Lagoons, snorkel, kayak. That combo is why this tour works. I especially love the chance to paddle through Big Lagoon for the big photo moments, and I like that the day balances water time with a proper picnic lunch on Shimizu Island. One thing to plan for: extra fees and rentals are common, so you will want cash on hand before you get to the beach.

The overall flow keeps you moving without feeling rushed. You start at Seven Commando Beach for a relaxing swim break, then head into lagoon scenery where the limestone walls and calm water do most of the entertaining. The guide is part of the fun too—people have mentioned Anderson and Ken Kyle for keeping the vibe light and memorable.

If you are picky about food, there is one potential weak spot. The lunch is included, but vegetarian options are limited, so eat accordingly if that matters to you.

Key highlights you should know

• Big Lagoon kayaking with limestone cliffs and turquoise water that make great photos
• Secret Lagoon for that tucked-away, rock-formed feel and calmer sightseeing
• Seven Commando Beach time to swim and sunbathe on powdery sand
• Snorkeling gear included (mask and snorkel) plus time to see coral and fish
• Shimizu Island picnic lunch with a view and enough time to reset
• English-speaking licensed guide with a fun group energy (including named guides like Anderson and Ken Kyle)

Big Lagoon kayaking: the reason to pick Tour A

This is the main character of the day. Big Lagoon is the kind of place where your kayak becomes a moving viewpoint. You glide through quiet turquoise water while towering limestone cliffs rise around you, and the pauses are perfect for photos. Even if you are not an expert paddler, the conditions are set up for casual kayaking and sightseeing.

What makes the kayaking feel worth your time is the balance of activity and scenery. You are not just rushing between stops. You get a guided session, then enough time to paddle at your own pace for picture-taking and floating moments.

One practical note: kayak rental is not included. If you need one, you will likely pay on the spot—prices given are 300 PHP for a 2-seater and 350 PHP for a 3-seater. If you prefer to travel light, check your group’s kayak setup beforehand so you are not scrambling during the stop.

Seven Commandos Beach: powdery sand and a guided start

You begin at Seven Commandos Beach after the morning meeting point at Marber’s Resto Bar. The stop is timed at about an hour, and it plays an important role: it is your buffer for sun, water, and first impressions before the lagoon portion.

You will get a safety briefing and guided tour elements, but the real value is simple. You land on powdery white sand, swim in clear water, and have time to regroup. This stop is also where you can do the small things that save the rest of the day—double-check your waterproof camera, apply insect repellent, and switch into beachwear if you came ready but not changed.

If you get crowded vibes here, that is normal. This part of El Nido is popular, and Tour A goes to iconic locations. The upside is that the beach is a payoff even when shared.

Snorkeling time near Advince or South Miniloc: coral and colorful fish

You will have a snorkeling session at a site described as near Advince or South Miniloca. The snorkeling gear is included—mask and snorkel—so you can focus on enjoying the water instead of hunting rentals first.

What you should expect is a typical El Nido-style setup: coral reefs with lots of fish activity. The goal is not “perfect conditions every minute.” It is more about getting into the water for a real look at the marine life when the tour schedule allows.

Two practical tips if you want this part to feel smoother:

• Consider water shoes/aqua shoes. They are not included, and rental is listed at 100 PHP per pair.
• If you like a bit more control and distance, look at flippers/fins rental (150 PHP per pair). Not required, but helpful for comfort.

Also, you will want to follow the rules: no touching marine life, and no touching animals or plants. It is safer for you and better for the reef.

Shimizu Island picnic lunch: when food actually fits the day

Lunch is on Shimizu Island and it is built into the middle of the tour. You get about 105 minutes here, which is a long enough window to eat, rinse off, and reset before the later lagoon exploring.

The lunch is a picnic-style setup, and purified drinking water is included. In other words, you are not stuck on a short snack break. You can actually take a breath—sit down, eat what you can, and plan your next swim or photo.

Here is the catch: vegetarian options are limited. One common complaint is that lunch may be rice-and-noodles heavy rather than a full vegetarian meal. If you are vegetarian or vegan, bring a backup snack from home (or at least plan to eat around what is provided). You will still get a scenic lunch moment, but you do not want to be surprised.

Where the lunch is served can also vary, since it is described as Shimizu Island or Payong-Payong beach. Either way, you get the same idea: view plus food plus a pause.

Secret Lagoon visit: secluded scenery behind rock formations

After lunch and more water time, the tour heads to Secret Lagoon in El Nido. This stop is shorter—about 45 minutes—but it is worth it because the setting feels different from the bigger lagoons.

Secret Lagoon is described as being hidden behind towering rock formations. That matters because you get a sense of enclosure and privacy compared with open-water areas. It is the kind of place where you slow down naturally: walk carefully, look around, and take photos from angles that show the rock “walls” that frame the water.

