Big Lagoon hits different in real life. This private island-hopping day is built around Tour A, so you get the star stops like Big Lagoon without the usual crowd scramble. The big win is simple: your group has the boat to itself, letting you linger, snorkel when you feel like it, and match the rhythm to your energy.

I like the way this setup stays flexible while still hitting the key lagoons. One thing to watch: the quoted price does not cover government lagoon/environment fees or some common rentals, so you may add a bit extra once you’re there.

Key things that make this Tour A worth your time

• Exclusive boat for your group so you’re not stuck waiting on other tour groups
• Big Lagoon + Secret Lagoon on the same day, with classic limestone scenery and calm swim spots
• Shimizu Island snorkeling with a real chance to see majestic turtles
• Kayak time built around the lagoon experience, not just sightseeing photos
• A real buffet lunch with Filipino dishes (and bottled water onboard)
• Guides who time stops to reduce crowd stress, with lots of photo help reported

Tour A in El Nido: why the private format feels different

El Nido island hopping is famous for a reason: the lagoons look unreal, and the water is the main event. But the day can also feel like a production line if you’re on a shared group boat—everyone’s on the same schedule, and one late group can ripple through your whole trip.

With this private Tour A, the whole day runs more like your plan than a conveyor belt. Your group gets exclusive use of the boat, so the guide can help you move at a comfortable pace. That means you’re more likely to actually enjoy the swims and snorkeling instead of treating every stop like a quick photo stop. And because Tour A hits the classic lagoon sequence (Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, plus the Miniloc area surroundings), you get the best-known El Nido “wow” without sacrificing the quieter in-water moments.

The real value check: $135 and what’s actually included

At $135 per person for an 8-hour private Tour A, you’re paying for more than the scenery. You’re paying for the logistics: pickup help, a licensed crew and guide, and the onboard basics that keep the day smooth.

Here’s what’s included:

• Free pickup within 1 km of Corong-corong Beach via tuk-tuk
• Buffet lunch and bottled water
• Life vest
• Licensed tourist boat, licensed guide and crew

What’s not included (and this matters for budgeting):

• Hotel drop-off
• Mask/snorkel and fins/aqua shoes (rentals may be available; if you don’t bring your own, plan on that)
• Kayak rental at the lagoon
• Environmental fee and lagoon entrance fee (government-mandated)
• Any add-ons not listed above

Also, one practical point: kayaking and other water activities can have extra costs depending on how they’re used that day. For example, one booking noted that a kayak included in the price didn’t match their expectation for lagoon use. To avoid surprises, ask the guide on the day what activity rentals are covered and what’s extra.

Bottom line: the price is strong when you factor in private boat time + lunch + guide + onboard safety gear. The only “gotcha” is that fees and rentals aren’t fully baked into the headline price.

Starting right: pickup in El Nido and the tuk-tuk shuffle

Your day begins in El Nido, then you’ll get picked up and transferred by tuk-tuk for a short ride. It’s not a complicated start, but it’s one of those small things that helps the day feel like a plan instead of a scavenger hunt.

This tour also has a skip-the-ticket-line promise. That’s useful in El Nido, where small delays can stack up and chop the time you’d rather spend floating.

Seven Commandos Beach: the WWII backstory and the quick reset

The first major stop is Seven Commandos Beach. This is a photo-friendly pause with sightseeing and swimming time—around 45 minutes.

What makes it special is the setting: limestone cliffs and a “majestic” feel from the way the coast folds in. There’s also a bit of personality to this beach’s name, tied to a group of troops left stranded there during World War II. It’s the kind of place where you can stand, take pictures, then actually breathe for a moment before the lagoons start stealing the show.

The practical downside: beach time here is shorter than the big lagoon moments, so it’s a good stop to get your bearings and test your water comfort level.

Big Lagoon: the iconic crescent you came for

Then you hit the main attraction: Big Lagoon. You’ll get about 45 minutes here, with photo time, swimming, kayaking, and a bit of cruising/sightseeing time.

This is the stop that makes people dream about El Nido. The lagoon is encircled by black limestone cliffs, and the water’s color shift is part of the magic. You’ll often see a small stream and startling blue tones that make the whole scene look staged—even when it’s not.

The private format matters most here. Shared boats can turn Big Lagoon into a quick-in/quick-out situation. With your own group on the boat, you’re more likely to:

• Take your time getting in and out of the water
• Get kayaking time that feels useful, not rushed
• Enjoy the lagoon views without constantly watching the clock

If you’re sensitive to crowds, this is the area where the guide’s timing helps the most. Some bookings specifically praised guides for managing visit timing to avoid the worst crowd pressure.

Shimizu Island: turtles, snorkeling, and a real break from photos

Next comes Shimizu Island, and this is where the day shifts from “look at this place” to “get in the water and explore.” You’ll have around 1 hour total, including a break and time for lunch (on the schedule for that stop), plus swimming and snorkeling.

The headline detail: the chance to swim with majestic turtles. That’s not just an Instagram line—it’s why most people choose Tour A in the first place. If you’re someone who wants more than just lagoon photos, this stop is your payoff.

You’ll also want to treat snorkeling here like an actual activity:

• Swim steady, don’t chase too fast
• Keep an eye on your buoyancy
• Don’t forget that your gear matters

Even if you rent, plan to have mask/snorkel sorted so you can spend your limited time in the water doing the thing, not troubleshooting.

A small practical note from real-world expectations: one booking mentioned you may have to go through the water to reach the boat, so your clothes can get wet. Bring a change of clothes and keep valuables in a dry bag if you can.

