A perfect island day should feel effortless, and this one does. You get boat transfers plus a full lunch, and the pace is built around short, easy beach breaks like Secret Lagoon. One watch-out: plan for extra local fees at the start of the tour, and expect some watery boarding that is not for everyone.

Tour A is aimed at first-timers and beach lovers who want the classic El Nido look without doing everything solo. The small group size (up to 30) also helps you get from stop to stop without feeling like cattle. If you are sensitive to long boat days or want a super smooth, dry start, you may want to choose carefully.

Key things to know before you go

• A 6 to 8 hour island circuit with lunch, guided boat rides, and a set route of five islands
• Secret Lagoon is the first big wow stop, with time to swim and explore the lagoon area
• Shimizu Island and Seven Commandos Beach add beach time and limestone scenery at a comfortable pace
• Lunch can be a highlight, and you may be able to request options like vegan if arranged in advance
• Extra fees can show up on the day, so bring cash and ask what is included before you pay

Tour A in El Nido, what makes the day work

El Nido island hopping is one of those places where the photos are not lying. The water is that clear, the limestone formations really do pop, and every stop feels like you blink and suddenly you are in a different postcard. What makes Tour A worth your time is that it is structured for a full day without turning into a stress test.

You start the day at 9:00 am from MABUHAY Sports Bar in downtown El Nido and return to the same meeting point when the tour ends. Boat transfers are included, and the tour runs with a local guide, so you get help with what to do at each stop and where to go next. The max group size of 30 keeps the day from getting too chaotic.

Five islands, three named highlights, and how the rest fit in

Tour A is designed around a five-island route, and the stops mix lagoons, beaches, and dramatic rock scenery. Your exact five-island set is part of the Tour A circuit, but you can think of it as a run where you rotate between quick lagoon views, swimming-friendly beaches, and at least one longer break to recharge.

Here is how the named stops shape the day.

Secret Lagoon: the calm start you want

Your first stop is Secret Lagoon, set inside an island with a white-sand beach and clear water. You get about 30 minutes here, and admission is included. In a good way, this is the kind of stop that sets the tone. You arrive, you look around, you take in the lagoon setting, and you get a chance to swim or simply enjoy the view from the beach area.

Because the time block is short, come ready to move. If you are the type who takes a long while to decide where to sit, Secret Lagoon can feel like it passes fast. If you prefer a quick “wow, then go” rhythm, it is a strong opener.

Shimizu Island: green shade plus swim time

Next is Shimizu Island for another 30-minute break, with admission included. The big appeal here is the beach plus the surrounding greenery that offers natural shade. The water is described as clear and inviting, and it is a stop that works well if you want a little downtime between more scenic highlights.

This is also the kind of place where you can reset your snorkeling or swim gear. If your body runs hot from sun and boat time, you will appreciate the shade and the calmer feel.

Seven Commando Beach: longer stretch for views and rest

You then move to Seven Commando Beach for about 1 hour, again with admission included. This is the stop that gives you more breathing room. The scenery is described in terms of limestone mountain and lush greenery, and the longer stay makes it feel more like an actual beach break than a quick photo stop.

If you want a little time for sitting, swimming, or even just walking the shoreline, this hour matters. It also helps balance the shorter lagoon and island breaks so your day does not feel like a sprint.

Two more stops round out the circuit

Tour A visits five islands total, so you will have two additional stops beyond the three named above. The tour focuses on beach and water scenery, so you can expect more time for views, swimming, or exploring lagoon and cove areas depending on the day’s route. Keep your energy up after Seven Commando, because the later stops are usually where you will want to spend time using any rented gear you brought.

Lunch on the water: the part people actually remember

I love a tour that feeds you in a way that matches the reality of island hopping. This one includes lunch, and guests highlight the meal as substantial. The lunch is described as a big spread with fruits, veggies, fish, chicken, pork, and rice, and it is served in a way that feels organized rather than rushed.

One practical detail: if you are vegan or have a dietary preference, there is evidence the crew can arrange options. That does not mean every request will be perfect without notice, but it is a good sign that the team is willing to adjust when they can.

Tip for your comfort: eat early enough that you feel settled during the middle of the boat day. If you wait until you feel hungry, sun plus boat time can turn lunch into a “quick gulp” instead of a real break.

The snorkeling and extra rentals, what is included and what may cost more

The tour experience is built around the water, and you may get snorkeling gear as part of the experience. At the same time, the cost details list snorkeling equipment as not included (with a rental fee). That means you should not assume. When you confirm your booking, ask whether snorkeling gear is provided for your group or if it is a paid add-on.

Other optional extras listed include:

• Kayak use to access Big Lagoon (for rent at a set price)
• Aqua shoes rentals (also available at a set price)

Here is the honest way to think about this: the tour is already designed with beach time at multiple stops, so you can enjoy the day even if you do not rent kayak access or extra water gear. But if you are the type who wants to maximize time in the water and you know you will kayak, bring money for rentals so you are not stuck deciding on the fly.

Boat transfers and the start of the day: how to avoid the rough edges

Island hopping can be smooth, but El Nido has moments where nature is the boss. One guest described the beginning as extreme, specifically boarding the boat by wading through chest high water to reach the ladder. That is not a small detail if you do not like getting wet or if you have mobility concerns.

You cannot control sea conditions, but you can control what you wear and how prepared you are. If you hate surprise water, wear water-friendly clothing and be ready for a splash at the start. If you love the sea and you are comfortable around boats, that kind of boarding may feel like part of the adventure.

Also, because the tour returns to the same starting meeting point, you do not need to worry about end-of-day navigation. Just keep track of your belongings and any rented gear so you are not scrambling when it is time to leave.

Price at about $24, and the fees that can change the final total

The advertised price is $24.00 per person, and it includes lunch, a local guide, and boat transfers. That is a good value if you are comparing it to a custom private boat day, and it is especially solid if you are traveling with a group that can benefit from group discounts.

But here is where budgeting matters. The tour also lists extra fees not included:

• El Nido Eco-Tourism Development Fee: ₱400 per person
• Big Lagoon User’s Fee: ₱200 per person

Some guests felt confused or charged differently than expected, and the response they received explained that these amounts may be covered as part of total environmental and lagoon fees collected at the start. I recommend you do this simple move before you board: ask exactly what you are paying for and whether the amounts correspond to the eco fee and lagoon user fee that are listed as excluded.

Practical money tip: bring small bills or enough cash for on-the-spot fees. Having exact-ish cash makes the process faster and keeps you from negotiating when you would rather be on the boat.

The guide and crew vibe: where the tour earns its rating

The difference between a good island day and a great one is often the crew. This tour has a local guide, and guests specifically mention that the crew was attentive and service-minded. One guide name that comes up is Ariel, described as extremely helpful and aware of what guests needed.

You also see signs of care in how the day runs: supportive help, organized lunch, and quick assistance with practical items. If you have never done island hopping before, that support matters more than you might think, because it helps you focus on the scenery instead of logistics.

Who Tour A is best for in El Nido

Tour A fits best if you want:

• A classic El Nido island hopping day without planning every stop
• Beach time plus lagoon scenery, not just one long swim session
• A tour that includes lunch and guidance, so you are not stuck hungry and stranded
• A manageable group size (up to 30)

It may be less ideal if you:

• Dislike boarding conditions that may involve wading at the start
• Plan to rely on kayak time and might feel it does not match your style, since optional water activities are tied to add-ons
• Hate fees that are collected on the day, even when they are official local charges

Is it crowded? How the route direction can affect your day

Some island hopping days feel like a carousel. One guest said their tour ran in a direction that was less crowded compared with other operations. You cannot guarantee that, but the note is still useful: if your priority is calmer photo moments and less jostling, it helps to choose a tour that operates with some routing flexibility.

Arrive at the meeting point with enough time to check in calmly. If your day starts late, even a good route can feel crowded simply because you are behind the timing curve.

What you should bring for a smoother experience

You cannot control the weather, but you can control comfort. For an island-hopping day like this, I would pack:

• Water shoes or shoes you do not mind getting wet
• Sunscreen and a cap, since stops are exposed and short
• A dry bag for phone and essentials, so boat splashes do not ruin your day
• Reef-safe swimwear and a change of clothes for later
• Cash for any excluded fees and possible rentals like snorkeling gear, aqua shoes, or kayak access

If you want the lunch experience to feel like a break, also plan hydration. Water is often limited during the middle of the day unless you buy it, and you will feel it when sun meets boat time.

Should you book El Nido Island Hopping Tour A with Lunch?

Book it if you want a well-paced, guided El Nido day with Secret Lagoon, beach time, and lunch that feels like an actual meal. The overall value works well for the price, especially when you are not trying to DIY a full boat day.

Think twice if you are very budget-tight and hate the idea of on-the-day fees, or if you have trouble with boarding conditions that may involve wading in choppy or shallow water. In that case, confirm what fees will be collected at the start, and ask whether snorkeling gear is provided for your group.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is El Nido Island Hopping Tour A?

The tour typically runs about 6 to 8 hours.

What time does the tour start, and where do I meet?

It starts at 9:00 am and the meeting point is MABUHAY Sports Bar in El Nido.

What is included in the ticket price?

Included are lunch, a local guide, and boat transfers. Admission tickets for the named stops are also listed as included.

What fees are not included?

Not included are the El Nido Eco-Tourism Development Fee of ₱400 per person and the Big Lagoon User’s Fee of ₱200 per person. Snorkeling equipment, aqua shoes, and kayak access to Big Lagoon are also listed as available for additional rent.

Is cancellation allowed if the weather is bad?

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

How many people are on the tour?

The tour has a maximum of 30 travelers. Most travelers can participate.