El Nido’s famous islands are close enough to hit by boat without spending your entire day on logistics. Tour A is built for fast sightseeing: you cover multiple top spots, swim, and take photos, while you get land and boat transfers handled.

What I like most is the mix of big-name stops and good pacing: you get time on the water at each landmark, not just a quick photo stop. I also really appreciate that lunch and national park admission are included in the core plan, so you don’t have to keep tracking fees mid-day.

One thing to watch: the day’s lagoon plan can depend on what you’re allowed to visit, since Big/Small Lagoon can’t be done on the same day. If one lagoon is your top priority, you’ll want to confirm which one you’ll actually get before you go.

Key things to know before you go

• Pickup within El Nido Town makes the day start easier.
• Life vests + island hopping transfers are included, so you focus on the scenery.
• Shimizu Island and Papaya Beach are part of the core route.
• Secret Lagoon is included, with swimming and photo time.
• Big/Small Lagoon is a choice, not a combo on the same day.
• Max 100 people means it can be busy at peak moments.

Why El Nido Tour A makes sense for limited time

If you only have a short window in El Nido, Tour A is a practical way to pack in the highlights without stress. The whole point is simple: you hit more recognizable landmarks in fewer hours because you’re moving by boat instead of chaining together long detours.

You’re looking at roughly 7 to 9 hours total, starting at 9:00 am in El Nido, and that time includes both land and boat transfers. That matters because El Nido days can get messy fast—waiting, switching boats, and figuring out where you’re supposed to be all add up. This tour keeps that work inside the schedule.

Another smart design choice is the order of stops: you start with some of the most iconic island-beach scenery, then move into lagoon territory. You still get photo time and swimming time at each spot, which is how you turn a checklist outing into an actual experience instead of just passing by the best views.

Finally, it’s built for people who want value. The advertised price is about $21, and the day doesn’t feel “cheap” in the sense that the main package includes a guide, transfers, life vest, island hopping, lunch, and national park admission. The extra parts are limited and usually tied to specific lagoon fees (more on that below).

Meeting at El Nido Pier: transfers, vests, and what the day feels like

The meeting point is straightforward: El Nido Pier, at the dispatching/docking area. You start at 9:00 am, and you end back in El Nido. If you’re staying inside town, you can use the free pickup within El Nido Town, which is one of the easiest ways to reduce morning hassle.

Once you’re checked in, you’ll be guided through the day with a tour guide, and you’ll get land and boat transfer along with life vest. That combination is a big deal in a place like Palawan where you can have choppy water, bright sun, and sudden changes in how the boat sits. You don’t want to waste energy figuring out safety gear or where your group is supposed to be.

Also keep in mind the group size cap: the tour can have up to 100 travelers. That usually means you’ll spend most of the day in a lively boat-and-crew flow. You’ll still be able to swim and take photos, but some of the lagoon moments can feel crowded when everyone hits the water at once. If you like quiet, aim for a calm mindset and go with the flow—your best photos often come when you’re patient and let the water settle.

One more small but important practical point: you’ll be using a mobile ticket. Bring your phone charged and ready for check-in, and keep an eye on any reminders you get at booking time so you don’t lose time at the pier.

The classic stops: Shimizu Island, Papaya Beach, and Secret Lagoon

Tour A’s route is built around recognizable El Nido scenery. You’ll hit Shimizu Island and Papaya Beach, then move to Secret Lagoon for lagoon-style views that many people come to Palawan for in the first place.

Here’s why this order works for your day.

At Shimizu Island, you’re typically looking for that wow-factor: clear-water color, steep island shapes in the distance, and the kind of natural geology that looks great from the boat and even better when you get a chance to stop. This is one of those places where photos actually match what you see in real life—because the scenery is dramatic even without filters.

Papaya Beach shifts the vibe to a more classic beach moment. It’s a good stop to reset your energy before the lagoon portions, especially if you’re the type who wants a full swim break rather than just a quick dip. With time built in for swimming and photos, you can do both without feeling rushed.

Then comes Secret Lagoon, and this is where the day starts to feel more special. Lagoons are often the reason people plan Palawan in the first place, and this stop gives you that still-water look and the opportunity to shoot close-up lagoon scenery. The big practical win is that you’re not spending your whole day only commuting. You’re stopping, enjoying the place, and then moving on.

One note: the itinerary includes both lagoon options in its overall plan, but you won’t necessarily do every lagoon in a single day, because Big/Small Lagoon can’t be visited on the same day. So Secret Lagoon is one of your reliable anchors on the route.

Big vs Small Lagoon: how the visit rule affects your must-see list

This tour includes Big/Small Lagoon, with a key limitation: you can’t visit Big and Small Lagoon on the same day. That’s not just a trivia detail—it changes how you should plan your expectations.

