El Nido starts before sunrise. This day trip links Puerto Princesa’s early mornings to Bacuit Bay’s lagoons, beaches, and swim spots in one long push. It’s a classic Palawan day, but with a very real amount of driving baked in.

I especially like the snorkeling and kayak gear that’s included—life vests, snorkeling masks, aqua shoes, and kayak rentals—so you show up ready to get wet. I also love that the plan targets the Secret Lagoon and Big Lagoon alongside other set-piece stops in Bacuit Bay.

The main trade-off is time. You’re looking at a total driving day (over 10 hours) with a pickup around 4 AM, so this is best for people who can handle early wake-ups and long van rides without getting cranky.

Key things to know before you go

• 4 AM pickup in Puerto Princesa sets the pace; expect the day to feel like a schedule marathon
• Up to 5 boat stops around Bacuit Bay, commonly including Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Seven Commandos Beach, and Big Lagoon
• Gear is included: life vests, snorkeling masks, aqua shoes, plus kayak rentals
• Lunch is included (barbecue pork, chicken, seafood, plus salad and fruit), but it may not suit every diet
• Shared transport can feel crowded depending on group size and route logistics, even with an air-conditioned van

The big trade-off: an early start plus 10+ hours of van time

Let’s be honest: the El Nido part of the trip is the fun part, but the Puerto Princesa part is the reality check. You’ll be picked up from your hotel area around 4 AM, then spend about 5 hours driving each way. The total is listed as over 10 hours of driving time across the day.

Why does that matter? Because it shapes your expectations. If you’ve got limited energy, or you hate sitting still, this tour can feel less like a “day trip” and more like a “van day with an island day at the end.” If you’re the type who snacks, naps, and puts your phone on low power mode, it’s doable—and you’ll be rewarded with a serious day in the water.

Also, this is not a light, flexible outing. You’ll be moving as a group from Puerto Princesa to El Nido on a set schedule, then back after the boat portion ends around 4 PM.

Puerto Princesa to El Nido: why the drive still has a purpose

The trip starts with an air-conditioned van and hotel pickup in the Puerto Princesa area (within 15 km of the airport). You’ll want to be in the lobby about 10 minutes early since the driver arrives with a name sign.

During the ride, plan for a real “road-trip rhythm.” The schedule includes a short leg-stretch stop where you can grab food or use restrooms before the long push continues. That break matters more than you might think when you’re waking up pre-dawn and then heading straight toward the boat day.

What I like about including the countryside drive is that it turns this from a pure lagoon-and-beach day into a broader Palawan experience. You’re seeing more than one type of scenery—city-to-coast-to-islands—rather than teleporting straight into the water.

Getting to the jump-off: breakfast, your boat timing, and what you can control

When you arrive in El Nido, you’re dropped near the jump-off point. Breakfast is not included, but you’ll have time to grab it at one of the restaurants around the area before you board.

From a practical standpoint, I’d treat this as your one buffer moment. If you eat breakfast early and bring water with you from the start, you’ll feel calmer when the boat schedule takes over. The tour typically aims to set sail around 9 AM, and the order of the stops can vary depending on the route that day.

If you’re the kind of traveler who hates waiting, remember this: island hopping operators often need to coordinate weather, boat traffic, and lagoon conditions. Even when everything runs smoothly, the day still follows marine reality, not just human reality.

Secret Lagoon: the morning highlight you actually came for

One of the biggest reasons to pick this itinerary is the early inclusion of Secret Lagoon. The description focuses on it as a hidden world inside jagged rock walls—exactly the kind of spot that makes El Nido feel like something more than another beach stop.

Here’s the value of doing Secret Lagoon as part of a larger island circuit: you get that “wow” moment while you’re still fresh. Later in the day, after kayaking and multiple swims, your energy is more likely to be rationed. So morning lagoons tend to land harder.

