A private boat day beats every crowded pier. You’ll get El Nido’s signature lagoons and beaches on Tour A with the added comfort of a private setup, so you can avoid the worst bottlenecks. I like that the route hits the big-name stops—Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon—and you’re not stuck sharing every moment with a full tour crowd. The one real thing to watch is the price per group and the fact that weather can affect timing.

Here’s the practical upside: you’re paying for a whole day segment—motorized boat, licensed guide, life vest, first aid kit, lunch, and admission tickets for the main stops—so you’re not piecing together a bunch of add-ons. From the crew side, reviews highlight friendly service and help with photos, including guidance from Vanessa and Eva of Natural Arts Travel and Tours. If you’re hoping for long, slow beach time, the fixed 30-minute stop windows may feel a bit tight.

Key reasons this private Tour A feels worth it

• Private boat flexibility to help you dodge crowd surges on popular lagoons and beaches
• Tour A highlights in one run including Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Seven Commando Beach, and Payong-Payong
• Admission tickets included for each of the listed lagoon/beach stops
• Lunch and on-boat essentials with an ice box plus life vest and first aid kit for peace of mind
• Vanessa and Eva (Natural Arts Travel and Tours) are specifically praised for friendly service and island guidance

Private Tour A: why your day feels calmer

El Nido’s island-hopping tours are famous for their demand. On the popular lagoon-and-beach route, that often means waiting, timing stress, and packing in water time around other boats. With a private boat for your group, you can keep your day more fluid, even if the itinerary has set stops.

I also like that this version stays focused. Instead of turning into a long list of filler stops, you move through the core Tour A scenes—Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Seven Commando Beach, and Payong-Payong—so you get a clear sense of what makes El Nido special.

The other win is the human factor. A licensed guide matters when you’re bouncing between spots, keeping safety in check, and explaining what you’re seeing. In reviews tied to this operator, Vanessa and Eva are singled out for being friendly and helpful, with the boat crew also described as welcoming and ready to help.

Meeting point and timing: the simple plan for a full day

You’ll meet at Dayo Cafe El Nido on Serena Street (the listing gives the location code 59JQ+4G8). Your tour ends back at the same meeting point, which is nice if you’re trying to keep the rest of your day low-stress.

The day runs about 6 to 8 hours, and each main stop is timed at roughly 30 minutes. That structure is great if you want to see multiple signature sites without losing half the day in transit. It’s not ideal if you want to spend an entire hour or more floating in the water at just one lagoon.

The tour uses a mobile ticket, which is handy if you’re already juggling phone-based bookings in El Nido. You’ll also want to plan your day around boat schedules, since this experience is weather-dependent.

The route stop-by-stop: what each scene gives you

This Tour A route is built around classic El Nido lagoon and beach viewing, with time slots designed to keep everything moving. Here’s how each stop typically plays, plus what you should expect.

Big Lagoon: the must-see opener

Big Lagoon is the headline start. You’ll get about 30 minutes there, with an admission ticket included, so you can step straight into the fun without scrambling for entry.

What I like about starting here is momentum. You’re fresh, the boat portion is already done, and you can judge water conditions quickly before moving on. If you’re a snorkeler, this is also the moment to focus on your gear routine and get comfortable early in the day.

Possible drawback: with only half an hour, you’ll need to be ready to move fast between viewing, photos, and any water time.

Secret Lagoon: quick, scenic, and a little more calm

Next up is Secret Lagoon, also 30 minutes with admission included. This stop usually feels like a relief after the big-name opener—same lagoon vibes, different energy.

If your goal is to capture that classic lagoon scenery without spending the day in line, this is one of the key stops to prioritize. The private setup can help you avoid the most chaotic moments that happen when larger group boats stack up.

Watch-out: again, the time is limited. If you want one lagoon where you truly linger, you may need to choose your pace at the beginning of the trip and stick to it.

Shimizu Island: a beach break for photos and water time

Shimizu Island is another 30-minute stop, with admission included. This is a solid break in the route, giving you a change of scenery from lagoon viewing and shifting you toward beach-style time.

I like how this stop functions in the flow of the day. You’ve seen the signature lagoons, and then you get a more beach-forward setting to reset—good if the morning has water temps you’re adjusting to.

Consideration: as with the other stops, the stop window is short. If you’re bringing your own snorkeling setup, it helps to keep everything organized before you arrive so you don’t lose time.

Seven Commando Beach: the classic stretch

Seven Commando Beach rounds out the main beach stop at about 30 minutes, admission included. This is where the day leans into sand-and-water time, and it’s a favorite for people who want that postcard beach moment without hopping to multiple unrelated areas.

From a practical point of view, it’s also a good time to take a breath and refuel mentally. You’ve been moving through lagoons and islands back-to-back, so this is the part of the day that feels more like a traditional beach outing.

Possible drawback: if you’re prone to motion sensitivity, the schedule is still active. You’ll likely be on the boat quite a bit between stops, so bring the usual seasickness coping items just in case.

Payong-Payong Beach: the umbrella rock photo moment

Payong-Payong Beach is the last stop, listed with the note of an umbrella rock formation. You’ll have around 30 minutes here with admission included.

If you’re photographing, this is the stop where you’ll probably want your camera ready early, since iconic features are easiest to capture when you’re not rushing at the end of the day. It’s also a good finish if you want your final views to be distinct from the earlier lagoons.