If Big Lagoon is what you dreamed about, you’ll want to make sure your schedule lines up with that option. If Small Lagoon is your main obsession, the logic flips. Since the day can’t cover both, treat this like you’re choosing one highlight rather than assuming you’ll get everything.

This is also where the fees can matter. The core tour plan includes national park admission fees, but Small/Big Lagoon users fee is listed as not included. That means you may still need to pay a specific lagoon user charge on top of your tour price when the lagoon portion happens. You don’t want to be surprised by that in the moment, especially if you’re traveling with kids or you’re budgeting tightly.

So my practical advice is simple: before you go, confirm which lagoon is planned for your day. If the operator can clarify Big vs Small for your specific departure, do it. You’ll enjoy the day more when your most important stop matches your plan.

Also, keep your camera ready but not in the way. Lagoon lighting can change fast as clouds move and as groups cluster near the waterline. If you want the cleanest shots, plan to take some pictures early in the stop, then put the camera away so you can actually swim and enjoy the water.

Lunch on the beach: why it’s more than a simple meal

Tour A includes a picnic lunch, and that’s genuinely one of the value boosts of the whole day. In island hopping tours, a packed lunch sometimes means you eat quickly, then get back on the boat with half your energy gone. Here, the idea is that lunch supports the pace of the day rather than just filling time.

Because the route includes multiple stops and swimming moments, you’ll burn energy—sun, wind, and the constant movement of boat rides. A real lunch break helps you stay comfortable through the final hours. It also makes the day feel more complete, especially if you’re doing this as your main Palawan highlight instead of stacking too many tours.

And since the lunch is tied to the beach stop format, it fits the style of the tour: you’re not leaving the scenery behind just to sit indoors. Even if you’re not a big foodie, having food included and timed into the route reduces stress, which is half the battle on vacation.

One more practical note: the day includes life vest, water time, and lagoon time. So treat lunch like part of the hydration rhythm—drink water, eat when the break comes, and don’t try to power through the day with empty stomach energy.

Price and extra fees: what the $21 package really means

Tour A is priced around $21, and for El Nido, that’s the kind of number that makes you wonder what’s actually included. The good news is that your money goes toward the parts that cost time and coordination.

Included items cover the big-ticket logistics:

• tour guide
• land and boat transfer
• life vest
• island hopping
• free pickup in El Nido Town

Also included in the core plan are lunch and national park admission fees, which is a major reason the headline price can work.

What’s not included is where you need to stay sharp:

• Eco tourism Development Fee
• Small/Big Lagoon Users Fee
• Kayak rental

That fee list is the biggest reason the final total can be a bit higher than the sticker price. Still, it’s not a deal-breaker. It’s more like how many nature-focused island tours operate: some costs are bundled, and the lagoon-specific costs show up separately when you reach those stops.

If you want to keep this tour truly budget-friendly, plan for those extra lagoon-related charges. If you’re the type who loves kayaking, know that kayak rental is optional and not included, so you’d add it only if you still have the desire after swimming and floating your way through the lagoons.

Given all that, I’d judge this tour as good value if your goal is classic El Nido highlights in one day, especially when you appreciate the included lunch and transfers. It’s a solid choice for first-timers who want the main sights without building a DIY itinerary.

Book it or pass: who El Nido Tour A fits best

This is a great fit if you want recognizable Palawan scenery with minimal planning. If your priority is to see Shimizu Island, Papaya Beach, and Secret Lagoon and you’re okay with the Big vs Small Lagoon rule, you’ll likely love how the day is structured.

It’s also a good option if you’re traveling with limited time and you’d rather pay for coordination than spend your day chasing schedules at the pier. The 9:00 am start, pickup help in town, and guided transfers make it easier to enjoy the day instead of managing it.

Where I’d be more cautious is if your entire trip hinges on one specific lagoon (Big or Small) and you want a 100% guarantee on that exact lagoon visit. Since the tour can’t do both lagoons on the same day, your enjoyment depends on which lagoon your day actually includes. Confirm first, then book with confidence.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is El Nido Tour A?

It runs about 7 to 9 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:00 am.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at El Nido Pier at the dispatching/docking area.

Does the tour include pickup?

Yes, it includes free pickup within El Nido Town.

What’s included in the tour price?

Included are the tour guide, land and boat transfer, life vest, island hopping, and national park admission fees, plus lunch.

What costs are not included?

Not included are the Eco tourism Development Fee, the Small/Big Lagoon users fee, and kayak rental.

Can I visit both Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon in one day?

No. Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon cannot be visited on the same day.

What happens if weather is bad?

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

What’s the group size?

The tour can have a maximum of 100 travelers.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

If you want, tell me your travel dates and whether Big or Small Lagoon matters more to you, and I’ll help you sanity-check the plan against your priorities.

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