El Nido: Island Hopping Tour A

Lagoon hopping in El Nido hits different. Big Lagoon is the headline, and you also get swim, snorkel, and kayak time in Bacuit Bay’s clear waters. The only real catch is that these lagoon spots can feel busy, since they are among the most popular in town.

For $34 for an 8-hour day, you’re paying for a structured boat loop with a live English guide, hotel pickup from El Nido Town, lunch, and skip-the-line convenience. Just plan your budget for extra lagoon and environmental fees, since they are not included.

Key Highlights to Know Before You Go

• Big Lagoon + Small Lagoon + Secret Lagoon on one focused route, built around clear-water time
• Shimizu Island for beach downtime after the lagoon action
• Swim, snorkel, and kayak in Bacuit Bay waters, with the pace kept by a guide
• Skip-the-ticket line so you lose less time before boarding
• Hotel pickup works only from El Nido Town, with far hotels paying extra tricycle fare
• Lunch is included, but mask and snorkel are not, so pack or rent ahead

El Nido Tour A, in Plain Terms: What You Are Really Buying

Tour A is the lagoon-and-islands version of island hopping in El Nido. In one day, you visit Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, and Shimizu Island, with time for water activities like swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking in Bacuit Bay’s clear waters.

The value is not just the destinations. It is the order of the day. You are not hopping around town. You are riding a boat route that keeps you moving between signature spots, while a professional guide helps you with timing and the basic “here is what to do next” flow.

Still, understand what $34 covers and what it does not. Your price includes the guide, boat, lunch, and pickup from El Nido Town. What it does not include are mask and snorkel, plus environmental and lagoon fees that you will need to budget separately. On a full day like this, those extras matter.

Pickup, Meeting Point, and the WhatsApp Tip That Actually Helps

Your pickup is arranged through your hotel, and your hotel sends the details to the operator in WhatsApp, aimed at the nearest hotel meeting point. The key point: do not assume the meeting pin in an app is right.

One verified booking flagged exactly this issue. The person said the meeting point shown in the app was incorrect and that communication afterward was not great. My practical advice is simple: ask your operator or your hotel to confirm the exact meeting spot in WhatsApp before you head out. You do not want to spend your lagoon time wandering.

Plan to be ready at pickup time. You are told to be ready 15 minutes before pickup, so wear something easy to swap into and keep your water stuff accessible.

Boat-Day Reality: What to Bring, What to Wear

This is a water-heavy day. The best gear is the stuff that makes changing and re-entering the water fast.

Bring:

• Hat
• Swimwear
• Camera
• Snacks
• Sunscreen
• Water

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that work for water activities. The goal is not fashion. It is grip, comfort, and not regretting your footwear the moment the boat slows down.

You are also told to bring extra clothes for changing. I treat that as non-negotiable on a day like this. Even if everything goes smoothly, you will get wet, and having a dry layer makes the last stops much more enjoyable.

One more practical note: mask and snorkel are not included. If you do not have your own set, line up a rental plan ahead of time. Otherwise, you will spend the day limited to whatever the boat day has available, and that can cut into your snorkeling time.

Big Lagoon: The Signature Start to Your Lagoon Loop

Big Lagoon is one of the main reasons people choose Tour A. It sits at the start of the route, and the day is designed around getting you lagoon time when you are freshest.

From the tour information, what matters most is the activity setup: this is a clear-water stop with chances to swim and snorkel, plus kayak time in Bacuit Bay waters. If you enjoy being active, this is where you get to put that energy to work.

A realistic expectation: Big Lagoon can also be one of the busier places during the day. That lines up with a review note about crowds being a bit of an issue, which is not surprising for El Nido’s most famous areas.

So here is how you handle that. Keep your expectations flexible. Do not race for the perfect photo spot at the same moment everyone else does. Instead, focus on your own water time. If you are snorkeling, let the water conditions and your comfort guide when you jump in.

Small Lagoon: Shorter, Smoother, Still Worth It

After Big Lagoon, you move to Small Lagoon. This stop keeps the lagoon theme going, so you stay in the same “calm-water experience” lane rather than jumping to a totally different environment too quickly.

The tour info again points to clear-water activity, including swimming and snorkeling. That means you can build on what you learned in Big Lagoon. If your snorkel confidence is still ramping up, this is often a good second chance to get comfortable in similar water.

What I like about Small Lagoon within this tour design is the pacing. Big Lagoon sets the hook. Small Lagoon continues the experience without feeling like a completely different day.

Secret Lagoon: When the Day Feels More Special

Secret Lagoon is where Tour A adds a bit of mystery to the rhythm. The name alone can tempt you into expecting perfect quiet, but the practical reality is that it is still part of a popular island hopping circuit.

The upside, based on what is included and what you do: you are still getting that clear-water swimming and snorkeling time in a lagoon setting. If you are the kind of person who likes swapping between quick water breaks and short rests on the boat, this stop fits that style.

Here is my suggestion. Treat Secret Lagoon like a moment for quality over chaos. If you want photos, take them, but do not let other people’s pace decide yours. Focus on getting in the water when it feels right for you.

