A private boat day in El Nido is a big upgrade. With a private guide and your own island-hopping route (fewer crowds than shared boats), you get to pick the pace while still ticking off the classic sights like Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon. I also like that lunch, drinks, and lagoon entrances are built in. One thing to watch: some key lagoon/beach entrance fees are not included, and snorkel/kayak gear costs extra.

This is the kind of tour where the crew quality shows. I’ve seen how captain Oliver handled safety and how guide Darrel kept the day moving with smart spot choices and photo help, and that makes a long water day feel smooth instead of chaotic. Another plus: you’re not stuck waiting on strangers to finish at each stop—your group just goes.

If you’re short on time in El Nido and want the highlights without turning your day into a line-up simulator, this tour fits well. Just plan around weather, because the itinerary depends on good sea conditions.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Private island-hopping with a licensed guide and crew, so your group moves as a unit
• Lunchtime included with lunch plus soda, water, and fruits
• Big Lagoon + Secret Lagoon + more in a structured 7–8 hour route
• Fewer crowds via a different route, not just another shared-boat schedule
• Extra costs are real: snorkel gear, kayak/SUP, and some entrance fees

Why a private island-hopping boat feels worth it

El Nido’s coast is gorgeous, but the logistics can be a headache. Shared tours usually mean waiting for boats, matching everyone’s swim pace, and squeezing in photo stops while the next group piles on. This private format changes the whole rhythm.

You get that undivided attention that matters on the water. With a dedicated licensed guide and crew, you’re not guessing where to go next or worrying about being rushed. It also makes it easier to adapt if your group wants more time on a beach stretch, less time in a lagoon, or a calmer swim moment.

There’s another subtle win: the tour uses a route designed to help you encounter fewer crowds. You still visit the big-name locations, but the order and approach can make a noticeable difference to how “enjoyable” the stops feel.

What the day includes: lunch, lagoon access, and the gear math

Here’s the value picture from the included items:

• Lunch with soda and water + fruits
• Environmental fee
• Lagoon entrance (note: not every lagoon/beach stop has the same “included” status—see the itinerary section)
• Free pickup if your accommodation is around town proper or within 2 km from the public market
• Professional licensed tour guide + crew
• Snorkel equipment note: snorkeling gear is listed as not included (you pay for a set)

This is where you should do the quick math before you book. The base price is $143 per person, and it already covers the big-ticket items like lunch and lagoon access/fees. Then you add the common extras:

• Snorkeling gears/equipment: P100 per set
• Kayak: P400 pesos (and the tour notes that Big Lagoon is better experienced via kayak or SUP)

If you think you’ll snorkel, it’s worth factoring in the gear fee. If your group is the active type, kayak/SUP can be a highlight—not a hassle.

One more logistics note: pickup is free only within a certain area. If you’re farther out in El Nido, you should expect an extra charge. Also, the tour ends back at the meeting point.

Stop-by-stop: Big Lagoon, El Nido, and the calmer beach stretches

Your day runs about 7 to 8 hours, with around 1 hour 30 minutes at each of the main stops listed. That’s a solid pace: enough time to swim, take photos, and still feel like you’re on holiday—not just moving from pier to pier.

Stop 1: Big Lagoon

Big Lagoon is the star show. This is described as the most popular lagoon in the Philippines or in Asia, backed by long-held karst limestone scenery that’s been shaped over millions of years. The water and cliffs look like they belong on a postcard, but it’s the setting that makes it work: dramatic walls + lagoon calm.

Your best move here: the tour explicitly suggests kayak/SUP for a better experience. If you want to glide through the lagoon rather than just floating near the boat, plan for the kayak/SUP add-on (P400 for kayak is listed). Admission ticket for this stop is not included.

Potential drawback: lagoon stops can feel busy in general areas, even with the route designed to reduce crowds. You’ll get more from this stop if your group is ready to move a bit with the guide’s timing.

Stop 2: El Nido / Shimizu Island

This stop is a nice change of pace from lagoon drama. Shimizu Island is highlighted as a favorite spot for turtle watching, plus relaxing time over lunch.

The island name is tied to a pioneer who explored the waters of El Nido—so it’s not just scenery, it’s one of those places with meaning behind the name. Admission is listed as free for this stop.

A smart way to enjoy it: treat this as your “slow down” moment. If your group is focused on photos, turtles, or just floating and watching the coastline, this is a good place to do it without feeling like you’re falling behind.

Stop 3: Secret Lagoon

Secret Lagoon is all about the compact wow factor. You’ll get a chance to explore and chill in a smaller lagoon/bay setting that’s described as one of the most beautiful beaches in El Nido.

Admission is listed as free here. Time is again about 1 hour 30 minutes, which is enough for a swim and a proper stretch on the sand or shallow areas, depending on water conditions.

Possible consideration: secret spots can still have changing accessibility depending on sea/weather. You’ll rely on the guide and crew to decide the best approach, so listen early when they give instructions.

Stop 4: Seven Commando Beach

Seven Commando Beach has a backstory tied to seven commandos who lived on the island, with their titles shown on the cliffs. It’s also described as a lonely beach stretch on the mainland, with a sloping feel as you move down toward the sand.

