It is a whole day of lagoon beauty. I like the way this island-hopping route stacks five top sites in one go, and I also like that you get real water time for snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming. One drawback to plan for is that, because it is a shared tour, your timing and comfort depend on how quickly the group checks in and boards.

Check-in is straightforward at Mabuhay Sports Bar near the wharf, where paperwork happens before you go out. The guide runs the day in English, the tour usually lasts 6 to 7 hours, and lunch is included, which is a big value win when you are budgeting your Palawan days.

Key highlights you will actually feel

• Secret Lagoon and Big Lagoon are the main lagoon stops for swimming and snorkeling
• Lunch is included, served during the day at one of the stops
• Life vests and boat transfers are part of the package
• Shimizu Island and Payong-Payong add variety beyond the lagoons
• Expect a shared-group boat, so pack for crowds and time flexibility
• You may need extra cash for the environmental fee and the Big Lagoon entrance

Tour A in El Nido, what you are buying for $24

Shared El Nido Tour A is built for people who want the classic El Nido “best-of” feel without spending a whole day on logistics. For $24 per person, you are not just buying transport, you are buying the structure: a licensed guide, boat crew, and a planned route that includes lagoons, beaches, and snorkeling-friendly spots.

The big reason this tour is popular is simple. El Nido’s coast is stunning, but it is also spread out. This shared itinerary compresses a lot of coastline into one day, so you get multiple scenery styles, not just one lagoon photo loop.

The other value piece is lunch. On many island tours, food feels like an afterthought. Here, lunch is included and served during the tour, which keeps you from burning time and money hunting for a meal between stops.

Mabuhay Sports Bar check-in, paperwork, and where the day starts

Your day starts at Mabuhay Sports Bar, a few minutes walk from the El Nido wharf area. This is not just a meeting point. It is where the team handles documentation and verification before boarding. Coast guard documentation happens before you go out on the water, which helps explain why timing matters so much on shared tours.

Plan to arrive early enough to take your time. The tour has a meet-up window between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM, and delays can snowball if late arrivals show up or if groups are not ready to board.

Also, keep your ID plan simple. You need an ID card, and a copy is accepted. If you show up without what is required, you will slow the group down, and nobody enjoys that.

Secret Lagoon: the calm-water stop that sets the mood

Secret Lagoon is one of the core stops, with guided sightseeing plus swimming and snorkeling, plus kayaking time. The way the day is structured, this early lagoon stop helps you shake off travel stress and settle into the tour rhythm fast.

What you should expect here is a mix of “look first” and “get in the water.” The lagoon nature makes it feel special even when you are surrounded by other people, because the water color and cliffs do most of the work.

A practical note: life vests are included, but you might still want to rent or bring whatever you prefer for snorkeling comfort. Snorkeling gear rental is not included, and kayak and other aqua gear rentals are also not included.

If you get seasick easily, even short boat rides between stops can feel like a lot. This tour is not labeled as suitable for people prone to seasickness, so take that seriously.

Big Lagoon entrance fee: worth it, but bring cash

Big Lagoon is the next big highlight, and it is scheduled for guided sightseeing plus swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking, with scenic views on the way. This is where El Nido really leans into the lagoon postcard effect.

The catch is cost. Big Lagoon has an entrance fee of ₱200 per person (Tour A) that is not included. That means your final day total is not just the $24 booking price.

Is it worth it? If lagoons are the main reason you are in El Nido, then yes, because the tour is designed around these lagoon experiences. But you should budget for the extra fees early, so you are not scrambling at check-in.

Shimizu Island: the break stop and the onboard meal

Shimizu Island is where the tour slows down into a more relaxed rhythm. Your schedule includes guided sightseeing, plus break time, swimming, and snorkeling. Meal is onboard here, which is a smart setup because you get fuel without needing to leave the water day behind.

This stop also helps balance the day. After lagoon intensity, Shimizu can feel like a different kind of coastline experience, even if you stay focused on the water.

Because snorkeling gear rental is not included, consider your comfort plan. If you know you feel awkward using borrowed gear, you might want to rent locally. If you are fine with standard gear, you can travel light.

Payong-Payong Beach and Seven Commando: your final water windows

After the Shimizu block, the tour goes to Payong-Payong for guided sightseeing, plus swimming and snorkeling. Then there is another break time and another guided segment with swimming and snorkeling before you return to the meeting point.

The overview for Tour A includes Seven Commando Beach as one of the five destinations. So this later swim and snorkeling window is where that part of the route usually fits in.

What you should take from this, as a planning mindset, is that your day is not one long sprint. You get repeated water breaks, and that matters because you are sharing a boat with a group and spending hours in sun and saltwater.

Bring a simple plan for comfort. Rashguard or swim shirt, a hat, and a way to keep your phone and wallet dry are practical upgrades. You do not want to end the day tired and cranky just because you forgot basics.

Water activities: snorkeling, kayaking, and how to avoid wasting energy

The tour description lists snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming, plus marine life viewing. The inclusion list covers life vests and boat transfers, but rentals for snorkeling gear and kayak or other aqua gear are not included.

So here is the real decision point for you: do you want to do everything included, or focus on the one or two activities that matter most?

