El Nido: Island Hopping Tour A Lagoons and Beaches

Four lagoons in one day can feel unreal. This El Nido boat tour through Bacuit Bay is built for Secret Lagoon drama and Big Lagoon kayaking energy, with up to four stops plus snorkeling time. It runs as a shared or private day cruise, so you can choose your crowd level without losing the classic lagoons-and-beaches lineup.

I like that you spend the day in water, not stuck on transfers, and lunch is included so you are not hunting food between stops. The trade-off is Big Lagoon entry is limited, so if it is full you will swap to another spot, and this is one of the most popular tours so you will feel the crowds at key beaches.

Key things I’d plan around before you go

• Secret Lagoon first means you get the quiet-rock-wall feeling before many boats pile in.
• Big Lagoon kayaking is the headline activity, usually requiring a kayak rental and the lagoon’s entry fees.
• Lunch is included, and several people rate the buffet as better than other El Nido tours they tried.
• Snorkeling conditions vary, so having the option for aqua shoes and fins is a smart move.
• Crowds are real at the top sites, especially Big Lagoon and popular beach stops.
• Cruw care shows in the details, with guides like Buddy, Dexter, Mark, Angelo, John, and others mentioned for safety and help in the water.

Bacuit Bay in Eight Hours: How Tour A Sets the Pace

Tour A is a full-day island hopping cruise around Bacuit Bay in Palawan. The schedule is designed to hit the main photo spots and water time without turning the day into a long, exhausting marathon, and you should expect up to four stops total.

You’ll be on a licensed tour boat with life vests provided, and the tour runs about 8 hours. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off listed, and the meeting point can vary by the option you book, so plan to get yourself there on time. If you have a private group, you may get a slightly calmer feel at the stops, since some guides manage timing so you reach places earlier than the standard shared boats.

Secret Lagoon: That Rocky Entrance Is Why You Came

The day starts at the Secret Lagoon, tucked behind jagged rock walls and set up like a little world of its own. The vibe here is part water time and part “how is this tucked in there?” feeling. You will want swimwear ready right away because this is one of those stops where the best minutes feel like the first minutes.

Practically, this is also a good checkpoint stop for comfort. If you are feeling unsure about the whole day, Secret Lagoon is calmer than the more exposed beach areas, and it helps you get your bearings before the bigger-water activities.

One more thing I pay attention to with Secret Lagoon days: show up ready to move. When the group is delayed, the tight timing at the next top sites can mean less time where you want it most.

Shimizu Island and Seven Commandos Beach: White Sand With Real Downtime

After the lagoon, the tour shifts to pure beach time, starting with Shimizu Island. People describe the water as crystal-clear, and you get space to swim, float, and just reset. This is the stop where you stop thinking like a schedule and start thinking like a vacation.

Later comes Seven Commandos Beach, known for its coconut-tree shade and white sand. The beach is a classic El Nido moment, especially if you like laying out, taking photos, and having a simple swim before snorkeling or kayaking pushes come again.

Because this tour is popular, these beach stops can feel busy. The trick is to focus on what you can control, like whether you get out early for photos, or when you take breaks to swap sunscreen and dry off.

Big Lagoon Kayaking: The Best Part, With Limited Entry and Extra Costs

If you want one activity that turns a normal island hopping day into a “seriously, wow” day, it is kayaking in Big Lagoon. People call it the highlight over and over, mainly because you can move through the lagoon at your own pace and spend more time in the water than you would with a quick swim.

But there are two big planning realities here.

First, Big Lagoon entry is limited. The tour notes that if entry is no longer available, you visit a different spot. That means you should not build a day around guaranteed kayak time in Big Lagoon no matter what. Second, Big Lagoon has extra fees and optional gear costs. You will likely pay the Big Lagoon entry fee (200 PHP), and you will also need kayak rental for lagoon access. Aqua shoes and fins are optional rentals too.

Some people reported paying around 300 PHP extra for a kayak, so it is smart to budget cash beyond the headline tour price. The good news is the included safety setup is there too. Life vests are provided, and guides are described as patient and attentive, including for first-time kayakers and even for non-swimmers who still wanted to try.

A timing tip: one rider mentioned the tour started about an hour later and Big Lagoon was full when they arrived. That is not something you can fully predict, but you can reduce the risk by being early at the meeting point and by keeping a flexible mindset about crowds.

Snorkeling in Bacuit Bay: Beautiful Water, But Bring the Right Footwear

This tour includes a snorkeling area, and Bacuit Bay is known for underwater scenery, especially around the calmer sheltered zones. The experience is often more about seeing water life up close than about doing anything technical, which keeps it friendly for a wide range of swimmers.

Still, snorkeling quality can vary by stop. One person said the first snorkeling spot was average, with no fish and sharp corals that made getting to the beach tricky. That is exactly where optional aqua shoes and fins can save your day. If your feet do not like rough ground, pay attention to this rental option before you step into the water.

I also suggest packing for the reality of boat days: if you get motion sickness easily, bring medicine. At least one person specifically warned that the boat ride can affect you, so it is better to be prepared than tough it out.

Lunch on the Boat: More Than a Break, It Affects Your Whole Day

Lunch is included, and that matters because it removes one of the common pain points on island hopping tours: hungry, tired, and trying to find food between transfers. What surprised people on this tour was the quality and variety.

