to island hopping in El Nido, Tour A is a good starting point because it focuses on a consistent theme. You’re not bouncing between too many different types of sites in one day.

If your priorities are different, keep this in mind: the provider offers Tour B (Snake Island, Cudugnon Cave, Matinloc Shrine) and Tour D (Cadlao Island). Tour C mixes stops from A and B. So choose based on what you care about most—lagoon time or the landmark caves/shrine sights.

Should You Book El Nido Tour A? My Take

If you want a classic lagoon day with real water time and an easy-to-follow route, I think Tour A is a strong choice. You’re getting multiple lagoon stops plus Shimizu Island, with lunch and an English guide included. At $34, it can also be a solid value—especially if you’re staying in El Nido Town and you can bring your own snorkel gear.

I’d hesitate only if:

• You hate crowds and need a quiet escape. Lagoons in El Nido can be busy.
• You’re dealing with physical limitations that make boat/water movement difficult.
• You don’t want to handle extra fees like the environmental and lagoon charges.

If you book, do it smart: confirm the pickup point with your hotel, pack dry clothes, and plan for sun and water. The day is long enough that small preparation choices make a big difference.

FAQ

What places are included on El Nido Tour A?

Tour A focuses on Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, and Shimizu Island.

How long is the tour?

The tour duration is listed as 8 hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup is included only for hotels in El Nido Town. If your hotel is far from town, you’ll pay for the tricycle fare (personal account).

What fees are not included in the price?

The tour does not include the environmental fee (400.00) and lagoon fees (200.00).

Is lunch included?

Yes, lunch is included.

Do I need to bring a mask and snorkel?

Mask and snorkel are not included, so you should bring your own if you want them.

Who is the tour not suitable for?

It’s not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, and non-swimmers.

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