Lagoons that look unreal start with this tour. Tour A strings together El Nido’s top karst scenery, with Big Lagoon and the Secret Lagoon cave stop as the main wow moments. You’ll spend a full day bouncing by boat between famous spots, with swimming and snorkel time built in where conditions allow.

I especially like the way the day is run by a crew that’s focused on safety and keeping things moving. On some departures, you may meet guides such as Albert and Ramon, plus the crew often helps with water and boat logistics so getting on and off is less stressful than it can be on other shared tours.

One thing to keep in mind: this is a group tour, so you can hit crowds and slow loading times at busy stops. If you hate queues or you want long, quiet beach time, you’ll feel the pressure here.

Key things to know before you choose Tour A

• Big Lagoon’s limestone walls create the dramatic, narrow-waterway look you came for.
• Shimizu Island is built for a lunch break plus snorkeling with turtles if you want it.
• Secret Lagoon is reached through a cave, so expect a short, guided-style “moment” to get inside.
• Payong-Payong and Seven Commando give you two different beach vibes, both backed by towering limestone.
• Group size is capped at 50, which still means plenty of people at popular swim zones.

Price and what you truly get for $44.95

Tour A costs $44.95 per person, and it’s one of the more budget-friendly ways to hit multiple lagoons in a single day. For the price, you’re not just buying transport—you’re also getting a planned route plus key fees covered, which matters in El Nido.

The package includes lunch in the beach area, lagoon entrance fees (listed as P200 per person), and an environmental fee (P400 per person, valid for 14 days). Those add up fast when you’re paying entry fees on your own, so this is where the value shows.

That said, you still need to budget for extras. Mask and snorkel rental is listed at P100 per set, kayaking costs P400 per kayak (good for two), and drinks are not included. If you’re the type who likes cold water and soda on repeat all day, plan ahead.

The 9:00 am to 7–8 hour schedule: how it lands in real time

This tour starts at 9:00 am and runs about 7–8 hours. On paper, that’s a clean block of time. On the water, it’s a lot of short transitions, with the middle of the day feeling like the busiest stretch as different boats arrive for similar swim and photo windows.

Because it’s a group day, the “time on each stop” comes in chunks (the itinerary lists about 1 hour 30 minutes per stop). You’ll usually get enough time to swim or snorkel when conditions are good, but you won’t get the relaxed, stay-forever feeling you might want at a private beach.

The tour operates with a maximum of 50 travelers, but popular moments still feel busy. One practical detail I like to flag: the meeting point can be crowded, and you may end up walking through shallow water to reach the boat. So even before you leave the dock area, bring the right footwear and keep your bag protected.

Big Lagoon: narrow water, big drama, and optional kayaking

Big Lagoon is the kind of place where the photos look fake, but the water and limestone are real. Expect a narrow passage of bright blue water, hemmed in by dark karst cliffs that make the whole bay feel like a natural amphitheater.

This is also the main stop where kayaking fits the vibe. The tour description points to kayaking as a key part of navigating the lagoon, and kayak rentals are listed at P400 per kayak for two people. If you want that up-close glide feel, budget for it.

Now the practical bit: shared lagoons mean the water and access points can get congested. You may spend a little time waiting your turn, and some people find the first stop skews toward kayaking rather than full-on snorkeling. If snorkeling at Big Lagoon is your top priority, don’t assume it will replace the lagoon kayaking experience—arrive ready for what’s available when you’re there.

Shimizu Island lunch and snorkeling with turtles

Shimizu Island is a smart mid-tour break because it combines scenery, a chance to eat, and snorkeling. The itinerary notes snorkeling with turtles, and this is the kind of spot where you can get a real sense of how alive the water is under the surface.

Lunch happens here, and it’s listed as lunch in the beach setting. That matters. Eating while you can actually see the island and water around you is a better recharge than eating on a boat at speed.

A helpful pacing note: lunch isn’t just a snack. In many departures, you’ll have enough time to eat without rushing, with time varying by stop and how things are running that day. If you’re traveling with anyone who gets tired easily, this mid-day stop is a good place to reset.

Payong-Payong Beach: white sand, clear water, and limestone cliffs

Payong-Payong Beach delivers classic El Nido beach scenery: white sand, clear water, and tall limestone formations rising right out of the water. It’s the kind of stop where you can spend time floating, wading, and taking in the view from different angles as the tide and boat positioning change.

One reality check: with shared tours, you’re often arriving when multiple boats are arriving. That can affect how smoothly boarding and unloading works, and how many people are in the water at the same time.

Also, plan for some uneven access. One concern that shows up in real-world feedback is that reaching the beach can involve walking through water over rocks. Water shoes help a lot here, especially if the footing feels slick or the distance is longer than expected.

Secret Lagoon: the cave entrance and the “only-in-El-Nido” feeling

Secret Lagoon is one of the most memorable stops because it’s not just a beach—it’s a hidden-feeling pocket reached through a small cave. You’ll get that quick build of anticipation, then suddenly you’re inside the lagoon with limestone framing the view.

