El Nido Group Tour A with Beach Lunch

Lagoon time in El Nido is unreal. This half-day style day trip strings together limestone lagoons and secluded beaches you reach by boat, so the scenery feels like the main event. I love the mix of kayaking and swimming you can do on the lagoons, and I also like how the route includes the more dramatic Secret Lagoon moment, not just the usual big-splash photo stops. One thing to consider, especially with kids, is that life jacket options can be limited, so ask ahead for smaller sizes.

The day runs about 7 hours, starting at 9:00 am, and keeps to a manageable group size (up to 50 people). You also get beach lunch in the mix, which matters in El Nido where snacks and drinks can quietly add up if you are not ready.

Key Things I’d Prioritize Before You Go

• Big Lagoon kayaking and swims give you the calm-water start that makes the rest of the day feel effortless
• Secret Lagoon time means you get that limestone wall entrance experience and a sheltered pool to yourself for a spell
• Shimizu Island snorkeling is simple and short, so plan for rentals and don’t expect an all-day reef party
• Seven Commando Beach has real beach breaks, including lunch on the sand
• Crew and guides are hands-on, with extra help for people with limited mobility, but you still need to move around
• Kayak and mask rentals are extra, so bring cash or plan ahead if you want both

Why This El Nido Lagoon Circuit Feels Different

This is the kind of El Nido tour that makes sense if you want variety without spending your whole day transferring between places. You are not just staring at cliffs from shore. You are inside the lagoon systems, in the water, and moving between beaches where the cliffs actually frame the swimming.

What makes it especially appealing is the sequencing. You start with Big Lagoon, where the water is clear and calm enough to do real kayaking. Then you work your way through stops that shift from scenic swimming pockets to snorkel time and, finally, a proper beach hang at Seven Commandos with lunch.

I also like the overall vibe because it is adventure plus recovery. Even if you are not a hardcore snorkeler, you still get rewarding water time at multiple stops.

Price and What It Really Covers at $44.95

At $44.95 per person, this tour is priced like an all-in day tour, but it is not 100 percent all-in. The price is doing some work for you, though. You get lagoon entrance included (there is a stated lagoon entrance fee of P200 per person) and the environmental fee is included as well (P400 per person, and it is valid for 14 days). Lunch is also included at the beach.

Where the value becomes personal is what you choose to add. Kayak use is not included in the base price, and masks and snorkels are also not included. The kayak rental is P400 per kayak for two people, and the mask and snorkel set is P100 per set. If you want to do both, factor those extras in and you will feel the math click into place.

Drinks are not included, so bring a plan for water and basic refueling. In hot weather, drinks become a daily budget line fast, even when the tour itself is a good deal.

Net: If you will snorkel and take a kayak at least once, you are paying for access plus logistics, and then topping up with rentals. If you only want to swim and relax, you can keep costs down and still get a full day.

Getting Going: 9:00 am Start, Town Pickup, and a Max of 50

The tour starts at 9:00 am and runs about 7 hours. That timing is good because it gets you to the lagoons earlier when the day is still working its way up to peak heat and boat traffic.

Pickup is offered, but it is only free inside El Nido town. If you are outside town, expect an extra charge. The meeting setup is designed so you can get to the start point without a long pre-dawn scramble, and the activity is listed as near public transportation.

Group size matters here. With a maximum of 50 travelers, you are not in a tiny private boat situation, but you also are not packed like a sardine tour. Still, you will share the day, so be ready for queues when you switch from boat to water and back.

Also note a practical detail from how these day trips run in El Nido: even when the crew is helpful, you may still need to walk in shallow water and climb a ladder each time you board. That is not a deal breaker for most people, but it is a real consideration if mobility is limited.

Stop 1, Big Lagoon: Kayak Time and the Best Scenery Start

Big Lagoon is your first major payoff, with clear turquoise water and towering limestone cliffs rising straight from the shore. The activities are built around being on the water, not just looking at it.

You get about 1 hour 30 minutes here, and that time is what you will feel later in the day. If you are going to rent a kayak, Big Lagoon is the best place to do it because the water is calmer and the views are wide open. You can also swim and snorkel in this area to see tropical fish.

