El Nido Tour A Lagoons & Islands

El Nido’s best-known lagoons are the main event here: clear water hemmed in by steep limestone walls, with small beaches and island stops along the way. This is a full-day boat trip, not the 45-minute outing suggested by the short duration summary.

I like that you can choose a low-cost join-in trip or pay more for a private boat, and I like the active parts of the day: kayaking through a lagoon and swimming at island beaches. Crew members such as guides Mario and Saldy have been singled out for helping with kayaks and keeping families comfortable.

The trade-off is that the day depends on weather, sea conditions, and the exact package you book. Kayaks and several fees cost extra, and the stop list is not a guarantee that every named beach or lagoon will be visited.

• Big Lagoon access costs extra: Budget PHP 200 for its entrance fee, plus an on-site kayak rental, which is required to enter.
• Small Lagoon and Secret Beach offer a different outing: Some package descriptions feature these instead of Big Lagoon, so check your selected route.
• Plan for a full day: The stated schedule runs from an 8:00 to 8:30am meeting time to a 5:00pm return.
• The crew can make the day easier: Guides have helped children kayak and assisted people getting on and off the boat.
• The advertised base fare is not the final cost: Add the PHP 400 eco-tourism fee and any lagoon, kayak, or snorkel charges.
• Weather can change the route: Strong wind, rain, or currents may mean a stop is skipped.

The lagoons are the reason to go

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El Nido Tour A is built around the kind of scenery that makes you want to stop paddling and simply look around. On Miniloc Island, limestone cliffs rise from clear water, and the lagoons feel like enclosed waterways rather than open stretches of sea. Kayaking gives you a closer, quieter way to take in the rock formations than staying aboard the boat.

The route can include Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, and Small Lagoon, but package details differ. Some descriptions pair Big Lagoon with Shimizu Island and 7 Commando Beach; others highlight Small Lagoon and Secret Beach. Treat the names as a guide to the type of outing, not a promise that every stop will appear on your day.

That distinction matters when you book. Check whether you are choosing the regular or premium option, join-in or private, and which lagoon route is described for that specific package. The available information does not set out a single fixed stop-by-stop route for every option.

What the lagoon stops feel like

Big Lagoon is the broad, scenic stop, with clear water and high rock walls framing the route. Its scale is part of its appeal: you are not just looking at a small pool, but moving through a striking marine passage. To enter, you must rent a kayak on-site, and the lagoon also has a PHP 200 entrance fee per person. Those charges are separate from the tour fare.

Small Lagoon offers a more intimate paddle through calm, clear water. Kayaking is also a highlight here, though you should confirm which fees apply to your chosen package and stop. The tour information lists kayak rental at PHP 400 for two people.

Secret Lagoon is reached through a small opening in the rocks, leading to a sheltered pool. That entrance is part of the attraction, but it also makes the visit feel more contained than the open sweep of Big Lagoon. Conditions and crowding can affect how much time you spend at each place.

The lagoons are not a guaranteed checklist. Strong wind or currents have led crews to alter routes, and some outings have visited fewer than the planned number of sites. I would rather have the crew make a sensible safety call than insist on a stop, but do book with flexible expectations.

Shimizu Island, Secret Beach, and 7 Commando Beach

Shimizu Island is described as a beach stop with white sand and time to relax. It provides a useful change of pace after time in the water and among the rock formations. One practical note: the actual route can vary, and some trips have not included Shimizu despite it being part of the expected Tour A experience.

Secret Beach is another possible stop, with a small entrance that opens onto a sheltered cove. Its appeal is the sense of arrival, though access and conditions can influence whether it is included. If this particular stop is important to you, check the package route before paying.

7 Commando Beach is presented as a place to swim, take a break, and hear the story behind its name. The tour information does not give the story itself, so expect the guide to provide context rather than relying on a particular version in advance.

Together, the beach stops keep the day from becoming one long kayak session. You get chances to swim, rest on sand, and take in the coast from different angles. Bring swimwear and a change of clothes so you are not sitting in damp gear for the return trip.

A full day on the water, with lunch included

The meeting window is 8:00 to 8:30am, and the return is scheduled for about 5:00pm. Arrive 15 minutes early at the stated meet-up area near El Nido Beach and the docking area, and look for the guide with a Klook sign. The exact meeting instructions include Serena Street and a beach-area location, so confirm the current pin and directions before leaving your accommodation.

The short summary gives a duration of 45 minutes, but that does not fit the stated day schedule. Use the 8am to 5pm timings to plan your day, and do not book another activity for the afternoon.

A packed lunch is included, listed as rice, pork or chicken or fish, and available fruit. The menu can change with the season and ingredient supply. Some outings have served a broader meal with grilled fish, meat, vegetables, and fruit, while one participant found the portions short for a large group. If you have dietary needs, make your request before departure rather than assuming the meal will suit you.

