Big Lagoon is the reason people book this. El Nido Tour A strings together some of the area’s most famous limestone scenery, with time for lagoon cruising, beach stops, and a lunch break that usually lands on Shimizu Island. I love the Big Lagoon vibe, especially the narrow waterway and those dark cliff walls, and I also like the way the crew helps with safety and smooth boarding.

You can expect a full day on the water, usually about 7 to 8 hours starting at 9:00 am, with a shared group that can run up to 50 people. The food is a buffet-style lunch by the middle of the itinerary, plus lagoon and environmental fees are listed as included in your price. One thing to consider: shared tours can feel like an organized traffic jam, with queues at stops and extra time spent boarding and unloading.

Key things to know before you go

• Big Lagoon first, so you get the most iconic scenery early in the day (when conditions are often better).
• Shimizu Island lunch stop, with a chance to see turtles while snorkeling (if conditions and timing line up).
• Secret Lagoon is cave-access, so plan for the slippery, narrow approach and wet moments.
• Kayak and snorkel gear are add-ons, not included in the base price.
• Payong-Payong and Seven Commando bring classic white sand, clear water, and dramatic limestone backdrops.
• Expect boats full of people, so patience helps when boats load and unload.

The Big Lagoon payoff: timing, water, and what to expect on the water

El Nido Tour A is built around one big moment, Big Lagoon. The waterway is narrow, the blues look almost fake, and the dark limestone cliffs frame everything like a natural camera filter. This stop is scheduled for about 1 hour 30 minutes, with lagoon time that feels like the main event rather than a quick photo stop.

One practical point: on group tours, the time you actually enjoy matters more than what’s printed on the itinerary. If the lagoon is busy, boarding and unloading can stretch out. That said, this is still one of the best tours to experience the lagoon without paying for a private boat.

Big Lagoon kayaking: fun option, extra cost, and how to plan

Kayaking is part of the classic experience here. Your booking information lists kayak rental as a paid add-on, P400 per kayak for up to two people. Some people love this part because it gets you closer to the limestone walls and helps you move through the lagoon at your own pace.

If you want to kayak, come ready with the basics: water shoes, a dry bag, and the mindset that your hands will be busy. A few reviews also point out that if you skip paid activities, your ability to move around on certain stops might be limited. I’d treat the kayaking option as the “extra you’ll want,” not an optional afterthought.

Shimizu Island: where lunch happens and why turtles are a bonus

Shimizu Island is scheduled for another 1 hour 30 minutes, and it’s positioned as the lunch and scenic break. The tour’s description specifically calls out enjoying the island view and snorkeling with turtles, so this is your best shot during the day for that wildlife moment.

Lunch is included, and the “buffer lunch” theme in the tour name is supported by the way the day is structured. In my book, this is good value because your lunch is not an extra hunt once you’re tired from the boat.

Two reality checks for you:

1) Snorkeling success depends on conditions, water movement, and timing.

2) Gear is not included, so if you don’t have your own mask and snorkel (renting is P100 per set), you’ll want to arrange that before you need it.

Payong-Payong Beach: the classic sand and cliff scenery stop

Payong-Payong Beach is a signature stop for a reason. You get white sand, clear water, and tall limestone cliffs that make the whole beach look like a movie set. This is listed for about 1 hour 30 minutes, and your ticket for this stop is marked as included.

In practice, this stop is a great “reset” moment. After the tighter lagoon time, the beach gives you room to spread out, float, and take photos without constantly shuffling. Still, it’s also a popular area, so it can be busy with other boats.

Secret Lagoon: cave entry is the main event, not a gentle stroll

Secret Lagoon is one of the more interesting stops because it’s only accessible through a small cave. That detail changes the whole feel of the visit. You’re not just walking up to a viewpoint, you’re entering a feature.

The scheduled time is about 1 hour 30 minutes, and the stop is listed with free admission in the tour information. But do not treat it like a casual beach walk. Plan on damp surfaces and wet moments. If you wear flip flops only, you’ll hate life for part of the approach.

This is also the kind of place where a group tour can get hectic. When lots of boats arrive close together, you may be waiting your turn for movement through the cave access area and for boat transfers.

Seven Commando Beach: pretty, but the crowds and loading can test your patience

Seven Commando Beach is known for clear turquoise water, palm trees, and rock formations, plus a beach bar. Your itinerary gives about 1 hour 30 minutes, and this stop is also listed as free admission.

Here’s the part to consider. Several reviews mention congestion issues at stops and difficulty with boat loading and unloading, especially toward the later part of the day. That matters because your enjoyment depends on how quickly you get off and back on the boat. If you’re sensitive to crowds or you dislike delays, you may feel the stress more on the last beach stop than earlier ones.

Still, the payoff can be worth it. Seven Commando is a strong final scenery button on the day, so if you’re okay with shared-tour rhythm, it lands well.

The lunch: buffet-style food, where it fits, and what to watch for

Lunch is included, and it lines up with the Shimizu Island stop in the itinerary. The tour description frames Shimizu as a favorite lunch option, not just a scenic stop, so you should expect food during that portion of the day.

