Big Lagoon kayaking stops time. El Nido Tour A is a full-day cruise through Bacuit Bay’s lagoons and white-sand beaches, with up to four stops, including the famous Secret Lagoon and time on Big Lagoon.

I like that the day starts with a water-world feeling, then swaps to beach time with an actual break for lunch. Secret Lagoon feels enclosed by jagged rock walls, and Shimizu Island and Seven Commandos bring the simple reward of clean sand and calm swimming water.

One thing to plan for: Big Lagoon entry is limited, so if spots are sold out you’ll be sent to a different stop, and you may still want to budget extra for kayak rentals and required fees.

Key points before you go

• Secret Lagoon first means you see it before the day gets crowded.
• Big Lagoon kayaking is the highlight for people who want freedom, not just a photo moment.
• Lunch is genuinely good and comes with a buffet-style spread plus lots of food options.
• Staff like Buddy, Mark, John, Dexter, and Angelo are repeatedly praised for being attentive and safety-minded.
• You pay extras on top of the $23 base: the eco-tourism fee (400 PHP) plus Big Lagoon entry (200 PHP), and optional gear rentals.
• Non-swimmers still have options, especially if you’re comfortable with a kayak or staying near the boat during water time.

Bacuit Bay, up to four stops, and the pace of the day

Tour A is built for a classic El Nido rhythm: boat out early, then a string of lagoon and beach stops over an 8-hour day. You’ll have up to four stops total, plus snorkeling time in Bacuit Bay and a lunch break in the middle of it.

You can book it as a shared tour or go private. The private option is a big value if you want a calmer pace and more control over how long you linger at each beach. Meeting point can vary by the option you choose, and hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to get yourself to the start point.

This tour is also one of the better ways to experience Bacuit Bay without constantly switching schedules. The trade-off is that you are part of a system that runs with other boats in the same waters, so expect some crowd energy at the most popular spots.

Secret Lagoon: the rocky entrance that makes it feel private

Most island hopping days in El Nido give you a postcard moment. The start here aims for something more: Secret Lagoon inside a rock-walled setting.

You’ll head there early as the first major stop, and the setting is exactly what makes it special. The jagged rock walls create a sheltered feel, and the water tends to look extra calm and deep-blue once you’re inside. It’s the kind of place where short swims and slow drifting work better than trying to do everything fast.

If you’re sensitive to slippery surfaces or uneven steps, keep your footing in mind during boarding and disembarking. The tour includes life vests, but you still have to move yourself from boat to water and back.

Shimizu Island and Seven Commandos Beach: white sand plus room to breathe

After the lagoon, the day shifts to beach time, which is where El Nido usually wins people over. Two of the beach anchors on Tour A are Shimizu Island and Seven Commandos Beach.

Shimizu Island gets praised for crystal-clear water and that sweet spot where you can swim without the experience turning into a mission. It’s also a nice reset after snorkeling or kayaking, because you can just walk the sand line, cool off, and get back on the boat when you feel ready.

Seven Commandos Beach is all about coconut trees and pure white sand, with a more open beach feel than the lagoon. You’ll have chances to relax, take photos, and enjoy the water at a slower tempo than the earlier lagoon stop.

One reality check: these beaches can be popular, so the atmosphere can be lively. If you hate crowds, your best bet is choosing private and not waiting for a perfect empty beach fantasy.

Snorkeling time in Bacuit Bay: fun, but plan for your feet

Tour A includes snorkeling at a Bacuit Bay snorkeling area. That matters because Bacuit Bay’s underwater scenery is part of what people come for, and a day with only beach time feels incomplete here.

Here’s the practical part. Optional gear like aqua shoes and fins is available to rent. One guest noted that a snorkeling stop can be difficult to reach due to sharp corals, so aqua shoes can make the difference between comfortable and annoying. Even if you’re an experienced swimmer, your feet will thank you.

If you’re a non-swimmer, you’re not automatically shut out. People have reported that they were still able to enjoy activities with support around kayaking or staying closer to safer areas. Still, the tour has a clear limitation in its suitability guidance, so you should assess your comfort level honestly before you book.

Big Lagoon kayaking: why it is the main event

If you remember only one thing about Tour A, make it this: Big Lagoon kayaking.

Guests consistently name it as the moment that makes the price feel worth it. Kayaking gives you more control than snorkel-only plans. You can spend longer in the water, slow down for photos, and actually explore instead of just floating for a few minutes.

But Big Lagoon comes with two important planning points.

First, Big Lagoon entry is limited. If entry is no longer available, you’ll visit a different spot. That means the day can shift slightly depending on capacity that day.

Second, money-wise, Big Lagoon has extra costs beyond the base price. The Big Lagoon entry fee (200 PHP) is not included, and kayaking also may require a rental. You may also see a premium destination fee mentioned in the overall tour pricing, so check your final confirmation.

My advice is simple: if Big Lagoon is your must-do, bring cash and accept that timing and availability can change your exact stop, even when you do everything right.

Lunch buffet quality and the value of a real break

Lunch is included, and the way people describe it is a pleasant surprise for an island hopping day. You’re not just getting a small boxed meal here.

One guest highlighted a buffet with fresh meat and fish, plus vegetables and fruit, and others call out that there was plenty of food. Another person mentioned a generous lunch compared with other tours they tried. The practical takeaway is that you should plan to eat like you mean it, not snack.

