A boat day in El Nido matters. El Nido Tour A is built for time-crunched visitors, stacking top sights like Shimizu Island and Papaya Beach with lagoon time, plus a picnic lunch and national park admission in the price. I like the simple rhythm: get on the water early, hit the big spots, and spend your time swimming and taking photos instead of commuting all day.

One thing to watch is lagoon scheduling. Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon are not a same-day combo, and the extra lagoon-related fees are not included, so you should confirm what you will actually get before you set expectations for your day.

Key things to know before you go

• Boat-access highlights in one day: you reach several sights that are only practical by island-hopping.
• Multiple stops with swim and photo time: the plan gives you time to enjoy each location, not just pass through.
• Lunch and park admission are included: you do not have to budget for those parts of the day.
• Life vests and transfers included: the essentials for a smooth outing are covered.
• Big Lagoon vs Small Lagoon is not both: plan around which lagoon you want most.
• Good weather matters: the tour depends on conditions for safe water travel.

Why El Nido Tour A is a smart choice for short stays

If your Palawan trip feels like a race against your calendar, this is the kind of tour that helps you catch up. El Nido Tour A is designed to hit recognizable islands and lagoons without making you start over every time you want a new view. You get a fast hit of El Nido’s signature scenery in about half a day on the water, with a total day closer to 7 to 9 hours once pickup and transfers are included.

I also like how the emphasis stays on the places that make El Nido famous. Think lagoons, beaches, and island scenery you cannot really recreate from shore. This tour is ideal if you want classic photos and real swim time, but you do not want to build a full custom itinerary.

The other big plus is the included meal and park admission. That matters more than it sounds, because food and fees can quietly inflate cheaper-looking tours. Here, you know lunch and national park admission are already part of the plan.

Price and logistics: what $21 really covers

At $21, the value is mostly about what gets included and how much time you get on the water. The package covers a tour guide, land and boat transfers, life vest, island hopping, and a free pickup within El Nido Town. It also includes lunch and national park admission fees, which are often the bits that add up later.

You pay extra for a few important add-ons:

• eco tourism development fee
• small or big lagoon users fee
• kayak rental

So even though the headline price is low, budget for those optional or required fees depending on your exact lagoon stop that day.

Another logistics win is the mobile ticket and the straightforward start point. The meeting point is the El Nido Pier dispatching and docking area, and the start time is 9:00 am. Since the tour ends back in El Nido, you can keep your afternoon flexible for another beach stop, a meal, or a slower walk through town.

The boat day rhythm: transfers, life vests, and getting settled

The day is set up to move. You pick up within El Nido Town, then you get shuttled to the pier and onto the island-hopping boats. Life vests are included, which is exactly what you want on a day focused on water time.

The boat format also explains why swim breaks and photo stops feel manageable. You are not waiting around for every stop to be perfect. The plan is built for short stretches at each location, then time to enjoy the water.

Group size is capped at a maximum of 100 travelers. That does not mean you will feel like 100 people are everywhere at once, but it does tell you to expect a popular outing. Go in with a calm mindset. If you want quiet photos, aim to move with the crowd and find your own angles when the boat pauses.

Stop 1: El Nido at island-hopping speed

Your main “action block” is the El Nido stop. It is listed at about 5 hours, and those are the hours where the tour earns its keep. This is when you move from island to beach to lagoon, with enough time built in for swimming and photography at each spot.

From a planning point of view, this is the sweet spot for many first-timers. You get multiple highlights without the long day feeling exhausting. It is also a helpful choice if you are balancing other Palawan plans like a town day in El Nido, a sunset bar crawl, or an additional tour the next day.

The itinerary also hints at how the tour manages lagoon access. Shimizu Island and Papaya Beach come with lagoon-style scenery energy, while Secret Lagoon and Big/Small Lagoon are the true headline lagoons. The schedule choice around Big vs Small is where you need to pay attention.

Shimizu Island and Papaya Beach: the classic El Nido starter

The tour routes you to Shimizu Island and Papaya Beach as part of the island-hopping lineup. These are the kinds of stops that instantly communicate why people come to El Nido in the first place. Expect clear water vibes, postcard-worthy views, and time to swim and take photos.

For me, the value of pairing these early is simple. You start your day with high-impact scenery before fatigue sets in. If you are the type who wants to collect photos while you still have energy, early stops are your friend.

Practical note: these beach and island stops tend to reward good timing. If you want photos without the thickest crowd, position yourself while the boat is still settling. Bring sunscreen and keep a towel handy, because water time is the whole point.

Secret Lagoon: where the scenery earns its photos

Secret Lagoon is one of the standout names in the Tour A lineup, and the tour gives it room on the schedule. This is the kind of stop where people slow down, even if the day is otherwise fast-paced. The lagoon setting also means you will want to focus your camera angles quickly, because lighting and boat traffic can change fast.

The tour description promises ample time to swim and photograph at each stop, and Secret Lagoon is one of the places where that matters. You are not just getting a look from the side. You are there long enough to enjoy the water and get the photo variety people travel for.

One more reason to care about Secret Lagoon: it is a more “lagoons as an experience” stop, not just a beach break. Even if you prioritize Big or Small Lagoon above all else, Secret Lagoon can still deliver that enclosed-water feeling that makes El Nido different from every other island-hopping destination.