A few reviews praise the lunch quality and variety, including mentions of local food. Others complain about portion quality, especially when the day runs long or food service gets crowded. So my advice is simple: expect a decent included meal, but don’t plan your day around gourmet cuisine.

Also keep in mind that drinks are not included. Bring cash for water or soda if you like something more than plain water. If you get dehydrated, everything else feels worse, even paradise scenery.

What you actually pay for: value math of Tour A

At $44.95 per person, Tour A looks like a bargain. The main reason is that the booking includes entrance to lagoon areas (listed as P200 per person) and an environmental fee (P400 per person, valid for 14 days). Those add-ons can raise the true cost of a day trip if you have to pay them separately elsewhere.

So what’s still extra?

• Mask and snorkel rental: P100 per set
• Kayak rental: P400 per kayak (good for two people)
• Drinks like water or soda
• Pickup outside El Nido town if you’re not staying inside town

This is a good deal if you plan to do the signature lagoon sightseeing and you’re comfortable paying for add-ons only when you want them. If you know you’ll rent snorkeling gear and a kayak, factor that into your budget so the final cost feels predictable.

If you’re the type who hates lines and long boarding delays, a private option is often worth the upgrade. Shared tours can be cheap, but they trade money for waiting.

Crew and safety: the difference between a smooth day and a stressful one

One of the most praised parts of Tour A is the crew. Reviews highlight professional, safety-first behavior, including helpful boarding. Names that come up include Albert and Ramon, and in another mention, Willy is described as taking care of people.

That kind of crew matters most during the “wet and awkward” parts of the day: getting into the boat, stepping down, and moving around on and off at different stops. If you have older family members, reviews also mention the staff being accommodating.

That said, you still need to bring your own caution. Some parts of the itinerary can involve walking in water or over rocks, and that can be risky if you’re wearing the wrong footwear. I’d treat water shoes as required, not optional.

Duration and group vibe: how the day feels with a max 50-person cap

Tour A runs about 7 to 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am. Your group is capped at 50 travelers, which is big enough to create lines but small enough to keep some structure.

Because each stop is scheduled for around 1 hour 30 minutes, the day is built to move. That works if you’re flexible. It’s less fun if you want long, slow beach time with zero waiting.

I’d also mentally prepare for the shared-tour rhythm: meeting point moments can feel crowded, and you may end up walking through water to reach the boat. A waterproof bag helps a lot here, because you’ll want your phone and camera dry even if you think your day will stay “just scenic.”

Practical packing and tips that actually help

Here’s what will make your day easier based on what consistently shows up in experiences:

• Water shoes for cave access areas and rocky water walking
• A dry bag or waterproof pouch for your phone, wallet, and spare clothing
• Rental budget if you want mask and snorkel (P100) and kayak (P400)
• Snacks or extra water only if you know you get hungry between stops (lunch is included, drinks are not)
• Patience for loading and unloading on busy days, especially later in the itinerary

If you’re planning to kayak, consider bringing a quick-dry shirt and something you don’t mind getting sandy.

Who should book Tour A, and who should consider a different style

Tour A is a great fit if you want the classic El Nido island sights for a fair price and you don’t mind sharing space with other boats. It also suits families and groups who like having a crew manage the day, including safety and boarding help.

I’d be more careful if you:

• Get frustrated by crowds and waiting
• Are very sensitive to delays at boat transfers
• Prefer tours with fewer participants and more time per stop
• Have mobility limits and dislike wet footing or uneven surfaces

For those situations, it’s worth checking whether a private option fits your pace better.

Should you book El Nido Tour A with buffet lunch?

Book Tour A if you want the heart of El Nido in one day, with Big Lagoon as the headline, a Shimizu Island lunch break, and classic beach scenery at Payong-Payong, Secret Lagoon, and Seven Commando. With lagoon and environmental fees listed as included, the base price is strong value for most people.

Skip or upgrade your plan if you know you hate lines and you want a calmer, more controlled experience. Shared tours can be fantastic, but the tradeoff is simple: you pay less, and you spend some time waiting your turn.

If your priority is scenery over solitude, and you pack smart with water shoes and a dry bag, Tour A is one of the most sensible ways to experience El Nido’s best-known lagoons and beaches.

FAQ

What time does El Nido Tour A start?

The tour starts at 9:00 am.

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as 7 to 8 hours (approx.).

What stops are included in Tour A?

The itinerary includes Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Payong-Payong Beach, Secret Lagoon, and Seven Commando Beach.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The tour includes lunch in the beach and the itinerary highlights Shimizu Island as the lunch or scenic view stop.

Are lagoon or environmental fees included?

Yes. Your booking information lists entrance to lagoon areas (P200 per person) and an environmental fee (P400 per person, valid for 14 days) as included.

Do I need to pay extra for snorkeling gear or kayaking?

Yes. Mask and snorkel are P100 per set, and kayak rental is P400 per kayak for two people.

Is pickup included?

Pickup is free only for town locations. Pickup outside El Nido town has an extra charge.

How many people are on the tour?

The tour has a maximum of 50 travelers.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour also requires good weather, and you may be offered a different date or a full refund if canceled for poor weather.