Lagoon kayaking in El Nido feels unreal. You paddle the famous Big Lagoon, then slip into Secret Lagoon, with snorkeling and beach time rounding out the day.

I love the mix of active fun and pure rest. I also love that snorkel gear (mask and snorkel) and a proper beach lunch at Shimizu Island are built into the experience.

One consideration: the route is popular, so timing and crowds can vary, and the main beach stop runs about an hour at 7 Commandos Beach.

Key highlights you’ll feel fast

• Big Lagoon kayaking through limestone walls and calm, mirror-like water
• Secret Lagoon access through a small opening, with crew guidance if you are not a strong swimmer
• 7 Commandos Beach unwind with a palm-lined, classic El Nido sand-and-sun vibe
• Snorkeling around reefs with included mask and snorkel, plus optional fin rentals
• Shimizu Island picnic lunch served right by the water

What this tour is, in plain terms

This is El Nido Tour A, a 6-hour island-hopping day in the Bacuit Archipelago built around three things: kayaking in Big Lagoon, a lagoon stop at Secret Lagoon, and snorkeling plus lunch at Shimizu Island. It ends with downtime at 7 Commandos Beach, where you can soak up the light and take a breather before the boat heads back.

The day moves at a fun clip, not a slow cruise. You spend a lot of time on the water, with short, specific windows at each highlight so you see several famous sights without feeling stuck on one spot all day.

The value behind the $23 price tag

The headline price is about $23 per person, and that can feel like a steal when you look at what you actually get: a licensed tourist boat, a professional boat captain, a licensed local tour guide, life vests, mask-and-snorkel gear, and lunch at Shimizu Island. There’s also purified drinking water included (served at lunch).

But like most El Nido shared-group adventures, the true cost depends on add-ons you may want. Kayak rental is not included (300 PHP for a 2-seater and 350 PHP for a 3-seater). If you need footwear for rocks and shore entries, water shoes are extra (100 PHP per pair), and optional fins or flippers are extra (150 PHP per pair).

Then there are common fees you should plan for: an environmental fee of 400 PHP per person, valid for 5 days, and a Big Lagoon users fee of 200 PHP per person, one-time access. Hotel pickup and drop-off are also not included, so you should be ready to meet at the stated meeting point.

So is it worth it? For me, yes, if you want the classic Big Lagoon plus Secret Lagoon combo in one half-day block, and you do not mind that you are paying mostly for logistics plus guides, not for a private, uncrowded pace.

Meeting at Marber’s and what the 6 hours feels like

Your meeting point is Marber’s Resto Bar at Calle Hama Beachfront. You enter inside Marber’s and look for Annabelle or any staff of Alexzus.

Most of the day is boat time between stops, and then bursts of activity at each one. From the way the day is paced, expect to feel busy from start to finish, not just “touring.” If you get motion-sick, bring your own plan for that, and pack your day bag in a way that keeps your waterproof stuff accessible.

I also suggest you show up with extra patience. On some days the start can run a bit late, and once the boat is rolling the pace usually picks up.

Seven Commandos Beach: hour-long sand therapy

The day begins with Seven Commandos Beach, about 1 hour in the schedule. This is the classic visual El Nido tourists chase: palm-lined shore, bright water, and that easy beach feeling where you can swim, hang, and take photos.

What I like about this stop is that it functions like a reset button. You’re not thrown straight into snorkeling or kayaking without time to breathe. You get a safety briefing and guidance early, plus scenic views while you’re moving around.

The trade-off is time. An hour is enough to enjoy the vibe, but if your dream is long, slow beach lounging, you might wish for more time here.

Big Lagoon kayaking: the main event

Next is Big Lagoon, where the heart of the experience happens. You spend about 105 minutes there, and the main action is kayaking, framed by tall karst cliffs that make the water look like it belongs in a postcard.

Kayaking in Big Lagoon is different from typical “sit and go” tours because you control your angle. You can drift toward calmer water, pause for photos, and try short routes through the scenery while the lagoon stays glassy.

A few practical notes that make a big difference:

• Wear footwear you trust on wet surfaces. Even with life vests, shore and boarding moments can be slippery.
• If you rent fins or flippers, it’s only useful if you plan to swim more actively during water time.
• There can be lines or waiting when kayaks are limited, and the day can shift if boats need to re-stage for equipment.

One review detail that is useful: there can be moments where the boat has to return to Big Lagoon more than once while kayaks are handed out. That does not ruin the experience, but it does mean you should expect a busy, popular route rather than a quiet, exclusive lagoon.

Secret Lagoon: small entrance, big payoff

Secret Lagoon is next, with about 45 minutes on site. This stop is built around the moment you find the small rock opening and pass into a secluded pocket of water surrounded by limestone walls.

This is also the stop that most tests comfort in and around the water. Getting to and from the entrance involves rocky areas, and you cannot just rely on open-toe sandals if they slide easily. Water shoes with secure straps are a safer bet. If you wear slip-on footwear, it may float away, which is not a fun way to start your lagoon time.

Swimming skill matters, but you are not on your own. The crew helps by guiding people toward the entrance, including dragging you toward the entry point if needed. If you can’t swim, you can still enjoy the place, but you should be honest with yourself and choose footwear that gives you traction.

