Limestone cliffs and clear water set the tone fast. El Nido Island Hopping Tour A is built around big, photo-friendly scenery, especially Big Lagoon kayaking inside a natural limestone bowl. You also get a smart mix of chill beach time and active water stops, so the day feels like more than just riding between views.

I like how the tour feeds you properly with a buffet lunch plus water and fruit, so you are not scrambling for food mid-boat day. The snorkeling at Shimizu Island is the kind where you can actually enjoy yourself, not just float around. One thing to keep in mind, the day can run crowded since this is the popular Tour A route, and timing can be affected by weather and lagoon conditions, plus entrance fees like the environmental and lagoon charges are not included.

Key highlights you should care about

• Big Lagoon kayaking through a narrow entrance with towering limestone cliffs on both sides
• 7 Commandos Beach as the early swim and photo break with bars and small shops nearby
• Shimizu Island snorkeling in coral-rich waters where the fish action is the point
• Secret Lagoon accessed via a small limestone opening, with snorkeling and a secluded feel
• Payong-Payong Beach for calmer beach time and another chance to swim and snorkel

Tour A at a glance, and what you really get for $23

At $23 per person for an 8-hour day, El Nido Tour A is priced like a value play, not a premium private charter. You are paying for a licensed boat experience with a licensed guide and crew, life vests, and included lunch and basic refreshments. The free pickup in El Nido Town and Corong-corong is also a real help, since getting to the boat departure points in El Nido can be a hassle when you are on a schedule.

The catch is that the headline price is not the whole math. You still need to plan for environmental and lagoon entrance fees, and kayaking gear may cost extra depending on what is available that day. Also, the tour route is weather dependent, so expect small changes rather than a perfectly identical timeline.

If you want a “see the famous spots” day without doing everything solo, this format works.

Seven Commandos Beach: the easy warm-up before the lagoons

The day starts at Seven Commandos Beach, a long stretch of white sand with limestone cliffs as the backdrop. This is the perfect warm-up stop: you can swim right away, take photos, and get your bearings before the more dramatic lagoon segments.

A practical detail I like here is how easy it is to keep the day comfortable. The beach area includes rustic bars and small shops, so grabbing a drink or snack tends to be straightforward. You also get that early chance to be in the water and feel the conditions, which helps if you are deciding how long to stay in each spot later.

Timing is usually built in as a break with time for sightseeing and swimming, so you are not rushed off the sand the moment you arrive. Just remember, sunscreen matters early since this is a sun-forward itinerary.

Big Lagoon kayaking inside a limestone amphitheater

Big Lagoon is the signature stop on Tour A, and you can feel why as soon as the boat moves through the entrance. Towering limestone walls rise on both sides, turning the lagoon into a natural amphitheater. The water color is that famous lagoon mix of clear and bright, and you can often see what is going on below.

I especially like the kayaking here because it is not about speed. You get to paddle at your own pace, then the crew calls everyone back in when it is time to move on. That makes it easier to enjoy the experience instead of constantly syncing with a strict rhythm.

One consideration: some days include waiting time before you actually get your canoes into the lagoon. That does not mean the stop is bad, just be mentally prepared for a less linear flow if conditions are slow.

If you want the most “wow per minute” moment on the tour, this is the place to watch for. Protect your camera from spray, and go slow once you are inside so you can enjoy the calm.

Shimizu Island snorkeling and the lunch rhythm

Shimizu Island is where snorkeling becomes the main event. The island sits in water with coral reefs and lots of colorful fish, so you get the payoff of actually seeing marine life rather than snorkeling in bland gray water. If you have never snorkeled in El Nido before, this is a good introduction because the conditions tend to support steady viewing.

Lunch also happens around this segment. The tour provides a buffet lunch, plus water and fruit, and that matters because it keeps you from turning your swim day into a hunt for food. One booking specifically mentioned soda or water being served, which lines up with the idea that drinks are part of the plan, not an afterthought.

A good way to handle Shimizu is to snorkel first while you still feel fresh, then relax on the beach after. If you snorkel later, the sun and timing can make it harder to enjoy the water without rushing.

This stop is also a good reminder: snorkeling is included, but you still need to bring the right setup, like a waterproof bag for your phone and camera, and biodegradable sunscreen to reduce environmental impact.

Secret Lagoon: the squeeze-and-stare lagoon experience

Secret Lagoon lives up to the name in a very literal way: it is reached through a small hole in a limestone wall. Once you get in, the setting feels more secluded than the bigger open-water spots. That change in vibe is the whole point of this stop.

The tour includes snorkeling here, too, so you get to compare it with Shimizu. If Shimizu is about active reef viewing, Secret Lagoon is more about the dramatic, tucked-in feeling of the lagoon itself. It is the kind of place where a few minutes of floating and looking around can feel longer than the clock says.

One review also described a cave-like spot around this stop where cliff jumping was possible. I do not treat that as guaranteed every day, but it does tell you the area can have interesting rocky features. If you are the type who likes to add a little adrenaline, keep your safety in mind and follow what your guide says.

Given the access is through a tight entrance, conditions can change the experience, so do not expect it to be identical on every day. Flexibility is part of the value you get in a shared tour.

Payong-Payong Beach for calmer time and second water break

Payong-Payong Beach is a quieter-feeling finish compared to the more famous lagoon moments. It is known for being more secluded and unspoiled, with soft sand and clear water for swimming and sunbathing.

