Big Lagoon is why you come to El Nido. This Tour A day trip strings together some of the area’s most famous limestone coves, with swimming and snorkeling built around the Big Lagoon highlight, plus stops at several other lagoons and beaches.

I love how the day is organized around clear-water time, especially when Big Lagoon opens up as that narrow waterway with striking blue tones and dark cliff walls. I also like the human touch, because a guide named Jerry gets singled out for being helpful and making sure everyone keeps the day moving.

The main drawback to consider is that the private/shared label can feel like you are still on a shared boat, so if you want lots of personal space, you should confirm how many people are on your exact boat.

Key things to know before you go

• Big Lagoon is the main stop, with about 1.5 hours for swimming, snorkeling, and even kayaking (depending on your private setup)
• Secret Lagoon is cave-access only, which adds a bit of drama to the scenery and timing
• Payong-Payong Beach is weather dependent, and you may shift to another nearby snorkeling spot if conditions are off
• You get life jackets and purified water, plus a picnic-style lunch with fruit
• Entrance and environmental fees are extra, so do the quick budget math before you book

Big Lagoon: the main stop for snorkeling and cliff views

Big Lagoon runs like the headline of the whole itinerary. You are in a scenic, narrow stretch of water where the contrast is the show, bright blue water up against dark limestone cliffs. Even if you are not a hardcore snorkeler, this is the kind of place where a slow swim or short float feels like the right move.

The time you get here is about 1 hour 30 minutes. That’s usually long enough to do two things well: one, get into the water for a good look around; two, take a few minutes to enjoy the view from the boat or the kayak, if your version of the tour includes it.

One practical thing: your snorkeling kit might be the limiting factor. A snorkeling mask rental is available for an extra fee, and if you normally need good-fitting gear, bringing your own mask can save you both money and fiddly adjustments once you are out on the water.

Shimizu Island: swimming and snorkel time with a calmer vibe

After Big Lagoon, you shift to Shimizu Island, which is more of a beach-and-water break. This stop is described as having powdery white sand, lush surroundings, and crystal-clear water, so it works if you want a mix of relaxing and light exploring.

You get about 1 hour 30 minutes here. That duration matters because it gives you options: you can spend more time on the sand, or you can go back and forth between snorkeling and floating. If the morning water time at Big Lagoon made you want to slow down, Shimizu often feels like the palate cleanser.

Snorkeling is also part of the plan, with a chance to see schools of fish around the shallower turquoise water. If you are traveling with mixed interests, this stop is a good compromise. Not everyone has to be in the water for the full time to still have a great day.

Payong-Payong Beach: a fun beach break, but watch the weather

Payong-Payong Beach is the kind of stop that sounds like instant relaxation. It is known for its pretty beach setting and snorkeling opportunities in El Nido’s clearer waters.

But here is the key consideration: this location is explicitly weather dependent. The operator will take you there, or they will swap to another spot where you can snorkel instead. This is not a small footnote, because weather in the El Nido area can change quickly.

What you can do to stay sane is plan for a flexible day. If you want a strict checklist of exact beaches you will visit, this stop might frustrate you. If you are the type who just wants good water time, a weather-based swap is often a feature, not a bug.

Secret Lagoon: the cave entrance makes it feel special

Secret Lagoon is different because the access is through a small cave. That means you are not just arriving at a pretty postcard. There is a short, focused transit moment that builds anticipation, and when you come out on the lagoon side, it feels like a separate world.

You get about 1 hour for this stop. That is a good chunk of time if you want both photo time and calm water time. It’s also the kind of place where strong currents or rough water can affect how comfortable it feels, which is why the operator tends to keep weather in mind throughout the day.

If your goal is a mix of dramatic scenery and easy sightseeing, this is the stop that tends to deliver the most “how is this real” feelings, especially compared to regular open-water swimming beaches.

Seven Commando Beach: the serene finale with rock and shade

Seven Commando Beach is the wrap-up beach. It is described as serene, with white sand, clear turquoise water, palm trees, and rock formations. There is also a beach bar, which matters if you want to slow your pace at the very end.

You get about 1 hour here. That duration works well for a final swim, a short snorkel window if conditions allow, and time to sit and reset before you head back to the El Nido floating dock.

This stop also gives you a nice emotional ending to the day. Big Lagoon is about dramatic water and cliff walls, Shimizu is about balance, Secret Lagoon is about the wow factor, and Seven Commando is where you land the plane, literally and figuratively.

Boat logistics and what private/shared really means

This tour is sold as Private / Shared, but your comfort level depends on how it is actually run on your date.

Some feedback points out that the private/shared setup can feel misleading because you might end up on a boat that is still crowded. Another issue that pops up in feedback is that pickup distance can cause friction if your hotel is farther out than expected, so you might want to set expectations early.

Here is what I recommend if you care about space:

• Confirm whether your private option means a private boat or just private service plus shared routing.
• Ask how many people are typically on the boat for your exact departure time.
• Double-check pickup details in advance so you do not lose time waiting or relocating.

