El Nido Island Hopping Tour A with Lunch

El Nido Tour A packs the classic Palawan day into one boat trip: a secret lagoon, white-sand beaches, clear water, limestone cliffs, and a generous lunch served along the way. I like the low starting price and the chance to see several of El Nido’s signature places without arranging separate boat transport.

I also like the practical touches: hotel-area transport from downtown El Nido, a local guide, boat transfers, and lunch with rice, seafood, meat, fruit, and vegetables. The main catch is that the advertised $24 does not cover every cost, and some stops may involve extra lagoon, kayak, snorkeling, or aqua-shoe fees.

Key points to know before booking

• Three route styles are available: Choose among lagoon-and-beach stops, hidden beaches and shrines, or caves and coves, depending on the option offered for your date.
• Secret Lagoon is the visual star: Expect a white-sand beach, clear water, and a short visit to the lagoon area.
• Shimizu Island gives you time to swim and rest: Its beach has shade from lush trees and calm-looking blue water.
• Seven Commando Beach allows the longest listed stop: You get about one hour here for swimming and relaxing.
• Lunch is more than a snack: The meal can include fish, chicken, pork, vegetables, fruit, and plenty of rice, with vegan requests sometimes arranged.
• Budget for add-ons: The environmental fee is listed at ₱400 per person, while Big Lagoon access, kayaks, snorkeling gear, and aqua shoes may cost extra.

What your $24 El Nido boat day includes

At $24 per person, this is priced as an accessible group excursion rather than a private boat charter. That matters in El Nido, where the cost of seeing several islands can rise quickly once you add transport, food, and equipment.

Your basic package includes the boat, a local guide, and lunch. Round-trip transport from downtown El Nido is also included, with the activity beginning at Mabuhay Sports Bar at 9:00 a.m. The boat returns to the same meeting point after roughly six to eight hours.

I see the value in the simple format. You do not need to arrange a separate boat, find a restaurant at each stop, or work out a route between the islands. The trade-off is a shared boat, with a maximum group size of 30 people. That is manageable for a popular El Nido route, but it will not feel like a quiet private cruise.

The total cost needs a close look. The environmental fee is not included, and the stated amount is ₱400 per person. Big Lagoon access is listed at ₱200 per person, and a kayak for Big Lagoon costs ₱350 per person. Snorkeling equipment is listed at ₱150, while aqua shoes are available for ₱150.

Those charges do not automatically make the tour poor value. They simply mean you should calculate the real cost before booking. If your version of Tour A uses Big Lagoon, ask exactly which fees apply and whether equipment is optional or needed for that stop.

Secret Lagoon: a short stop with a big payoff

The first listed stop is Secret Lagoon, reached through an island with a white-sand beach and clear water. You have about 30 minutes here, so treat it as a compact scenic stop rather than a long beach afternoon.

The appeal is the contrast between the open beach and the enclosed lagoon. You can spend time looking across the water from shore, swimming, and exploring the lagoon access area. The limestone setting gives this stop the classic El Nido feel without requiring a full day in one place.

Thirty minutes passes quickly. If you want photographs, a swim, and a look at the lagoon, keep moving with purpose. The beach itself may be just as attractive as the lagoon, so do not assume the most interesting view is only inside.

This is also where extra charges may matter. The tour information lists a Big Lagoon user fee separately from the environmental fee, but route details can vary between the three tour styles. Check the exact plan for your booking so you know if a lagoon charge or kayak rental applies.

Shimizu Island offers shade, swimming, and lunch potential

Shimizu Island is listed as another 30-minute stop. Its white-sand beach is backed by lush trees, giving you a place to sit out of the sun between swims.

The water is described as clear and blue, and the island works well as a quick break from the boat. I would use this stop for a swim, a few photographs, and a look at the coral-rich waters rather than expecting a long walk or a packed sightseeing program.

Short stops are common on a five-island day. They let you see more of the area, but they also require you to accept a little rushing. If you want extended beach time, a private boat or a slower itinerary may suit you better.

Food is an important part of the day. Lunch is included, and the meal can be substantial, with rice, fish, chicken, pork, vegetables, and fruit. One guide and crew team was able to arrange vegan food, but you should state dietary needs when booking and confirm them at the start of the day.

Seven Commando Beach gives you the longest listed break

Seven Commando Beach has a listed stop of one hour, making it the most generous time allocation in the published itinerary. Its limestone mountain backdrop and thick greenery frame a white-sand beach where you can swim and take a proper rest.

That extra half hour compared with Secret Lagoon and Shimizu Island makes a real difference. You can enjoy the water without immediately watching the clock, then dry off and settle into the next part of the trip.

The beach is presented as a place to refresh, not as a cultural site or hiking destination. Keep your expectations focused on sea, sand, shade, and scenery. If the boat is full, the shared beach experience may feel social rather than secluded.

One useful detail is that some departures have taken a reverse direction from the main flow of other boats. If your guide follows that pattern, you may encounter less crowding at certain stops. It is not guaranteed, but it is worth asking the crew about the day’s route.

The other stops depend on your selected Tour A version

The tour description presents three route choices, each with a different theme. One emphasizes hidden beaches and shrines, another combines lagoons and beaches, and another focuses on caves and coves. Each option is designed around five island or coastal stops.

The supplied schedule names Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Seven Commando Beach, but it does not provide the names or exact timing of every stop. That means you should not assume every booking follows the same sequence. Confirm the five stops before you pay, especially if one particular lagoon or beach is the reason you are booking.

