El Nido’s lagoon day is the kind of trip where your camera starts working overtime. El Nido Tour A strings together Miniloc Island waters and famous lagoon spots into one smooth 8-hour outing, so you get big wow-moments without spending a whole vacation arranging boats and timing. I like that the tour includes a licensed guide, boat transfer, and bottled water, because that means less hassle while you’re focused on swimming and sightseeing.

Two things I especially like are the lagoon variety and the beach time. You’ll be working through Big Lagoon plus Secret/Small Lagoon options, then shifting gears to white sand at Shimizu Island and Seven Commando Beach. The one drawback to keep in mind is that lunch quality and quantity can be a sticking point, and it’s also wise to arrive ready—at least one group experience flagged that instructions on timing and packing could be clearer.

Key highlights worth planning for

• Three lagoon stops built around Miniloc’s clear water, so you’re not just passing by views
• Big Lagoon and Secret/Small Lagoon give you different vibes: wide and dramatic versus calm and quiet
• Seven Commando Beach adds beach time beyond the lagoons
• Shimizu Island sand time plus a real story behind the name
• Kayaking is optional, with a listed rental cost if you want to use one inside the lagoon area
• A licensed crew and English guide help keep the day moving across multiple stops

How Tour A stays focused: Miniloc lagoons first, beach time second

El Nido Tour A is built like a best-of sampler, but it doesn’t feel random. The plan centers on Miniloc Island’s clear waters, then moves into lagoon viewing and time to enjoy the water, before shifting to sand and low-key island breaks.

This matters because lagoon days can turn into a blur if your schedule is spread out or if you spend energy figuring out what to do next. Here, the stops are named clearly in advance—Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Seven Commando Beach, and Shimizu Island—so you can picture what the day will feel like: water, lagoons, then a change of scenery to beaches.

What to wear and bring so you’re not scrambling on the boat

You’ll be in swim mode most of the day, so plan like a beach day, not like a museum day. The tour lists swimwear, a change of clothes, and a sun hat, plus sunscreen as a must. You’ll also want to bring your passport, since it’s listed as required.

One more practical point: bring what you need to stay comfortable if you get sunburned easily. The itinerary includes long stretches outside, and you’re going to be wet on and off during lagoon time. Sunscreen is the one thing that keeps paying off all day.

Big Lagoon: where the day’s dramatic views usually live

Big Lagoon is the marquee stop for a reason. When people talk about Big Lagoon in El Nido, they’re usually reacting to the mix of scale and atmosphere—high walls, water that looks clear enough to see the bottom, and a “this is bigger than I expected” effect. On Tour A, you get that Big Lagoon experience as one of the headline moments.

What you’ll likely do there is straightforward: boat up, take in the views, and enjoy lagoon time. Even if you don’t add extras like kayaking, Big Lagoon is still worth it because the payoff is visual first, then relaxing.

Secret Lagoon and Small Lagoon: the calm side of the same coastline

Tour A is also designed so you’re not only chasing the loudest lagoon. The tour expectations call out Secret Beach and kayaking through the peaceful, crystal waters of the Small Lagoon option.

That’s a great contrast if you like variety in a single day. Big Lagoon tends to feel open and grand, while the Secret/Small Lagoon side feels more like a quiet pause—same region, different mood. If you’re the kind of person who gets restless when every stop is just another quick photo, this sequencing helps.

Kayak option: worth it if you want slower pacing

Kayaking is not included by default. The cost listed is Php 300 for 2 people, and it’s rented within the lagoon area.

If you’re debating whether to pay for a kayak, here’s the value logic: a kayak can help you cover more water at your own speed instead of only moving with the boat. But it also adds an extra step—getting in, paddling, and returning—so it can feel rushed if you’re traveling light or if seas are choppy.

Seven Commando Beach: why this stop matters even after the lagoons

Seven Commando Beach is one of the best “breather” moments on this route. After lagoons, you get white sand time where you can stretch out and reset your body and mind. It’s also a chance to move from viewing water to actually being on a beach.

This kind of stop is underrated on tour days. Lagoons are spectacular, but you can end up feeling like you’re constantly in transit. A beach stop gives you time to breathe between the water highlights.

Shimizu Island: sand time plus a story with complicated edges

Shimizu Island is both a swim-and-sun stop and an interpretation stop, thanks to the origin story tied to the name. The tour notes that Shimizu Island was named after a Japanese diver who allegedly perished in an underwater tunnel nearby, and that the name carries a poignant homage.