This stop is a nice counterbalance to the earlier kayaking and snorkeling intensity. If the day starts to feel like nonstop “get on, get off, gear up,” Payong-Payong gives you breathing room to just hang out. Your timing here also depends on how the guide sequences the route based on weather.

There is also a bit of a theme shift. Seven Commandos includes bars and small shops, and one booking mentioned great cocktails at the end of the day. So if you like the idea of a treat after water time, you might find small comforts waiting at the beach breaks.

Just keep an eye on your water and sun exposure. By the last stop, you are often at your most tired, and that is when people forget to reapply sunscreen.

How the day runs: pace, crowding, and weather changes

This is a shared tour, and Tour A is popular. That means you should expect some crowding at the iconic spots, especially the lagoons that everyone wants to see. The upside is that the itinerary is built for a complete sampling of El Nido highlights, not just one or two locations.

I also recommend mentally preparing for schedule variability. The route can adjust based on weather, and even within a stop, the exact timing can shift. Some people reported delays related to getting canoes into the lagoon or missing chunks of time when lunch logistics changed. That does not automatically mean every day runs that way, but it does explain why the experience can feel smooth for one person and slightly chaotic for another.

The best strategy is simple: treat it as a day outdoors, not a precision timetable. Keep your expectations flexible, use the breaks to reset, and you will likely come away with strong memories of scenery and water time.

When you notice the crew is organized, you will feel it. When you notice a wait, stay calm, hydrate, and let the day unfold.

Value check: what is included, what costs extra, and why it matters

Included in the price you pay:

• Free pickup within El Nido Town and Corong-corong
• Buffet lunch
• Water and fruits
• Life vest or jacket
• Licensed tourist boat, licensed captain, licensed guide and crew

Not included:

• Environmental fee (400)
• Lagoon entrance fee (200)
• Drop off back to your hotel
• Additional kayak rental

This matters because it changes how you budget. If you are traveling tight on money, bring cash so you are not stuck figuring out fees at the last minute. The tour also recommends bringing cash explicitly, which is your hint that you should plan for small payments along the way.

Also note that drop off back to your hotel is not included. That sounds minor, but in El Nido, your end point can affect how you spend the rest of your evening. Before you book, think about how you will get back, especially if your schedule depends on dinner or a night activity.

The included buffet and water are part of the value story. They remove friction. You are spending the day outside, and the tour plan gives you the basics so you are not constantly paying extra at every stop.

What to pack for a day on the water in El Nido

Pack like you are going to be wet and sunburn-prone, because you are. Here is what you should bring based on the tour guidance:

• Beachwear and a change of clothes
• Camera
• Biodegradable sunscreen
• Waterproof bag and waterproof shoes
• Cash
• A waterproof layer for items like phone and camera

Also, follow the rules to keep the experience smooth for everyone:

• No smoking
• No plastic bags
• No alcohol or drugs
• No littering

If you only do one thing, get a waterproof bag you trust. The water is clear, which means the day is also bright and active. Your gear should be the easy part.

And yes, bring biodegradable sunscreen. It is mentioned for a reason, and snorkeling days tend to mean more exposure than you expect.

Who this Tour A works for, and who may want a different plan

Tour A is a good match if you want:

• A classic El Nido highlights day with multiple stops
• A mix of snorkeling and swimming, plus at least one kayaking segment
• A guided experience with a licensed crew and included buffet lunch

It also fits people who want a shared group day without feeling like everything is rushed at full speed. Kayaking at your own pace helps, and the planned breaks at each beach make it less frantic than some island hopping tours.

It may not be the best fit if you hate crowds or if you need a perfectly consistent schedule. Some days can involve waiting, and Tour A is popular, so the lagoons can be busy. If you are extremely sensitive to delays, you might prefer a different style of tour or a private boat.

But if you are realistic, bring sunscreen, and treat the day as a scenery and water experience, this tour checks a lot of boxes.

Should you book El Nido Island Hopping Tour A?

Book it if you want the most “famous El Nido stops” day that still feels like good value. The combination of Big Lagoon kayaking, Shimizu snorkeling, and the Secret Lagoon squeeze-through experience gives you variety, not just one repeated activity. The included buffet lunch and water also help the day feel complete.

Skip it or consider another option if you are mainly chasing quiet, empty water. Shared Tour A can get crowded, and weather can change timing. Also make sure you budget for the environmental and lagoon entrance fees, since those are not included in the base price.

If you want a classic El Nido day with a real mix of beaches, lagoons, and under-water time, Tour A is a strong choice.

FAQ

How long is the El Nido Tour A?

The tour lasts 8 hours.

What is included in the price?

Pickup within El Nido Town and Corong-corong, a buffet lunch, water and fruits, life vest or jacket, and a licensed boat, captain, guide, and crew.

Are the environmental and lagoon entrance fees included?

No. The environmental fee is 400 and the lagoon entrance fee is 200, and both are not included.

Does the tour include snorkeling?

Yes. Snorkeling is listed for Shimizu Island, Secret Lagoon, and Payong-Payong Beach.

Is kayaking included at Big Lagoon?

Kayaking is part of the experience at Big Lagoon, but additional kayak rental is not included.

Do I get dropped off back at my hotel?

No. Drop off back to your hotel is not included.

What should I bring?

Bring change of clothes, camera, biodegradable sunscreen, beachwear, cash, a waterproof bag, and waterproof shoes.

Is there a tour guide and what languages do they speak?

Yes. The tour has a live guide, with English and Tagalog supported.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

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