Planning a trip to Palawan’s crown jewel, El Nido, often sparks visions of sparkling lagoons, dramatic limestone cliffs, and pristine beaches. While group tours are common, opting for a private tour like this one from Alexzus Travel and Tours offers a more exclusive, flexible way to enjoy El Nido’s top sights without the crowds. Based on reviews and detailed itineraries, this experience promises a blend of iconic destinations and hidden gems, all tailored to your preferences.
What makes this tour particularly appealing? First, the private boat means you’re not sharing space with strangers, which significantly enhances the sense of freedom and relaxation. Second, the flexibility to customize your route and timing helps you spend more time at the spots that truly captivate you. Third, the knowledgeable local guides add a layer of insider insight, enriching your understanding of each location. However, it’s worth noting that this tour doesn’t include hotel transfers, so planning your pickup is essential.
This experience suits travelers who value authentic, crowd-free adventures, personalized attention, and beautiful, scenic settings. It’s ideal for couples, families, or friends who want a hassle-free, memorable day in El Nido with the freedom to explore at their own pace.
- Good To Know
- The Itinerary: What You Can Expect
- Starting at Seven Commandos Beach
- Cruising to Big Lagoon
- Exploring the Secret Lagoon
- Unwinding at Hidden Beach
- Discovering Secret Beach
- The Final Stop: Helicopter Island
- Why This Tour Stands Out
- Private and Flexible
- Knowledgeable Guides and Insider Tips
- Authentic and Crowd-Free Experience
- Breathtaking Views and Photo Opportunities
- Value for Money
- Practical Details and Tips
- Included and Not Included
- Meeting Point & Timing
- What to Bring
- Accessibility
- Booking & Flexibility
- Authentic Experiences from Reviews
- Who Should Consider This Tour?
- The Sum Up
- FAQ
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- More Tours in El Nido
- More Tour Reviews in El Nido
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Good To Know

- Exclusive Private Experience: Avoid crowds with your own boat and tailored itinerary.
- Iconic and Hidden Spots: See the famous lagoons and lesser-known beaches that make El Nido special.
- Comfort and Convenience: Includes snorkeling gear, onboard meals, and drinks.
- Flexible Schedule: Start early or late, and prioritize the spots you love most.
- Expert Local Guides: Gain insider tips and guidance during your trip.
- All-Inclusive Feel: While some optional extras cost extra, most essentials are covered.
The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

This private tour combines the best elements of Tours A and C, giving you a full day exploring some of El Nido’s most stunning locations. What’s especially appealing is how each stop offers a different experience— from kayaking in lagoons to relaxing on secluded beaches.
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Starting at Seven Commandos Beach
Your day begins at this picturesque white-sand stretch, perfect for a quick dip or lounging under the sun. The reviewers highlight how this spot sets a relaxed tone for the day. Justine notes, “Perfect, the tour was well organized and the meal delicious,” emphasizing how smoothly the start is managed and how the onboard meal enhances the experience.
Cruising to Big Lagoon
Next, you’ll glide to the Big Lagoon, one of El Nido’s most recognizable sights. Paddleboarding or kayaking here allows you to get up close to the towering limestone formations. The clear waters invite a refreshing swim, and the experience is often described as a true nature masterpiece. Scott mentions, “Private boat tour helped us beat the crowds at each stop,” underscoring the value of having your own vessel to enjoy these popular sites peacefully.
Exploring the Secret Lagoon
Entering through a narrow rocky passage, this hidden gem feels like finding a secret treasure. Its secluded nature makes it ideal for a quiet swim while surrounded by impressive cliffs. The tour’s flexibility means you can linger here longer if you wish, soaking in the serenity.
More Great Tours NearbyUnwinding at Hidden Beach
This lesser-known spot offers calm waters and dramatic limestone walls. It’s an ideal place for some peace away from the crowds, and the shallow waters are perfect for relaxing or snorkelling. The review from Eleni simply states, “Perfect,” capturing how this peaceful setting resonates with visitors.
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Discovering Secret Beach
A tucked-away cove behind cliffs provides a tranquil environment for swimming and photography. The sense of discovery here is a favorite among travelers, with many capturing stunning images to remember the day.
The Final Stop: Helicopter Island
The unique, helicopter-shaped island caps the tour with unforgettable photo opportunities. Snorkeling in its vibrant waters reveals lively marine life, adding an aquatic highlight to the day.
Why This Tour Stands Out

