El Nido island hopping feels like a highlight reel, with Big Lagoon views and clear-water snorkeling time. What I like most is the mix of kayak and swim moments in Bacuit Bay and the simple, organized flow that still leaves room to relax. The main tradeoff is that the lagoons can get busy, so you will want a calm mindset and a good plan for timing.

On Tour A, you focus on the lagoon trio plus Shimizu Island for beach time and marine-life viewing. With an English live guide, hotel pickup (El Nido Town only), and lunch included, it is a solid deal for a full 8-hour day. One practical consideration: lagoon and environmental fees, plus mask and snorkel rental, are not included in the $34 price.

If you hate confusion on meeting points, pay attention here. The tour’s meeting instructions rely on WhatsApp from your hotel, and there can be mismatches if you only trust what you see in an app.

Key things that make Tour A worth your time

• Big, Small, and Secret Lagoons in one 8-hour circuit, so you do not waste daylight switching plans
• Kayak plus swim plus snorkel time in Bacuit Bay’s clear waters
• Shimizu Island beach and reef time, useful if you want a break from lagoon paddling
• Hotel pickup in El Nido Town only, which keeps logistics simple for most visitors
• Lunch and boat included, so you are not scrambling for food halfway through

Price and logistics, plus what you should budget

Tour A is listed at $34 per person for an 8-hour island hopping day. That sounds straightforward, but to judge value you need to add the extras mentioned in the details.

Here is what you should plan for, beyond the $34:

• Environmental fee: 400
• Lagoon fees: 200
• Mask and snorkel: not included
• Pickup complications if you are outside El Nido Town: you may pay for tricycle fare from the pickup area (it is listed as personal account)

Why this matters: lagoons and marine areas in El Nido often charge entry or operating fees, and those fees can change what you feel is a bargain. Even with the extra costs, Tour A still tends to be better value than paying separately for guide, boat, and lunch, as long as you already have your swim gear and you can handle a long, full day on the water.

Logistics in human terms:

• Your hotel sends you details via WhatsApp and uses the nearest hotel pickup guidance.
• Be ready 15 minutes before pickup time.
• Hotel pickup is El Nido Town only. If you are farther out, you will likely need a short extra ride at your own expense.

I also recommend confirming the exact meeting point by asking your hotel staff to send you a clear message. One booking experience included a wrong meeting point shown in the app, and communication after that was not great. You can avoid that headache by double-checking early.

Before you go: what to pack for an all-water day

This tour is not a sit-and-stare cruise. You will be in and around the water, so pack like it is a beach and snorkel day, not a museum day.

Bring:

• Swimwear (easy to change into)
• Hat (sun is real out there)
• Camera (there is plenty worth photographing)
• Sunscreen
• Water
• Snacks (optional but smart, since island days can run long)
• Extra clothes for changing, because you will likely get wet

Wear:

• Comfortable clothes you can move in
• Shoes that work for water and uneven surfaces

Not allowed rules you should know:

• No smoking
• Do not touch marine life
• Do not touch plants

That last part is not just eco-scolding. If you are snorkeling or hovering near reefs and rocks, it helps to keep your hands to yourself, even if you are tempted to grab something for a photo.

The flow of Tour A: what the 8 hours feel like

Tour A is built around a simple pattern: lagoons first, island time after. You are on a boat through Bacuit Bay, then you spend time where the water calms down enough for kayaking, swimming, and snorkeling.

Even without exact clock times, you can picture the day like this:

• Morning to late morning: lagoon sequence
• Midday: lunch break
• Afternoon: Shimizu Island for beach and reef time
• Boat returns to El Nido Town afterward

This structure is a big part of why it is good value. You get multiple scenery types without constantly changing boats or transferring around town.

Big Lagoon: iconic scenery, calm water, and good photo angles

Big Lagoon is the first big emotional hit of the day. The water here is typically calm enough that it feels different from open-sea cruising. That calm matters because it makes kayaking more enjoyable, and it gives you time to look closely at the limestone formations and the way light reflects on the surface.

What you will likely do:

• Enjoy lagoon scenery during the kayak and sightseeing portion
• Take in the clear water, with chances to swim and snorkel during the day’s water windows

What to watch for:

• Crowds. A high-demand stop like Big Lagoon often means more boats and more people in the water at once. If you want that peaceful postcard moment, the best move is to stay flexible. Take photos quickly when you have good angles, then switch to just enjoying the water and views.

This is one of the places where a live guide helps. Even if it is busy, they can guide you on the most practical pacing so you do not feel rushed.

Small Lagoon: a slightly quieter cousin

Small Lagoon is often a “same vibe, different feel” stop. You get another round of lagoon glassiness and limestone scenery, but with a more compact feeling compared to Big Lagoon.

Why it works:

• It keeps the variety going without adding extra travel time.
• It gives you another chance to swim and reset, rather than burning your energy only at the first lagoon.

Practical tip: if you are photographing, think in small bursts. Get the shot you want, then drift your attention to details like water texture and how the coastline frames the lagoon.

Secret Lagoon: intimate vibes, but still treat it like a shared space

Secret Lagoon is where you tend to get the most “this feels tucked away” reaction. The name can be a bit of marketing, but the sense of privacy comes from the lagoon setting itself and the way boats move through in timed waves.

