EL NIDO: Private Island Hopping Tour A with BUFFET LUNCH

Big Lagoon is the star of this day. Your boat slips between limestone walls into a calm pool of blue-green water, then you paddle farther in by kayak. Tour A packs El Nido’s most famous sights into one private eight-hour outing, with swimming, snorkeling, a buffet lunch, and several beaches along the way.

I like the free pickup in El Nido Town and Corong-corong, and I like that the private boat lets your guide adjust the pace instead of moving you through every stop with a large group. Guides such as Julius, Leonard, and Cyron have earned special praise for friendly help, photographs, and attention on the boat.

The main caution is timing. A private tour is most useful when it leaves early, but one poor experience involved a late departure that led to crowded sites and missed parts of the plan. Weather can also change the route, and the extra lagoon and environmental fees are not included in the $139 price.

Key Points Before You Book

• Big Lagoon is the visual highlight: Kayak through towering limestone cliffs and calm, clear water.
• Secret Lagoon requires a squeeze: You enter through a small opening in the rock, so bring suitable footwear and take care around the passage.
• Lunch location can change: The guide chooses the lunch stop, usually around Shimizu Island or Payong-Payong Beach.
• The private format has real value: You get your own group, boat crew, guide, and one included kayak rather than joining a large shared party.
• Snorkeling is worthwhile but not guaranteed to impress: Shimizu Island offers coral and fish, though conditions and expectations vary.
• Budget for extra charges: The listed government fees are 200 for lagoon access and 400 for the environmental fee.

What This $139 Private Day Actually Gives You

At $139 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see El Nido. The value comes from having a private group, a licensed boat and crew, hotel pickup within the stated areas, lunch, drinks, fruit, snorkeling equipment, life jackets, and one kayak included.

You also avoid arranging separate transport between several beaches and islands. That matters in El Nido, where the best spots are spread across the water and weather can affect the route. A private guide can also help with boarding, photography, and the timing of your stops.

The price does not cover everything. You must pay the 200 lagoon entrance fee and 400 environmental fee, and additional kayak rental costs extra. Hotel drop-off is not included, so plan for your own return from the final stop.

The private setup suits couples, families, or a small group that values control over the day. It is less attractive if you are happy to share a boat and mainly want the lowest possible fare.

Starting in El Nido Town or Corong-corong

Pickup is included from accommodation in El Nido Town and Corong-corong. You provide your hotel name when booking, then meet the boat team for the day’s departure.

The outing lasts about eight hours. That sounds generous, but five major stops, boat transfers, lunch, and boarding time fill the day quickly. Ask for an early start if possible. The private format gives you a better chance of avoiding the busiest periods, but only if the boat leaves early enough.

Your crew includes a licensed captain, licensed guide, and boat staff. English and Tagalog are offered. The guide manages the route, explains the stops, and can help with activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, and entering Secret Lagoon.

Bring cash for the extra fees and small purchases. You should also pack a waterproof bag, towel, change of clothes, biodegradable sunscreen, beachwear, and either closed-toe or waterproof shoes. Plastic bags, smoking, alcohol, drugs, and littering are not allowed.

7 Commandos Beach: A Gentle First Stop

7 Commandos Beach gives the day an easy start. You get white sand, coconut trees, clear water, and limestone cliffs close to shore. The name comes from a local story about seven commandos who supposedly lived here after World War II.

This is a good place to swim, take photographs, and settle into the rhythm of the boat day. The beach has rustic bars and small shops, so you may be able to buy a cold drink or snack, though cash is sensible.

I would not treat 7 Commandos as a long, secluded beach escape. It is one of the well-known stops on Tour A, and its popularity can mean more people around. Your guide allows roughly an hour here, which is enough for a swim and photos without using up the day.

Wear footwear that is easy to remove and carry. You will be moving between boat, beach, and water several times, and wet gear quickly becomes part of the routine.

Big Lagoon: The Main Event for Kayaking

Big Lagoon is the reason many people choose Tour A. The boat passes through a narrow entrance, and the view opens into a broad, sheltered pool surrounded by high limestone cliffs. The water shifts between blue and green, with a glassy look that makes the place feel far removed from El Nido town.

