Limestone lagoons are the main reason to go. I love the views at Big Lagoon and the moment you swim into Secret Lagoon after that rocky cave entry. One thing to keep in mind: pickup and transfers are only clearly included for hotels inside El Nido Town Proper, and logistics can get messy if your lodging is outside that zone or if weather throws off the schedule.

This is a smooth day at sea with a live English guide, a real lunch stop, and plenty of time to swim. You should expect 8 hours of island time where the pace is active, but not frantic, and where your biggest work is sunscreen and water shoes.

Key points to know before you book

• Big Lagoon photo time gives you that classic El Nido postcard angle before you start moving from island to island
• Secret Lagoon cave entrance is short but requires careful footing, especially with higher tide
• Snorkeling can be wild in the best way, and sea turtles are possible in the right conditions
• Shimizu Island is the lunch anchor, with swim time right after eating
• Seven Commandos Beach is boat-only access, so it stays calm compared to land-based spots
• Bring your own snorkel basics if you can, since masks, fins, and kayak gear are not listed as included

Big Lagoon: Your first lagoon fix, with the right amount of time

Big Lagoon is the first real wow moment of El Nido Tour A. You’ll get a photo stop and then a set amount of time to take it in, with towering limestone cliffs and that wide, glassy feel you only get in a protected bay. Even if you’re not the type who stops for endless pictures, this is the spot that helps everything else make sense. You look around and think, okay, this is why people plan whole trips around Bacuit Bay.

Here’s what I like about the way this start is set up: you’re not thrown into gear right away. You can take a breath, see where the water is clearest, and then adjust how you’ll handle the next stops where you actually get in the water.

If you’re sensitive to sun, treat Big Lagoon like the place to set your routine. Put sunscreen on early, even if you plan to reapply later. The water is great, but the sky can be brutal. Also, wear swimwear that dries quickly, because you’ll be in and out of the water again later.

Secret Lagoon on Miniloc: The entry matters more than you think

Secret Lagoon is one of those El Nido places where the location and the approach are part of the experience, not just the scenery. The lagoon sits behind limestone cliffs on Miniloc Island, and getting there is half the story.

Your boat will dock near a white sand beach, then you’ll walk and step into a rocky, cave-like passage to reach the lagoon. This is where practical matters kick in. Be mindful of your head if the tide is high. If it’s low tide, you may be able to wade more easily at the entrance. Either way, good footing is key.

Once you’re in, this is the reward: a natural pool feel, calm water, and a clear chance to swim. The tour also includes time for kayaking here, but kayak equipment is listed as not included, so if you want to paddle you should be ready to rent.

One more thing I appreciate about this stop is that it’s not built around sports or loud activities. The mood is closer to quiet water time, photos, and swimming at your own rhythm. If you’re traveling with kids, older family members, or anyone who likes a slower pace, Secret Lagoon is a good fit. Just remember: it’s the rocky passage that asks for care.

Shimizu Island: Lunch, shade, and a local legend you’ll remember

Shimizu Island is often treated as the “reset button” on island hopping days, and that makes it important. Your time there includes a break, photo time, lunch, and then swimming.

The setting is classic: white sand and clear water with lots of marine life. This is also a good stop for snorkeling if you have gear, because the water conditions in Bacuit Bay can be excellent in the right light. I love that you’re not stuck choosing between food and water. You eat, you cool down, then you head back out again while the day is still young.

There’s also a local legend tied to the island name. Shimizu was a scuba diver who disappeared while exploring underwater tunnels nearby, and his remains were reportedly discovered there. I find this kind of story gives the place more weight without turning it into a lecture. You look at the water and realize this area is both beautiful and unforgiving, which is why the safety gear on your boat matters.

If you’re thinking ahead, Shimizu is also where you’ll want to manage your energy. After this stop, you still have more beaches and more time in the sun, so don’t burn all your sunscreen budget at the lagoon only to realize you need it again.

Seven Commandos Beach: Boat-only access keeps it special

Seven Commandos Beach is one of El Nido’s famous strips of sand, listed as about 320 meters long. What makes it feel different is the access. It’s part of the El Nido mainland, but you can only reach it by boat. That simple detail helps explain why the vibe is so relaxed once you arrive.

When you get there, you’ll have time to visit and swim, and kayaking may be available during your stop. Kayak gear is not listed as included, so if you want it, plan for rental. This beach is lined with coconut trees and framed by tall limestone cliffs, so you get the classic El Nido look without having to fight crowds like some land-access beaches.

I also like the way Seven Commandos fits into the day. It’s a beach stop where you can actually stay still. Put on reef-safe sunscreen, sit in the shade when you need a breather, then swim when the water calls you back.

And yes, the name has legend attached to it. Some say it honors stranded soldiers, others connect it to a fishing vessel or a carved stone locals found. You don’t need the exact version to enjoy the beach, but knowing there’s a human story behind the name makes the place feel more rooted.

Payong Payong Beach: Clear water, shade, and a calmer snorkeling mood

Payong Payong Beach is another Miniloc-area stop that feels made for slowing down. You’ll visit, then have about an hour for swimming. The beach has cliffs, interesting rock formations, and trees that provide shade. That shade matters more than you might think on a long hot day.

The water here is described as clear, with fish and coral, and the waves are gentle. Translation: it’s a good place to snorkel if you want to keep things easy. If you’re new to snorkeling, this is the kind of area where you can focus on breathing and watching sea life without constant effort fighting strong currents.