The good part is that Secret Lagoon usually feels like the most “found this yourself” moment of the day. Even in a busy tour, the narrow entrance gives it a sense of discovery.

Shimizu Island: snorkeling plus real beach lunch

Your midday stop is Shimizu Island, about 105 minutes. This is where the tour combines two things that work well together: snorkeling and a beach lunch.

Snorkeling: mask and snorkel are included. The payoff is colorful coral and lots of tropical fish. Depending on sea conditions, snorkeling may take place at Advance or South Miniloc instead, but the goal stays the same: warm, shallow water where you can see marine life.

If you want to get more comfortable in the water, consider renting fins or flippers. Without them, you can still snorkel, but fin assistance often makes it easier to glide and cover more area with less effort.

Lunch: lunch is served as a picnic style meal right on the beach, with Filipino favorites and grilled options. Food can include chicken, fish, prawns, pancit, rice, vegetables, and fruit. Drinking water is included, served at lunch.

Two practical realities to plan for:

• Lunch can run out if you are among the last to eat, so head to the food station promptly when it’s offered.
• Vegetarian options might be limited. Based on experience with similar island meals, you may find the easier options are rice and noodles, so if you eat vegetarian, bring a snack you can rely on.

Also, the boat crew may offer drinks and snacks for purchase onboard, so you can top up if you want something extra during the day.

7 Commandos Beach again? No, it’s the finale

After Shimizu and Secret Lagoon, the tour wraps back at the dockyard. The main beach relaxation is still 7 Commandos Beach, where you can end the day with sunlight, palm shade, and casual beach fun.

This is the part where I like to slow down. You’ve done the paddling and the snorkeling, and now it’s time to just sit, eat, and look at the water while the day winds down.

Remember: you are on a schedule. If you want a final photo session, do it before you feel rushed, not after.

What the guide and crew add to the day

This tour is built around a local tour guide plus a licensed boat team, and the energy matters. The best days feel like a friendly, organized group day, not a chaotic stampede.

You may encounter guides known for keeping people laughing and entertained, such as Arnold, or guide duos like Anderson and Ken Kyle. Even if the names change, the role stays the same: safety guidance, timing management, and helping you enjoy each stop without getting lost in logistics.

Life vests are provided, and there’s a safety briefing, which is important for lagoon entry and boarding moments. You are also expected to follow marine-life rules. Touching marine life, animals, and plants is not allowed.

What to pack so the day goes smoothly

Here’s what I’d bring based on what the tour asks for and what actually helps out in the water and on rocky access points:

Must-haves

• Beachwear, plus a change of clothes
• Water shoes or sandals with straps for rocky areas, especially around lagoon access
• Sun hat, sunglasses, and insect repellent
• Waterproof camera or waterproof phone case if you want to shoot the lagoons and reefs

Helpful extras

• Snacks if you are concerned about vegetarian options or you just like to snack early
• Cash, since you might want to rent gear, pay fees, or buy extra drinks onboard
• A small dry bag for electronics and your day’s essentials

Don’t forget: no smoking, alcohol, or drugs. And be ready for a full, active 6 hours rather than a casual stroll.

Who should book this tour, and who might skip it

You should book this if:

• You want the Big Lagoon kayaking experience and the famous lagoon-to-lagoon day structure in one go
• You like snorkeling over long beach lounging
• You are comfortable with group travel and a popular route
• You want lunch included on an island, not just a generic boat sandwich

You might skip or rethink if:

• You get frustrated by crowds or by waiting for equipment
• You need long, quiet beach time at one stop (the biggest beach time is about an hour)
• You rely on fully accessible boarding (the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users)
• You eat vegetarian and need more than rice or noodles for lunch

Should you book El Nido Tour A for Big Lagoon and Island Adventure?

If you’re visiting El Nido and you want the highlights in a single half-day, I think it’s a strong value, especially with kayaking, snorkeling gear, life vests, and a Shimizu Island beach lunch included. The tour is also a good first pick because it hits the famous lagoon shapes and the reef snorkeling without making you plan multiple separate trips.

Book it if you are willing to bring your own comfort tools, mainly solid footwear, sun protection, and a small snack plan. I’d even pay attention to the add-on costs in advance, since kayak rental, environmental and Big Lagoon fees, and footwear can add up.

Skip it only if you want an uncrowded day, lots of unstructured beach time, or you need accessibility that the route cannot reliably provide. For everyone else, this is the kind of day where you come back tired, sun-kissed, and still talking about the lagoons.

FAQ

How long is El Nido Big Lagoon and Island Adventure?

The tour duration is 6 hours.

What is included in the price?

Included items are a licensed tourist boat, a licensed boat captain, a licensed local tour guide, mask and snorkel gear, life jacket, picnic lunch at Shimizu Island, and purified drinking water (330ml served at lunch).

Do I need to rent a kayak?

Kayak rental is not included. It costs 300 PHP for 2-seaters and 350 PHP for 3-seaters.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. The tour includes mask and snorkel gear, plus a life vest.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet at Marber’s Resto Bar on Calle Hama Beachfront. Enter Marber’s and look for Annabelle or any staff of Alexzus.

What extra fees should I expect?

The environmental fee is 400 PHP per person (valid for 5 days), and the Big Lagoon users fee is 200 PHP per person (one-time access). Water shoes and flippers are also available as rentals, but they are not included.