One kayak is included. You can paddle through the lagoon while the guide helps with direction and photographs. The kayak is not just an extra activity added to the schedule. It gives you a quieter view of the cliffs and lets you move into parts of the lagoon that a boat cannot reach.

You are scheduled to spend about an hour here, including sightseeing, photos, swimming, and kayaking. That is enough for a taste of the lagoon, but not a long paddle. If kayaking is your main reason for booking, tell the guide early and make sure you understand how the included kayak will be shared within your group.

Take care when boarding and using the kayak. One family reported a fall during a kayak maneuver that caused a child a leg injury. That is a serious reminder to listen to the crew, move slowly, and ask for help getting in and out, especially with children.

Shimizu Island: Snorkeling and the Buffet Lunch

Shimizu Island combines water time with a lunch break. The island is named after a Japanese diver associated with its waters, and the surrounding coral areas offer fish and underwater scenery for snorkeling.

Masks and snorkels are provided, along with life jackets. You can swim near the island and try to spot fish among the coral. Expectations should stay sensible, though. One strong overall assessment of the day still found the snorkeling a little disappointing compared with other places. Water conditions, visibility, and the exact snorkeling area can affect what you see.

Lunch is a buffet, with water, soft drinks, and fruit included. Several parts of the experience receive especially warm praise for the food and catering, and the meal is a useful break after the morning’s water activities.

The exact lunch stop is not fixed. The guide chooses it, and the order may change according to weather. That flexibility is practical, but it means you should not assume lunch will happen at Shimizu Island every time.

You get roughly an hour for the island, including lunch, swimming, snorkeling, and free time. Eat at a relaxed pace, then use the remaining time for the water if conditions are good.

Secret Lagoon: A Short Passage Into the Rock

Secret Lagoon is reached through a small opening in a limestone wall. You squeeze through the entrance and arrive in an enclosed pool surrounded by rock.

The passage is part of the appeal, but it is not suitable for rushing. Wear waterproof shoes or footwear with a firm grip, protect your phone and camera, and keep both hands free as you move through the opening. A guide can assist, particularly with children or anyone who feels unsteady.

One guide, Julius, received specific praise for helping a participant through the opening and for taking photos and videos during the day. That kind of hands-on support is useful here because the entrance is more awkward than the beach stops.

Secret Lagoon is a scenic visit rather than a long swimming session. The space can feel tight when several groups arrive, so your timing matters. A private tour may help your guide adjust the order, but it cannot guarantee an empty lagoon.

Payong-Payong Beach: A Quieter Swim

Payong-Payong Beach is smaller and more peaceful than the headline stops. It has pale sand, clear water, plants, and rock formations that frame the shore.

This is a good place to slow down. You can swim, snorkel, take photographs, or simply sit for a while. The beach works well as a counterpoint to Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon, where the scenery is more dramatic and the main activity involves moving through a confined space.

Payong-Payong may also become the lunch stop, depending on the guide’s decision and the weather. If you prefer to eat at a particular location, ask early, but be prepared for the plan to change.

The schedule gives you about an hour here. That is enough for a swim and a break, though the day’s several stops mean you should not expect a long, lazy beach afternoon.

How the Private Format Affects Your Day

A private group changes the feel of the outing. You are not locked into the pace of strangers, and your guide can focus on your group’s needs. This is particularly helpful for families, people who want photographs, or anyone who needs extra help getting on and off the boat.

The crew has also been praised for practical assistance. Julius was described as funny and engaging, while Leonard helped with photos and videos at Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon. Cyron and his crew were praised for attentiveness and the quality of the meal.

Still, private does not mean perfectly controlled. The route depends on weather, and the guide chooses the lunch location. The boat may also encounter crowded conditions at popular sites. The reported late departure is the biggest warning: ask about the start time and aim to leave early.

The tour provides free pickup, but not hotel drop-off. Confirm how you will return before setting out, especially if your accommodation is outside El Nido Town or Corong-corong.

