El Nido Island Hopping Tour A with Lunch

Secret lagoons and clear water come fast. This El Nido Island Hopping Tour A with Lunch runs about 6 to 8 hours and takes you around five islands, with lunch along the way and round-trip transport from downtown.

I like two things most. First, the day ends up feeling well looked after, with crew members who stay attentive and a guide who knows the route, including Ariel being called out in one great write-up. Second, the lunch is actually a highlight, with a big spread that can include fruits, veggies, fish, chicken, pork, and rice.

One consideration matters for your budget: the tour price does not cover certain local fees, including an Eco-Tourism Development Fee ₱400 and a Big Lagoon User’s Fee ₱200. If you plan ahead and set aside cash, the day feels like good value instead of a surprise.

Key things to know before you go

• Five island stops with a built-in rhythm (about 30 minutes at some beaches, longer at others) so you keep moving
• Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Seven Commando Beach are part of the loop, with other stops added to make five total
• Lunch on the boat can be a real meal, not a sad snack, and it may include vegan options on request
• Bring cash for fees tied to the local sites (eco fee and lagoon user fee)
• Snorkel and water-shoe rentals can cost extra, depending on what you pick during check-in
• Maximum group size is 30, which usually keeps the day from feeling chaotic

What Tour A gets you in El Nido

El Nido island hopping is the kind of plan that looks simple on paper and then somehow turns into a full day of wow. Tour A does that job well: you spend your time on the water, you bounce between beaches and lagoons, and you get a proper lunch break instead of skipping meals.

The tour is priced at $24 per person, and the deal gets better when you treat it like a day out, not just a boat ride. You’re getting boat transfers plus a local guide, and you also get round-trip transport from downtown El Nido. For many people, that combo is where the value lives, because you do not need to organize multiple boats, tickets, and schedules yourself.

The group size is capped at 30 travelers, which matters. In crowded seasons, the difference between a small-to-mid group and a huge group is how often you wait, how quickly you can snorkel, and how calm the boat feels.

The route: what you’ll see, stop by stop

Your itinerary includes five island stops total. The information I have names three of them clearly, and you’ll also get two additional stops as part of the full loop. The order can vary, and one note from a guide-based write-up mentioned going in the reverse direction compared to many other tours, which can help you avoid peak crowds at certain spots.

Secret Lagoon: the “short stop, big payoff” moment

Secret Lagoon is tucked on an island with a pristine white beach and crystal clear water. The plan here is mostly about the view, the beach time, and then getting a chance to explore the lagoon area. You should expect about 30 minutes at this stop, with the admission ticket included.

The key thing to know is that 30 minutes goes quickly once you’re in the water. If you want photos and snorkel time, keep your essentials easy to reach and be ready to move when the crew calls you back to the boat.

Shimizu Island: shade, swim time, and a calm beach vibe

Shimizu Island is another white-sand stop, but the standout is the mix of beach and greenery. There are lush green trees that offer shade, and the water is described as clear blue. You’ll also get around 30 minutes here, with admission included.

This is the stop I’d treat as your reset. You can swim, cool off, and take a breather between the more “active” parts of the route. If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to talk with your guide and learn what to look for in the water, this is also where that tends to fit.

Seven Commando Beach: longer time, more nature feel

Seven Commando Beach is where the pace slows down. You get about 1 hour, and the description focuses on limestone formations, greenery, and a sense of mental and physical refresh.

Even if you never plan to snorkel deeply, an hour at a beach like this gives you breathing room: you can swim, relax, and explore the shoreline. It’s also a good place to regroup if you skipped gear at the earlier stops.

The two additional stops: expect more beaches and lagoon scenery

Since the names of the remaining two stops are not included in the details I received, you should go in expecting more El Nido-style scenery like lagoons, coves, beaches, or caves, depending on the day’s exact schedule. The important part is the overall plan: five island stops, a mix of quick beach visits and at least one longer beach stretch, plus lunch and guide support.

Money math: the $24 price and the fees you should plan for

Let’s do the practical part first. The advertised $24 per person is a starting point, but you’ll likely pay additional local fees on top of the tour price. The exclusions list includes:

• El Nido Eco-Tourism Development Fee: ₱400 per person
• Big Lagoon User’s Fee: ₱200 per person
• Optional rentals: snorkeling equipment ₱150, aqua shoes ₱150, and kayak access to Big Lagoon ₱350 (if applicable to your day)

This is where people can feel burned if they show up without cash or without checking what they need to pay. One piece of feedback specifically called out confusion around environmental fees being charged as the sum of listed items, so the best move is simple: have the amounts ready and ask what you’re paying for before you hand it over.

Is it still worth it? Usually, yes, because you are not just paying for scenery. You’re paying for entry access, boat transfers, and a guide who keeps the day organized. When you budget correctly, the math typically feels fair for a full day on the water.

Lunch on the water: why it matters more than you think

I love island hopping that includes lunch, because it keeps the day from turning into an energy crash. On this tour, lunch is listed as included, and in one top-rated write-up, the meal was described as a huge spread with plenty of variety, including fruits, veggies, fish, chicken, pork, and rice.

