Lagoon-blue dreams start at 9am. El Nido Island Tour A strings together Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon with Shimizu Island and Seven Commandos for a full day of swims and limestone scenery, run by Cliffside Travel and Tours from their office near El Nido Cliffside Cottages. For about $22 per person, it is one of the easier ways to get a lot of El Nido highlights in a single outing.

I like the pacing: you get a safety briefing early on, then roughly 40 to 50 minutes at each stop, so you can actually swim and move around instead of feeling rushed. I also like that they provide life vests and a tour guide you can ask for help anytime during the trip, plus a picnic lunch served on one of the islands. One possible drawback to watch for is timing, since boat dispatch depends on Coast Guard clearance and the day can run longer than the ideal window.

Quick hits before you go

• Big Lagoon first, with a structured start: photo stop, guided tour moments, and a safety briefing to set you up for water time
• Plenty of short beach blocks: about 40 to 50 minutes per destination, plus hop-on hop-off stops
• Snorkeling options during the day: snorkeling is available, and masks are available at the beach during boat dispatch
• Lunch on the islands: picnic lunch is served during the tour, not after you are already tired
• You will pay a couple of key fees at the booking office: lagoon and environmental fees are collected in advance there
• Service that feels human: the tour is run with helpful, upbeat guides and a well-kept boat in the feedback I used to shape this review

How this $22 island day really works (schedule, pickup, and the boat ride)

Island Tour A is an 8-hour island hopping experience based in Palawan, Philippines, with five main destinations and several hop-on hop-off moments. It is not a private charter, so you should think in terms of a shared day at sea with a set route, set timing, and short beach windows.

Plan to be at Cliffside Travel and Tours by 8:30am. Boat dispatch happens between 9:00am and 10:00am, depending on Coast Guard clearance, which means delays can happen even when the team is ready. The first leg to the first destination takes about 20 to 30 minutes, then your time at each stop is typically 40 to 50 minutes.

Pickup is free only within El Nido Town, which is handy if you are staying inside the main area. The tour finishes around 3:00pm to 5:00pm at El Nido Beach, so build in a little flexibility for getting back to your exact hotel if it is not directly covered by the pickup zone.

Big Lagoon: the best setup for photos and first swim time

Big Lagoon is the headline stop, with time for a photo stop plus a guided tour and sightseeing, and it usually includes a safety briefing early in the day. If this is your first time in El Nido, starting here makes sense because it is where the day’s mood clicks into place.

You will get that hop-on hop-off rhythm here, so you can do what you came for: sightseeing, swimming, and taking breaks when you need them. If you want to add motion, there is kayak rental in Big Lagoon only, listed at 300 pesos per hour.

A practical thought: if you are serious about photos, keep your camera ready during the transition moments, not only while you are standing on the beach. The best “I got it” shots often happen when you are moving between vantage points.

Shimizu Island: quick hop for water time and easy enjoyment

Shimizu Island is one of the shorter stops, but that is part of the appeal. You are not meant to spend all day waiting in one place, and this stop keeps the energy rolling.

What you should expect is straightforward: you arrive, you get time to swim and enjoy the beach and water, then you move on. Since the tour is designed around hop-on hop-off stops, you have some freedom to decide when to jump in and when to just relax.

If the sea conditions are not ideal, you might notice less vivid water color, which can happen when weather shifts. The day can still be beautiful, just plan your expectations around the fact that the ocean is not always perfectly blue.

Secret Lagoon and El Nido: how to make the most of a short stay

Secret Lagoon is another highlight stop, and it is built into the route with hop-on hop-off time. Even though your stay is about 40 to 50 minutes, this is usually enough to do one solid swim session, grab a few photos, and enjoy the limestone backdrop.

One thing you should know before you go: there is a 200 pesos lagoon fee collected in the booking office. Since it is collected ahead of the tour, you can avoid last-minute confusion by heading to the office early and asking what you need to pay on the desk.

This stop is ideal if you want classic El Nido vibes without committing to a longer, more expensive custom day. You get the lagoon experience in the time window that fits an 8-hour schedule.

The 48WC+77 El Nido stop: be ready for a flexible, hop-on moment

Your schedule includes a stop labeled 48WC+77 El Nido, which likely corresponds to a specific docking area used by the operator. The practical takeaway is that this is another hop-on hop-off block, so you should treat it as an opportunity to stretch, swim if permitted, and follow the guide’s cues.

Because the details for this stop are not described in the information you provided, I would go in with a mindset of flexibility. Ask the guide on the boat what you should focus on during that segment, and follow the safety instructions like you would at every stop.

This kind of stop is often where the tour adds variety, or where timing aligns based on conditions on the water. If the day is running a bit behind, these blocks can be exactly where you feel it, since every stop still has a limited window.

Seven Commandos Beach: a high-energy end to the route

Seven Commandos Beach rounds out the lineup and it is a great place to burn off the remaining energy of the day. The tour information specifically notes activities you can do here and elsewhere, including sun bathing and even playing volleyball if the conditions and space allow.

This is also where you should plan your final swim time carefully. If you are focused on water time, you may want to save your fullest snorkeling session for the lagoon stops earlier, then treat Seven Commandos as the relaxed finale.

The tour ends back at El Nido Beach, around 3:00pm to 5:00pm, so you will want to keep track of what time it is as the afternoon goes. When the day shifts later, it affects how much buffer you have for changing, drying off, and getting back to your hotel.