Private and Flexible
The biggest selling point is the private boat, which means you’re in control of your schedule and pace. Unlike group tours, you can choose to spend extra time at your favorite spots or skip others. The flexibility is particularly useful if you prefer an early start to beat the crowds or want to linger longer at a special location.
Knowledgeable Guides and Insider Tips
The crew not only navigates the waters but also enriches your experience with local insights. This extra layer of knowledge turns a sightseeing trip into an informative journey, making the visit more meaningful.
Authentic and Crowd-Free Experience
Many reviews highlight how the private tour allows you to avoid the busy crowds typical of group excursions. As Scott notes, this approach “helped us beat the crowds at each stop,” which is a significant advantage in a popular destination like El Nido.
Breathtaking Views and Photo Opportunities
From towering limestone cliffs to secret lagoons, each stop offers picture-perfect vistas. The inclusion of snorkeling gear means you can explore underwater life, adding to the adventure. Photos of Helicopter Island, in particular, are a highlight, thanks to its distinctive shape.
Value for Money
At $202 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive experience blending the iconic sights of Tours A & C. Considering the private boat, guided expertise, meals, and snorkeling gear, most travelers find it provides excellent value—especially compared to the cost of booking separate activities or enduring crowded group tours.
Practical Details and Tips

Included and Not Included
The tour covers most essentials—licensed boat, captain, guide, snorkeling gear, life jackets, lunch, and water. Optional extras like kayak rentals and water shoes cost extra, so plan accordingly if you want to paddle around or explore more actively. Environmental and lagoon fees are additional, but these are standard charges across tours in El Nido.
Meeting Point & Timing
Meet at Marbers Restobar on Calle Hama Beach Front. Starting early is advised—this helps you avoid the later crowds and enjoy the quiet beauty of the lagoons. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, simplifying logistics.
What to Bring
Pack a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, snacks, sunscreen, and extra water. The tour environment encourages environmentally respectful behavior—littering and touching plants are discouraged.
Accessibility
This tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues or heart problems, primarily due to boat travel and swimming activities.
Booking & Flexibility
You can reserve your spot and pay later, offering peace of mind. Cancellation is possible up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it a flexible option in your planning.
Authentic Experiences from Reviews

Justine praised how the tour was “well organized,” and the meal was “delicious,” highlighting the smooth logistics and quality food. Eleni simply called her experience “Perfect,” while Scott appreciated how the private vessel “helped us beat the crowds at each stop,” which is often a game-changer in tour-heavy destinations.
These reviews underscore the professionalism of the crew and the overall value of a personalized, crowd-free adventure. Many reviewers also mention the knowledgeable guides that enhance the journey, sharing insider tips that make each stop more meaningful.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This private experience is best suited for travelers who want a more intimate, flexible way to see El Nido. If you dislike crowded itineraries and prefer exploring at your own pace, this tour offers a perfect solution. It’s also ideal for those who value guided insights and professional service but prefer to avoid the typical group hustle. Families and couples will appreciate the personalized approach, especially when seeking a peaceful, scenic day in nature.
The Sum Up

This El Nido private tour from Alexzus Travel and Tours offers a fantastic way to experience the island’s highlights without the typical crowds. The combination of iconic spots like Big Lagoon and Helicopter Island, along with secret beaches and lagoons, provides a well-rounded, breathtaking day. The flexibility to customize your stops and the knowledgeable guides make this a standout choice for travelers wanting authentic, tranquil adventure.
While it’s priced higher than some group tours, the value gained from exclusivity, comfort, and personalized service makes it worth considering. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a serene escape, this tour helps you see El Nido’s beauty as it’s meant to be experienced—peaceful, stunning, and entirely yours.
FAQ

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You’ll need to meet at the specified location on Calle Hama Beach Front.
Can I start the tour later or earlier than scheduled?
Yes, the schedule is flexible—just message the provider if you want to customize your start time.
What is the tour duration?
While the exact length isn’t specified, expect a full-day adventure exploring several key spots, with the flexibility to spend more or less time at each.
What should I bring for this tour?
Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, snacks, sunscreen, and water to stay comfortable and prepared throughout the trip.
Are snorkeling masks and fins provided?
Yes, snorkeling gear including masks, snorkels, and fins are included in the package.
Is this tour suitable for children or people with health issues?
It’s not recommended for those with mobility impairments or heart problems due to boat travel and swimming activities.
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