That’s not just comfort food, either. Lunch is timing. It means you can focus on enjoying each stop instead of constantly wondering where the nearest meal is. And one helpful note from a positive review: vegan options were arranged for someone who asked.

My practical tip: if you have dietary needs, communicate them early when you confirm or when you meet your crew. You’ll get smoother service and less stress later.

Snorkeling, kayaks, and rentals: how to avoid awkward surprises

Snorkeling is often the reason people sign up for El Nido, but rental costs and gear availability can vary by operator and day. The tour overview notes snorkel equipment rentals, while the excluded list includes a ₱150 per person cost for snorkeling equipment. That tells me you should treat snorkeling gear as something to confirm during check-in.

Kayaks are another add-on area. If your day involves accessing Big Lagoon by kayak, the excluded info lists ₱350 per person for kayak use. One review mentioned kayaking felt like a waste of time for someone who isn’t a kayaker, which makes sense. If you do not want to paddle or you get tired easily, ask how the kayak part works before you commit to the extra cost.

Aqua shoes can also help. They’re listed as rentable for ₱150 per person. If you hate sand and rocks or you worry about footing getting in and out of the water, renting shoes is often money well spent.

Boats, timing, and the not-so-glamorous moments

Island hopping has a romantic photo angle, but the practical parts matter. This is a boat day with multiple stops, so expect transitions: moving from boat to beach and back, paying attention to safety instructions, and staying flexible with time.

One review flagged the start as intense because people had to wade through chest-high water to reach the ladder. That’s not guaranteed on every day, and conditions can change with tide and sea state, but it’s smart to know this kind of transfer can be part of the experience.

So pack accordingly. Bring water-friendly sandals or shoes, secure your phone in a dry bag, and keep sunscreen accessible. You’ll also want a plan for wet hair and saltwater eyes, because your day is mostly sun plus sea.

Guide and crew energy: what makes the day feel smooth

The best island hopping tours are the ones where you do not feel like you’re guessing what comes next. The tour includes a local guide and boat transfers, and the tone from positive feedback is consistent: the crew is service-minded and helpful.

A name you might hear in connection with good guidance is Ariel, mentioned in one write-up as extremely helpful and attentive. Another praised option credited LoveLynne tours as the host for Tour A, with care from the crew throughout the day.

Why should you care? Because good crew work shows up in small ways: timing stops so you get the water you want, organizing lunch smoothly, and making sure people understand where to go and when to board again.

Who Tour A is best for

This tour fits well if you want a classic El Nido day without going full DIY. It’s a smart match for:

• People who want five island stops but also want lunch handled
• Travelers who prefer a mid-sized group (up to 30 travelers)
• Snorkel fans who plan to bring or rent gear and stay on schedule
• Couples, small families, and friends who want shared logistics and a guide’s direction

It may feel less ideal if you hate paying extra fees at the last minute or you dislike variable rental pricing for snorkeling and shoes. In that case, your success depends on your preparation and your willingness to confirm costs at check-in.

How this compares to other styles of El Nido hopping

Tour A sits in the “structured day” category. You get multiple stops, fixed time blocks at some locations, and a lunch plan. That structure is a plus when you want a predictable flow and when weather or sea conditions change, because the crew can adjust the day while still hitting the core stops.

If you’re the type who wants total freedom, private tours can offer more control. But you usually pay more for that flexibility. Tour A is a value-leaning option that trades some independence for simplicity and a guided route.

Should you book El Nido Island Hopping Tour A with Lunch?

If your goal is a classic El Nido island hopping day with lunch and a clear plan, I’d book it. The combination of boat transfers, a local guide, and lunch is what turns this into a full, comfortable day instead of a half-planned scramble.

Just go in with one mindset: budget for site fees. With ₱400 eco development plus ₱200 for the lagoon user fee, plus optional rentals, your final spend can rise quickly if you do not prepare. When you plan for that, the day typically feels like good value for five scenic stops.

If you want a final quick checklist, do this:

• Bring cash for eco and lagoon fees
• Confirm snorkeling and water-shoe rental costs before paying
• Tell the crew about dietary needs
• Wear water-ready shoes and expect wading at the boat transfer

FAQ

Is lunch included on El Nido Island Hopping Tour A?

Yes. Lunch is listed as included, along with a local guide and boat transfers.

How many islands does Tour A visit?

Tour A visits five islands during the tour. The details provided name Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Seven Commando Beach, and there are two additional stops to complete the five.

What extra fees should I expect to pay?

The information provided lists extra fees for El Nido Eco-Tourism Development Fee (₱400 per person) and Big Lagoon User’s Fee (₱200 per person). Snorkeling equipment use (₱150 per person), aqua shoes rentals (₱150 per person), and kayak use to access Big Lagoon (₱350 per person) are listed as not included.

Where does the tour start and how long does it last?

The meeting point is MABUHAY Sports Bar, El Nido, Palawan, and the start time is 9:00 am. The activity ends back at the meeting point. Duration is listed as about 6 to 8 hours.

What is the maximum group size?

The tour has a maximum of 30 travelers.

What happens if weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.