Secret Lagoon to Big Lagoon in one long day is the real draw here. I love the chance to do Big Lagoon kayaking plus the consistently good boat-crew service and lunch. One thing to plan around: Big Lagoon entry is limited, so your schedule can shift if spots run out.

Tour A in Bacuit Bay feels built for people who want big views without overthinking logistics. You’ll get a licensed guide, life vests, a set route with up to four stops, and time for beach breaks and snorkeling. The main consideration is physical: the day includes boat transfers and water time, and it’s not set up for wheelchair users.

Key facts before you go: it’s an 8-hour tour in El Nido, run by Corazon Travel & Tours, and it’s priced low for what you get—especially when compared with paying all the island hopping extras separately. If you want a smoother day, I’d also strongly consider the private group option, which can mean fewer crowds at the stops.

Key Points You’ll Care About

• Big Lagoon kayaking is the highlight and it’s usually the activity people remember most long after the beach photos.
• Secret Lagoon starts your day with dramatic rock walls and calm water, before the more crowded areas take over.
• Your day has up to four stops, not an endless schedule—so you’re not constantly rushing between harbors.
• Extra local fees matter (eco-tourism development fee and Big Lagoon entry), plus rentals if you want aqua shoes, fins, or a kayak.
• Snorkeling varies by spot, so bring the right gear if you’re cautious around coral and uneven shoreline access.
• Crew support changes everything; several guides and crew members are praised for being patient and safety-focused.

Bacuit Bay Island Hopping: The Value of Doing It All in One Day

El Nido’s Bacuit Bay is one of those places where the photos don’t lie—but they also can’t show how fast the day changes. Tour A is designed for that reality. You spend the day moving between lagoon and beach time, with a lunch break in the middle and snorkeling slotted in where the water and conditions make sense.

At about $23 per person, the base price is a big part of the appeal. You get a licensed tour guide, a full boat day, life vests, and lunch included. For many people, that’s the difference between a one-off boat ride and a proper island day with real structure.

That said, the price doesn’t end at $23. You’ll likely pay the El Nido eco-tourism development fee before boarding, and Big Lagoon has an entry fee. If Big Lagoon kayaking is your priority, you’ll also want to budget for the kayak access requirement and rental costs. Still, even with extras, the setup is often cheaper than trying to stitch together separate boat tours, entrance tickets, and rentals yourself.

Secret Lagoon First: Why Starting Here Works

Tour A typically begins with the Secret Lagoon, set inside Bacuit Bay’s jagged rock walls. Starting here is smart because the mood is quieter when you arrive early in the day. You get that feeling of stepping into a tucked-away pocket of water—more calm, more sheltered, and easier to enjoy without constantly watching for crowds or loud boat traffic.

You’re also setting yourself up for the rest of the day. If you’re someone who gets a little overwhelmed by too many stops, Secret Lagoon gives you a strong first “wow” moment while you’re still fresh.

Practical tip: treat this like your warm-up phase. You’ll be in and out of the water, and your body will adjust more easily if you start slow and focused—especially if you’re not an experienced swimmer.

Shimizu Island and Seven Commandos Beach Breaks

After the lagoon, the tour leans into beach time. Shimizu Island is all about clear water and a classic white-sand beach vibe. This is the spot where you can slow down, rinse off after water time if you need to, and actually hang out instead of only doing activities back-to-back.

Then comes Seven Commandos Beach, known for its coconut-tree shoreline and pure white sand. The big win here is the variety: you’re not just doing water activities. You’re getting multiple chances to switch modes—swim, wade, relax, and take photos without feeling like the schedule is constantly moving you along.

One real-world note: no matter what day you go, El Nido’s best spots can feel crowded because the area is popular. Some days are calm early, busier later. The tour’s route helps, but you should still expect shared-tour energy at the most famous stops.