The itinerary lists Secret Lagoon as an accessible sightseeing destination, and that cave approach is exactly why it’s so popular. You’re not just swimming; you’re doing a short passage that makes the place feel special.

Because it’s a cave route, timing and crowd control can matter. If you’re traveling with anyone who doesn’t like tight passages or needs extra balance time, go slow and take your cues from the crew. The benefit: once you’re inside, the setting usually makes the wait feel worth it.

Seven Commando Beach: turquoise water, palm trees, and boat-loading stress

Seven Commando Beach wraps up the classic island tour arc. The scenery is scenic in a simple way—clear turquoise water, palm trees, and rock formations—plus a beach bar if you want a refresh.

This stop can be a little more complicated than the others because it tends to be busy. With group logistics, loading and unloading can become difficult when multiple boats are sharing the same area. If you’re prone to impatience, that’s the part of the day where you’ll notice it most.

Still, it’s a worthwhile landing spot. By this stage, you’ve usually already seen the lagoons, and Seven Commando gives you a beach finish. If you’re careful with your timing and don’t rush the walk-on steps, you can end the day on a good note.

Gear that actually helps: water shoes and a waterproof system

You don’t need to bring a lot of gear, but the right items make the day feel easier. From what I’ve seen work best for El Nido island hopping, the two biggest wins are water shoes and a waterproof bag.

Water shoes protect your feet during rocky wades and reduce the risk of slipping when you’re stepping on and off boats. A waterproof bag helps if you’re putting phones, wallets, and dry clothes in one place so you’re not constantly worrying about splashes and spray.

Mask and snorkel rental is available for P100 per set. If you’re bringing your own, great. If you’re renting, check that it fits comfortably and doesn’t leak at the worst possible time.

Kayaks are optional but key for Big Lagoon. If you plan to kayak, keep your expectations realistic. You’ll be paying to get that experience, and it’s not the same as strolling the beach.

Crew style and safety: what you should watch for

One of the big reasons Tour A gets strong marks is the crew’s energy and attention to safety. In some departures, guides such as Albert and Ramon are noted for being professional and friendly, and for helping with photos and videos. That matters because on boats, small adjustments can make a day feel smoother.

It also helps that the crew may adjust the stop order slightly to fit timing or reduce cross-traffic in crowded areas. That kind of flexibility can mean fewer bottlenecks and a calmer experience overall.

Still, remember: you’re operating in shared space. Even the best crew can’t erase crowd patterns at the most famous lagoons. Your job as the traveler is to bring patience, keep your valuables protected, and accept that island days run on boat schedules, not your ideal timeline.

Who should book El Nido Tour A, and who should think twice

Tour A is a great fit if you want value and you’re happy with a structured, group-style island day. It’s also a strong choice for first-timers who want to check off multiple headline stops—Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu, Payong-Payong, and Seven Commando—without planning a complex DIY day.

I’d also consider it if your group includes people who just want to see the scenery and swim casually. The route gives you beaches, lagoon views, and a clear lunch break.

You might want to think twice if you:

• Hate crowds and long wait times.
• Want more time at fewer locations instead of shorter chunks at many spots.
• Are especially sensitive to rocky wading and busy boarding areas.

In short: if your goal is to see a lot for a fair price, Tour A makes sense. If your goal is quiet and uninterrupted beach time, you’ll feel the shared-tour pressure.

Should you book El Nido Tour A?

Yes, book it if you want an organized tour that hits El Nido’s top lagoon and beach highlights in one day, with lunch and key fees handled. The $44.95 price is hard to ignore, especially with lagoon entrance and the environmental fee listed as included.

Hold off or adjust your expectations if you’re hoping for a calm, private-feeling experience. This tour can get busy at major stops, and some access parts involve walking through water and rocks. If you’re prepared with water shoes, a waterproof bag, and patience, you’ll get the best version of what Tour A offers.

If you’re deciding between kayaking and snorkeling, I’d plan around Big Lagoon kayaking as the main activity and treat Shimizu snorkeling as the bonus moment. That keeps the day feeling intentional, even when conditions or crowd flow shift.

FAQ

What is the price of El Nido Tour A with buffet lunch?

It costs $44.95 per person.

How long is the tour and when does it start?

The tour starts at 9:00 am and lasts about 7 to 8 hours.

What are the main stops on Tour A?

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

Is pickup included?

Free pickup is included only within El Nido town. Pickup outside El Nido town has an extra charge.

What’s included in the tour price?

The tour includes lunch in the beach area, entrance to the lagoon (P200 per person), and an environmental fee (P400 per person, valid for 14 days).

What costs extra during the day?

Mask and snorkel rental costs P100 per set. Kayak rental costs P400 per kayak (good for 2 persons). Drinks are not included, and additional pickup charges may apply outside town.

Do I need good weather for this tour?

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

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