That clear water hits fast. El Nido’s Tour A is a shared day out built around some of the most photogenic lagoons in Palawan, plus calm beach time that makes the whole trip feel like one long exhale. What I like most is the way you get up close to the rocky lagoon scenery in Big Lagoon and the storybook feel of the Secret Lagoon entrance.

Another big win for me is the beach rhythm: you’re not rushed through everything. You get real sun-and-swim time on Shimizu Island, and later the long stretch of sand at 7 Commando Beach comes with a mini lesson about why the name stuck.

One thing to consider before you book: shared tours mean crowds. On busier days, snorkeling can feel packed at the same stops, and you may also have a waiting moment at the meeting point before the boat leaves.

Key highlights worth planning around

• Big Lagoon scenery with rock formations that make the water look like a natural waterway
• Secret Lagoon small entrance reveal, then a secluded-looking pool framed by rocks
• Shimizu Island white sand downtime, simple and easy beach pleasure
• Payong-payong Beach for another swim and stretch-of-time stop
• 7 Commando Beach where you’ll learn the name origin before you settle in
• Shared-tour reality: busy routes can affect how calm snorkeling feels

El Nido Tour A in plain terms: five stops and a full day in 8 hours

El Nido Tour A is a shared boat tour that runs about 8 hours. It’s designed to hit multiple lagoon and beach highlights in one go, with a licensed guide, a guaranteed boat, lunch, water, and towels included.

The stops are built like a sequence of moods. You start with the most dramatic lagoon visuals, then shift to sandy, easy beach time, then end with another big scenic stop where you can relax and cool off. This matters because El Nido island hopping can feel like a blur on fast tours. This one, for the most part, keeps you moving while still giving you time to actually enjoy each place.

I also like that the tour includes hotel pickup within El Nido town proper, so you are not stuck trying to solve local transport on your own. Just remember drop-off at your hotel is not included, so plan to get back from wherever the tour finishes.

Big Lagoon: where the rock shapes make the water feel curated by nature

Big Lagoon is the first big wow factor. You’ll be traveling through clear water with dramatic rock formations that show up above the surface and, depending on conditions, around and under the water too. It has that “movie scene” look, but the practical benefit is that it’s a great intro stop.

Why it works for you:

• The visuals are strong even if you do not stay in the water long.
• The water clarity gives you that wide-open lagoon feeling, not a cramped bay vibe.
• You’re in the middle of the action early, so your expectations stay high.

One heads-up: Big Lagoon has a Big Lagoon fee of P200 per person that is not included in the base price. So if you are budgeting, treat this as part of the mandatory math, not an optional add-on.

Shimizu Island and Payong-payong Beach: real beach time beats a race through photos

After the lagoon start, the tour shifts to sand. Shimizu Island is all about white-sand relaxation and that open-water calm that makes you slow down. This is the stop where you can stop thinking in itinerary terms and start thinking in swim, sun, and snacks.

Then you move to Payong-payong Beach, another chance to get your feet into the water and enjoy an additional break away from the tight feel of lagoon passages. These beach pauses matter because El Nido trips can exhaust you quickly if you constantly switch between boats, water, and crowds without rest.

What you should do at these stops:

• Bring or plan to use proper water shoes. The tour explicitly suggests them, and your feet will thank you.
• Use the lunch break and snack moments strategically. If you are out in the sun, you burn energy faster than you expect.
• Keep your phone secured and dry-proofed. You will be in and out of a lot of water zones.

Secret Lagoon and Secret Beach kayaking: calm water, small entrance, big payoff

This is the stop sequence that feels like a storybook. You reach Secret Lagoon, where you duck into a smaller entrance to reveal a secluded-looking pool surrounded by rocks. It’s the kind of geography that makes you go quiet for a second because it looks like the lagoon is hiding a secret just for you.

Then there’s the Secret Beach kayaking aspect. The tour highlights include kayaking through peaceful crystal waters, and that kind of add-on is a big value signal. Kayaking tends to slow you down in the best way: you float more, you look more, and you move at a human pace instead of a boat pace.

A practical consideration: shared tours often bring other groups to the same general sites. That can affect the vibe, especially if your main goal is snorkeling. The water can be crowded during peak periods, and that can interrupt your flow between stops.

If you want to enjoy Secret Lagoon fully, I’d go with flexible expectations:

• Focus on the scenery and the feel of the water first.
• If snorkeling happens during your day, treat it as a bonus, not the core objective.

7 Commando Beach: relax mode plus a name story you will actually remember

Next up is 7 Commando Beach, one of the more famous stretches of shore in the area. What makes it more than just a sand break is that you’ll get to learn the origin of the name 7 Commando Beach during the visit.

Then you get what you came for: relaxation time and an ocean dip in clear blue water. This stop is perfect for people who want a strong ending, not just another scenic photo. It’s also a good moment to recover a bit before the final boat return, since earlier lagoons can involve lots of movement.