This flexible structure can work well for couples, families, and first-time visitors who want a broad taste of El Nido. It is less suitable if you want a very specific snorkeling site or a carefully paced photography itinerary.

Free snorkel equipment is mentioned in the general tour description, while the cost section lists snorkeling equipment at ₱150. Because those details do not fully match, ask the operator what is included in your selected package. Bring your own gear if you already have it and want to avoid uncertainty.

Aqua shoes may also help at rocky or shallow entries, but they are not included. Rental is listed at ₱150 per person. Do not treat them as a compulsory purchase unless the crew confirms that a particular stop requires them.

Lunch is one of the stronger parts of the day

The food adds real value to a long boat trip. You are not left to find lunch on an island, and the meal can include several kinds of protein, vegetables, fruit, and rice.

The meal has been described as generous and well presented, with fish, chicken, pork, vegetables, and fruit. That variety is useful in a group setting because one dish is unlikely to suit everyone. If you do not eat meat or have a specific dietary need, make the request in advance and check that it has been noted.

Lunch also gives the group a natural pause. Island hopping can become a string of quick swims and boat rides, so a proper meal helps break up the day. The exact serving location and menu are not specified, so do not book this expecting a restaurant-style meal or a guaranteed dish.

I would carry a little extra drinking water and keep valuables protected from spray. The supplied details confirm lunch and boat transfers, but they do not promise dry storage, towels, or other personal items.

Guides and crew can shape the whole experience

A good boat crew matters on a day with several short stops. You need clear instructions, help boarding, guidance around the lagoons, and someone who keeps lunch and departures moving.

A guide named Ariel received especially strong praise for being attentive and helpful. The crew associated with LoveLynne Tours was also praised for taking care of the group, though the listed provider here is Corazon Travel and Tours. That difference is worth noting: the operating crew may vary, so confirm the provider and guide details on your booking confirmation.

Some parts of the day may feel less polished. One account describes the tour as disorganized while still finding the crew friendly and service-minded. Another described boarding in chest-high water before reaching the boat ladder. Water conditions and beach access can vary, so wear clothing suitable for getting wet and keep phones in a waterproof pouch.

The maximum group size is 30. That is large enough for delays when everyone boards, gathers for lunch, or returns from the water. It also means you can expect a social outing rather than a quiet, personal guide service.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would recommend this tour to you if you want the main El Nido scenery in one day and care about value. It suits first-time visitors, couples, groups of friends, and families who are comfortable with a shared boat and a busy schedule.

You will get the most from it if you enjoy swimming, beach time, short scenic stops, and a little uncertainty in the day’s rhythm. The included lunch and boat transfers simplify planning, while the $24 starting price keeps the basic outing within reach.

It is less suitable if you dislike getting wet, need a private boat, want long stays at each beach, or are uncomfortable with extra fees. The route may also disappoint you if you expect every tour to include the same five stops. Confirm the exact version before booking.

The tour is weather dependent. If poor conditions cancel the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. For a full refund when canceling yourself, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.

Practical details for the 9:00 a.m. start

The meeting point is Mabuhay Sports Bar in El Nido, Palawan, and the tour ends back there. Downtown transport is included, so this is convenient if you are staying in the central El Nido area.

The experience lasts approximately six to eight hours. That range allows for changes in sea conditions, boarding time, lunch, and the number of stops. Keep your evening plans flexible rather than booking a tight connection immediately afterward.

Confirmation is provided at booking, and the activity is near public transportation. Most people can participate, but the supplied details do not give a specific accessibility plan for boat boarding, beach landings, or lagoon access. If you have mobility concerns, contact the operator before paying.

Pack swimwear, sun protection, a waterproof phone case, and cash for listed fees or rentals. A dry change of clothes is sensible, especially since boarding may involve wading through water.

Should you book El Nido Tour A?

Book it if you want an affordable, full-day introduction to El Nido’s beaches and lagoons, and you are happy sharing a boat with up to 30 people. The strongest reasons are the attractive starting price, included lunch, local guide, boat transfers, and the chance to visit several famous stops in one outing.

Before booking, confirm the exact five-stop route, the current environmental and lagoon fees, and whether snorkeling gear is included or charged separately. If you want a quieter day, a private boat would be a better fit. For a straightforward group adventure with strong scenery and a generous meal, Tour A offers good value once you budget for the extras.

FAQ

How long does El Nido Tour A last?

The tour lasts approximately six to eight hours.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 9:00 a.m.

Where does the tour meet?

The meeting point is Mabuhay Sports Bar in El Nido, Palawan. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

What is included in the tour?

Lunch, a local guide, and boat transfers are included. Round-trip transport from downtown El Nido is also included.

Which places are listed on the itinerary?

The listed stops are Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Seven Commando Beach. The tour also offers route choices built around five stops, including lagoons, beaches, caves, coves, hidden beaches, or shrines.

Are the environmental and lagoon fees included?

No. The environmental fee is listed at ₱400 per person, and the Big Lagoon user fee is listed at ₱200 per person.

Are kayaks and snorkeling equipment included?

Kayaks for Big Lagoon are available to rent for ₱350 per person. Snorkeling equipment is listed at ₱150 per person, and aqua shoes are available for ₱150 per person. The general description also mentions free snorkel equipment, so confirm the current inclusion with the operator.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.