Clear lagoons make this boat day unforgettable. El Nido Tour A strings together Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon from Miniloc Island, then finishes with beach time at Shimizu Island. I like that it is structured for variety, not just one long swim session, and you get a licensed crew with boat transfer plus a live English guide. The only real catch is lunch and small logistics, since the included packed meal can be very basic if you want more vegetarian-friendly options.

This is a tour for people who can handle open water time. You are out on boats for a full 8 hours, and it is not suitable if you are prone to seasickness or you have high blood pressure. If you bring the right things, though, the day feels easy: you focus on snorkeling, kayaking if you want it, and those lagoon views that look too clear to be real.

Key Highlights That Make Tour A Worth Your Time

• Big Lagoon: the main payoff, with time to take in the scale and the calm water
• Secret Lagoon: a quieter stop where the water and light change a lot
• Shimizu Island: beach time plus a compelling story behind the island name
• Seven Commando Beach: a classic stop to reset your legs between lagoons
• Skip the ticket line: less waiting so you spend more time on the water

Where Tour A Really Delivers: Miniloc Lagoons Plus Two Beach Breaks

El Nido Tour A is basically built around a simple idea: spend your day where the water is clear, then land you on sand when you need a breather. You get three lagoon-focused experiences around Miniloc Island, plus beach time at Seven Commando Beach and Shimizu Island.

The payoff is variety. Big Lagoon is the headline for a reason, but Secret Lagoon gives you a different mood. And when you add Shimizu Island and Seven Commando Beach, the day stops feeling like one long rinse-and-repeat boat trip.

The other thing I like is that the tour is set up to keep you moving. You have boat transfer, bottled water included for each person, and a packed lunch. That means fewer interruptions, and you can spend your energy on photos, swimming, and short walks on the sand.

Meeting Point and Day-Start Reality at BIZ IT Travel

You meet at the designated spot by looking for the BIZ IT Travel representative. That is your anchor for the day, so build in a little extra time to get there before your group forms.

Because the day is 8 hours, you will feel any late start. Even small delays stack up fast once you are moving between lagoons and island beaches.

One more practical note: a passport is listed as required. It is easy to forget until the last moment, so keep it somewhere secure and easy to reach.

Miniloc Island Lagoons: Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, and Kayak Time

This tour is all about the water between the limestone cliffs. Miniloc Island is where you get that signature El Nido feel, with lagoons that look calm but still have enough current and depth to make swimming feel fun, not tiring.

Big Lagoon: the main show

Big Lagoon is the stop most people picture when they think of El Nido. You will have time to enjoy the clear water and take in the scale of the rock formations around you.

What makes this stop work well is pacing. It is not just a quick drive-by. You have time to float, swim, and slow down enough to appreciate how bright the water gets in daylight.

Practical tip: bring your eyes to the waterline, not only to the cliffs. Often the most impressive detail is the way light breaks through in shallow areas.

Secret Lagoon: calmer vibe, big mood shift

Secret Lagoon is the counterpoint to Big Lagoon. It tends to feel quieter and more enclosed, which changes how the water looks and how you experience the space.

If you like photos, this stop is a strong one because angles and lighting shift as you move. Even if you are not chasing every picture, it gives your day a different rhythm.

Small Lagoon: peaceful water, optional kayak rental

The tour also points you toward small lagoon time, with the idea of kayaking through calm, crystal waters. Kayak rent is not included, and it is listed as Php 300 for 2 people.

So if you want that paddle time, plan it as an extra add-on. The upside is that kayaking can make you feel closer to the quiet parts of the lagoon without needing to swim the whole time.

If you want to be efficient with your energy, consider reserving your energy for swimming at the lagoon that you enjoy most, then kayak during the stop that feels most relaxing.

Seven Commando Beach: Sand Time That Breaks Up the Boat Day

After the lagoons, Seven Commando Beach gives you the chance to reset. This is where you trade water time for sand time, and it helps the full 8-hour schedule feel balanced.

This stop is also useful if you get tired of being in and out of the water. Even a short walk on the sand can make a big difference in how your body feels for the next lagoon segment.

What I would watch for here is shade and sun management. You are out in daylight for most of the day, and this tour expects you to bring the essentials like sunscreen and a sun hat.

Shimizu Island: Beach Hours Plus a Name With Real Meaning

Shimizu Island is one of the easiest parts of the day to love because it is straightforward. You get time on white sand, plus a relaxed feel compared with lagoon hopping.

The name matters, too. Shimizu Island is named after a Japanese diver who allegedly perished in an underwater tunnel nearby. It is a small detail, but it adds weight to what might otherwise feel like a pure beach break. The story ties together local folklore, outside influence, and the way nature keeps repeating itself.

