Turquoise water and limestone cliffs are the whole point here. This El Nido boat tour strings together lagoon time, secluded swims, and classic beach breaks, with the day shaped around getting to places by water.

I especially like the mix of stops, including the Secret Lagoon moment and the long sit-down feel of the beach lunch. One thing to consider up front: getting on and off the boat can mean walking in shallow water and climbing a ladder, so it may be tough for small kids or anyone with limited mobility unless you plan for help and extra care.

Key things to know before you go

• Seven hours of island-hopping starting at 9:00 am, with up to 50 people in the group
• Lagoon and environmental fees included, which reduces the surprise add-ons
• Kayak and snorkel gear cost extra, and rentals are priced per boat (kayak) or per set (mask and snorkel)
• Several stops are “free admission,” so the main paid entry you’ll see is for the lagoon area
• You’ll get on the move early, but the schedule is built around calm-water lagoon windows and beach breaks
• Boat entry is physical, and you may want small life jackets arranged in advance for kids

Boat days in El Nido start at 9:00 am, and this one stays busy

This Tour A with beach lunch runs for about 7 hours, with a 9:00 am start that gets you out while the water is still feeling fresh. The group can be as large as 50 travelers, so expect a social day, with some waiting at each switch from boat to beach.

You can have pickup only within El Nido town for free, while pickups outside town cost extra. You’ll also use a mobile ticket, and once you book you’ll get confirmation. One more practical detail: the experience needs good weather, so if conditions are poor, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

Big Lagoon: the calm-water kayaking stop with the most “wow-per-minute”

Big Lagoon is first for a reason, and it’s the stop where the day’s best scenery often hits hardest. You’re looking at clear turquoise water with towering limestone cliffs, and the time on the water is about 1 hour 30 minutes, long enough to actually do more than just pose for photos.

The lagoon entry fee is included, and the stop is set up for kayaking, swimming, and snorkeling. Here’s the catch: the kayak rental is not included. If you want to paddle, plan on paying P400 per kayak, good for two persons. The same idea applies to snorkel gear: mask and snorkel are P100 per set.

My practical take: if you’re set on kayaking, treat it like an added “must-do” budget item so you aren’t deciding last minute on the beach.

Shimizu Island snorkeling: clear water, but not guaranteed to be teeming with big fish

Next comes Shimizu Island, with another 1 hour 30 minutes to focus on snorkeling and marine life. The water here is known for being crystal clear, and the point of the stop is coral reef viewing from the surface.

Snorkeling can still be fun even when you do not see huge schools. You may find the fish are smaller than you’re imagining, and the coral can be more about texture and variety than about giant, showy action. Gear matters: the mask and snorkel set costs extra (P100), so if you’re picky about fit or fogging, check options when you arrive.

Tip that helps: if you care about comfort, keep your snorkel time efficient. Short, calm sessions tend to feel better than long ones when the current or boat movement makes breathing a bit more work.

Payong-Payong Beach: a breather with shallow water and powdery sand

Payong-Payong Beach is a shorter stop, about 1 hour, but it gives the day a different pace. This beach is described as secluded, with powdery white sand and clear, shallow water, which usually means easier wading and a more relaxing swim.

Like a few of the later stops, the admission here is free, so you’re paying mainly for the experience of getting there. This is often a good window to just cool off, dry off, and reset before the more “work for it” parts like the lagoon entrance.

Watch your step: even if the water is shallow, you’ll be transitioning from boat to shore. Shoes that can handle wet sand and a bit of splash are a smart move.

Secret Lagoon: the enclosed-feeling swim you remember

If you like your swims with a story, Secret Lagoon is that stop. It’s reached through a small opening in a limestone wall, leading to a secluded pool surrounded by tall cliffs. The result is a different feel than the open-lagoon water earlier in the day.

You get about 1 hour 30 minutes here, which is plenty of time to enter, swim a bit, and take photos without feeling rushed. Admission is listed as free for this stop, so the big “cost” is your effort and timing.

What to expect: there can be a bit of walking and some careful movement around access points. If you’re traveling with anyone who needs steady footing, keep that in mind before you choose this tour.

Seven Commando Beach: beach lunch, coconuts, and real downtime

Then comes the beach most people use as the recovery station: Seven Commando Beach. This stop is about 1 hour 30 minutes, and it’s known for white sand, clear blue water, and palms lining the shore.