You will get a guided visit, which helps you move efficiently during the time you have. Since the stop is not long, the best strategy is to keep essentials ready: sunscreen not sticky on your hands, camera accessible, and water control so you are not fumbling for items.

The real cost: $21 tour price plus fees and rentals

The headline price—$21 per person—is eye-catching. And yes, it is a good deal for a licensed boat day with a guide, snorkeling gear, life jacket, and lunch.

But in El Nido, the “real” total often includes extra line items. Here is what you should budget based on the details provided:

• Environmental fee: 400 PHP per person, valid for 5 days
• Big Lagoon users fee: 200 PHP per person, one-time access
• Kayak rental: 300 PHP for 2-seater, 350 PHP for 3-seater
• Water shoes/aqua shoes: 100 PHP per pair
• Flippers/fins: 150 PHP per pair

Then there is what is not included:

• Hotel pick-up and drop-off (so you need to get yourself to the meeting point)
• Any optional rentals beyond mask/snorkel

My advice: bring cash specifically for the environmental fee and Big Lagoon users fee. Even if the tour price is cheap, these are the types of fees that slow people down when they do not have money ready.

Meeting at Marber’s: how to avoid time stress

You start at Marber’s Resto Bar located at Calle Hama Beach Front. Go inside and look for Annabelle or any staff of Alexzus.

This matters because El Nido meeting points can be easy to miss if you arrive late or hungry (and you will be hungry after the day starts). I recommend you arrive a bit early, not just on time. Get your name sorted, confirm your boat assignment, and get yourself settled before the group moves.

The tour ends back at the meeting point at the dockyard, so you are not dealing with a complicated end location. That simplifies your day planning—especially if you are using the same area for dinner later.

What to bring for a day on the water

You will be on beaches, in the sea, and on a lagoon paddle all in one day. Bring the basics and you will be glad you did:

• Sunglasses and a sun hat
• Change of clothes (you will want dry clothes after water time)
• Snacks (optional but smart)
• Water (even though purified drinking water is included)
• Beachwear
• Waterproof camera (if you plan to shoot photos)
• Insect repellent
• Cash

And remember the rules:

• No smoking, alcohol, or drugs
• No touching marine life, animals, or plants

Also, a life jacket is provided, which is good. You can focus on comfort—especially if you plan to wear fins or water shoes.

Who this tour is best for (and who should skip it)

This Tour A format fits people who want the classic El Nido hit list in one smooth day: Big Lagoon kayaking, Secret Lagoon exploration, Seven Commandos beach time, snorkeling, plus lunch.

You will especially like it if:

• You want a guided day with an English-speaking licensed guide
• You like photo moments of limestone cliffs and lagoon water
• You prefer a schedule that mixes active and relaxing time
• You are comfortable with basic water activities like swimming and snorkeling

It may not be a great fit if:

• You want vegetarian-focused meals
• You struggle with a full 6-hour day with multiple stops
• You are over 70 years old (this activity is noted as not suitable for people over 70)

If you are booking with friends or family, private group options are available, which can be a big deal for comfort and pacing.

Should you book El Nido Tour A with Big Lagoon kayaking?

I would book it if your priority is iconic lagoon scenery plus real activities—kayaking, snorkeling, and a proper lunch break—all under one licensed tour setup. The included snorkeling gear, life jacket, picnic lunch, and purified water make it feel structured, and the named guides people mention (like Anderson and Ken Kyle) suggest the crew keeps things upbeat.

I would hesitate only if the extra costs and lunch limitations bother you. Yes, the snorkeling and kayaking are the draw, but you still need to budget for environmental and lagoon users fees and possibly kayak rental and water shoes. And if you need vegetarian options beyond rice and noodles, plan for backups.

If you want a straightforward, high-value day that hits the key El Nido lagoons, this is a strong pick—just go in prepared with cash, sun protection, and a realistic lunch expectation.

FAQ

How long is El Nido Island Hopping Tour A with kayaking on Big Lagoon?

The tour duration is listed as 6 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet at Marber’s Resto Bar on Calle Hama Beach Front. Go inside and look for Annabelle or any staff of Alexzus.

What is included in the tour price?

Included are a licensed tourist boat, licensed captain, licensed local guide, mask and snorkel, life jacket, picnic lunch, and purified drinking water.

Do I need to rent a kayak?

Kayak rental is not included. Rental is listed at 300 PHP for 2-seaters and 350 PHP for 3-seaters.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Mask and snorkel are included.

Are there extra fees for Big Lagoon and the environment?

Yes. An environmental fee of 400 PHP per person (valid for 5 days) is listed, and a Big Lagoon users fee of 200 PHP per person (one-time access) is listed.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, change of clothes, snacks, water, a waterproof camera, beachwear, insect repellent, and cash.

What is not allowed during the tour?

No smoking, alcohol, or drugs. Also, you must not touch marine life, animals, or plants.

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