Private Tour A Island Hopping in El Nido

Your private lagoon loop feels like a secret. This Tour A by Poseidon gives you private boat use for your group, so you can move at your own pace instead of being herded. The stop at the Big Lagoon is the headline, with time to swim and snorkel around the coral-filled waters.

I also like that the crew works to reduce the crowd-energy. More than once, the guide aims you toward quieter angles in the lagoons and nearby caves, which makes the whole day feel calmer and more personal. The one big consideration is weather—the order of spots and exact timing can shift, and the lunch stop is guided based on conditions.

Quick hits before you go

• Exclusive boat for your group so you control the feel of the day
• Big Lagoon time with swimming and snorkeling around the area people talk about
• Secret Lagoon slot for a more enclosed, cave-like lagoon mood
• Snorkeling gear included (you only need to add your feet gear)
• Free use of 1 kayak plus optional paid rental if you want more time
• Lunch included at a stop area the guide selects

What makes El Nido Tour A so worth your day

Tour A is popular for a reason: it connects the big-name lagoons with a string of beaches and islands that keep the scenery changing every hour or so. On paper, it looks like a checklist. In real life, it’s more like a rhythm—sand to water to lagoon walls to more water—so you don’t feel like you’re stuck in one setting all day.

With this private setup, that rhythm is gentler. You’re not racing from place to place just to beat another boat. The itinerary has planned time windows, but you’re with your own boat crew and licensed guide, so you can linger where it feels good and skip what doesn’t.

Price and value: $132 per person and what you’re buying

At $132 per person for an ~8-hour tour, you’re paying for the whole package: boat exclusivity, licensed crew, entrance and environmental fees, lunch, and snorkeling equipment. In El Nido, those add-ons can quietly inflate a cheaper tour. Here, the government-mandated pieces are included, and that matters for budget realism.

You’re also buying comfort and flow. A private boat usually means less downtime waiting, fewer crowd negotiations, and more chances to enjoy the water without constantly looking over your shoulder for the next group.

One small note: hotel drop-off isn’t included. If your lodging is outside the pickup zone, you’ll want to plan how you’ll get to the meeting area without stress.

9:00 am start: getting your day lined up

This starts at 9:00 am. The tour also offers free pickup within 1 km of Corong-corong Beach, which is handy if you’re already staying close by. It’s not a full door-to-door service, so don’t assume they’ll find your hotel by GPS magic.

Start time matters because lagoons and beaches can look and feel different depending on light and wind. If you’re the type who hates rushing, show up early enough to feel settled before you board.

Stop 1: Seven Commandos Beach (your warm-up swim)

Seven Commandos Beach is your first real taste of the day. You get about 45 minutes to 1 hour there, which is usually enough to stretch out, take photos from the shoreline, and then get your feet in the water.

What I like about this first stop is that it sets expectations. You’ll see the beach-and-water vibe right away, and you’ll start figuring out how your body will do with lagoon entries and snorkeling later.

Practical tip: because snorkeling equipment is included, your main gear decision here is footwear. Fins and aquashoes aren’t included, but aquashoes are available to rent for 150 pesos. If you’ve got sensitive feet, that rental option can save your day.

Stop 2: Big Lagoon (the reason most people come)

Big Lagoon is the anchor stop. You’ll have about 45 minutes to 1 hour here, and it’s the stop most people remember because it’s big, scenic, and built for water time.

This is also one of the best places to snorkel as long as conditions cooperate. The tour includes snorkeling equipment, so you’re not stuck hunting for gear right before the boat leaves. Once you’re in, you can focus on the coral and swim at your own pace within the time window.

The private-boat advantage shows up here. In a crowded version of this day, you often end up watching other boats instead of enjoying the lagoon. With your own group on board, your crew can help you find calmer moments and angles, which makes the lagoon feel less like a schedule item and more like a place.

Lunch at Shimizu Island area: where the day stays on track

Lunch is served at the Shimizu Island lunch area, with about 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes allocated. The timing gives you room to eat properly instead of wolfing down lunch while you’re thinking about your next stop.

One reason this matters: when you’re on the water for most of the day, a real meal helps you enjoy the later lagoon segments instead of getting sluggish. In the feedback I’ve seen, the food experience was a highlight, with solid variety.

Because lunch is determined by the guide and conditions, don’t expect the same precise lunch location every day. Plan for flexibility. You’re here for the lagoons, and lunch is there to keep you going.

Stop 4: Secret Lagoon (why it feels different)

The Secret Lagoon gets about 45 minutes to 1 hour. This stop feels more enclosed than the Big Lagoon, and that change is the whole point. If Big Lagoon is your wide-open show, Secret Lagoon is the more tucked-away, cave-and-lagoon mood.