One reality check: snorkeling here tends to be more casual than you might imagine. The reef life can be present, but it may not be huge or constant. Your best odds are to stay patient, keep your snorkeling pace steady, and remember that visibility and fish presence can change with conditions.

If you are traveling with kids, life jackets matter. I would plan to ask ahead for small sizes if you have a small child. It can make the difference between a relaxed water day and constant adjustments.

Stop 2, Shimizu Island: Snorkeling That’s Short and Close

Shimizu Island is another 1 hour 30 minutes stop, and it is built for snorkeling. The water is known for being clear, and the goal is to explore coral areas where you might see colorful marine life.

Here is the practical part. Snorkeling gear is not included in the base price, so if you want to snorkel, you will likely rent a mask and snorkel set (P100 per set). The rental process is usually straightforward, but if you want a smooth start, handle rentals right away rather than waiting until you feel rushed.

Also, manage expectations on what you will see underwater. The snorkeling can be more like a quick peek than a full-on reef show. Fish you spot might be small, and you may only find the bigger sightings now and then. That said, it is still worth doing for the clear water and the chance to see coral in a protected marine setting.

If you are sensitive to the sun, bring reef-safe sunscreen and plan your snorkel time for when you are comfortable. You are often in the sun even if you are not moving fast.

Stop 3, Payong-Payong Beach: A Quiet Reset Between Bigger Stops

Payong-Payong Beach is where the day slows slightly. You get about 1 hour here, and the setting is all about relaxing in clear, shallow water with white sand and cliffs that make the beach feel tucked in.

This stop is especially nice if you need a mental break from constant boat-to-water transitions. After Big Lagoon and then snorkeling on Shimizu Island, your legs may feel it. Payong-Payong gives you that cushion time to swim gently, wade around, and do some sand time.

The “shallow and clear” combination matters. It is easier to stand, easy to cool off, and easier to manage if you are not a confident swimmer. If you are wearing snorkel gear, it can also be a good time to use what you rented without committing to a long underwater session.

Stop 4, Secret Lagoon: The Limestone Wall Entrance Moment

Secret Lagoon is the emotional peak of this itinerary for a lot of people, and for good reason. It is reached through a small opening in a limestone wall, which gives you that sense of discovery the first time you see it.

You get about 1 hour 30 minutes here. That is enough time to swim, pause for photos, and take a slow breath because the setting is sheltered by cliffs. The lagoon is a secluded pool in a pocket of rock, so even when there are other boats around, the space can feel more intimate than open beaches.

Here’s how I would experience it if you want to get the most out of the time: go in early in the stop window, swim a little, then take a few minutes just floating and watching the rock walls. Secret Lagoon is less about long kayaking and more about being in the space and enjoying the transformation from bright open sky to framed water.

If you get seasick, this is also one of those spots where you might feel calmer. The water can feel more contained, and the activities are more focused on swimming and short explorations.

Stop 5, Seven Commando Beach: Lunch on the Sand and Real Beach Time

Seven Commando Beach is a classic El Nido stop for a reason: white sand, clear blue water, and coconut palms lining the shore. You get about 1 hour 30 minutes here, which is long enough to do more than just quick photos.

Lunch is included here, served as beach lunch. This is a big deal in terms of value. It means you are not hunting for food between stops, and you are not stuck paying for overpriced snacks to keep you going.

Also, think about the “how” of your beach time. This is one of the better places to plan for a full reset. Swim, rest, then snack, then swim again. If you are tired from ladders, sun, and saltwater, this is where you can recover.

A helpful tip from people who have done this day: take a waterproof bag or cover for your phone and valuables, and wear suitable footwear for getting in and out around the sea. Even if the water looks friendly, the rocky edges and step-in zones can be rough.

And yes, bring your own water logic. Drinks like soda and water are not included, so decide if you want to buy at stops or carry your own.

Boat Feel, Crew Support, and What Mobility Really Means

One of the best parts of this tour is the crew approach. The boat driver and guides are described as fun, helpful, and attentive. That matters when you are on a schedule and bouncing between landings.