Big Lagoon Kayaking: The Best Part and the Biggest Catch

If you ask people what they’d pay for again, many say it’s the same thing: kayaking in Big Lagoon. The Big Lagoon area is where you feel the scale of Bacuit Bay. From a paddling perspective, it’s also the activity that feels most “yours”—you’re not just floating and snorkeling. You can maneuver, stop, and take your time.

But here’s the catch you need to plan around: Big Lagoon entry is limited. If the entry isn’t available when your group arrives, you’ll visit a different spot. That doesn’t ruin the day, but it does mean you shouldn’t treat Big Lagoon as 100% guaranteed.

Also budget for the extras. Big Lagoon has an entry fee, and the tour information notes a premium destination fee plus kayak rental for entry. Reviewers specifically mention paying about 300 pesos for a kayak in some situations, which lines up with the general “expect rentals” reality here.

How I’d handle it if kayaking is your top goal:

• Wear water shoes if you have them, especially if you’re unsure about coral or rocky edges.
• Bring a dry bag or keep your valuables secured as best you can.
• Don’t feel rushed. The whole point is getting time on the water.

Snorkeling in Bacuit Bay: Fantastic Views With Real Safety Setup

Tour A includes a snorkeling area, and the underwater scenery in Bacuit Bay is a big part of why people book these island hopping tours. You’ll also have life vests included, which helps you feel supported while moving between stops.

That said, snorkeling quality can vary by location and day. One review notes that the first snorkeling spot was not the best for fish and that access to the beach was difficult due to sharp corals. Translation: don’t assume every stop will be easy entry and clear “wow” snorkeling on step one.

This is where rentals can matter:

• Aqua shoes can help if you’re worried about coral or rough shoreline.
• Fins can make swimming more efficient if you’re a confident swimmer.
• If you’re unsure, you can still enjoy the lagoon and beach time even if snorkeling is not your favorite part.

If you get motion sickness easily, it’s worth thinking ahead. One reviewer suggested bringing medicine, which is common sense for long boat days.

Lunch on the Boat Day: Included, and Often Better Than You Expect

Lunch is included, and that’s a big deal when you’re already paying extra entrance fees. Several reviews call out the lunch buffet as a highlight—fresh meat and fish, vegetables, fruits, and an overall variety that feels more substantial than what people sometimes get on cheap tours.

Even more important than the food itself is what lunch does for the day. When lunch is solid, you don’t end up snacking constantly, feeling underpowered during kayaking, or getting cranky because you’re hungry. It helps you keep energy for the afternoon beach and lagoon time.

Some reviews mention that lunch organization could improve, but the general direction is positive. Translation: expect a real meal, not just a quick bite.

Crew and Guides: Names You’ll Hear and Why They Matter

In a shared boat tour, the crew is not an accessory. They’re the difference between a smooth day and a chaotic one. Many reviews praise the staff for being proactive, safety-minded, and friendly.

You’ll see a pattern of guides being named across the reviews—examples include Buddy, Mark, John, Dexter, Angelo, and Edgar. People also mention crew members like Jordan and Jojo, and assistance from Kuya Gerald and Kuya Arnold. Even if your guide isn’t one of these names, it’s a strong sign that this operator hires people who take the day seriously.

A couple of practical takeaways from the way the crew is described:

• They help with boarding and disembarking, which matters when the water is calm but the steps can still be tricky.
• They take safety seriously with life vests and careful routines.
• They take photos for you, which is great because you’ll be busy enjoying the water more than setting up your camera.

One more note for realistic expectations: some reviews mention delays, including a case where the tour waited for late arrivals and the Big Lagoon got crowded at the time you arrived. That’s not something you can control, but it’s a reminder to show up on time at the meeting point so your day doesn’t get squeezed.

