That first look at El Nido’s lagoons is pure wow. This shared El Nido Tour A is built for maximum water time, with boat stops at Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and 7 Commando Beach. You’ll also get a practical slice of local beach life, not just one iconic photo spot.

What I like most is the variety: lagoons you swim in and sand beaches you can actually relax on. I also appreciate that the trip comes with a licensed English-speaking guide, hotel pickup within El Nido town proper, lunch, water, and towels—so you’re not scrambling for basics. One consideration: snorkeling can feel tight because this is a shared format, and the day may involve more people than you’d want in the water.

Key Things I’d Focus On Before You Go

• Big Lagoon time with clear water and dramatic rock shapes above and below
• Secret Lagoon entry through a smaller opening for that tucked-away feel
• Shimizu Island for white sand downtime rather than constant hopping
• 7 Commando Beach plus some built-in context on where the name comes from
• The day’s pace is designed for 8 hours, so bring gear that makes you comfortable fast

The Big Picture: An 8-Hour Shared Tour That Packs Real Variety

El Nido’s Tour A is a classic “most-famous-water-spots” day, and it’s priced accordingly. At $34 per person for an 8-hour shared outing, you’re not paying for luxury. You’re paying for time on the water, guided navigation between lagoons and beaches, and the essentials that make the day smooth.

This is the kind of tour that works best if you want a strong overview without having to plan every turn. You’ll hit multiple environments in one go:

• lagoons with rock formations and calm-looking water
• a white-sand island stop for sun and swimming
• an additional beach sequence that keeps the day moving

Because it’s shared, it’s also the kind of tour where you should expect other boats and other groups. That matters for snorkeling comfort and how freely you move through each stop.

Where You Actually Start: Umi Travel in Seaside Hama

Your meeting point is Umi Travel at seaside Hama, Barangay Suerte El Nido. If you’re staying in El Nido town proper, you’ll also have hotel pickup included—so for most people, the morning is simple: get picked up, then connect at the seaside meeting area.

One practical tip: arrive early. A common issue with day tours is waiting around before the boat line-up is ready, and that can compress your morning energy. The more “ready” you are when you show up (towel and beachwear easy to access), the less annoying that idle time feels.

Big Lagoon: The Main Lagoon Stop and Why It’s Worth the Fees

Big Lagoon is the headline stop in this itinerary, and it’s easy to see why. You’re getting clear-water lagoon scenery with rock formations that show up both above the surface and down in the water. The overall effect is like you’re inside a natural marine corridor—very photogenic, very “wow, this is real,” even when you’re not doing anything but staring.

Two important practical notes here:

• Big Lagoon Fee: P200 per person is not included in the $34 ticket. Plan for it.
• You’ll want water shoes if you have them. You’ll be in and out of the boat and on uneven surfaces around the stops.

If you care about the lagoon feel—calm water, framed views, and that enclosed-world vibe—this is the stop that delivers.

Secret Lagoon: That Small Entrance Feeling (and What to Watch For)

Secret Lagoon is described as a storybook moment: you enter through a smaller opening, then you reveal a secluded pool of crystal water surrounded by rocks. This is the type of stop that turns a simple swim into something more memorable, because the “reveal” changes how the place feels the moment you’re inside.

How to approach it:

• Be mentally ready for a tighter space experience. When a lagoon has a smaller entry, it can concentrate people in a smaller area.
• Bring the right swim setup. Mask/snorkels are not included, so if you want underwater viewing, you’ll need to bring your own or plan on renting (rental details are not listed beyond other optional gear fees).

This stop also tends to be the one people remember afterward, not because it’s bigger than everything else, but because it feels more secluded once you’re through that entrance.

Shimizu Island: White Sand Time That Breaks Up the Day

Between the lagoons, you get a more relaxed stretch at Shimizu Island, with white sand beaches and time to soak up the sun. This is a valuable counterbalance. If your only focus is water-to-water-to-water, you’ll end up tired and a little cranky by mid-afternoon. A sand-and-swim island stop gives your body a chance to dry off, spread out, and reset.

Shimizu is also where the tour can feel most like a vacation. Lunch and downtime help with that mental reset, especially if you’re coming straight from a travel day and just want to enjoy the day instead of maximizing every second.

If you want the best experience, keep your priorities simple: sun, short swims, photos, and a calm break.

Payong-payong Beach and 7 Commando Beach: More Than Just Stops

After the lagoon and island segments, the tour continues to Payong-payong Beach, then onto 7 Commando Beach. While these aren’t framed as the single “main event” the way Big Lagoon is, they matter because they round out the day and keep variety high.

Here’s what stands out for 7 Commando Beach: you’ll learn the name origins of the beach. That’s a small thing, but it changes the experience. Instead of just seeing a pretty shoreline, you get a story thread that gives meaning to where you’re standing.

At 7 Commando Beach, you can also relax and take a dip in the clear ocean. This is where you’ll feel the tour shifting from “boat schedule” into “hang out and enjoy.”

Snorkeling and Kayaking Reality: What’s Optional vs Included

Let’s be straight about gear. The tour includes towels, lunch, and water, but mask and snorkels are not included. Aqua shoes/fins are also not included. So if you’re serious about snorkeling, don’t assume you’ll be fully equipped on arrival.

