One waterway sets the tone fast. This El Nido Tour A Big Lagoon Premium focuses on the main show: Big Lagoon with limestone cliffs, clear blue water, and easy time in the sea—then it strings together the best add-on beaches and lagoons like Shimizu Island and Secret Lagoon. You get a full day on the water, not just a quick dip, with a crew and guide who keep things moving.

I particularly like how the itinerary gives you real water time at the places that matter most. I love the Big Lagoon experience for swimming and snorkeling, and I like having an experienced guide and crew—one guide named Jerry gets praised for keeping everyone happy and organized.

The one drawback to plan around is that logistics can vary: pickup can be touchy for some hotels and the “private / shared” setup may feel more shared than you expect, including boat comfort. If you’re picky about timing or space, I’d read the fine print and confirm pickup details early.

Key Things To Know Before You Go

• Big Lagoon is your centerpiece: it’s the first stop, so you get the dramatic cliffs and calm-enough conditions before the day gets busy.
• Shimizu Island adds shallow snorkel time with powdery sand and clear water for a slower beach break.
• Payong-Payong can change with weather: the plan is weather dependent, and you may go to another snorkeling spot if conditions shift.
• Secret Lagoon means a cave entrance: short and special, but it’s not a stop you can skip if you’re expecting quick, open-water swimming only.
• Kayaks are for private tours: if you book the shared option, don’t count on a kayak being included.
• Guide and crew support can make the day: at least one standout guide named Jerry is repeatedly described as helpful and attentive.

Big Lagoon Is Where the Day Becomes Real

Big Lagoon is the headline for a reason. You’re in a narrow, sheltered waterway ringed by dark limestone cliffs, and the water is the kind of clear that makes you look down even when you’re not snorkeling. This stop is also where you’ll want to spend your energy, because it’s the most visually intense part of the whole route.

The time block here is about 1 hour 30 minutes, and that matters. You’re not being rushed through a single photo moment; you get room to swap between swimming, snorkeling, and using a kayak (if your booking includes it). If you’re comfortable in the water, this is the stop where you’ll likely feel the most “wow” per minute.

One practical note: Big Lagoon has entrance fees and you’ll also face an environmental fee for the area. Those costs don’t change the view, but they do change the true trip total, so budget before you go.

Shimizu Island: The Easygoing Beach-and-Snorkel Break

After Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island brings a different vibe. Instead of cliff-lined narrow water, you get powdery white sand, lush surroundings, and calm swimming time in fairly shallow turquoise water. It’s a great “reset” stop if you’re a bit tired from the earlier swim and want a beach moment that still includes snorkeling.

You’ve got about 1 hour 30 minutes here, which is long enough to do two things well: (1) enjoy the beach break and (2) snorkel without feeling like you’re constantly on the clock. The water is described as crystal clear, so if visibility is good on your day, you’ll get that bright, easy-to-follow snorkeling experience.

This is also where I’d pace yourself. Big Lagoon can be the main highlight, but Shimizu is where you can actually enjoy it—rather than just chase the best angles. If you’re traveling with someone who’s less interested in snorkeling, this stop is the peace offering.

Payong-Payong Beach and Secret Lagoon: Weather Can Change the Plan

Payong-Payong Beach is framed as picturesque and relaxing, but there’s a big heads-up built into it: this location is weather dependent. That means you shouldn’t assume you’ll see the exact same snorkeling spot every single day, even if you booked the same tour name.

You’ll spend about 1 hour at Payong-Payong (or another nearby spot for snorkeling if conditions require it). For you, the value is still the water time and the chance to snorkel in El Nido’s clear conditions. For planning, the tradeoff is flexibility: your photos might not match someone else’s day, and that’s not a bad thing, just be mentally ready for a swap.

Then comes Secret Lagoon, which is only accessible through a small cave. This is the kind of stop that feels special the moment you understand the logistics—there’s a sense of arrival because you’re entering a hidden pocket of water rather than walking into an open beach. You get about 1 hour here, which is enough for sightseeing and a look around, but it’s not meant to be an all-day swim party.

If you’re the type who likes variety, this pair is a good mid-tour rhythm: one stop that may shift with weather, then a lagoon that’s defined by access and atmosphere.

Seven Commando Beach Finishes Strong

Seven Commando Beach closes the loop with a softer landing. Think serene white sand, clear turquoise water, palm trees, and rock formations, plus a beach bar vibe. It’s a good finale because it’s easy to enjoy without needing to chase anything underwater for every minute.

You’ll get about 1 hour here. That’s enough time to relax, take a few slower photos, and snack your way through the end of the day without feeling like you’ll miss a scheduled moment. And since the tour ends with drop-off near the El Nido floating dock, it’s a practical send-off when you’re ready to transfer back to town.

If you’re deciding between tours, this final stop matters because it reduces that tired, “just get me back on land” feeling that can happen on long lagoon days.

Private vs Shared: The Comfort Reality on a Boat

The tour is offered as private / shared, and that word pair can be a little misleading if you’re expecting a completely different boat experience. The big point for you: a private booking gives you more “your group” time and includes a kayak, while shared can feel more crowded depending on how many people are on board.

From the itinerary, the route is the same set of stops, so the difference is mostly about space, pacing, and how easy it is to move and breathe on a boat. If you’re traveling with kids, if you’re sensitive to cramped quarters, or if you simply hate feeling squeezed, you’ll want to confirm what “shared” means in practice for your specific date.

The upside of shared is value. It’s cheaper and still hits the same core places—especially Big Lagoon, which is the visual reason most people book.