Secret Lagoon: the grotto moment and the “one lane” feel

After Shimizu Island, you head to the Secret Lagoon (around 45 minutes). This lagoon is tucked away between steep limestone cliffs and accessed through a grotto-like passage.

Here’s what makes it memorable: it feels quieter and more enclosed than the open lagoon stops. You’re still in the same dramatic El Nido system, but the vibe changes—more sheltered, more still.

It’s also a stop where timing and water conditions matter. The tour notes that destinations can change depending on weather. If conditions aren’t ideal, your guide may adjust the plan to keep the day safe and enjoyable.

One booking described Secret Lagoon as having a narrow opening and a very “one on one in/out” feel. Whether it’s exactly that level on your day or not, you can expect less of the wide-open cruising vibe and more of that enclosed, take-it-slow sensation.

Payong-Payong Beach: gentle waves and casual snorkeling

Finally, you end with Payong-Payong Beach (around 45 minutes). You’ll get another photo stop, sightseeing, boating time, swimming, and snorkeling (also noted as around 45 minutes).

Payong-Payong is known for rock formations and cliff views, plus a smaller beach where the waves tend to be gentle and modest. That makes it a good fit if you want calmer water for a relaxed paddle or a casual snorkel—especially after you’ve already done the big lagoon and the tighter-secret-lagoon passage.

If the day has been choppy at any point, this is a stop where you can still enjoy the water without feeling like every movement is a battle.

Lunch onboard: what to expect from the buffet

Lunch is a buffet with local Filipino dishes, served onboard. That’s a big plus because it means you don’t have to hunt for food during the day, and you keep more time in the water.

Most of the feedback is positive about the crew and overall day experience, but one booking pointed out the food as the only real disadvantage. So I’d treat lunch as solid, not guaranteed fine dining. It’s there to keep you fueled for snorkeling and swimming.

If you have strong dietary needs, the tour data only confirms the buffet and lunch setup—it doesn’t list special meal accommodations. If that applies to you, message the operator ahead and ask directly.

Crew, guides, and the photo advantage you’ll actually use

A huge chunk of the love for this tour comes from the human side: guide skill, friendly crew attitude, and good timing.

Multiple guide names come up in the feedback, including Gabi, Jason, Renz, Joshua, and Cyron. Captains also get credit (for example captain Jerry and captain Glenn) for professional, calm boat handling.

One of the most useful perks isn’t just “friendly.” It’s the practical photo help. Several bookings highlight guides taking photos and videos well, and even adjusting positions and timing so you can get the shot without feeling like you’re constantly scrambling. That matters at Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon, where it’s easy to miss the best angles when you’re busy managing your own camera and snorkeling gear.

Also, one booking noted the team helped with a medical issue by rushing to hospital and checking back afterward. That’s not something you plan for, but it does speak to how seriously the crew takes care during the day.

What to pack (and what to rent) so you don’t lose lagoon time

You’ll have a much better day if you treat packing like a water day, not a beach day.

Bring:

• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Change of clothes
• Towel
• Camera
• Beachwear
• Cash

Also strongly consider:

• Water shoes: one booking specifically warned that the water can have stone and coral, and recommended water shoes
• A dry bag: another booking recommended a dry bag to keep your stuff dry

Rentals you may need:

• Mask and snorkel
• Fins/aqua shoes

Not allowed rules are straightforward: no intoxication, no smoking in the vehicle, no plastic bottles, and no littering. The plastic bottle bit matters on islands, so plan to use the bottled water provided onboard instead of bringing extra disposable bottles.

Where this private Tour A fits best

This tour fits you best if:

• You want the classic El Nido lagoon hits: Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon
• You care about avoiding crowds and you like having time to settle in
• You’re a couple, small group, or solo traveler who wants more attention from the guide
• You want actual snorkeling time, not just a quick dip

If you’re traveling with kids or you’re just not a confident swimmer, this can still work because the life vests are provided. But you should take the swimming and snorkeling expectations seriously, and wear appropriate gear.

Wheelchair access isn’t suitable based on the provided information.

Should you book this private island hopping Tour A?

If your priority is seeing the best-known lagoons in El Nido with less crowd stress, I’d book it. The private boat setup plus the guide/crew attention is exactly what turns Tour A from a checklist into a day you remember.

Book with extra clarity on two things:

• Budget for environmental/lagoon fees and any rentals you don’t bring (mask/snorkel, fins)
• Ask what’s covered for kayaking use at the lagoon, since expectations can vary

If you’re set on Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, and turtle snorkeling at Shimizu Island, this private version is a very sensible way to do it—clean logistics, strong crew energy, and a pace that lets you enjoy the water instead of racing through it.

FAQ

How long is the private island hopping Tour A?

The duration is 8 hours.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes free pickup within 1 km of Corong-corong Beach by tuk-tuk, buffet lunch, bottled water, life vest, and a licensed tourist boat with a licensed guide and crew.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Mask and snorkel are not included, and fins/aqua shoes are also not included. Rentals may be available if you don’t have your own.

Are lagoon entrance fees included?

No. The environmental fee and the lagoon entrance fee are listed as government-mandated and not included.

Is the kayak included?

Kayak rental at the lagoon is not included.

What language is the guide?

The tour guide speaks Tagalog and English.

Where does pickup happen?

Pickup is included free within 1 km of Corong-corong Beach by tuk-tuk in El Nido. Hotel drop-off is not included.

What’s the typical schedule for the main stops?

You’ll stop at Seven Commandos Beach, Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Secret Lagoon, and Payong-Payong Beach, with time for swimming and snorkeling at several of them.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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