Lunch on the route: what to expect and how to prepare

Lunch is included as a picnic lunch served on one of the islands during the tour. That is a big plus for value, because boat days can be expensive if you have to buy food at each stop.

In the feedback I used for this review, at least one passenger described lunch as being eaten standing on a small crowded stretch of beach with limited seating. That does not mean it is always like that, but it does tell you what to expect if you show up when the area is busy.

Bring a small pack strategy: a light cover-up, a towel, and a way to keep your snacks and personal items dry. If you are prone to getting sandy, plan to eat quickly, then move to a less exposed spot.

Also, since snorkeling and swimming are part of the day, consider that you might be wet or sandy when you eat. A zip bag for your phone and a small towel can save you from a frustrating few minutes.

Snorkeling, masks, and water safety that actually helps

The tour information makes it clear that you can do snorkeling and swimming, and they provide life vests. That matters because it reduces stress, especially if you are not a strong swimmer. You also get a guide who is there for assistance, plus a safety briefing early in the route at Big Lagoon.

Snorkeling masks are not listed as included rental, but masks are available at the beach during boat dispatch. Practically, that means you should arrive ready to decide on the spot, and you should ask what is available so you do not miss your best water time while searching.

If you use your own mask, you will save time and avoid fit issues during a busy dispatch window. If you do not have one, do not assume you can pick one up later at your convenience, since the tour schedule moves on.

Service quality and the “human factor” on the water

One of the strongest positives linked to this tour is the service feel. I kept seeing patterns in the feedback about awesome guides with a great attitude, along with a well-maintained boat.

That matters more than people think. On an island hopping day, you are constantly switching between boat, sun, and water. When the crew keeps things clear and friendly, you spend less time worrying and more time enjoying.

There is also a licensed tour guide on hand, and they are described as available for help. That is especially valuable on a route like this, where short stops can feel rushed if you do not know what to do in that window.

Still, the negative feedback I used for balance includes a case where the day started late, then ended without enough help getting everyone back to their original pickup point. The main practical lesson is this: because pickup is only free within El Nido Town and the tour finishes at El Nido Beach, you should have a backup plan for the final ride.

Price and value: what $22 covers, and what you should budget on top

At $22 per person for an 8-hour boat tour, Island Tour A is positioned as budget-friendly compared to many full-day private charters. The included items matter for value: tour guide, boat permit, life vest, picnic lunch, plus free pick-up within El Nido Town.

But you should budget for two fees you will pay at the booking office:

• 200 pesos lagoon fee
• 400 pesos environmental fee

You should also decide whether you want extras like snorkeling gear. Masks are available at dispatch, but your costs can change depending on what you bring versus what you borrow. If you want the kayak at Big Lagoon, the listed cost is 300 pesos per hour.

So the smarter way to think about the price is not just the $22. It is $22 plus the lagoon and environmental fees, plus any optional rentals. If you arrive at the office early and pay what is needed without rushing, your day starts smoother.

Who should book Island Tour A, and who might not love it

This tour is a great fit if you want:

• A classic El Nido island hopping route in one day
• A schedule with short but meaningful beach windows
• Included life vests and a guide you can ask for help
• A budget-conscious way to see Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Secret Lagoon, and Seven Commandos

You might want to think twice if:

• You get stressed by timing uncertainty, since dispatch depends on Coast Guard clearance
• You are very sensitive to crowded spaces during lunch, since picnic style can mean limited seating during peak periods
• You need exact logistics back to a specific hotel, since the tour ends at El Nido Beach and pickup is described as free only within El Nido Town

If your travel style is more relaxed, or you hate feeling rushed on short stops, you may prefer a tour with longer time at fewer locations. But if you want variety and you are good with moving through a route, this one is built for you.

Should you book Island Tour A?

I would book Island Tour A if your goal is to do the El Nido highlights in a single day without spending charter money. The combination of multiple lagoon and beach stops, included life vests, included picnic lunch, and helpful guides makes it feel like solid value for a full 8-hour outing.

Just go in with two smart expectations: dispatch can shift with clearance timing, and lunch may be simple and crowded depending on conditions. If you plan around that, you will likely come away happy, especially if Big Lagoon is on your must-do list and you are ready for a busy, outdoors-focused day.

FAQ

How many destinations are included in Island Tour A?

Island Tour A includes 5 destinations for island hopping: Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Payong-payong beach, and Seven Commandos Beach.

Where do I meet and how early should I arrive?

Meet at the Cliffside Travel and Tours booking office beside El Nido Cliffside Cottages. Be there before 8:30am.

When does the boat dispatch happen?

Boat dispatch is scheduled between 9:00am and 10:00am, depending on Coast Guard clearance.

How long is the tour and when does it end?

The tour duration is about 8 hours. It ends around 3:00pm to 5:00pm at El Nido Beach.

What is included in the price?

Included items are life vest, tour guide, boat permit, and picnic lunch. Free pick-up in the hotel is included within El Nido Town only.

What fees are not included?

You pay 200 pesos lagoon fee and 400 pesos environmental fee, collected at the booking office.

Is kayaking available?

Kayak rental is available in Big Lagoon only, and the listed price is 300 pesos per hour.

Do I get snorkeling time and a mask?

Snorkeling and swimming are part of the tour. A snorkeling mask is available at the beach during boat dispatch.

What languages are the guides?

The tour guide provides live service in English and Tagalog.

Is there a cancellation policy?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.