The practical value of this stop is time balance. You get enough minutes to enter, swim, and take in the walls and light, without the day dragging. And because you’re on a private boat, you’re less likely to feel constantly squeezed by overlapping groups.

If you’re chasing photos, you’ll want to bring good light sense. Caves and lagoon entrances can shift how things look quickly. The crew’s help in timing and where you position can make a noticeable difference.

Stop 5: Payong-Payong Beach (close to the finish line)

Payong-Payong Beach is the final beach stop, with about 45 minutes. This is the time to reset your focus. By now, you’ve already had lagoons, snorkeling, and lagoon-like water movement. So this stop is more about enjoying shore time and doing a last swim if you feel like it.

It’s also a good chance to check your gear situation. If you rented aquashoes, you’ll know whether they worked for you. If your snorkeling setup felt comfortable, you’ll be glad you packed sensibly.

The kayaking perk: free 1 kayak plus optional extras

You’ll get free use of 1 kayak. That’s a nice add, especially if you want to experience a lagoon from a slightly different angle than swimming.

If you want more kayak time, kayak rental is available at the lagoon for 300 pesos (payable there). Since that cost isn’t included, decide in the moment based on your group’s energy level.

Don’t forget: kayaks are best when you’re comfortable moving slowly and staying aware of your surroundings. If you’re traveling with people who want to sit back and just enjoy, kayaking can be the perfect low-effort option.

Snorkeling gear and what to bring (so you’re not stuck)

Snorkeling equipment is included, which is great. You don’t need to track down rentals in advance, and you can show up and get in the water quickly.

But fins/aquashoes aren’t included. That’s the part people underestimate. If you’re even slightly unsure about foot comfort, consider renting aquashoes (150 pesos) and skipping the pain.

Also think about sun protection. You’ll be out for hours, and there’s not much shade once you’re away from the boat. Bring what you trust: sunscreen, a hat, and water you can drink between stops.

Boat crew and guide service: what sets this tour apart

The biggest praise here is the feel. This is not just a boat ride that ticks boxes. The crew’s customer service is a standout—professional, helpful, and respectful. One review highlighted how the team stayed kind and courteous across the whole day, with a guide who handled the flow in a way that felt smooth rather than stressful.

Another point: the tour’s private nature pairs well with that service style. You can ask questions, get gear help, and adjust your pace without feeling like you’re inconveniencing a large group.

If you’re a traveler who prefers calm logistics—clear instructions, not chaotic scrambling—this is exactly the kind of day that helps.

How to think about weather and changing stops

The tour depends on good weather. If conditions are poor, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Even in good weather, the itinerary notes that destinations may change, and the guide determines lunch.

So, treat this as a lagoon day with an expected route, not a rigid script. Your goal should be the experience: lagoons, snorkeling time, and beaches in a mostly similar loop. When weather shifts, the guide adjusts so you still get the most enjoyable version of Tour A that day.

Who this private Tour A fits best

This tour is a strong match if:

• You want a private boat and a calmer pace
• You care about the big lagoons like Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon
• Your group includes people who don’t want to be rushed or repeatedly regroup with strangers
• You like good service and a plan that feels professionally managed

It can also be a good choice if you’re older or traveling with anyone who benefits from patient guidance, since the crew style is described as especially considerate.

Should you book this private Tour A with Poseidon?

Yes, if you want the signature El Nido loop without the crowd-pressure. The value is in the full setup: private boat use, snorkeling gear, lunch, and the fact that government-mandated fees and lagoon entrance fees are included. You’re paying to make the day feel smoother, and that comes through in the service focus.

Skip or rethink it if you’re expecting a strict, never-changes route or you need guaranteed hotel drop-off. Also, if your schedule is ultra tight with no flexibility for weather, understand that the day depends on conditions and stops can shift.

If you’re planning your first El Nido lagoon day (or your “I really want Big Lagoon” day), this is one of the more practical ways to do it with less friction and more breathing room.

FAQ

What is the duration of Private Tour A in El Nido?

It’s listed at about 8 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:00 am.

Is this tour truly private?

Yes. It’s a private tour with exclusive use of the boat for your group.

What stops are included on Tour A?

The tour includes Seven Commandos Beach, Big Lagoon, the Shimizu Island lunch area, Secret Lagoon, and Payong-Payong Beach.

What snorkeling items are included?

The tour includes use of snorkeling equipment.

Are fins or aquashoes included?

No. Fins/aquashoes are not included. Aquashoes can be rented for 150 pesos.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, and the lunch stop is determined by the guide.

Is kayaking included?

Yes. There’s free use of 1 kayak. Kayak rental is also available at the lagoon for 300 pesos if you want more.

What if the weather is bad?

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