Cost and Extra Fees: What You Should Budget for Real Value

Let’s talk money without the fantasy. Your advertised price is $23 per person, and that includes:

• Licensed tour guide
• Boat tour
• Life vests
• Lunch

Not included:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• El Nido eco-tourism development fee (400 PHP)
• Big Lagoon entry fee (200 PHP)
• Rentals for aqua shoes, fins, or a kayak (if you want them)

On top of that, the tour notes that Big Lagoon access involves a premium destination fee and kayak rental. Reviewers also mention additional payment around 300 pesos for kayak in some cases, so it’s wise to bring a little buffer cash if you’re serious about kayaking.

Here’s the value logic I’d use when deciding:

• If you want beaches + Secret Lagoon + snorkeling + Big Lagoon kayaking, you’re getting multiple activities for one day’s effort.
• If you’re the type who wouldn’t do multiple islands otherwise, the low base price becomes a real savings.
• If you’re not interested in Big Lagoon or snorkeling, you might still love the beaches—but you could consider whether you’ll pay for what you won’t use.

For most people, Tour A is one of the better “bang for the buck” ways to see the major Bacuit Bay sights in a single run.

What to Bring (and What Not to Bring) for a Smooth Day

This tour is simple, but it’s strict about what goes in your bag and what goes in the sea.

Bring:

• Passport or ID card
• Swimwear
• Change of clothes
• Sunscreen
• Cash

Don’t bring:

• Smoking
• Luggage or large bags
• Plastic bottles

My practical advice: keep everything you might need inside easy-to-reach items. You’ll change from beach mode to water mode several times. Sunscreen is non-negotiable—El Nido sun can be strong even when clouds show up.

Also, check the eco-tourism fee routine. You’ll need to pay the El Nido Tourism Development Fee before boarding, and if you’ve already paid, you should show a receipt copy to avoid paying again.

Who Should Book Tour A, and Who Might Want Another Option

Tour A is a good fit if you:

• Want a structured island-hopping day without planning every stop.
• Care most about lagoons and beaches, with Big Lagoon kayaking as the prime payoff.
• Prefer a tour where the crew actively helps you move between activities.

It may be less suitable if you:

• Use a wheelchair or need full mobility accommodation. The tour data says it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments and wheelchair users.
• Expect easy snorkeling entry at every stop. One spot was described as difficult due to sharp coral.
• Hate crowds. The area is popular, and most major stops can get busy.

That said, reviews also describe crew patience with seniors and people who weren’t strong swimmers. So if you have concerns, it’s still worth asking questions and sharing your comfort level with the crew at the start.

Should You Book This El Nido Island-Hopping Tour?

I’d book Tour A if your ideal day includes Secret Lagoon, white-sand beaches, and especially Big Lagoon kayaking. The base price is strong, lunch is often described as high quality, and the crew attention shows up again and again in feedback from different guide names.

I’d think twice if you need guaranteed Big Lagoon time. Entry is limited, so your day can shift if the lagoon is full when you arrive. And if you’re looking for a low-activity, no-water-touch day, this tour probably isn’t your style.

Overall: for most people visiting El Nido for the first time, Tour A is a practical way to cover the core Bacuit Bay highlights in one solid 8-hour stretch.

FAQ

How long is the El Nido Island Hopping Tour A?

The tour duration is 8 hours.

What are the main places you visit on Tour A?

Tour A includes Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Seven Commandos Beach, and a snorkeling area. Big Lagoon is also part of the experience, with entry and kayak access fees.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included in the tour.

Are hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What extra fees should I expect to pay on the day?

You’ll need to pay the El Nido eco-tourism development fee (400 PHP) before boarding, and Big Lagoon has an entry fee (200 PHP). Big Lagoon access also involves a kayak-related premium.

Can I rent snorkeling and kayaking gear?

Yes. Aqua shoes, fins, and kayaks are available to rent.

Is Big Lagoon entry guaranteed?

No. Big Lagoon entry is limited. If entry is no longer available, you will visit a different spot instead.

What should I bring with me?

Bring your passport or ID card, swimwear, change of clothes, sunscreen, and cash.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. It is listed as not suitable for wheelchair users and people with mobility impairments.

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