Several guests described the lunch buffet as genuinely strong, with fresh meat and fish, plus vegetables and fruit, and they noted it was plentiful. A couple people said the organization could be improved, but the overall take is that lunch feels like a real meal, not a token plate.

My advice for lunch time is simple: eat early and hydrate. You are going to keep moving, and the water activities can make you forget how thirsty you are until later.

Costs and Value: What You Pay, What You Still Need to Budget

The base price is listed at $23 per person, and on paper that is shockingly low for a full-day boat tour with guide service and lunch. Here is where the value math comes in.

Included:

• Licensed tour guide
• Boat tour of the islands
• Life vests
• Lunch

Not included:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• El Nido eco-tourism development fee (400 PHP)
• Big Lagoon entry fee (200 PHP)
• Aqua shoes, fins, or kayak rentals

So you should expect to pay extra on the ground. You will also want cash, since the instructions say cash should be brought. The eco-tourism development fee is required before boarding the boat, and if you already paid, you should show a copy of your receipt to avoid paying again.

One more money note: kayak access at Big Lagoon involves rental and the extra fees situation. This is why I like planning a little buffer money beyond the tour price. Even if you decide not to rent gear at first, having cash ready gives you flexibility when you see the lagoon and want to commit.

The Crew and Guides: Safety, Photos, and How the Day Actually Feels

Tour A is led by a live guide with English and Tagalog support, and the crew is part of why this tour scores well. Multiple people describe friendly staff and proactive help on the boat.

You will also notice that guides are not just there to point at islands. Names that came up include Buddy, Mark, Dexter, John, Angelo, Edgar, Nathan, plus crew members Jordan and Jojo, and also Kuya Gerald and Kuya Arnold. The common thread is that they help with the activities, including taking photos on your phone and staying attentive about safety.

There is also a safety-minded style in the feedback. Several people talked about how the staff were cautious and patient, including when helping someone who was not confident in kayaking at first. If you are worried about water time, it helps to know that the crew is used to guiding people through it, not just watching.

One realistic caveat: shared tours can involve waiting. One person mentioned the trip was delayed because two people did not show up for more than 50 minutes. That is not usually the day’s fault, but it is a reason to show up early and to keep your expectations flexible.

What to Bring for a Smooth Day on the Water

The basics are clear, and if you pack this list you will feel more comfortable all day:

• Passport or ID card
• Swimwear
• Change of clothes
• Sunscreen
• Cash

What not to bring:

• Smoking
• Luggage or large bags
• Plastic bottles

That plastic bottle rule is one you should take seriously. You are on the water all day, so having a plan for hydration matters. If you can, prepare for the fact that you may need to buy drinks or snacks once you are out, since some riders mentioned ice creams and cold drinks being available for purchase.

Also, keep your essentials easy to grab. When the tour moves from lagoon to beach to water activity again, you do not want to be stuck digging through bags.

Who Tour A Is Best For, and Who Should Skip It

Tour A fits best if you want a classic El Nido day built around lagoons and beaches, with the option to snorkel and kayak. It is a water-focused tour, so comfortable swimming and a willingness to get in and out of the boat matter.

If you have mobility concerns, pay close attention to the operator’s note: it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments and not suitable for wheelchair users. That said, some people with seniors in their group described the crew as patient during boarding and disembarking. Still, I would treat the official suitability warning as your baseline, and only consider it if you know you can handle the physical parts of boat boarding and beach landings.

If you hate crowds, this tour can still be manageable, but you have to accept that popular stops like Big Lagoon can be full. If you want the most relaxed timing, a private group can be worth it for a quieter feel at the sites.

Should You Book Tour A With Corazon Travel & Tours?

I would book Tour A if you want a great-value, full-day taste of Bacuit Bay, with multiple lagoon and beach stops and a strong shot at kayaking in Big Lagoon. The combination of licensed guide support, life vests, and included lunch makes the day feel complete without extra headaches.

I would hesitate if Big Lagoon is the only reason you are going and you have a tight plan that cannot handle limited entry. Crowds are also part of the deal on the most popular El Nido routes, and snorkeling can vary by spot.

If you do book, do three things: bring cash for the eco fee and lagoon fees, pack swim gear and sunscreen, and consider renting aqua shoes and fins if your feet do not handle rough coral well. With that approach, you are set up for a day that hits the highlights of El Nido in one clean, efficient itinerary.

FAQ

How many stops are included on Tour A?

Tour A includes up to four stops total during the day.

What does the tour price include?

The tour includes a licensed tour guide, a boat tour of the islands, life vests, and lunch.

What extra fees should I expect to pay?

You should budget for the El Nido eco-tourism development fee (400 PHP) and the Big Lagoon entry fee (200 PHP). These are not included in the base tour price.

Do I need to pay the eco-tourism fee before boarding?

Yes. The eco-tourism development fee is required before you board the tour boat. If you already paid, bring a copy of your receipt to show the guide to avoid paying again.

Is kayaking included or an add-on?

Kayaking is not listed as included. A kayak rental is available as an option, and Big Lagoon entry can involve additional fees and the need for a rental to access the area.

What should I bring with me?

Bring your passport or ID card, swimwear, a change of clothes, sunscreen, and cash.

What is not allowed on the tour?

Smoking is not allowed, and you should not bring luggage or large bags. Plastic bottles are also not allowed.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The tour is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments and wheelchair users.