Note: since it’s the last listed stop, don’t plan on this being a long swim session.

Lunch, safety, and what’s included in your boat day

This private Tour A package includes several pieces that actually affect your comfort on the water.

You’ll get:

• Private tourists boat and a motorized boat
• Services of a licensed tour guide
• Life vest and a first aid kit
• Ice box
• Lunch

That safety kit and life vest are the kind of details that matter more than they sound. When you’re switching between areas, a quick safety setup reduces stress for everyone. The life vest inclusion also means you’re not trying to hunt down rentals or guess what’s available.

The ice box and lunch are also key value add-ons. Island-hopping days can turn into expensive snack runs if food isn’t included, so having lunch handled lets you focus on the sights instead of planning meals.

Snorkeling gear: what you should confirm before you go

The tour description talks about snorkeling El Nido’s best lagoons and beaches, and it says snorkel gear is included in the overall package. But the details list also shows snorkeling equipment under items not included.

That conflict is worth clearing up before your day. Here’s the practical way to handle it: if you’re counting on mask and snorkel use, message Natural Arts Travel and Tours and ask whether you’ll receive snorkeling gear with your boat day, or whether you need to bring/rent it.

Either way, you’ll still get the water-focused stops, and your guide should set you up for the right moments for snorkel time.

Price check: what $940.28 buys your group

The price is $940.28 per group, with a cap stated as up to 8 in the pricing notes. Elsewhere, the experience is described as good for up to 10 travelers, so the safest move is to confirm your exact group size limit when you book.

Here’s the math so you can judge value quickly:

• If you book for 8 people: about $117.54 per person
• If you book for 10 people: about $94.03 per person

Now look at what’s bundled. You’re not only paying for boat time. The admission tickets for the stops are included, plus lunch, life vest, guide, and first aid kit. You’re also getting a licensed guide as part of the package rather than paying separately.

What isn’t included: airfare, accommodation, and it also lists hotel tour pick-up and drop-off as not included. Since the tour overview mentions transfers, you’ll want to clarify whether you personally get pickup in your case.

If you’re splitting the cost among friends or family, this private version often becomes competitive with what people end up paying across multiple boats plus on-the-spot food costs. If you’re going as a couple and can’t fill the group, it’s a pricier day, and you’ll feel that.

Transfers and getting back to your day

Your tour ends back at the meeting point at Dayo Cafe El Nido. That keeps your plan simple after the boat time.

About hotel transfers: the overview says transfers are included, but the exclusions mention hotel pickup and drop-off isn’t included. I’d treat this as a “confirm it” item so you don’t end up paying for a last-minute taxi ride you thought was covered.

Who this private island hopping is best for

This private Tour A fits best when you want a smoother day than large group island-hopping. If you’re traveling with a small group and you’d rather manage your own pace—without the scramble of lining up and stacking into the same time slots—this format is ideal.

It also makes sense if you care about service quality and guidance. Reviews tied to this operator mention Vanessa and Eva by name, with praise for friendly support and knowledgeable island explanations, plus crew members being helpful and willing to assist with photos.

And because the tour is private, it’s a good choice for groups who want easier coordination—friends who want to snorkel, couples who want more quiet time, or family groups who prefer less crowd pressure.

Weather and the best way to plan around it

This experience requires good weather. If conditions force a cancellation, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

That means your best planning move is to avoid putting all your El Nido hopes into one single day. If you can, keep a buffer day in the schedule so you’re not locked into a single weather-dependent outing with nowhere else to go.

Also, since the itinerary has fixed stop durations, you’ll want to arrive ready to make the most of the day you’re given.

Should you book Private El Nido Tour A?

I’d book this private Tour A if:

• you want the Tour A highlights without dealing with the worst crowd pressure
• your group can fill enough spots to make the per-person cost reasonable
• you care about having a licensed guide and included basics like life vests, lunch, and admissions

I might skip it if:

• you’re going solo or as a small group and the private boat cost would feel too high
• you hate “30 minutes here, 30 minutes there” schedules and need long, slow beach time
• you can’t afford the risk of weather shifting your plans

One last tip before you commit: confirm snorkeling gear and whether transfers/pickup apply to you. Once those details are clear, this private boat day is a strong way to see El Nido’s classic lagoons and beaches in one efficient run.

FAQ

What is the meeting point for Private El Nido Tour A?

The tour starts at Dayo Cafe El Nido (Serena St, El Nido, Palawan), and it ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the Private El Nido Tour A experience?

It runs about 6 to 8 hours.

What places are included on the Tour A route?

You’ll visit Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Seven Commando Beach, and Payong-Payong Beach.

Are admission tickets included for the stops?

Yes. Admission tickets are included for each of the listed stops.

What does the price include?

Included items are the private boat, licensed tour guide services, life vest, first aid kit, motorized boat, ice box, and lunch.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

The information includes conflicting details: snorkel gear is mentioned in the tour description, but snorkeling equipment is listed as not included in the details. You should confirm before booking.

How many people can go on the private tour?

The pricing notes indicate up to 8, while the description says it can be good for up to 10. Confirm the exact group limit when you book.

What happens if weather is bad or I need to cancel?

The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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