If you like simple travel rewards, this is where you get them. Not complicated logistics, no rushing, just sand, sun, and water.

Price and the real cost after fees, rentals, and what is included

The base price is $34 per person, and it includes:

• Hotel pickup within El Nido town proper
• A licensed tour guide
• Guaranteed boat
• Lunch and water
• Towels

That’s a solid package for a full-day shared island tour. The key is what is not included, because El Nido has local environmental and site fees that you should expect.

Plan for these extra costs:

• Environmental fee: P400 per person, one time purchase valid for 5 days
• Big Lagoon fee: P200 per person
• Kayak rental: P300, good for 2 pax
• Mask and snorkels, plus aqua shoes and fins are not included

So is $34 still good value? Usually, yes, if you plan your spending instead of reacting later. The biggest “surprise risk” is thinking snorkeling gear and water footwear are included. They are not. If you show up without a plan, rentals can add up, especially if you also want aqua shoes and fins.

My practical take: budget the mandatory fees first, then decide whether you want snorkeling gear or to keep things simple with your own water shoes and swim time.

Getting there on time: the Umi Travel meeting point and the waiting reality

Your meeting point is Umi Travel at seaside Hama, Barangay Suerte El Nido. This is one of those details that matters more than you think. If you arrive late, you’ll lose the chance to get oriented before the group starts lining up.

And yes, there can be waiting time before departure. In at least one recent experience, the group waited about an hour at the meeting point. That can happen when boats, tides, or group timing are still getting sorted.

My advice:

• Arrive early enough that an hour delay does not mess up your whole day.
• Keep your basics ready, change of clothes accessible, water shoes easy to grab.
• If you see other groups arriving, do not assume you’re in the wrong place. Shared tours run with multiple operators, and the check-in area can feel busy.

What to bring for comfort: simple kit that pays off all day

The tour tells you to bring the basics for a beach-and-boat day:

• Change of clothes
• Towel
• Beachwear
• Water shoes

Since mask and snorkels, aqua shoes, and fins are not included, you have two paths:

1) Bring your own snorkeling gear and water footwear (best if you travel light but have your own kit).

2) Rent them locally, and expect extra costs.

Also note what is not allowed: alcohol and drugs. So if you were planning a cheeky beach drink, plan for a non-alcoholic day instead.

What I like about the included towels is that it reduces one more thing you have to carry. If you still travel with your own towel, it’s optional, but the included towel helps you keep your bag lighter.

Groups, snorkeling, and shared-tour expectations

This is a shared tour. That means you are not traveling in a private bubble, and you are not guaranteed empty water at every stop. One experience highlighted that the snorkeling felt limited because too many people from other tours were going to the same locations, which can hinder how freely you move and how long you can stay in the water.

So how do you make that work for you?

• Treat snorkeling as a window, not a guarantee. If conditions are good and crowds are manageable, you’ll enjoy it. If not, you still have the lagoons and beaches.
• If snorkeling matters most, you might want to plan around quieter times and keep your gear ready so you can use the short best moments.
• Spend your energy on the waterline scenery. Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon are visual hits even if you keep your snorkeling time shorter.

Who should book El Nido Tour A, and who should rethink it

I think El Nido Tour A is a great fit if you want:

• A classic El Nido island hopping day built around lagoons and beaches
• Convenience with pickup, guide, boat, lunch, water, and towels
• A mix of scenic water and actual beach downtime

It may be a weaker fit if:

• You hate crowd dynamics, especially around snorkeling spots
• You need mobility-friendly conditions. This tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, according to the activity info.

Should you book this shared El Nido lagoon tour?

If you want the headline El Nido experience without spending hours planning, yes, consider booking El Nido Tour A. The mix of Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, and beach time on Shimizu Island gives you both scenery and decompression, and the included lunch, water, and towels reduce friction.

Book it with one clear mindset: this is shared, so crowds can affect snorkeling. If you’re okay shifting your focus to lagoons and beaches first, you’ll likely come away feeling like your day delivered.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is El Nido Tour A?

The tour lasts 8 hours.

What is included in the price of El Nido Tour A?

It includes hotel pickup within El Nido town proper, a licensed tour guide, a guaranteed boat, lunch and water, and towels.

Where is the meeting point for the tour?

The meeting point is at Umi Travel at seaside Hama, Barangay Suerte El Nido.

Which destinations are visited on Tour A?

The tour visits Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Payong-payong Beach, Secret Lagoon, and 7 Commando Beach.

Is hotel drop-off included?

No, hotel drop-off is not included.

Are there additional fees beyond the tour price?

Yes. There is an environmental fee of P400 per person (one time purchase valid for 5 days) and a Big Lagoon fee of P200 per person.

Is snorkeling gear included?

No. Mask and snorkels, aqua shoes, and fins are not included.

How much does kayak rental cost?

Kayak rental is P300 and is good for 2 people.

Is El Nido Tour A suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No, the tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.