Big Lagoon or Small Lagoon: the one detail that can change your day

This is the part to double-check before you book. Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon are not both visited on the same day. The tour lists Secret Lagoon and then references Big/Small Lagoon with the note that you cannot do both in one day.

From a “should I care?” standpoint, it depends on your priorities. If your heart is set on Big Lagoon, you want to make sure your day includes that. If Small Lagoon is the one you came for, you want that one instead. If you only find out on the day-of, it can feel frustrating.

Also remember the lagoon users fee is not included. Even if you get the lagoon stop you want, there may be extra payment required at the lagoon itself for certain access. Bring a little cash just in case, and plan your spending accordingly.

This is also where the only harsh review detail fits. One unhappy outcome described confusion around lagoon inclusion for Big/Small Lagoon. That does not mean your day will go wrong, but it does mean you should confirm the exact lagoon plan when you book or before you board. A quick message to the provider can save a lot of disappointment.

Lunch and park admission included: the underrated value boost

Lunch is included, and it is a big reason this tour keeps its appeal. A beach lunch is not just about food. It gives you a reset halfway through the water-heavy day, and it reduces the stress of searching for a meal once you are already out on the route.

The included national park admission fees also help you keep control of your budget. Park and lagoon-related fees are common in the area, and when those are not included, you only realize the true cost later. Here, at least the national park admission part is handled.

What you should do: eat like you are about to swim again. If you are sensitive to seaspray or sun, go easy with heavy, greasy choices. If you are prone to getting chilled after swimming, keep a light shirt or cover-up handy.

What to pack for a 9-hour day of sun and water

Even with a life vest included, you will want to show up prepared. Here is a practical packing checklist that matches what this tour is actually doing, multiple swim stops and lagoon time.

• Swimwear and a quick-dry towel
• Water shoes (beach and lagoon areas can be slick)
• Sun protection (sunscreen and sunglasses)
• A dry bag or waterproof phone pouch
• Cash for non-included lagoon fees (and any snacks you want)
• Optional snorkel gear, if you already have it

And because this is an island-hopping day, think about your comfort. You will likely spend long moments in the sun, then cool off in the water, then warm up again. That rhythm is fun, but it can be rough if you forget basics.

The crew and group vibe: attentive helps, polite energy

The tour gets strong marks for the crew and guide experience. One theme in the feedback is that the boat crew is attentive and experienced, and the guides explain the tour with confidence. That matters because island-hopping days can be busy, and good crew instincts help keep the day smooth.

Another positive theme is the social tone. The best version of a group boat tour feels friendly and low-drama. If you get that vibe, it turns into a day you remember for scenery, not for headaches.

Group cap also shapes the vibe. With a maximum of 100 travelers, you should expect a lively day. The trick is to be flexible. Move with the flow during boarding and stop times, then take your own time once you are at a beach or lagoon.

Weather and “same-day changes” you should plan for

This tour requires good weather. If conditions do not work out, the provider will offer a different date or a full refund. That is exactly the kind of safety-first policy you want for boat travel.

For your planning, build around the idea that water conditions can decide the schedule. If you have tight plans later that day, keep them flexible. If you are staying in El Nido for more than one day, it is easier to swap tour dates if weather forces a change.

Also, be ready for the reality of being outdoors all morning. Even in good weather, wind and sun can fluctuate. Dress in layers you can manage quickly, especially if you get chilly after swimming.

Who should book El Nido Tour A, and who might want a different plan

Book El Nido Tour A if you:

• want a value-priced island-hopping day
• have limited time in El Nido and want multiple major stops
• care about swimming and photos at several iconic locations
• appreciate that lunch and national park admission are included

Consider a different tour or a more tailored option if:

• Big Lagoon or Small Lagoon is your only priority, and you want a guaranteed specific lagoon without ambiguity
• you hate the idea of added fees for lagoon access and related charges
• you need a quieter, less crowded experience and dislike popular day tours

This tour hits a good middle ground for first-timers. It focuses on big names and meaningful time at each stop. But it is still a shared day, so you need the right expectations.

Should you book El Nido Tour A?

My take: you should book this tour if your goal is classic El Nido highlights in one go, with included lunch and national park admission that help the day feel straightforward. At $21 plus the included core items like life vest and transfers, it is strong value for an island-hopping format.

Just do two things before you commit. First, confirm which lagoon is scheduled for your date since Big and Small are not both visited. Second, budget for the non-included eco tourism development fee and the small or big lagoon users fee. If you do those, Tour A is a smart, practical way to see Palawan’s famous lagoon scenery without blowing your whole day.

FAQ

What time does El Nido Tour A start?

The tour starts at 9:00 am.

Where do I meet for the tour?

The meeting point is the El Nido Pier dispatching and docking area.

Is pickup included?

Yes, there is free pick up within El Nido Town.

How long is El Nido Tour A?

It runs for about 7 to 9 hours overall, and the main stop time is listed at around 5 hours.

What is included in the tour?

Included are a tour guide, land and boat transfer, life vest, island hopping, and free pickup within El Nido Town. Lunch and national park admission fees are also included.

Which islands and lagoons are part of Tour A?

The tour includes Shimizu Island and Papaya Beach, plus Secret Lagoon. It also references Big/Small Lagoon, but Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon are not visited on the same day.

What costs extra?

Not included are the eco tourism development fee, the small or big lagoon users fee, and kayak rental.

What happens if weather is bad?

The tour requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.