You should also expect water-based time to move at an active pace. Gear is part of the package (life vests, snorkeling masks, aqua shoes), but you still need to manage your own pace—snorkel, float, swim, then get ready to hop back on the boat quickly.

Shimizu Island and the swim-and-kayak rhythm

After the lagoon, the plan can include Shimizu Island, described as a beach with crystal-clear water. This is where the day usually shifts from “spectacle” into “play”—swimming, snorkeling, and taking advantage of the included equipment.

Kayaking fits into this rhythm too. Kayak rentals are included, which means you don’t have to budget separately or chase down gear at the last minute. I like that. It removes friction and lets you focus on the water time.

One thing to keep in mind: island hopping in Bacuit Bay can get busy. Even when the route spreads groups out some, you may share lagoons or beaches with other boats on the same general schedule. If you’re hoping for total solitude, you might not get it—but you can still have a great day if you’re flexible and ready to enjoy the scenery without expecting empty water.

Seven Commandos Beach: white sand, coconut trees, and a pause for photos

Next up, the tour may include Seven Commandos Beach, known for white sand and coconut trees. This is often the stop where the “postcard effect” kicks in, because it has that classic combination: powdery sand, tropical palms, and open beach views.

This kind of stop matters because it gives you variety. Lagoons are often about sheltered rock formations and calm water. Beaches are different: you feel the shoreline, you dry off, and you get a breather before the day’s final lagoon push.

If you’re planning your day’s photos, this is a good place to slow down. Use the time on the sand to rinse off salt with fresh water if it’s available, then switch to “comfortable traveler mode” for the next boat segment.

Big Lagoon and the late-day feeling: what you’ll remember at 4 PM

The tour ends with the Big Lagoon as a common last stop. By the time you reach the Big Lagoon portion, you’ll have already done lagoons and beach time—so the experience becomes more about how it feels when you’re tired but still in awe.

That last lagoon stop is also where the day’s structure shows itself. The tour activity typically wraps around 4 PM, and you’ll be dropped back at the wharf. From there, you head back toward Puerto Princesa, with the option to enjoy dinner in El Nido before the evening drive.

In real terms, this is when your sense of timing comes back. You’ll want to keep your swim things under control because you don’t want to be scrambling for towel or sunscreen after you’re done on the water.

Lunch: good fuel, but plan for dietary limits

Lunch is included and is described as barbecue pork, chicken, seafood, plus vegetable salad and fresh fruits. On paper, that’s a solid spread. In practice, what matters most is whether you can eat what’s offered without stress.

If you eat vegetarian, I’d plan for a backup. The provided lunch description is meat-and-seafood based, and at least one booking experience shows that the vegetarian option may be limited to simpler items like fruit and cucumbers. That means you could finish lunch hungry rather than fueled.

My advice is simple: bring an extra snack for the boat day. Think of it as insurance against delays or portion issues, and as a diet-friendly backstop if the included lunch isn’t a match.

Also, bring a strategy for hydration. Even when lunch is included, you may not get much in the way of water along the way. Sunscreen, saltwater, and long driving days add up fast.

Gear and comfort tips that actually help on Day 1

This tour is one of the better ones for convenience because it includes a lot of key gear: life vests, snorkeling masks, aqua shoes, and kayak rentals. That’s a big value because it prevents the common hassle of renting from multiple places or arriving underprepared.

Still, you’ll want to bring your own comfort items:

• Swimwear and a change of clothes for the ride home
• A towel
• Sunscreen
• Water shoes (even though aqua shoes are included, your comfort preference might match your own footwear)
• Cash, just in case you want extra snacks or drinks on the El Nido end

What I love is that you’re not forced to guess whether you’ll have to buy rentals. What I’d watch is that you might still feel the day’s grind, because getting in and out of the water repeatedly takes energy.

And yes, the day includes strict limits on luggage: no large bags are allowed, and pets are not allowed. If you’re a light packer already, you’ll be fine. If you’re not, rethink your packing.

Price and value: is $360 per group worth it?