If you have limited mobility, you still need to know what the routine asks of you. You may have to walk in the water and climb the ladder each time you board. That can be manageable with assistance, and the crew can be supportive, but you are not going to avoid physical steps on a boat tour like this.

So if you are traveling with an older relative or someone with mobility challenges, consider the day as “helped participation” rather than “no movement needed.” If your group can handle short climbs and shallow water steps, this tour can work well.

If your group needs fully step-free access, you may want a different style of tour.

What to Pack for a Smooth Lagoon Day

This is one of those trips where packing smart beats packing fancy. You are spending hours around water, sun, and repeated boardings, so bring gear that prevents small annoyances from becoming big ones.

My practical packing list for a day like this:

• Waterproof bag or dry pouch for your phone and documents
• Suitable footwear for walking around sea entry points
• Sunscreen and a hat, because you will be in strong sun between swims
• A small towel or quick-dry cloth
• If you plan to snorkel, plan for the rentals and bring your own comfort preference if you have a favorite mask

Also think about life jackets for smaller kids. If your child is small, ask in advance about smaller life jacket options. It is the kind of detail that improves everything.

Snorkeling Reality: How to Get More From Shimizu Island and Seven Commando

Snorkeling on this route is the kind that works best with the right mindset. You are not being asked to do long, technical sessions. You are being given windows to look around coral and fish areas, then move on.

If you want to see more:

• Keep your movements slow and steady
• Stay relaxed, because frantic kicking scatters everything
• Watch for coral edges where fish hang out

And remember the fish you see may be small. That can be normal, especially depending on currents and where the snorkelers cluster. It does not mean the snorkeling is a waste. It just means you should aim for short, focused checks rather than expecting huge schools everywhere.

If you are someone who wants intense snorkeling, you might find this too light. If you want a day that includes snorkeling but also includes multiple lagoon swims and beaches, this balance can be exactly right.

Who This Tour A Is Best For

I think this tour fits best if you want a full El Nido water day with variety and you are okay with a casual snorkeling approach.

You will likely enjoy it if:

• You like kayaking on calm water
• You want lagoon scenery plus beach time
• You like having lunch included so you can stay focused on the day
• Your group can handle ladders and walking in shallow water at boardings

You might want to skip it or adjust plans if:

• You are expecting top-tier snorkeling with lots of big fish on every stop
• You need a fully step-free experience with no ladder climbing
• You travel without the mindset to do optional rentals (kayak and snorkel set)

The tour is listed as most travelers can participate, so that is encouraging. Just do the reality check on physical steps and the sun.

Should You Book El Nido Adventure Tours Tour A With Beach Lunch?

I would book this tour if your priority is a day packed with multiple lagoon and beach moments plus beach lunch, and you are fine treating kayaking and snorkeling gear as optional add-ons rather than included extras. The included lagoon entrance, environmental fee, and lunch make the base price feel more reasonable than it might at first glance.

If you are the type who needs big, dramatic snorkeling every time, you may feel underwhelmed. But if you want clear-water swimming, dramatic limestone settings, and a crew that keeps the day running smoothly, it is a strong pick.

Quick decision checklist:

• Want kayaking on Big Lagoon, yes or no?
• Comfortable with ladders and some walking in the water, yes or no?
• Happy with short snorkeling windows and renting gear, yes or no?

If you answered yes to the first two and yes to the third, you will probably love the way this day moves.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 9:00 am.

How long is the tour?

It runs for about 7 hours (approx.).

Is pickup included?

Pickup is offered with free pickup only within El Nido town. Pickup outside El Nido town has an extra charge.

What is included in the tour price?

Included items are lagoon entrance (P200 per person), the environmental fee (P400 per person, valid for 14 days), and lunch at the beach.

Are kayaking and snorkeling included?

No. Kayak rentals cost P400 per kayak (good for 2 persons), and mask and snorkel rentals cost P100 per set.

What drinks are included?

Drinks like water or soda are not included.

Which stops are on the itinerary?

The tour includes Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Payong-Payong Beach, Secret Lagoon, and Seven Commando Beach.

Is there a limit on group size?

Yes, the tour has a maximum of 50 travelers.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.

What happens if weather is poor?

This tour requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.