That Big Lagoon color is the whole point. Kayaking in Big Lagoon and snorkeling at Shimizu Island are the two big wins, with beach time at 7 Commando and the Secret Lagoon. Still, plan for some real-world timing quirks—at busy lagoons, launches and schedules can run slower than expected, so keep a flexible attitude.

I like that this is a joiner tour that stays focused on water time. You get free pickup in El Nido Town and Corong-corong, plus a buffet lunch with water and fruits, all run by a licensed boat, captain, and guide team. One caution: environmental and lagoon entrance fees are not included, so bring cash and expect to pay those on the spot if required.

Key Things I’d Watch For on Tour A

• Big Lagoon kayaking with that limestone “natural amphitheater” feeling and bright, clear water
• Shimizu Island snorkeling in coral-rich water where the fish are the main attraction
• Seven Commandos Beach for relaxing swim time with bars and small shops nearby
• Secret Lagoon access through a narrow opening in a limestone wall, then time to explore and snorkel
• Payong-Payong Beach as the calmer, quieter beach stop to reset your day

Getting to the Boat: Free Pickup and the Pace of a Joiner Tour

El Nido Island Hopping Tour A is built for shared days on the water. You’ll meet your group at the beachfront travel and tours pickup point, and if you’re staying in El Nido Town or Corong-corong, pickup is included—handy if you don’t want to figure out transport first thing.

This is an 8-hour outing with multiple stops, so the day has a rhythm: get on the boat, hit a photo-and-swim window, then move again. That rhythm is why the tour works for most people. You’re not paying for long, exhausting travel hours on land. You’re paying to spend the day where the views are.

Two small practical notes matter here. First: the guide picks the lunch stop, and destinations can change with weather. Second: you’ll want your day gear ready to go, because “water time” often means you’ll be transitioning fast between boat, sand, and snorkeling gear. If you like laid-back travel, keep your expectations simple: you’re here for the water, not for a perfectly timed itinerary.

Seven Commandos Beach: A Real Swim Stop, Not Just a Photo Drop

Seven Commandos Beach is the kind of place that makes you stop moving for a minute. Powdery white sand, coconut trees swaying at the edge, and dramatic limestone cliffs wrapping around the bay. The name comes from a legend about seven commandos after World War II, but the real draw today is how easy it is to relax here.

What you’ll actually do on this stop is a mix:

• break time and photo stops
• guided sightseeing
• swimming and scenic views
• plus a bit of browsing around the rustic bars and small shops

I like starting the day on sand like this. It warms you up for the rest of the itinerary. You can get your bearings fast, grab a drink, and rinse your excitement on the water instead of waiting for the “main show.”

If you get motion-sick easily, this first stop can help. After the initial boat ride, you have a chance to stretch, breathe, and settle before you’re out on the water again. And if the ocean looks calm, it’s a good place to test your comfort level before snorkeling later.

Big Lagoon Kayaking: The Stop That Turns Photos Into Memory

Big Lagoon is the headline for Tour A, and not because of marketing words. The lagoon sits inside towering limestone cliffs that form a natural bowl, and the water color is so clear it looks almost unreal.

When you kayak here, you’re not just “seeing” the lagoon—you’re moving through it. That changes everything. Kayaking lets you drift into quieter corners, adjust your angle to the cliffs, and notice details you’d miss from a boat seat.

This stop includes a boat cruise through the narrow entrance, then you’ll have time for kayaking and swimming. Timing can feel a little variable, and it’s worth knowing that lagoons can get busy. If you find yourself waiting for canoes to launch or for your turn to enter the lagoon area, don’t panic. Use that moment to:

• hydrate
• take photos from where you are
• watch the water conditions (wind and swell matter for comfort)

One more practical tip: kayaking is easier if you keep your routine simple. Don’t overthink gear. Focus on staying steady, enjoying the view, and pacing yourself instead of trying to sprint through every little inlet. The best feeling here is quiet movement under those cliffs.

Shimizu Island: Snorkeling Where the Fish Do the Talking

Shimizu Island is the snorkeling payoff. It’s named after a Japanese diver who explored the area, and the island’s position in coral-rich waters makes it a go-to spot for underwater viewing.