The listed price is $360 per group up to 2, and the big value comes from what’s bundled. You’re paying for:

• Round-trip van transport between Puerto Princesa and El Nido
• Island tour time in Bacuit Bay
• Entry, environmental, and lagoon fees
• Lunch
• Included snorkeling and kayak equipment, plus life vests

On a pure cost-per-activity basis, you might find cheaper island hopping once you’re already in El Nido. One booking comparison described a much lower on-island per-person price for the tour. But that kind of cheaper option usually comes with separate planning, separate pickups, and less control over the full-day logistics.

So here’s how I think about value: if you want one operator, one schedule, and you’re okay with the long van day, the bundled price can be fair—especially for a couple. If you’re trying to squeeze every dollar and you’re comfortable arranging transport and tours locally in El Nido, you may find better base pricing.

The smarter decision depends less on the sticker price and more on how much you value convenience over control.

Shared vs private: choose based on how you handle crowds

This experience is offered in shared or private formats (and also small groups). The day can work either way, but your comfort will vary.

With shared transport, you may end up dealing with more passengers in the van. That can make it harder to nap, harder to stretch, and harder to stay in a calm mood during a long ride. Several real booking experiences also point to crowds on the boat and at popular stops, so group size affects how peaceful your lagoon time feels.

If you know you’ll feel frustrated by tight seating or busy schedules, the private option is the safer bet. You’ll still have the same geography and lagoon fees, but you’re buying a smoother ride experience and more flexibility.

Weather and route changes: why flexibility is part of the package

Island hopping is subject to favorable weather conditions. If the tour is canceled due to poor weather while you’re already in El Nido, you’ll be offered an alternate activity that may not involve island hopping.

Route details can also vary. Even with major stops like Secret Lagoon and Big Lagoon, the order and exact schedule can shift. That’s not a flaw—it’s how marine touring works in a real place with changing conditions and multiple operators.

My practical advice: keep your expectations adaptable. If you treat the day as a water-and-scenery plan rather than a strict checklist, you’ll enjoy it more even if the exact sequencing changes.

Should you book this Puerto Princesa to El Nido island hopping day trip?

Book it if:

• You want a full Bacuit Bay day with major lagoon stops like Secret and Big Lagoon
• You’re okay with a 4 AM pickup and a long driving day
• You want included snorkeling and kayak gear plus lunch and lagoon fees bundled

Consider passing or upgrading (private, if offered) if:

• You hate long van rides and need lots of comfort
• You have dietary needs beyond the included lunch description
• You’re hoping for low-crowd, quiet lagoons

If you do book, go in with a simple plan: pack your swim gear plus a dry change, bring an extra snack and water, and set your mindset for a schedule-heavy day that saves its energy for the lagoons.

FAQ

What time is the pickup from Puerto Princesa?

Pickup starts around 4 AM from your hotel area in downtown Puerto Princesa (within 15 kilometers of Puerto Princesa City Airport). You should be in the lobby at least 10 minutes before pickup.

How long is the whole trip?

The total experience is listed as about 20 hours, including long driving time. The tour notes that driving totals over 10 hours (about 5 hours each way).

How many stops do we make during island hopping?

You can have up to 5 stops during the island hopping portion. The exact stops and order can vary by the assigned route.

Which locations are included during the island hopping?

Major sites can include Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Seven Commandos Beach, and Big Lagoon.

Is snorkeling and kayaking gear included?

Yes. The package includes life vests, snorkeling masks, aqua shoes, and kayak rentals.

What meals are included and what should I pay for myself?

Lunch is included. Breakfast and dinner are not included.

What should I bring, and what isn’t allowed?

Bring your passport or ID card, swimwear, change of clothes, a towel, sunscreen, water shoes, and cash. Pets and luggage or large bags are not allowed.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The tour depends on favorable weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather and you’re already in El Nido, you’ll be offered an alternate activity that may not involve island hopping.

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