The lunch stop also offers a chance to get back in the water or rest. One family had lunch aboard their boat rather than on a crowded beach and used the stop to snorkel nearby; that was a crew decision, not a standard arrangement to count on. Bring a water bottle, and remember that portable toilets are not listed among the inclusions.

Friendly crew, but do not assume every detail is fixed

The tour includes an English-speaking guide, licensed guide and boat crew, boat transfers, a life vest, and lunch. Many of the strongest points of this trip come from the crew’s hands-on help. Guides have assisted people into and out of boats, helped with kayaks, and supported children on the water. Saldy, Mario, and Mark are names associated with particularly helpful outings, but guide assignments can vary.

The boat can be a comfortable base between stops, though the experience depends on the vessel and group. Some parties have had spacious boats, while others have found the boat crowded. A join-in trip is the economical choice, but you share the ride and lunch area with other people. A private boat costs more and gives your party a dedicated trip, but it does not remove weather limits or extra fees.

There have also been occasional coordination problems, including changes to the meeting point or a premium booking being handled like a regular tour. Confirm the meeting location and package with the operator close to departure, especially if you are paying for a private or premium option. Do not assume hotel pickup: the stated meeting information is for the beach area, and one party reported needing to walk rather than being picked up within an expected zone.

The real price: fare plus local charges

The regular join-in option starts at $15.15, while the premium join-in option starts at $19.15. Private tours have higher starting rates that vary by group size, from about $202.45 for a regular solo booking and $318.65 for a premium solo booking to lower per-person rates for larger groups. Prices are listed as starting fares, so confirm the amount for your date and party.

The headline price is only part of the budget. The El Nido Eco-Tourism Development Fee is PHP 400 per person, paid once and valid for 10 days. Big Lagoon has a separate PHP 200 entry fee per person. Kayak rental is PHP 400 for two people, and a mask and snorkel set is PHP 150.

Those extras can make the day less of a bargain than the base fare suggests, especially if you choose a lagoon route that requires a kayak. Still, the tour bundles the boat ride, guide, crew, life vest, and lunch, which can be good value compared with arranging each part separately. Keep cash for fees and rentals, and ask for a receipt for the eco-tourism payment so you can show it if asked again during its validity period.

Pack for sun, swimming, and a possible route change

Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, sunscreen, a cap or hat, and a water bottle. A mask and snorkel are not included, so bring your own or budget for the listed rental. The boat provides a life vest.

The crew may change the schedule because of traffic or weather. Wind, rain, and currents can alter which stops are safe or practical, and some trips have missed planned sites. If conditions look poor, ask the operator directly what is expected and make your own comfort level clear. If the operator cancels because of extreme weather, you can request a reschedule or full refund.

Children aged 0 to 2 can join free. Families should still consider the long day, the time spent on boats, and the need for close supervision in the water. Crew assistance can help, but it is not a substitute for an adult keeping watch.

Is El Nido Tour A worth booking?

Book this trip if you want a full day of lagoon scenery, paddling, swimming, and island stops without organizing a private boat yourself. The regular join-in option offers the strongest value for solo visitors and couples who are comfortable sharing the day. A private trip makes more sense for a group that values its own space and is willing to pay more.

Before booking, confirm which lagoon route your package covers, whether it is join-in or private, and where the group meets. Add the local fees and likely kayak cost to your budget. If the weather turns or a particular beach is a must for you, remember that the route can change.

The biggest payoff is the combination of scenery and time on the water, with a crew that can make the practical parts easier. If you arrive prepared, stay flexible about the stops, and budget beyond the advertised fare, Tour A is a strong way to spend a day in El Nido.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The stated schedule runs from an 8:00 to 8:30am meeting time to a 5:00pm return. Although the short summary says 45 minutes, the schedule describes a full-day trip.

What is included in the tour?

The tour includes an English-speaking guide, licensed guide and boat crew, boat transfer, packed lunch, and life vest.

Which lagoons and beaches will the tour visit?

The route may feature Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Secret Beach, Shimizu Island, and 7 Commando Beach. Stops can vary by package and conditions, so check the route for the option you select.

What extra fees should I budget for?

The El Nido Eco-Tourism Development Fee is PHP 400 per person and is valid for 10 days. Big Lagoon entry is PHP 200 per person, kayak rental is PHP 400 for two people, and mask and snorkel rental is PHP 150.

Do I need to rent a kayak for Big Lagoon?

Yes. Guests entering Big Lagoon must rent a kayak on-site. The listed kayak rental price is PHP 400 for two people.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, sunscreen, a cap or hat, and a water bottle. A mask and snorkel are not included, so bring your own or rent a set.