On this stop, you’ll get:

• swimming time
• snorkeling
• boat cruise and sightseeing
• and then lunch

This is where the tour shifts from “pretty beaches” to “active water.” Snorkeling at Shimizu Island is all about coral and fish life, and the scenery beneath the surface can be very rewarding even if you’re not a serious underwater photographer. If you are bringing a camera, this is a great chance to use it, because the water conditions here are often clear enough to capture colorful fish and coral textures.

A quick reality check: snorkeling time is time-limited. You’ll get a chunk of time (about an hour on the stop plan), so keep your setup tight. Put on your gear quickly, keep an eye on your guide, and don’t burn your best energy chasing every direction at once. If you float and scan the reef line, you’ll usually have the smoothest experience.

Lunch on the Water: Buffet Comfort, Then Back to the Sea

Lunch is part of the day, and you’ll want to treat it like a recharge, not a full sit-down meal. The tour includes a buffet lunch, plus water and fruits. That matters more than it sounds, because island hopping is an all-day sun situation, and food that’s actually filling keeps you from burning out early.

A few things to keep in mind:

• your guide chooses the lunch stop
• the plan can adjust with weather
• you’ll still be going straight back to water afterward

I’ve found that the best approach is to eat like you’re about to do activity, not like you’re trying to linger. Load up on what sits well in the stomach, refill water, then plan to reapply sunscreen once you’re back in your beach routine.

One bonus detail: at least on this tour, the tour setup includes fruit and water as standard. That’s a comfort factor when you’re out for hours and don’t want to constantly hunt for snacks.

Secret Lagoon: The Squeeze-In Moment and the Quiet After

The Secret Lagoon stop is one of those places that feels like you stepped into a different pocket of Palawan. It’s accessed through a small hole in a limestone wall. That narrow opening is part of the magic. You go from open brightness to a more sheltered, enclosed feel as you enter.

This stop is designed for:

• photo stop and sightseeing
• snorkeling
• and exploring the lagoon area

I like this moment late in the day because it’s a reset. Big Lagoon is dramatic and active. Seven Commandos is relaxed and beachy. Secret Lagoon is neither of those—it’s more about being in a hidden-feeling space with cliffs all around.

Expect the water to be clear enough for snorkeling if conditions cooperate. If the water looks rough or choppy, follow the guide’s lead. Sometimes lagoon behavior changes quickly with wind and swell, and you’ll have a better time by going with what’s safe than by trying to force an ideal snorkeling moment.

Also, this is the stop where crowd energy can matter. Even in a shared tour, you’ll usually find the secret spots feel calmer once you’re inside the sheltered area. It’s not a private beach, but it can feel like one for a short time.

Payong-Payong Beach: The Softer Landing at the End

Payong-Payong Beach is listed as a quieter, more secluded stop. It’s small, unspoiled, and surrounded by lush vegetation and striking rock formations. In plain terms: it’s the place you go when you want sand time without feeling like you’re fighting the whole world.

On the plan, you get a break time plus photos and a guided visit. There’s also swimming and snorkeling on this stop (again, time is limited, but it’s built into the schedule). If you’ve been in and out of the water a few times already, this is where you can slow down and just enjoy the setting.

This is also a stop that suits people who like a mix: some active swimming, but also time to lie back, cool off, and let the day settle. If your energy is running low, Payong-Payong can be a relief. If you’re still feeling strong, it’s a good place to do one last snorkeling pass and call it a day.

Tour Value: What $23 Buys You (and What It Doesn’t)

At around $23 per person for about 8 hours, Tour A is good value for El Nido island hopping—especially because the tour includes the stuff that costs money in real life: a licensed boat and captain, a licensed guide and crew, plus a buffet lunch with water and fruits.

But the real value equation depends on the fees you don’t want surprises from.

Not included:

• environmental fee (listed as 400)
• lagoon entrance fee (listed as 200)
• drop-off back to your hotel
• additional kayak rental (if you end up needing more)

So here’s how I’d plan your budget: treat $23 as the “base tour” number, and then carry extra cash for those listed government fees. It keeps your day stress-free. Also, because drop-off back to the hotel isn’t included, you’ll want to confirm where you’ll end up and how you’ll get back. Simple, but it matters at the end of a long water day.