This stop also tends to feel less about doing activities and more about relaxing. You can do photos, a swim, maybe a slow drift in calm water, then wrap up before the next beach.

If you have sensitive feet, consider wearing water shoes. The rocky approach that can happen at some lagoon entries is one reason, but also because sand and shallow rocky bits are common around these islands. Flip-flops look cute, but water shoes save you from pain and keep the day moving.

What’s actually included, and what you should pack yourself

Here’s the straightforward breakdown of what you’re paying for and what you’ll need to bring.

Included on Tour A

You’re covered for the big cost items:

• Roundtrip transfer to the port within El Nido Town Proper only
• Island lunch
• Drinking water
• Lagoon fee and environment fee
• Roundtrip motorized boat
• Life vest on board
• Guide fee

They also note you can skip the ticket line, and you’ll have a live English guide.

Not included

These are the usual “don’t forget” items:

• Snorkeling mask and fins
• Kayak and possibly related gear (kayak is listed as not included)
• Any snorkeling gear and aqua gear are also not listed as included

What to bring (I strongly agree with these)

• Sun hat and sunscreen, ideally reef-safe
• Swimwear and a towel
• Headscarf (useful for sun and drying off)
• Flip-flops and beachwear
• Hand sanitizer or tissues
• Snorkeling gear if you want to be ready immediately

My biggest packing tip is water shoes. Between rocky entries and reef-adjacent areas, they turn a fussy day into a comfortable one. I also like having a plan for carrying wet items, like waterproof bags. In wet conditions, that extra layer of convenience helps.

Price and logistics: Where the $50 value shows up, and where problems can start

At about $50 per person for an 8-hour outing, Tour A can be good value if you’re using the included pieces well. You’re not just paying for a boat. You’re also paying for fees (lagoon and environment), a guide, and a lunch stop. Those add up fast on your own if you try to build a day from scratch.

But logistics are where island hopping tours either feel easy or start feeling annoying. Here’s what to watch.

Pickup and transfers are location-dependent

Transfer is included only for hotels within El Nido Town Proper. If you’re staying farther out, you should expect to handle additional transport. In at least one real case, pickup confusion led to extra negotiation costs. So do yourself a favor and confirm your hotel pickup point when you get the details, and be clear whether you are inside the included zone.

Also note: the return to your hotel is not guaranteed in the same way as the port transfer within town proper. If rain hits hard, expect the schedule to bend and plan a backup way home rather than counting on one exact method.

Kayak and snorkeling gear may cost extra

The tour mentions kayaking and snorkeling time, but the equipment is listed as not included. That means you may rent on site. When you rent, check the condition right away. I’ve seen how a damaged kayak can ruin the whole stop, turning “fun water time” into frustration, and that can affect what you actually see.

Boat comfort and safety rules

A life vest is included, which I appreciate. Also, keep in mind these are small boats and they can have rules like no smoking onboard for safety. The boat runs on fuel, so following crew instructions is not just paperwork, it’s common sense.

Weather reality

El Nido weather can change quickly. When rain shows up, it can mean fewer comfortable swimming moments. That’s not the tour provider being dramatic, it’s just the nature of island days. Pack like you might get wet, even if you’re aiming for sunshine.

Who Tour A is best for, and who should skip it

Tour A fits best if you want a full El Nido highlights day without over-planning. You’ll love it if you:

• Want classic lagoons and beach hopping in one day
• Enjoy swimming and snorkeling when conditions are right
• Prefer a day that’s guided, so you’re not figuring out local access and fees

It’s also a good option for families and mixed ages since the operator states it is tailored to guarantee a secure, delightful, and fully accessible adventure for children, seniors, and those with disabilities.

But I’d skip it if:

• You are pregnant (not suitable)
• You are over 95 years old (not suitable)

If you have mobility issues, focus on the fact that lagoon entries may involve rocky walking and cave-like passages. Even if kayaking is available, your comfort level in these areas matters more than your ability to swim.

Should you book El Nido Tour A?

If you want the big El Nido names in one day, I’d book Tour A. It’s good value for what’s included, and the stops are built around the kind of scenery you travel across the world to see: limestone cliffs, calm lagoons, and beaches you only reach by boat.

I’d book with a little smart caution:

• Confirm your pickup location is inside El Nido Town Proper.
• Bring water shoes and reef-safe sunscreen.
• If you plan to kayak, treat rentals as “inspect first,” not “trust and hope.”
• Have a backup plan for getting back if weather messes with timing.

Do it, and you’ll come away with that mix of lagoon wonder and beach time that makes El Nido feel like a real escape, not a schedule you survived.

FAQ

What does the Tour A price include?

It includes roundtrip transfer to the port within El Nido Town Proper only, island lunch, drinking water, lagoon fee, environment fee, roundtrip motorized boat, life vest on board, and the guide fee.

Are hotel pickup and transfers included for any location in El Nido?

Pickup and transfer are included only if your hotel is within El Nido Town Proper. If you are outside that area, transfers are not included, and you may need to arrange transport yourself.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

Yes. Island lunch is included as part of the day.

Do I need to bring snorkeling gear, like a mask and fins?

The snorkeling mask and fins are not listed as included. You should bring your own snorkeling gear if you want to use it.

Is alcohol allowed on the tour?

No. Alcohol is not allowed.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant women or very elderly travelers?

No. It is listed as not suitable for pregnant women and people over 95 years old.