Also, cold drinks and ice creams may be available for purchase while you’re out there. That helps if you end up with sun or heat fatigue, which is common in Palawan in general.

If you’re sensitive to long sun breaks, pack sunscreen and keep water habits steady. A great lunch won’t save you if you’re dehydrated and rushed between stops.

Crew and guide style: safety first, photos covered

The tour includes a licensed tour guide, and you’ll hear English and Tagalog. Guide names showing up again and again include Buddy, Mark, John, Dexter, Angelo, Nathan, Jordan, Jojo, and Kuya Gerald and Kuya Arnold.

What matters most is how the crew runs the day. Many comments focus on friendliness and attentiveness, and several people mention proactive staff who watch safety during boarding and water activities. One guest praised the guides for being patient when they were learning kayaking, which is a big deal because Big Lagoon is the kind of place where confidence makes everything more fun.

Another recurring detail: the crew will take photos for you on your phone. That’s useful because you’re busy kayaking or swimming, and you do not want to spend half your day swapping selfies with strangers.

One more practical tip from a guest: if you get motion sickness, bring medicine. Boat days can be smooth, but the sea can change.

Price and logistics: what the $23 actually covers

Tour A is listed at $23 per person, but value comes from what is included versus what you add on.

Included in the base:

• licensed tour guide
• boat tour of the islands
• life vests
• lunch

Not included:

• hotel pickup and drop-off
• El Nido eco-tourism development fee (400 PHP)
• Big Lagoon entry fee (200 PHP)
• optional rentals like aqua shoes, fins, or a kayak

So is it good value? In my view, yes, especially because lunch is described as high quality, and the day includes both snorkeling and kayaking time. A lot of tours in the region sell you mostly on scenery, then skimp on food. Here, the food gets real compliments.

The main “cost surprise” risk is that you are paying at least two separate fees in PHP, plus you might rent gear. If you show up without cash, you can end up stressed and rushed. Bring cash, even if you think you might skip rentals.

Also keep in mind what you can and cannot bring. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, and plastic bottles are not allowed. Plan to pack light and use what you need for a full swim day.

What to pack (and what not to bring) for a smoother day

Here is a practical checklist based on what the tour asks for.

Bring:

• passport or ID card
• swimwear
• a change of clothes
• sunscreen
• cash

Leave behind:

• luggage or large bags
• plastic bottles
• anything that adds smoking risk during the boat day

You’ll also want to think about comfort. If you plan to snorkel, aqua shoes can be useful for rougher entry spots. If you plan to kayak, fins can help you if you also snorkel, but rentals are optional.

If you are traveling with a camera or phone, keep it protected. You’ll be in and out of the water, and the crew takes photos, but you still want your own gear ready for calm moments on the sand.

Who Tour A is best for (and who should be cautious)

Tour A fits well if you want a classic El Nido combo: lagoons, beaches, snorkeling, and at least one big activity payoff in Big Lagoon.

It also works for people who want a flexible day structure, since you’ll have time at each stop instead of only passing through. One guest noted that they enjoyed going at their own pace at stops, and the crew helps with photos along the way.

Families can find it fun too. Kayaking is specifically mentioned as something kids enjoyed, and the crew is described as patient with visitors who are less experienced in the water.

However, the tour is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments and wheelchair users. Even if a crew member is kind and careful, the core experience involves getting on and off boats and moving around in and out of water. If your mobility is limited, I’d treat this as a warning, not a challenge.

Non-swimmers may still enjoy portions of the day, especially if you focus on beaches and kayaking with support. Just be honest with yourself about your comfort around water entry and boat movement.

Should you book El Nido Tour A with Corazon Travel & Tours?

I would book Tour A if you want the best chance to hit the big three: Secret Lagoon, classic white sand beach time, and Big Lagoon kayaking. The included lunch and the repeated praise for crew support make it feel like more than a cheap ticket for pretty views.

Book with extra care if:

• Big Lagoon is your non-negotiable, because entry is limited and you could be rerouted
• you are sensitive to boat motion, since you may want motion sickness medicine
• you need wheelchair-friendly access or you have mobility limits, since the tour is listed as not suitable

My final nudge: come with cash, pack light, and rent what you need for comfort. If you do that, Tour A tends to deliver the kind of day that makes El Nido feel real, not just photographed.

FAQ

What does the tour price include?

The tour includes a licensed tour guide, a boat tour of the islands, life vests, and lunch.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

How long is the El Nido Tour A?

The duration is 8 hours.

How many stops will we make?

Your day includes up to four stops in total.

Are Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Seven Commandos Beach part of Tour A?

Yes. Tour A includes Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Seven Commandos Beach, plus a snorkeling area, and Big Lagoon as one of the destinations.

Is snorkeling included, and do I need to rent fins?

Snorkeling is included. Aqua shoes and fins are optional rentals, available if you want them.

What extra fees should I expect besides the base price?

You need to pay the El Nido eco-tourism development fee (400 PHP) before boarding. Big Lagoon entry fee (200 PHP) is not included.

Is Big Lagoon guaranteed?

Big Lagoon entry is limited. If entry is not available, the tour will visit a different spot.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring a passport or ID card, swimwear, a change of clothes, sunscreen, and cash.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users and people with mobility impairments.