Price and Value: What $40 Really Costs You

The posted price is $40.00 per person, and that number is only the starting point. Your included basics are solid: hotel pickup, boat transfer, an experienced crew or licensed tour guide, life jacket, purified water, and a picnic lunch with fruits. That’s a lot of logistics handled for you.

But you should budget for what’s not included:

• Big Lagoon entrance fee: PHP 200 per head
• Environmental fee: PHP 400 per head (valid for 5 days)
• Snorkeling mask: ₱150 per person (if you need one)

That means the real “out-the-door” cost is usually higher than $40 once you convert and add fees. Still, it can be good value if you compare it to renting everything separately and paying for boat logistics on your own.

My practical take: treat this as a tour that’s priced for convenience, not just scenery. You’re paying so you don’t have to plan routes, find boats, handle fees alone, and guess where lunch fits in.

Also, do a quick comparison if you’re booking through a platform or reseller. There’s at least one review that points out the same itinerary can cost a lot more when bought through certain channels, which is a strong reminder to shop smart.

Lunch and Day Rhythm: More Than Just Food

The picnic lunch gets mixed but mostly positive feedback. One review specifically described lunch as good, with variety including seafood and pork/chicken, plus fruit. For a long day on the water, that’s not a small detail—it keeps energy up so you can enjoy swimming time instead of feeling like you’re running on empty.

The other side of the balance is that some people feel the food portion isn’t as generous as they expected, especially when they thought they were buying a premium package with more inclusions. The take for you: it’s a picnic lunch, not a restaurant meal. Come hungry, but don’t plan on it being an all-you-can buffet.

The day rhythm is built for attention too: Big Lagoon early, then Shimizu, then the cave-access Secret Lagoon, and finally the calmer beach at Seven Commando. If you hate rushing, this structure helps.

Pickup, Timing, and the Floating Dock End Point

Hotel pickup is listed as included, and that’s a big reason people book. But pickup can vary by location, and there have been cases where someone’s hotel pickup didn’t work as expected because the pickup area didn’t match what was listed.

So for you, the simple move is confirmation. Once you book, confirm:

• where pickup happens
• the exact pickup time window
• what happens if you’re outside the typical pickup radius

Timing changes also happen. One reviewer mentions that the start time was adjusted due to favorable weather conditions, and that can matter if you have a planned schedule around it. Weather rules the lagoon world, and no one controls that.

At the end, you’ll be dropped off at/near the El Nido floating dock. That’s convenient because it puts you close to the main transport zone. Just plan your return plans with a little slack, because sea days can shift.

Weather and What It Means for Your Photos

This tour requires good weather. The itinerary includes at least one explicit weather dependency (Payong-Payong), and that’s your clue that lagoon conditions can change fast.

If weather isn’t ideal, the operator states the tour could be canceled, and then you’d either be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s the best-case scenario. But there’s also evidence from reviews of last-minute cancellations due to technical difficulties in peak season, so I don’t recommend stacking other tight commitments on the same day unless you have flexibility.

For your best experience, plan on bringing a weather-ready mindset: sunscreen, a light layer for breezes, and water-friendly shoes can make the day more comfortable. Even when the sea looks calm, limestone areas can be slick near shore.

Who This Tour A Fits Best

This tour fits best if you want the classic El Nido “lagoon chain” day without planning a thing. You’ll love it if:

• you care most about Big Lagoon as the main highlight
• you want multiple stops that are different enough to avoid monotony
• you’re comfortable with boat transfers and spending several hours on the water

It may be less ideal if:

• you’re extremely sensitive to cramped boat conditions
• you need guaranteed pickup from a very specific hotel location
• you’re relying on strict timing for another event the same day

The overall vibe is “active nature day.” Most people can participate, and the included life jacket and boat transfer setup make it approachable.

Should You Book This Big Lagoon Premium Tour?

Yes, if your priority is a full-day El Nido highlights route built around Big Lagoon, with snorkeling breaks and a sensible ending at Seven Commando Beach. The included picnic lunch, purified water, life jacket, and pickup add real convenience, and the standout praise for guides like Jerry suggests the team can seriously improve the day.

Skip or rethink if you’re booking with very tight schedule constraints, have strong expectations about what private truly means on a boat, or you’re worried about fees adding up at the last minute. In that case, confirm pickup details and total cost before you pay.

If you’re choosing based on value, this tour can be a fair deal—just treat the advertised price as the base, then budget for the Big Lagoon entrance and the environmental fee. Done right, you’ll spend your day where you should: in clear water surrounded by limestone cliffs.

FAQ

How long is El Nido Tour A Big Lagoon Premium?

It runs for about 7 hours (approximately).

How much does the tour cost?

The price is listed as $40.00 per person.

What’s included in the tour price?

Hotel pickup, boat transfer, service of an experienced crew or licensed tour guide, life jacket, purified water, and a picnic lunch with fruits are included.

Do I need to pay entrance fees?

Yes. Big Lagoon entrance fees are listed as PHP 200 per head, and there’s also an environmental fee of PHP 400 per head.

What is the snorkeling mask situation?

A snorkeling mask costs ₱150 per person and is not included.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, hotel pickup is offered/included as part of the tour.

Is a kayak included?

Kayak is included for private tours only.

Which stops are part of the itinerary?

The tour includes Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Payong-Payong Beach, Secret Lagoon, and Seven Commando Beach.

Is Payong-Payong Beach guaranteed?

No. Payong-Payong Beach is weather dependent, and you may go to another spot for snorkeling if needed.

What happens if the tour can’t run due to weather?

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

Is the tour refundable if I cancel?

No. The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason.

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