The useful part for you isn’t just the trivia—it’s how it frames the place. This region has local folklore, foreign influences, and natural cycles all layered together, and Shimizu Island’s story is one way the tour points you toward that bigger context. You’ll still mostly be doing island time, but you’ll understand you’re in a place where people remember things, not just photograph them.

Food on Tour A: the included lunch can be good, but watch how it’s handled

The tour includes a packed lunch and bottled water each person. That’s an important value point, because lagoon days often force you to pay premium prices for simple meals.

The drawback is that at least one booking experience flagged the food as an area needing improvement—specifically that people held back so there was enough for everyone, and that vegetarian options weren’t well handled (cucumbers and lemon noted as not being enough). If you’re vegetarian, or you have any dietary needs, I’d treat lunch as something you may need to supplement.

The practical move: eat beforehand if your appetite is big, and pack simple backups if you can. The tour also lists alcohol as not allowed and doesn’t mention special meal accommodations, so plan for what you’ll eat rather than assuming it’ll be tailored.

Price and value: $27 is the base, but budget for the extra fees

El Nido Tour A is listed at $27 per person for an 8-hour tour. That price includes a lot of the heavy lifting: packed lunch, bottled water, a licensed tour guide, boat transfer, and a licensed boat captain.

But the real “what you’ll pay” picture includes day-of fees that are explicitly not included:

• Environmental fee ticket: Php 200 per person, valid for 10 days
• Lagoon entrance: Php 200 per person
• Kayak rental, if you choose it: Php 300 for 2 people

So the value story goes like this: your $27 covers the core tour service and transport, while the local fees and optional activities are separate. This is common in protected areas and it’s not a scam—just plan for it so you’re not doing math on the roadside.

Getting in sync with the day: transfers and clear instructions

Two different booking experiences highlight the same theme: the tour runs well when everyone gets clear direction early. One experience praised the crew and guides for taking great care of the group, and that kind of calm confidence matters when you’re moving across multiple stops.

Another experience pointed out that hotel pickup/transfer details can be easy to miss, and that there were moments where instructions were lacking about timing and what to carry or pack before leaving each spot. If you want the easiest day, aim to be ready earlier than the mental clock says—have your sunscreen, change clothes, and day items staged, not buried.

The meeting point is also defined: look for the BIZ IT Travel representative. If you’re using hotel pickup, still assume you might need to confirm where to go if the pickup doesn’t show exactly as expected.

Who should book El Nido Tour A (and who should think twice)

Tour A fits best if you want a concentrated El Nido water day. It’s ideal for people who:

• Love lagoon scenery and want Big Lagoon plus quieter lagoon time
• Don’t mind a full day schedule (8 hours) with multiple short segments
• Are comfortable getting in and out of the water and using swim gear throughout the day

It’s not suitable for people prone to seasickness, and it’s also listed as not suitable for people with high blood pressure. Boat time plus water conditions can be a lot for sensitive travelers, so trust that warning.

Good to know for practical planning: the tour is listed as wheelchair accessible, which is a real plus if you need that level of access.

Should you book El Nido Tour A?

I’d book this tour if you want a well-known El Nido highlights route with a clear focus: lagoons first, then beaches, all under one 8-hour plan. The strongest value is the included essentials—licensed guide, boat transfer, bottled water, and lunch—plus the “more than one lagoon” payoff.

Skip or rethink if you’re sensitive to boat motion, have high blood pressure, or you know you’ll be disappointed by limited vegetarian lunch options. If that sounds like you, consider bringing simple backups for lunch and be extra ready with your packing before each move.

Quick FAQ for El Nido Tour A

FAQ

How long is El Nido Tour A?

The duration is 8 hours.

Where do I meet the tour group?

Look for the BIZ IT Travel representative at the meeting point.

What is included in the tour price?

It includes a packed lunch, bottled water each person, a licensed tour guide, boat transfer, and a licensed boat captain.

What extra fees are not included?

Kayak rental is not included (Php 300 for 2 people). Also not included are the environmental fee ticket (Php 200 per person) and the lagoon entrance (Php 200 per person).

What should I bring for the tour?

Bring sunscreen, swimwear, a change of clothes, a sun hat, and your passport.

Is kayak rental included?

No. Kayak rental is an extra cost and is listed at Php 300 for 2 people.

What is the cancellation policy?

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

Who should avoid this tour, and are there any restrictions?

It is not suitable for people prone to seasickness or people with high blood pressure. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

You Might Also Enjoy

Bohol: Swim with Sea Turtles, Dolphins & Island Hopping TourHonda Bay Island Hopping Tour – A Perfect Day in ParadiseWhale Shark & Tumalog Falls & Sumilon Sandbar & Pescador Island with SardinesMakati Rooftop Bar Hopping with Guided