Even with these caveats, the same feedback also highlights attentive boat crews and a smooth overall day for many groups. So the experience can be excellent, just make sure you manage the “private” expectations.

Timing: a long day, but about seven hours total

The tour runs for about 7 hours. That is a full day, and it feels longer if you get stuck in a lot of boat time without many breaks, so it’s smart to take advantage of each stop’s allotted time.

Your itinerary is built around the sequence of lagoon and beach breaks:

• Big Lagoon about 1 hour 30 minutes
• Shimizu Island about 1 hour 30 minutes
• Payong-Payong about 1 hour
• Secret Lagoon about 1 hour
• Seven Commando Beach about 1 hour

One timing factor you should keep in mind is that the schedule may shift to match favorable weather conditions. If your day has a firm plan right after the tour, build in buffer time.

Included comfort perks: life jackets, purified water, and picnic lunch

The tour includes a lot of small comfort items that add up. You get:

• Hotel pickup
• Boat transfer
• Service of an experienced crew and a licensed tour guide
• Life jacket
• Purified water
• Picnic lunch with fruits

Lunch is usually one of the places where tours feel either forgettable or genuinely helpful, because you need fuel for a full day on the water. Feedback I saw describes a lunch that can include a mix of seafood and pork or chicken, plus fruit. Even if your exact plate varies, the key point is that you are not just getting a snack.

If you are sensitive to sun or saltwater drying you out, the purified water and included life jacket are also more valuable than they sound. You can focus on the water time without constantly thinking about what you forgot.

And yes, there is one gear-related add-on: snorkeling masks can be rented for an extra fee, so you should decide whether you want to travel with your own.

Kayak option: included for private tours only

If your booking is the private version, a kayak is included. That can change how you experience Big Lagoon, because kayaking gives you a different angle on the cliffs and water movement.

If you booked a shared-style setup, the kayak may not be included. So this is worth confirming when you book, especially if you really want to spend time paddling rather than just snorkeling and floating.

Price and value: the $40 is only part of the budget

The base price is listed at $40.00 per person, and the big value question is what you will pay on top of that.

Not included:

• Big Lagoon entrance fees: PHP 200 per head
• Environmental fee: PHP 400 per head, valid for 5 days
• Snorkeling mask rental: ₱150.00 per person

Everything else is included in the package price: pickup, transfers, life jacket, water, and lunch.

Here is how I think about value with this tour:

• Big Lagoon is the premium draw, and you are paying extra locally for access, so those PHP fees are part of the real cost.
• The environmental fee being valid for 5 days can help if you plan more than one island activity during your stay, because it is not just a one-off charge for this day.
• If you already own a decent snorkeling mask, you can avoid the ₱150 rental and spend that money elsewhere.

Also, price can vary depending on where you book, and some channels have been reported as dramatically more expensive for the same kind of itinerary. If you find the same route offered by multiple operators nearby, it is worth comparing total cost, not just the headline number.

Who this tour suits best

This is a strong choice if you want:

• A day built around multiple lagoons and beaches
• Swimming and snorkeling time that does not require advanced planning
• A guided day that handles transport and timing

It also fits couples and small groups who want classic El Nido highlights in one stretch, especially if you are okay with a shared-boat reality on many departures.

If you are very space-sensitive, or if you need very clear logistics around pickup and boat crowding, you should ask direct questions before you commit.

Should you book El Nido Tour A Big Lagoon Premium?

I would book this tour if your priority is Big Lagoon and you are excited by the mix of lagoons, cave access, and serene beach time afterward. The itinerary format makes sense, the included lunch and water are useful, and the Big Lagoon snorkeling window is the reason most people sign up.

I would hesitate if you have a hard requirement for guaranteed privacy, because the private/shared setup can translate into a less-than-private boat experience. I’d also be cautious if you are booking close to other timed plans, since departures and routing can shift for weather, and Payong-Payong is explicitly weather dependent.

If you can be flexible and you want a classic El Nido island-hopping day with solid value after fees, this tour is a good bet.

FAQ

Where does Tour A go during the day?

You visit Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Payong-Payong Beach, Secret Lagoon, and Seven Commando Beach. Afterward, the tour ends with drop-off at the El Nido floating dock.

Is hotel pickup included, and how long is the tour?

Hotel pickup and boat transfer are included. The duration is about 7 hours.

What fees are not included in the price?

Big Lagoon entrance fees are PHP 200 per head. There is also an environmental fee of PHP 400 per head, valid for 5 days.

Do you provide life jackets and snorkeling gear?

Life jackets are included. A snorkeling mask is not included, but you can rent one for ₱150.00 per person.

Is kayaking included?

Kayak is included for private tours only.

What happens if Payong-Payong Beach cannot be visited due to weather?

Payong-Payong Beach is weather dependent. If needed, the tour will take you to another spot where you can still snorkel.

Can I cancel or change dates?

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.