If you love snorkeling, you will naturally spend more time geared up and checking the water. If kayaking is your thing, expect you will need the right rental, and you will likely spend more energy paddling and maneuvering.

My practical advice: do not try to “max out” every single activity. You are out for about 6 to 7 hours, and repeated swimming breaks can be tiring. Pick the best water windows, then enjoy the scenery between them.

Also, this is not a tour for heavy luggage. Large bags and luggage are not allowed. Keep it small so you can move around easily when boarding and changing areas.

Price and value: what $24 turns into by the end of the day

On paper, $24 is a steal for a full-day boat tour with a licensed guide and lunch. The value is real, because you are getting boat transfers, life vests, and a guided route across multiple destinations.

But the price is not the whole number.

From the included and excluded details, you should plan for:

• Environmental fee: ₱400 per person
• Big Lagoon entrance fee: ₱200 per person (Tour A)
• Kayak and other aqua gear rentals (not included)
• Snorkeling gear rental (not included)
• Tricycle fare from your area to Mabuhay Sports Bar (not included)

If you add those up, you can see how the day can become more expensive than you expected. Still, it often comes out worth it if lagoons and snorkeling are your priority and you want a guided day without hiring something private.

If you are traveling with friends, this also matters. Shared tours can be a better deal per person, as long as you are okay with crowding and timing variability.

Timing and crowding realities on shared boats

Shared tours are great value, but they come with a hidden cost: the schedule depends on other people.

In some situations, departure timing can slip, and the boat can run very full. When that happens, boarding can feel tight and awkward, and you may spend longer than you want waiting for everyone to get into position.

You can reduce the odds of a miserable start by doing two things:

• Arrive at Mabuhay Sports Bar early, not at the latest meet-up time
• Keep your day flexible, treat 9:00 AM as a target, not a guarantee

One more practical thing if you are sensitive to smells. The tour experience can be impacted by onboard behavior. If you are bothered by smoke, plan accordingly, because some boats on this route have had crew smoking reported in the past.

This is not a reason to avoid El Nido. It is a reason to go in with eyes open and a calm plan.

What to bring, what to skip, and how to stay sane in the sun

This tour has a clear rules list, and most of it is about safety and crowd flow. You should bring:

• Your ID card (a copy is accepted)

And you should plan to skip or avoid:

• High-heeled shoes
• Weapons or sharp objects
• Luggage or large bags
• Intoxication
• Red wine
• Plastic bottles
• Glass objects
• Littering

That plastic bottle rule is worth noticing. On water days, it is easy to buy a bottle and then forget about it. The tour rules are asking for less waste, and it keeps things cleaner on board.

For comfort, think practical: sun protection, quick-dry clothes, and a small waterproof bag. You will be dealing with saltwater, sun, and repeated getting in and out of the water.

If you are prone to seasickness or you have pre-existing medical conditions, this tour is not recommended. It is better to choose a gentler option so you can enjoy Palawan instead of white-knuckling your way through the day.

Who Tour A is best for

This Tour A is a strong match if you:

• Want the classic El Nido set of lagoon and beach stops in one day
• Enjoy snorkeling and want a guided schedule that makes it easy to do it
• Are okay with a shared group vibe and the reality of crowded boats

It is not the best choice if you:

• Have mobility impairments or use wheelchairs
• Are visually impaired
• Are prone to seasickness
• Have pre-existing medical conditions
• Are over 95 years old

If your group is mostly healthy adults and you are trying to get maximum El Nido scenery for your time, this is a very reasonable pick.

Rain and route changes: plan for the weather without panic

Palawan weather can change fast, and in rainy season, tours may be diverted to alternative destinations or options depending on conditions and availability. That is normal here, and it is also why safety comes first.

If you book Tour A during a wetter week, your best move is to keep expectations flexible. You are still buying a guided island-hopping day, but the exact stop mix might shift to match the ocean conditions.

Should you book Shared El Nido Tour A?

I would book it if your priority is a one-day sampler of El Nido’s most famous areas, and you want snorkeling and lagoon time with lunch included. The $24 headline price is compelling, and the included guide, life vests, and boat transfers help you keep your day simple.

I would pause and think twice if you hate crowds, get stressed by schedule uncertainty, or are very sensitive to smell onboard. Also double-check your budget for the extra fees like the environmental charge and the Big Lagoon entrance fee.

If you want, tell me your travel month and whether snorkeling is a must for you. I can help you decide if Tour A is the right fit compared with other El Nido tour styles, based on how your day is likely to feel.

FAQ

How much does Shared El Nido Tour A cost?

It costs $24 per person and runs for 1 day.

How long is the tour?

The tour typically lasts 6 to 7 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at Mabuhay Sports Bar near the wharf area in El Nido. This is where registration and documentation happen before you board.

What time does the tour start?

Meet-up is scheduled between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM.

What is included in the price?

Included are lunch, a licensed tour guide, boat crew/boatmen, use of life vest, and boat transfers.

What extra fees are not included?

You should expect an environmental fee of ₱400 per person. Also, Big Lagoon entrance fee is ₱200 per person for Tour A.

Do I need an ID to join?

Yes. You need an ID card, and a copy is accepted.

Is the cancellation refundable?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.