That context is worth remembering when you are there. You do not need to turn it into a history lesson, but it makes the stop feel more human.

Practical tip: keep your sunscreen, water, and hat easy to grab. Beach time is when people get sloppy, then spend the rest of the afternoon burning off that mistake.

Price and Value: $27 Base Fare Plus Fees You Should Plan For

The listed price is $27 per person, and the tour does include a few key things. You get boat transfer, a licensed tour guide, a licensed boat captain, bottled water for each person, and a packed lunch.

But the true value is the all-in day cost. There are additional fees you should expect:

• Environmental fee ticket: Php 200 per person, valid for 10 days
• Lagoon entrance: Php 200 per person

Also, if you want a kayak, that is extra at Php 300 for 2 people.

So the smart move is to budget for the base price plus those required fees. Once you do, you can judge the experience as what it really is: a half-day-to-full-day style boat tour focused on Miniloc lagoons and two beach stops, with professional boat operation and skip-the-line entry.

If you compare it to paying separately for guided lagoon time, the included guide and boat transfer are a real part of the value. If you only care about one lagoon and you are staying nearby, you might be tempted to DIY. But for most people, the guided pacing saves time and hassle.

What to Wear and Bring for an 8-Hour Water Day

This is a hands-on day, so dress like you are going to get wet, then plan to stay comfortable after.

What to wear:

• Swimsuit
• Change of clothes
• Sun hat

What to bring:

• Sunscreen

Two more practical items that make sense here, even if they are not listed: a waterproof pouch for your phone and a towel you do not mind getting sandy. With lagoons, beach time, and sun, you want your basics protected and easy to reach.

Also, keep in mind what is not allowed. Alcohol and drugs are not permitted, so plan to stay with the included bottled water and whatever non-alcoholic refreshments you bring or buy according to local rules.

Food, Water, and How to Handle Basic Packed Lunch Expectations

The tour includes a packed lunch and bottled water each person. That is helpful because it keeps the day from turning into a food hunt between stops.

Still, based on real experiences shared about this type of tour, the lunch can be simple. One issue that has come up is that some vegetarian travelers may not get much beyond plain items. The practical fix is not to panic, it is to plan.

If you are vegetarian or you have strict dietary needs, bring a small backup snack you feel comfortable with. Even a few extra bites can prevent a long day feeling like you are rationing.

For everyone else: eat early, hydrate regularly, and remember you will be under sun. Water is included, but your body still needs it, especially if you are swimming.

Seasickness, High Blood Pressure, and Other Real-World Limits

This tour is not suitable for people prone to seasickness, and it is also flagged for high blood pressure.

So if either of these applies, do not treat this as optional. On a day built around boats between lagoons and islands, motion adds up, even if the water looks calm from shore.

If you are on the fence, consider how you feel on short rides. If even small boat trips make you nauseous, Tour A is likely to be a struggle.

If you are fine with boats but sensitive to sun, lean on the listed sun hat and sunscreen, and keep your breaks for the beach stops where you can sit down.

Who This Tour A Fits Best (and Who Might Prefer a Different Day)

I think El Nido Tour A fits best if you want the classic El Nido checklist in one day. You care about Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon, but you also want actual beach time at Seven Commando Beach and Shimizu Island.

You should also like structure. This tour has licensed crew and an English live guide, plus it includes boat transfer and a packed lunch. That is ideal if you prefer a plan you can follow rather than scheduling lagoon entries one by one.

On the other hand, it is less ideal if:

• you get seasick easily
• you need a slow, low-movement day
• you have strong dietary requirements and do not want to rely on a packed lunch that may be basic

Should You Book El Nido Tour A?

Yes, if you want a guided day built around Miniloc lagoons plus two beach breaks, with boat transfer and a licensed crew handling the hard parts. It is also good value when you factor in the guide, skip-the-line entry, and water during the day.

Hold off or choose something gentler if you are seasick-prone, you have high blood pressure, or you know you will not tolerate long boat segments.

If you do book, plan like a pro: bring sunscreen and a hat, pack a change of clothes, keep your passport handy, and bring a small snack backup if you want more vegetarian-friendly options than a simple packed lunch might provide.

FAQ

Where do I meet for El Nido Tour A?

You should look for the BIZ IT Travel representative at the meeting point.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear swimwear, and bring a change of clothes and a sun hat. You should also bring sunscreen.

Is lunch and water included?

Yes. The tour includes a packed lunch and bottled water for each person.

Are there extra fees besides the tour price?

Yes. You should plan for an environmental fee ticket at Php 200 per person (valid for 10 days) and a lagoon entrance fee at Php 200 per person.

Is kayak rental included in the lagoon time?

No. Kayak rental is listed as Php 300 for 2 people.

What documents do I need to bring?

You need to bring a passport.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

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