Food, Equipment, and What to Pack

The included food and drinks make this easier than carrying a full day’s supplies. You receive a buffet lunch, water, soft drinks, and fruit. Snorkeling equipment and one kayak are included, and life jackets are provided.

Pack lightly, but do not forget:

• A towel and change of clothes
• Biodegradable sunscreen
• Waterproof shoes or closed-toe shoes
• A waterproof bag for phones and cameras
• Cash for the listed fees and personal purchases
• Beachwear and a camera

A waterproof bag is especially useful because the day involves repeated transfers between boat and shore. Keep small valuables secured and avoid bringing anything you cannot tolerate getting wet.

The tour does not allow plastic bags, smoking, alcohol, drugs, or littering. Those rules protect the water and beaches, and they are easy to follow with a reusable waterproof bag.

Is the Itinerary Reliable?

The advertised stops are 7 Commandos Beach, Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Secret Lagoon, and Payong-Payong Beach. Each is planned for about an hour, but the guide may change the order or destinations because of weather.

That flexibility is important in a sea-based tour. A fixed schedule would be less useful if conditions made one stop unpleasant or unsafe. On the other hand, you should not book this expecting every detail to unfold in a rigid order.

There is also a practical difference between seeing all five places on paper and enjoying them properly. A late start, crowded sites, slow boarding, or rough conditions can reduce time at individual stops. Ask the operator about departure timing and confirm that the day’s route is weather-dependent.

Who Will Like This Tour Most?

I would recommend Tour A to you if you want El Nido’s best-known scenery in one organized day and prefer a private boat to a large shared group. It suits couples who want photographs, families who value crew assistance, and small groups that want to split the cost of a private outing.

It is also a good match if Big Lagoon is your priority. The included kayak gives you more than a quick boat pass and lets you experience the lagoon at water level.

You may want a different option if you want long snorkeling sessions, a very quiet beach day, or the lowest price available. The snorkeling is not guaranteed to be exceptional, and the popular stops can be crowded. Families with young children should take extra care around the kayak and Secret Lagoon entrance.

The experience has a 4.6 rating from seven reviews, with strong praise for the crew, guide support, photographs, and lunch. The poor experience is worth taking seriously because it points to the two things that can most affect the day: a late departure and mishandling of the kayak.

Should You Book El Nido Tour A?

Book it if you want Big Lagoon kayaking, Secret Lagoon, several beaches, and lunch in one private day. The combination gives you a broad introduction to El Nido without arranging each activity separately.

Before paying, confirm the departure time, the extra 200 lagoon fee, the 400 environmental fee, and how the guide plans to handle the included kayak. If you can leave early and accept weather-related changes, the $139 price can be fair for a private group with food, gear, pickup, and a licensed crew.

Skip it if your main goal is advanced snorkeling or a slow, secluded beach day. For most first-time visitors who want the classic El Nido sights, though, this is a well-rounded choice, provided you treat the timetable as flexible and put safety ahead of rushing between stops.

FAQ

How long does the El Nido Private Island Hopping Tour A last?

The tour lasts eight hours.

What places does the tour visit?

The planned stops are 7 Commandos Beach, Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Secret Lagoon, and Payong-Payong Beach.

Is the tour private?

Yes. It is offered for a private group.

Is hotel pickup included?

Free pickup is available from accommodation in El Nido Town and Corong-corong. You need to provide your hotel name when booking.

Is hotel drop-off included?

No. Return drop-off to your hotel is not included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet lunch is included, along with water, soft drinks, and fruit.

Is kayaking included?

One kayak is included. Additional kayak rental costs extra.

Are snorkeling equipment and life jackets provided?

Yes. A mask, snorkel, and life vest or jacket are included.

What extra fees must I pay?

The lagoon entrance fee is listed as 200, and the environmental fee is listed as 400. These government fees are not included in the tour price.

Can the itinerary change?

Yes. The guide chooses the lunch stop, and destinations or the order of stops can change according to weather conditions.