What you should expect from the experience style:

• You continue the kayak and swim rhythm
• You enjoy another stretch of protected waters that suits snorkeling breaks
• You take in the feel of Bacuit Bay from a different angle than the earlier lagoon stops

Caution with your expectations: it can still be busy. That’s just reality in El Nido during popular seasons. If you come expecting empty water, you might get cranky. If you come ready to share the moment, it is much more fun.

Shimizu Island: beach relaxation plus reef time

Shimizu Island is your payoff for the boat-and-lagoon effort. This stop typically feels more like a beach break than a paddling round.

Why it is a good match for Tour A:

• You can switch from kayak movements to beach lounging
• You get additional snorkeling and swim time in Bacuit Bay’s clear waters
• You have a chance to see marine life without feeling like you are only stuck in a lagoon channel

What to do once you are there:

• Spend a bit of time on the shore to cool off
• Snorkel when the water visibility is best during your window
• Respect the no-touch rule around sea life and plants

Also, bring a practical mindset: you will likely end up with sand on your things. Pack your phone and camera with some basic protection, like a dry bag or at least a sealed pouch.

Lunch and the boat ride: the underrated part of a good day

Lunch is included, and that matters more than it sounds. Island hopping days can be long, and hunger can turn small discomfort into big frustration. Getting a meal as part of the package helps you stay calm and enjoy the later stops.

The boat time itself is not just “getting there.” It is part of the experience. You are moving through Bacuit Bay, and that travel time gives you a changing view of the islands and cliffs. It is also where you can pace yourself. When you arrive at the next stop, you will be ready to swim or snorkel without feeling already exhausted.

Snorkeling, kayaking, and who Tour A fits best

Tour A includes swim, snorkel, and kayak activity windows. That means you should be comfortable getting wet, and you should understand your own limits.

Tour is not suitable for:

• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• Non-swimmers

It also helps to know what is not included:

• Mask and snorkel are not provided in the listed inclusions

So if you have your own gear, you already win time and comfort. If you do not, you will need a rental plan on your side.

If you are a strong swimmer but dislike long time on a boat, this tour may still be tiring. It is 8 hours, and the day includes multiple water activities. For a first El Nido experience, though, Tour A is a smart way to get the main Bacuit Bay highlights without going full scuba.

Service style: English guide, skip-the-line, and WhatsApp meeting points

The tour includes a live guide in English and says it can help you skip the ticket line. Translation matters here because lagoon rules and timing can be strict, and you want clear instructions before you get on the water.

Pickup and meeting points rely on messaging:

• Your hotel sends the meeting details via WhatsApp
• It refers to the nearest hotel pickup instruction

My practical advice: do not wait until the last hour. Ask your hotel early in the day, and request the exact location name and a simple landmark description. One review experience had a wrong meeting point shown in the app, even though the crew was friendly once sorted. That is why the “ask your hotel to confirm” move is worth it.

What I would love, and the one drawback to plan around

The most praised aspects from a booking experience centered on the crew being super nice and accommodating. That kind of onboard attitude matters because island hopping is physically active. When the staff keeps things smooth, you relax and enjoy the scenery more.

The second common point was that the locations can feel crowded. That is not unusual for El Nido. Your job as a visitor is to keep expectations realistic:

• Smile, go with the flow
• Take your photos early in your water window
• Spend more time enjoying the water quality and the island shapes, less time hunting for emptiness

If you are sensitive to crowds, consider timing your day mentally for short bursts of tranquility instead of expecting long stretches of solitude.

Tour A versus the other El Nido tour letters

This part is important because the highlights list includes stops from multiple tour versions.

Tour A, what you are booking:

• Big Lagoon
• Small Lagoon
• Secret Lagoon
• Shimizu Island

Other tours mentioned in the provided options include:

• Snake Island, Cudugnon Cave, Matinloc Shrine for Tour B
• A mix of A and B for Tour C
• Cadlao Island and its beaches for Tour D

If your priority is lagoons, Tour A is the clean match. If your priority is caves and shrine stops, you should look at Tour B or C instead of assuming Tour A includes those.

Should you book El Nido Tour A?

Book it if:

• You want a classic Bacuit Bay day with multiple lagoons and one island beach stop
• You are comfortable with a full 8 hours outdoors
• You like snorkeling and kayaking and want a guide-managed schedule
• You value lunch and boat organization included in the price

Maybe skip or choose a different tour if:

• You get stressed in crowded places and you want long, empty-water moments
• You do not swim and you fall into the non-swimmer category
• You rely on included snorkeling gear, because mask and snorkel are not included

My final take: Tour A is a strong value way to see El Nido’s lagoon highlights in one day, as long as you budget for the extra fees and take meeting point confirmation seriously. When the crew is friendly and the flow is handled well, you end up spending your energy on the water, not on logistics.

FAQ

What locations are included in El Nido Tour A?

Tour A focuses on Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, and Shimizu Island.

How long is the island hopping tour?

The duration is 8 hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, hotel pickup is included for El Nido Town only. If your hotel is far from town, you may need to pay tricycle fare from the pickup area as a personal expense.

What fees are not included in the tour price?

The tour lists not included fees as Environmental Fee 400 and Lagoon Fees 200.

Do I need to bring a mask and snorkel?

Mask and snorkel are listed as not included, so you should plan to bring your own or arrange rental.

What is the meeting point like?

Your hotel sends the nearest hotel meeting details to you via WhatsApp. Be ready about 15 minutes before pickup time.

Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers?

No. It is listed as not suitable for non-swimmers. It is also not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems.