El Nido: Island Hopping Tour A with Kayaking on Big Lagoon

Big Lagoon is the star here. You paddle through still turquoise water beneath tall limestone cliffs, with plenty of time for photos and a close look at one of El Nido’s most famous sights. I like the mix of kayaking and snorkeling, and I like that lunch, drinking water, safety equipment, and a licensed boat are included.

You also get a pleasant beach stop at 7 Commando Beach and a short visit to Secret Lagoon. The main catch is that this is a popular route, so boats and stops can feel crowded, and the low headline price rises once you add the kayak rental and access fees.

Key points at a glance

• Big Lagoon by kayak: Paddle through calm water framed by limestone cliffs. The kayak costs extra, at 300 PHP for two seats or 350 PHP for three seats.
• A full six-hour island day: You get swimming, snorkeling, sightseeing, photos, lunch, and beach time in one outing.
• Five planned highlights: The route covers 7 Commando Beach, Big Lagoon, a snorkeling site, Shimizu Island or Payong-Payong Beach, and Secret Lagoon.
• Lunch with a view: The picnic meal is served at Shimizu Island or Payong-Payong Beach, depending on the day’s plan.
• Friendly guiding style: Guides such as Anderson and Ken Kyle are known for keeping the mood light and fun.
• Several costs are separate: Budget for the 400 PHP environmental fee, 200 PHP Big Lagoon fee, and optional rentals.

Why Big Lagoon gives this tour its shape

Tour A is built around El Nido’s best-known coastal scenery, and Big Lagoon is the part that gives the day its visual punch. The boat brings you toward a narrow opening between limestone walls, then you continue by kayak through quiet water.

The lagoon is not simply a photo stop. Kayaking changes the pace of the day. Instead of looking at the cliffs from a moving boat, you can set your own speed, pause for pictures, and take in the reflections on the water. The rental is not included, so add 300 PHP for a two-person kayak or 350 PHP for a three-person kayak.

You should also know that Big Lagoon access carries a separate 200 PHP fee for one entry. If you want the main reason for choosing this tour, the extra cost is easy to understand. If you are trying to keep the trip as cheap as possible, it is worth adding every fee before you book.

The water and cliffs make this one of the better places on the route for photographs. Bring a waterproof camera or protect your phone carefully. You will be in and around the water for much of the day, and a dry bag or waterproof pouch is a sensible addition, although it is not listed as included.

Starting at Marbers Resto Bar

The meeting point is Marbers Resto Bar on the Calle Hama beach front. Go inside and look for Annabelle or a member of the Alexzus team. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, with no hotel pickup or drop-off included.

That arrangement works well if you are already staying near the meeting area, but it matters if your hotel is farther away. You need to arrange your own way to Marbers in time for the start. Starting times vary, so check availability before making plans around the outing.

The tour uses a licensed tourist boat, licensed captain, and licensed local guide. A life jacket, mask, snorkel, picnic lunch, and purified drinking water are included. These basics make the price useful, though you still need cash for fees, rentals, and any other personal needs.

The group can be private if you choose that option. Otherwise, you should expect the social feel of a shared island boat, especially on a well-known route. The boat and stops can become busy, particularly at the most popular sites.

7 Commando Beach: an easy first stop

The day begins at 7 Commando Beach, where you get about an hour for swimming, sitting on the white sand, and taking pictures. This is a gentle way to start because you can ease into the heat and water before the more active parts of the day.

The beach is described as powdery and white, with clear water suitable for a swim. You can use this stop for a little sunbathing, but bring a hat and sunglasses. There is limited shade information provided, so it is safer to prepare for direct sun rather than count on finding a covered place.

This stop also gives you a chance to check your belongings and adjust your beachwear before kayaking or snorkeling. Pack a change of clothes. Six hours of swimming, sun, and salt water can feel long if you have only one set of clothing.

The drawback is timing. One hour goes quickly, especially if the beach is crowded. If you prefer long stretches of quiet beach time, this tour will feel more like a moving sampler than a slow beach day.

Snorkeling near Advince or South Miniloc

A snorkeling stop near Advince or South Miniloc adds a change of scenery from the beaches and lagoons. The water is promoted for colorful coral reefs and marine life, and the tour supplies a mask and snorkel.

You should expect to swim in an area where the main reward is seeing underwater color and sea life. A life jacket is included, which is useful if you are not a strong swimmer or simply want to conserve energy for the rest of the day.

Fins are optional and cost 150 PHP per pair. Water shoes or aqua shoes cost 100 PHP per pair. These rentals may be useful for comfort, but the supplied information does not say that either is required. Bring cash if you want the choice once you reach the water.

The rules here are important. Do not touch marine life, animals, or plants. That protects the reef and keeps the snorkeling experience low-impact. Smoking, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed on the activity.

Shimizu Island and a picnic lunch

Lunch is served at Shimizu Island or Payong-Payong Beach, depending on the day’s arrangement. You get about 105 minutes for the lunch stop, which gives you time to eat, look around, and enjoy the setting instead of rushing straight back onto the boat.

The picnic format is one of the practical strengths of the tour. You do not need to arrange a separate meal between beach and water stops, and purified drinking water is provided. The food is described as tasty and satisfying, but vegetarian choice may be limited. If you do not eat meat or seafood, the safest expectation is rice and noodles, and you should bring extra snacks.

This is also a good point in the day to use the change of clothes you packed. Six hours in wet beachwear can become uncomfortable, especially if you are sensitive to sun or wind.

Bring snacks even though lunch is included. The tour specifically recommends them, and they can help if you need more food than a picnic serving provides. A small amount of cash is useful for rentals and fees, but keep it protected from spray.

Secret Lagoon behind the rock

Secret Lagoon is the final major attraction before the boat returns to the dockyard. You get about 45 minutes for a guided visit and exploration.

The appeal is the setting behind tall rock formations. The entrance and enclosed feel make this stop different from the open beach and broad lagoon earlier in the day. It is a short visit, so think of it as a compact sight rather than a long swimming session.

This stop can be physically awkward for some people because the route involves rock formations and access around the water. The activity is not recommended for people over 70, and the day includes repeated boarding, swimming, snorkeling, and movement between sites. If you have limited energy or mobility, consider that before booking.

The guide is available in English. One useful improvement would be more explanation at each place. The trip is strong on scenery and activities, but the guiding may feel more focused on keeping the group moving and entertained than on giving long background talks.

The guide makes a difference

The experience includes a live English-speaking guide, and the guiding style is part of its appeal. Anderson and Ken Kyle are among the guides associated with this experience, and they are known for being funny and keeping the group in good spirits.

That matters on a six-hour boat day. You will spend plenty of time moving between stops, getting on and off the boat, and waiting for the next activity. A warm, playful guide can make those transitions easier.

At the same time, do not book this mainly as a formal cultural or nature lecture. The information provided points to a friendly, activity-led day, and some people may want more detail about each location. If you prefer a guide who gives long explanations about geology, ecology, or local history, ask about that before booking.

What the $21 price really covers

At $21 per person, the base price is attractive for a six-hour outing that includes a boat, captain, guide, lunch, drinking water, mask, snorkel, and life jacket. You get several major El Nido sights in one day rather than paying for separate beach and snorkeling trips.

But the final cost is higher. Plan for these required or likely additions:

• Environmental fee: 400 PHP per person, valid for five days
• Big Lagoon access: 200 PHP per person for one entry
• Two-seat kayak: 300 PHP
• Three-seat kayak: 350 PHP
• Water shoes: 100 PHP per pair, if needed
• Fins: 150 PHP per pair, if needed

The environmental fee can be better value if you take other qualifying activities within its five-day validity, though the supplied details do not specify how it applies across every activity. The Big Lagoon fee is tied to one access, so include it when comparing this tour with other options.

Even after those charges, the package can make sense if you want the major sights, lunch, and equipment arranged for you. It is less appealing if you already have access to a kayak, want a quiet private boat, or plan to spend most of the day in one place.

How to prepare for six hours on the water

Wear beachwear and bring a change of clothes. Add sunglasses, a sun hat, insect repellent, snacks, water, and a waterproof camera. The tour provides purified drinking water, but bringing your own bottle can make it easier to drink regularly.

Cash is important because the listed rentals and fees are separate. Keep it in a waterproof pouch. You should also protect phones, cameras, and spare clothing from splashes during the boat rides.

The day includes swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, sunbathing, walking around beaches, and taking pictures. You need enough energy for repeated activity rather than a passive cruise. If you prefer a slow outing with only one swim stop, this may feel busy.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms give you some flexibility, especially when weather or island conditions may affect your plans, but confirm the available departure time before reserving.

Who should book this Tour A outing

I would choose this tour if you want to see the classic El Nido sights in one organized day. It suits couples, friends, and active families who enjoy switching between beach time, snorkeling, kayaking, and sightseeing.

It also works for first-time visitors who do not want to arrange a boat, captain, lunch, and gear separately. The guide, life jackets, mask, snorkel, food, and water take care of the main practical pieces.

I would think twice if crowds bother you. Tour A is popular, and the route can be busy at the stops and on the boat. A private group may offer a better fit if you want more control, though the supplied information does not give the private-group price or schedule.

I would also reconsider it if you need extensive mobility support or are over 70. The tour itself lists people over 70 as unsuitable, and the day requires repeated movement in a marine setting.

Should you book it?

Book this experience if Big Lagoon is high on your list and you want a full day of classic El Nido scenery without arranging the pieces yourself. The best value comes from the combination of kayaking, snorkeling, lunch, beach time, and the licensed boat and guide.

Before paying, add the 400 PHP environmental fee, 200 PHP Big Lagoon fee, and kayak rental to your budget. Bring cash, snacks, sun protection, and a change of clothes. If you can accept a popular route and a lively group atmosphere, this is a practical, active introduction to El Nido’s most famous stops.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Marbers Resto Bar on the Calle Hama beach front. Go inside and look for Annabelle or any staff member from Alexzus.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity ends back at the meeting point after returning to the dockyard area.

Is kayaking included in the price?

No. A two-seat kayak costs 300 PHP, while a three-seat kayak costs 350 PHP.

What is included in the tour?

The tour includes a licensed tourist boat, licensed captain, licensed local guide, mask and snorkel, life jacket, picnic lunch, and purified drinking water.

What extra fees should I expect?

You should budget for a 400 PHP environmental fee and a 200 PHP Big Lagoon access fee. Optional rentals include water shoes at 100 PHP per pair and fins at 150 PHP per pair.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity also offers a reserve-now-and-pay-later option.