A day on the water, no boring bits. This El Nido island hopping tour packs lagoons, beaches, and snorkeling in a simple 9-hour loop that most first-timers can enjoy.

I really like the mix of time: coral-and-fish snorkeling at Shimizu Island, plus long stretches of beach time where you can just relax. I also like that you get a DOT licensed tour guide and the basics for safety with a lifevest.

One drawback to think about: if you get seasick easily, this is not the best fit since you’re on a motorized boat for most of the day.

Key Things That Make Tour A Worth Your Time

• Shimizu Island snorkeling or beach time, with a strong chance to see corals and lots of fish
• Seven Commando Beach for that classic long white-sand feel, plus a small on-site bar for drinks
• Lagoons and limestone cliffs covered with vegetation, visible as you move between stops
• Picnic lunch included, and the tour is designed to keep you fed without turning the day into a scramble
• Sea turtle chance at the later beach stop, so bring your camera and stay alert

Getting From El Nido Proper to the Boat Without Stress

Pickup is straightforward if your hotel is in El Nido Proper. You’ll get picked up around town proper, then you head toward the port area to meet your assigned guide and get ready for the day.

If your place is outside El Nido Proper, you’ll need to meet the guide at Petron Gasoline Station near El Nido Port. I like this system because it’s clear, but do yourself a favor and confirm your exact pickup point before tour day so you do not end up rushing.

Lagoons, Limestone Cliffs, and the Scenery You Actually Use

Tour A is popular for a reason: you’re not doing one long swim and then waiting around. As you cruise between stops, you’ll pass beautiful lagoons and beaches with limestone cliffs covered in vegetation.

Why that matters: even when you are not in the water, you’re still getting that El Nido “wow” factor from the boat views. It keeps the day feeling like a real outing, not just a checklist of places to stop for photos.

Shimizu Island: Snorkel for Corals, or Play It Easy on White Sand

Shimizu Island is the key water stop. Depending on what you want that day, you can snorkel to look at corals and potentially hundreds of fish, or you can simply relax on the fine white sand beach.

This is where I’d focus your planning. If you want the snorkeling experience, have your goggles ready early and keep water-friendly habits simple, rinse what you can after, and protect your skin from sun exposure. If you’d rather take it slow, Shimizu is a solid beach break and not just a waiting room between dives.

Lunch Is Built Into the Day, Not Added as a Separate Mission

You get a picnic lunch included as part of the tour. The goal here is practical: you shouldn’t have to find food on your own mid-tour while everyone else is trying to keep the day on schedule.

What you can do to make lunch time feel easier is bring some basic comfort items. Sunscreen and a waterproof bag help you move from water to food without stressing about wet belongings. If you have dietary needs, it’s still smart to ask ahead, but you can generally expect a straightforward included meal setup.

Seven Commando Beach: Long Sand, Small Bar Drinks, and Turtle Watch

At the end of the tour, you’ll head to Seven Commando Beach. This is known for long white sand, a relaxed swim-and-sun vibe, and the nice surprise of a small bar that serves you a drink.

This stop is also where the chance of encountering sea turtles comes in. It does not mean you’ll definitely see them, but it’s enough of a possibility that I’d recommend you keep your eyes open when you’re in the shallows and avoid rushing through the water portion.

Snorkeling Gear, Fees, and What You Need to Pack

The tour includes a motorized boat, a lifevest, and a DOT licensed guide, but it does not automatically include every snorkeling item. Mask and snorkeling gear are optional add-ons, so if you want to snorkel comfortably, consider bringing your own.

Also, do not ignore the listed packing tips. Bring:

• Sunscreen, ideally biodegradable sunscreen
• Beachwear
• A waterproof camera option if you have one
• A waterproof bag for your phone and essentials
• Goggles
• Snorkeling gear
• A waterproof way to carry things so you are not constantly drying items

The biodegradable sunscreen point is not just a nice-to-have. It’s specifically called out for this tour, so treat it as part of being a respectful island visitor while you’re on the water and around coral areas.

What You Pay Separately for Eco and Lagoon Access

In addition to the tour price, you’ll need to pay eco and lagoon fees yourself before the tour. The listed amounts are:

• Environmental fee: 400 per person
• Lagoon fee: 200 per person

The listing also notes an eco tax and lagoon fee that guests pay directly before the tour. So budget for those extras and plan to have the right payment ready in whatever form the operator requests.

Optional add-ons include:

• Kayak rental
• Mask and snorkeling gear

Price and Value: Is $27 a Deal?

At $27 per person for a 9-hour day, the base price looks like good value for a popular island hopping format. What makes it feel fair is that you get hotel pickup (within El Nido Proper), a licensed tour guide, motorized boat transport, lifevests, and a picnic lunch.

The real value check is the “on top” part. Since you also pay lagoon and environmental fees yourself, your all-in cost will be higher than $27 once you add those required charges. If you already own snorkeling gear, you can also avoid extra costs. If you do not, those optional rentals can add up, so decide whether you want to bring your own or pay for convenience.

Seasickness and Safety, Plain Talk

This tour is not suitable for people prone to seasickness. That’s not a minor note. A motorized boat ride plus multiple water stops can be rough if your stomach is sensitive.

If you are even a little unsure, think carefully before booking. Bring whatever you personally use for motion sickness, and if you know you get sick on boats, skip this one and choose a lower-motion alternative.

On the safety side, the tour includes lifevests, which is a meaningful support for a day out on open water and around swim areas.

Who Should Book Tour A, and Who Might Feel Frustrated

This fits best if you want a classic El Nido day with big variety. I’d recommend it for:

• First-time visitors who want lagoons, limestone cliffs, and beaches in one day
• People who like a balance of swimming and relaxing
• Snorkel fans who want coral and fish time at Shimizu Island
• Travelers who want an included meal and a licensed guide

You may want to skip it if:

• You get seasick easily
• You want lots of uninterrupted time at just one beach instead of multiple stops
• You prefer a tour that includes snorkeling gear automatically, since mask and snorkeling are optional

Should You Book El Nido Island Hopping Tour A?

I think Tour A is a strong pick if your goal is a full, well-paced El Nido water day with both snorkeling and beach time. The combination of Shimizu Island and Seven Commando Beach gives you two different flavors of the coastline, and the tour includes the boat, guide, lifevest, and picnic lunch.

Just go in knowing the day has extra fees for lagoon and environmental access, and that you’re on a motorized boat for hours. If you can handle that, you’ll likely end up with the kind of El Nido day that feels worth repeating in a different tour later.

FAQ

How long is El Nido Island Hopping Tour A?

The duration is 9 hours.

Where does hotel pickup work?

Hotel pickup is included if your accommodation is within El Nido Proper.

What if my hotel is outside El Nido Proper?

You need to ride a tricycle to Petron Gasoline Station near El Nido Port to meet your assigned guide.

What is included in the tour price?

It includes hotel pickup around town proper, service of a DOT-licensed tour guide, motorized boat, lifevest, and picnic lunch.

What fees do I need to pay separately?

Eco tax and lagoon fees are paid by the guest directly before the tour, including an environmental fee of 400 per person and a lagoon fee of 200 per person.

Are snorkeling masks and snorkeling gear included?

No. Mask and snorkeling gear are optional, not included.

Is the tour suitable if I get seasick?

No. It is not suitable for people prone to seasickness.

What languages will the tour guide speak?

The tour guide speaks English and Tagalog.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.