A big reason to book this tour is what happens here: lunch is provided on the beach, plus you get a fresh coconut. You’re also set up for swimming and snorkeling time during the stop, so it works like a payoff for the earlier paddling and lagoons.

My favorite part of beach lunch days: you’re not eating in a hurry. You can actually sit, refill, and take your time with the scenery, without worrying that your next minute is already on a boat ladder.

Price and value: $44.95 adds up fast if you budget the add-ons

At $44.95 per person, this tour isn’t just “a few beaches.” It includes multiple major stops across roughly 7 hours, with fees and lunch handled in advance.

Here’s what’s included that reduces cost friction:

• Entrance to the lagoon (listed as P200 per person)
• An environmental fee (P400 per person, valid for 14 days)
• Beach lunch (served at the beach stop)

What’s typically not included:

• Kayak rental (P400 per kayak, good for 2 persons)
• Mask and snorkel (P100 per set)
• Drinks like water or soda

Also note the pickup rule: free pickup is only for town. If your hotel is outside El Nido town, the pickup can add to your total.

Value check in plain terms: you’re paying a fair base price for a full day route plus lunch and key entry fees. If you want both kayaking and snorkel gear, budget extra and you’ll feel in control instead of surprised.

Packing tips that make the day easier on the water

A boat day in El Nido is mostly about water management. One review-style tip that holds true in real life: bring a waterproof bag. You’ll thank yourself when the sand gets wet, the boat is busy, and you want your phone and cash safe.

Also plan for footwear. You will likely be walking in and around the shoreline, including spots where you step through shallow water and climb on and off the boat. Suitable footwear helps a lot with balance and comfort.

And if you’re traveling with kids: consider asking for small life jackets in advance. Life jackets are part of safety, and small fit matters.

Crew help, safety habits, and the ladder reality

The day is run by a team that typically includes guides, life guards, and a boat driver, and the vibe is usually friendly and helpful. The biggest practical factor is how you switch between boat and water.

You should expect to walk in the water and climb the ladder each time. That’s normal for this route type, but it’s also the reason I’d call this a middle-of-the-road effort level. If someone in your group has mobility limits, you’ll want to communicate needs early so the crew can support you as best they can.

On the plus side, the crew support is a real strength. If you have an older relative or someone who moves slowly, you’ll do better if you travel with a patient attitude and a plan for take-it-slow moments.

Who this tour fits best, and who should reconsider

This tour fits best if you want a one-day route that covers lagoons and beach time without piecing together separate trips. It’s a good match for active swimmers who like clear water and short snorkeling windows, plus anyone who appreciates that the day ends on a proper beach with lunch.

It may be less ideal if your group needs very low physical effort, because the ladder and water entry steps come with the territory. It’s also a smart idea to calibrate snorkeling expectations. You may not see huge fish action, but you can still get enjoyable reef time if you approach it calmly.

Should you book El Nido Group Tour A with Beach Lunch?

I’d book it if you want a full, scenic boat day with Secret Lagoon, a true beach lunch stop, and enough snorkeling and swimming time to feel like you actually did the El Nido highlights. It’s also a solid value if you like the idea of having key lagoon and environmental fees included.

I’d think twice if your group includes anyone who struggles with ladder steps or walking in shallow water. In that case, you can still consider it, but treat preparation as part of the trip, like arranging the right life jacket size early and choosing footwear that keeps everyone steady.

FAQ

How long is El Nido Group Tour A with Beach Lunch?

It runs for about 7 hours (approx.).

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:00 am.

Is pickup included?

Free pickup is included only for hotels or locations within El Nido town. Pickup outside El Nido town has an extra charge.

What does the tour include?

The tour includes entrance to the lagoon (P200 per person), an environmental fee (P400 per person, valid for 14 days), and beach lunch.

Is lunch included, and where is it served?

Yes. Lunch is included as beach lunch during the beach stop.

Is snorkeling gear included in the price?

No. A mask and snorkel set costs P100 per set.

Are kayak rentals included?

No. Kayak rental costs P400 per kayak and the kayak is good for 2 persons.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks like water or soda are not included.

What is the maximum group size?

The tour has a maximum of 50 travelers.

What happens if the weather is poor?

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

What is the cancellation window?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.