Shimizu Island: Beach Time That Balances the Day

After three lagoon stops, Shimizu Island gives you a shift. This is the “slow down and enjoy the shoreline” part of Tour A, still within the same Bacuit Bay day.

The highlight list calls out relaxation on pristine shores, and this is the stop that usually does that job best. You get a break from continuous moving and can reset mentally before the day ends.

If you are traveling with swim breaks in mind, Shimizu Island is also a good place to use sunscreen and rehydrate before you head back. The tour includes lunch, but it still helps to have snacks available too, since the day is long enough that you will feel it.

Snorkeling and Kayaking Rules You Should Follow

This tour includes snorkeling and kayaking time, and it comes with clear rules about keeping the environment safe.

Not allowed:

• Smoking
• Touching marine life
• Touching plants

That last one matters more than people think. Even if something looks harmless, touching plants can damage them. It also increases the chance of harming the underwater environment you came to enjoy.

If you want a simple checklist for good snorkeling behavior:

• Keep your hands to yourself
• Use your mask snorkel setup properly instead of adjusting constantly in the water
• Move slowly so you do not stir things up

Also remember: the tour does not include mask and snorkel. So your success here depends on your gear. Bring your own if you can.

Lunch, Pacing, and Why 8 Hours Can Feel Tight

Tour A runs about 8 hours. That includes boat time, lagoon time, snorkeling moments, and switching between stops.

Lunch is included, which helps a lot on a full day. Still, expect a schedule that feels full. Even if there are breaks, you are going to be moving through your day in segments.

This is where the crowd factor becomes real. If lagoons are busy, your entry and activity timing can feel more compressed. One verified booking noted that the places were a bit full but expected that, and I agree with the logic. It is part of the experience in a popular destination.

My best tip: go in with an attitude of flexibility. If the water is busy, shift your focus to your own enjoyment, not the scene.

Tour A vs Tour B, C, and D: Pick the Right Mood

Tour A is lagoon-forward. If you want to stay in that lane, it is the clear choice: Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, and Shimizu Island.

But if your ideal day is different, there are other versions:

• Tour B includes Snake Island, Cudugnon Cave, and Matinloc Shrine
• Tour C mixes destinations from Tour A and Tour B
• Tour D focuses on Cadlao Island, plus its beaches

Knowing this helps you make a better decision. If you are here primarily for calm-water time and snorkeling, Tour A fits. If you want cave and shrine stops mixed into the day, look at Tour B or C. Tour D is for people who want a larger island day built around beaches.

Price and Value: The Real Cost After Fees

The stated price is $34 per person, and it is tempting to think that is the full spend. Here is the value math you should do first.

Included in your $34:

• Professional guide
• Boat
• Lunch
• Hotel pickup from El Nido Town only
• Skip the ticket line
• Live tour guide in English

Not included:

• Environmental fee (400.00)
• Lagoon fees (200.00)
• Mask and snorkel
• Personal expenses
• If your hotel is far from town, you pay a tricycle fare (personal account)

So the best way to judge value is this: you are mostly paying for the structure and the boat day coverage. The extra fees are tied to the lagoon and environment access, which is normal for these protected areas.

If you want to keep your budget predictable, plan for those fees and bring or rent snorkeling gear. That way you are not surprised mid-day.

Who Should Book Tour A, and Who Should Skip It

Tour A is not for everyone. The tour is marked as not suitable for:

• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• Non-swimmers

That makes sense for a boat and water activity day that involves kayaking, swimming, and snorkeling opportunities. Even if you do not do every activity, the environment is still water-based and requires comfort around the sea.

If you are a confident swimmer, or at least comfortable in the water with snorkeling gear, you will likely enjoy Tour A more. It is also a good fit if you like a single-day loop that hits the famous lagoons without needing extra planning.

Should You Book El Nido Island Hopping Tour A?

Book Tour A if you want one organized day that hits Big, Small, and Secret Lagoons plus Shimizu Island, with real water time for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. The guide, lunch, boat, and pickup from El Nido Town help you keep the day smooth.

Skip it or choose a different option if you cannot swim, have back issues, or want a quieter, low-crowd experience. Crowds are part of the deal in these lagoon hotspots, and the day can feel tightly scheduled if many groups are arriving at similar times.

My final practical recommendation: confirm your meeting point in WhatsApp before pickup. That one step can save you stress, especially since an incorrect app pin has shown up as a real issue for at least one recent booking.

FAQ

How long is El Nido Island Hopping Tour A?

The duration is 8 hours.

Where does the pickup happen?

Hotel pickup is available only for hotels within El Nido Town. If your hotel is far from town, a tricycle fare is charged to your personal account.

What places are included on Tour A?

Tour A visits the Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, and Shimizu Island.

Is lunch included?

Yes, lunch is included.

Is mask and snorkel included?

No, mask and snorkel are not included.

Are lagoon and environmental fees included?

No. The environmental fee is listed as 400.00 and the lagoon fees are listed as 200.00, and both are not included.

What should I bring?

Bring a hat, swimwear, a camera, snacks, sunscreen, and water. Also bring extra clothes for changing.

What is not allowed during the tour?

Smoking is not allowed, and touching marine life or touching plants is not allowed.

Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers or people with back problems?

No. It is not suitable for non-swimmers, pregnant women, or people with back problems.