One more small value detail: the tour includes life vest/jacket. That’s not glamorous, but it’s a real comfort and safety piece when you’re hopping into lagoons and open water.

What to Pack (So You Don’t Spend the Day Fussing)

You’ll be in swimwear for much of the tour, so pack like you’re going to a full day beach event, not like you’re going to a long city walk.

Bring:

• change of clothes
• camera
• biodegradable sunscreen
• beachwear
• cash (for fees and any extra purchases)
• a waterproof bag
• waterproof shoes

I also suggest you treat sunscreen as mandatory. Strong sun hits fast around the lagoons. Biodegradable sunscreen is specifically listed as recommended, so bring that version if you can.

Water access is included (water is in the inclusions), but I still like having your own extra bottle as backup if you’re the type who drinks a lot in the heat. You’ll be outside for hours, and it’s easy to underestimate how quickly hydration disappears.

Timing and Group Dynamics: When the Day Runs Slower

Tour A can be smooth, but it’s also shared and weather-driven. Two practical patterns show up with island hopping like this:

• popular lagoon activities can take longer when there’s a logjam
• lunch timing and stop order can shift with conditions

If you want to avoid frustration, keep your mental schedule loose. You’re not on a timed race. You’re on an ocean day, and the water always wins.

If you’re traveling with a packed plan after the tour, give yourself buffer time for getting back. And if you notice delays—like waiting for kayaking access—use that time to reset your focus. The views don’t disappear, and once you’re moving, it usually feels worth it.

Who Tour A Is Best For

This tour is a strong fit if you want a mix of iconic El Nido water stops without needing to plan anything yourself.

It works especially well for:

• first-time El Nido visitors who want the classic stops
• people who like snorkeling and calm-water time (Shimizu, Secret Lagoon, Payong-Payong)
• anyone who values a buffet lunch and basic comfort items like water, fruits, and life vests

It may be less ideal if you hate uncertainty and need strict timing. Because lagoons can be busy and weather can cause small changes, you’ll enjoy it more if you can roll with it.

Should You Book El Nido Tour A?

I’d book this tour if you want a straightforward, value-driven day that hits multiple wow-factor locations: the Big Lagoon kayaking experience, snorkeling at Shimizu Island, and a more secluded ending at Payong-Payong. The included buffet lunch, water, fruits, and life vest/jacket make the day feel complete without constant extra purchases.

I’d hesitate only if you’re extremely schedule-tight or if you know you struggle with delays and waiting. In that case, you might still enjoy the scenery, but you’ll want a calmer day plan around it.

If you do book, plan your cash for the environmental and lagoon entrance fees, pack waterproof shoes and a waterproof bag, and keep your expectations focused on time in the water. That’s where Tour A pays you back.

FAQ

How long is the El Nido Island Hopping Tour A?

The tour lasts about 8 hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup is included for El Nido Town and Corong-corong.

What’s included in the price?

You get a buffet lunch, water, fruits, life vest/jacket, and a licensed tourist boat with a licensed captain, plus a licensed guide and crew.

What fees are not included?

You’ll need to budget for the environmental fee (400) and lagoon entrance fee (200). Drop-off back to your hotel and additional kayak rental are also not included.

Where does the tour include snorkeling?

Snorkeling is included at Shimizu Island, Secret Lagoon, and Payong-Payong Beach.

What should I bring to the tour?

Bring a change of clothes, camera, biodegradable sunscreen, beachwear, cash, a waterproof bag, and waterproof shoes.

What rules do I need to follow during the tour?

Smoking is not allowed. Plastic bags, alcohol and drugs, and littering are also not allowed.

You Might Also Enjoy

Explore Intramuros: Introduction to Philippine HistoryBohol: Boat Tour to Sandbar and Snorkeling with TurtlesDumaguete Apo Island Snorkel with turtle TourBoracay: Island Hopping | Pick-up at the Hotel