Admission is free. This is the kind of stop that helps your day feel like more than a checklist. It’s a chance to slow your pace and take in something a bit less centered on lagoon fame.

If your group likes empty-feeling beach time, keep an eye on how the guide sets the schedule here.

Stop 5: Payong-Payong Beach

Payong-Payong Beach is a classic white-sand, clear-water, limestone-cliff scene. It’s one of those places where the “look” is obvious fast—bright sand and dramatic rock walls.

This is one of the stops where the admission ticket is not included.

Practical tip: if you’re bringing a phone or camera, charge up before the tour. Sun + short transit times can lead to frantic battery management at the worst moment.

Timing and weather: how the day stays smooth

This tour runs on sea time, not just a clock. The additional info notes that the experience requires good weather. If conditions are poor, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

So what should you do? Pick days based on your broader trip plan:

• If you have flexible dates, keep at least one backup day in El Nido.
• If you’re on a tight schedule and moving to another island immediately, you might feel pressure if weather changes.

On a good day, the pacing works well. With five main stops and about 7–8 hours total, you won’t feel stuck for 4 hours in one place. You’ll also avoid that “tour bus energy” you get with longer shared itineraries.

Captain Oliver, Darrel, Jul, and RJ: what great crew changes

The best part of a private tour is not just the exclusivity. It’s how the crew handles real-world moments.

From the standout feedback I’ve seen, captain Oliver focused on safety and made sure everyone was looked after on the water. Guide Darrel was helpful with keeping the group safe and helped with spotting the right island angles and better photo moments. Other guide and crew names that came up strongly include Jul and RJ, praised for finding the best spots when things weren’t crowded and for actively helping with photos.

What this means for you: you’ll get clearer guidance on where to swim, when to move, and how to get shots that look good without turning every stop into a scramble.

Also, private doesn’t automatically mean perfect. You’ll still want to pay attention to instructions about water entry, snorkeling gear use (if you rent it), and how the boat crew manages timing. In this tour, the tone is professional and organized, and that matters.

Price value check: does $143 per person make sense?

Let’s break down value in plain terms.

What you get in the base price

• Private island-hopping setup (your group only)
• Lunch (with drinks + fruits)
• Pickup for many hotels in town (within 2 km from the public market)
• Licensed guide + crew
• Environmental fee
• Lagoon entrance coverage (with the caveat that some specific stops list admission as not included)
• Snorkeling gear not included, but the tour still supports snorkeling as part of the experience

What you might add

• Snorkel gear: P100 per set
• Kayak (and the tour specifically recommends kayak/SUP for Big Lagoon): P400 pesos
• Entrance tickets for certain stops (Big Lagoon and Payong-Payong Beach list admission as not included)
• Extra pickup charge if you’re outside El Nido town area

Is it expensive? It’s not cheap, but it’s also not pretending to be budget. For $143, you’re paying for a private boat day with structured stops, lunch included, and a crew that’s clearly competent at safety and timing.

If you’re traveling as a couple or small group, the private element usually justifies the cost faster—because you’re not sharing the boat day with strangers, and you’re not stuck waiting on other people’s pace.

Who this tour fits best

I’d point you toward this tour if:

• You want classic El Nido highlights without crowds and stop-stacking.
• Your group likes photos and wants help getting them.
• You’re okay with a day on the water and you’ll use the time well.
• You’d like a private guide to adjust pace to your interests.

I might steer you elsewhere if:

• You hate surprise add-ons and you’re hoping snorkeling/kayak will be fully included.
• You’re on a schedule that can’t flex if weather changes.
• You’re staying far outside the town pickup area and don’t want extra transfer costs.

Should you book El Nido Private Tour A with Lunch?

I’d book it if your goal is a well-paced private day: lagoon wow, beach time, and a guide/crew that keeps things safe and moving. The overall rating is strong, and the best feedback centers on professionalism, safety, and how much easier the day feels when you’re not sharing logistics with other groups.

Just do two prep checks:

• Confirm the entrance fee situation for any stops marked as not included so there are no surprises.
• If you book through a third party, double-check transfer/pickup costs in writing. One caution in the feedback was about rate changes and transfer charges, so it’s smart to verify before you pay.

If you show up ready—sunscreen on, battery charged, and a plan for snorkeling gear (and kayak if you want Big Lagoon by kayak)—this tour delivers the kind of day you came to Palawan for.

FAQ

How long is El Nido Private Tour A?

The tour runs about 7 to 8 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at the El Nido Police Station and ends back at the meeting point.

Is pickup included?

Yes, free pickup is offered for accommodation/hotels around town proper or within 2 km from the public market. Pickup outside that area has an extra charge.

Is the tour private?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, meaning only your group participates.

What’s included with lunch?

Lunch includes soda and water plus fruits.

Is snorkeling gear included?

No. Snorkeling gears/equipment are not included. The listed cost is P100 per set.

Is there a kayak option?

Kayak is available for P400 pesos. The tour also notes that Big Lagoon is better experienced with kayak or SUP.

Which stops have entrance fees included?

Big Lagoon and Payong-Payong Beach list admission tickets as not included. El Nido (Shimizu Island), Secret Lagoon, and Seven Commando Beach list admission as free.

What weather requirements affect the tour?

The experience requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What’s the cancellation window?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.

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