Kayaking is mentioned in the highlights via Secret Beach, and there is also a specific kayak rental fee: P300 good for 2 pax. That suggests kayaking may be an extra add-on during the day rather than fully covered in your ticket.

Practical takeaway:

• If you want more control over your experience, bring what you can (especially comfortable swim footwear).
• If you’re hoping to kayak, budget the extra P300 and keep in mind it’s calculated for two people.

Lunch, Water, Towels: The “Small Inclusions” That Save Your Day

This is one of those tours where the included basics matter. You get:

• Lunch and water
• Towels
• A licensed tour guide
• Guaranteed boat
• Hotel pickup within El Nido town proper

In plain terms, it reduces friction. You’re not trying to find food or bring a towel when you’re already managing water time and boat changes.

One review detail that’s worth trusting: the lunch was well received (described as a good buffet). Even when weather isn’t perfect, a decent meal keeps morale up—especially on a long day where you’re going from lagoon to beach with limited breaks.

What I’d Bring (So You’re Not Miserable Midday)

Based on what’s listed as recommended, pack like you’re going to be in swim mode most of the day. You’ll want:

• Beachwear
• Change of clothes
• Beach towel (you’ll get towels, but having your own can be nice)
• Water shoes (strongly recommended for real comfort)
• Extra basics like a simple dry bag can be helpful if you have one (not listed, but it matches the day’s needs)

Also note what’s not allowed: alcohol and drugs. Keep it clean, simple, and focused on the water.

And if you’re prone to getting cold after swimming, bring a layer for the boat ride between stops (not listed as required, but the timing can mean you’ll cool down).

Price and Value: The $34 Ticket Plus Common Extras

At $34, Tour A is priced as an entry-point day for El Nido’s major sights. The ticket itself covers key operational items—pickup within town proper, a licensed guide, boat transport, lunch, water, and towels—which is the real value in a shared island tour.

But you should plan for extra local fees that are not included:

• Environmental Fee: P400 per person, one-time purchase valid for 5 days
• Big Lagoon Fee: P200 per person

And possible optional costs:

• Kayak rental: P300 for 2 pax
• Mask and snorkels (not included)
• Aqua shoes/fins (not included)

How to think about it: the $34 looks low because the tour is structured around what’s operational (boat and guiding). The fees are the local access/environment charges you pay on top. If you budget those items before you go, you’ll feel in control instead of surprised.

Crowds, Timing, and Weather: Set Expectations and You’ll Enjoy More

Two day-to-day realities show up with shared island tours, and this one isn’t different:

1. Snorkeling can be crowded because multiple groups may reach similar locations around the same time.
2. You may have some waiting at the meeting point before departure—one instance noted an hour delay.

Weather also matters. One review said the day was still excellent even with gloomy weather. That matches how the El Nido lagoons work: when the light is flat, the colors won’t always pop as hard, but the water still looks incredible and you still get the scenery.

My advice: go with a flexible mindset. If you treat this as a “see the main sights” day rather than a solo underwater experience, you’ll come away happy.

Who This Tour Suits Best

I’d point Tour A at:

• First-time El Nido visitors who want Big Lagoon + Secret Lagoon in one day
• Travelers who like guided structure and don’t want to coordinate boats and stops on their own
• People who enjoy beach time between lagoon swims (Shimizu and 7 Commando Beach help a lot)
• Anyone comfortable sharing space in a shared tour format

I’d think twice if:

• You’re mobility-limited (it’s noted as not suitable for people with mobility impairments)
• You’re very sensitive to crowded snorkeling conditions
• You’re hoping everything is fully included gear-wise (mask/snorkel and some footwear aren’t)

Should You Book El Nido Tour A?

Yes, if your priority is seeing El Nido’s signature lagoon-and-beach highlights in one efficient 8-hour shared day. The combination of Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, white-sand time at Shimizu Island, and the story-driven stop at 7 Commando Beach gives you a full snapshot of what makes Palawan famous.

I’d consider choosing a different style of tour if you want quiet water for snorkeling with minimal crowd pressure, or if you hate paying multiple extra fees on top of the ticket. But if you budget for the P400 environmental fee and the P200 Big Lagoon fee, and you bring proper swim footwear (or plan to rent), this is a strong way to spend a day in El Nido.

FAQ

What is included in El Nido Tour A?

The tour includes hotel pickup within El Nido town proper, a licensed tour guide, a guaranteed boat, lunch and water, and towels.

Where is the meeting point for the tour?

The meeting point is at Umi Travel at seaside Hama, Barangay Suerte El Nido.

How long is the El Nido Tour A shared tour?

The duration is 8 hours.

Is kayak rental included?

No. Kayak rental is listed separately at P300 for 2 people.

Do I need to pay environmental and Big Lagoon fees?

Yes. The environmental fee is P400 per person (one time purchase valid for 5 days), and there is a Big Lagoon fee of P200 per person.

Are snorkeling masks and snorkels included?

No. Mask and snorkels are not included, and aqua shoes and fins are also not included.

What should I bring and wear?

Bring change of clothes, beachwear, a towel, and water shoes. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

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