El Nido: Private/Exclusive Island Hopping Tour A BEST PRICE!

Private lagoon days are the best kind of day. This Tour A style island hopping in El Nido hits the big hits, with the Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon framed by dramatic limestone cliffs, plus calm beach time like Seven Commandos and Payong Payong. I like that it is a private, exclusive-boat setup, so you are not stuck watching the same wake-up-schedule as a big group.

You’ll also get real water time. The plan includes swimming, snorkeling, and even a chance to see majestic turtles around Shimizu Island, with an on-board buffet lunch using local Filipino dishes. One thing to keep in mind: some added items like masks, fins, and even kayak use at the lagoon are not guaranteed to be included, so plan to rent what you need or bring your own gear.

Key points to know before you go

• Tour A lagoons, including Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon, the El Nido classics
• Private boat with your group, better timing for fewer crowds at key stops
• Shimizu Island snorkeling, plus a good shot at turtle sightings
• Multiple swim stops with plenty of time to just float and take it slow
• Lunch included, but check what drinks are part of the buffet on the day you book
• Bring water shoes and a dry bag, because the water-to-boat transfers get wet

Private Tour A, and why it feels different in El Nido

El Nido is famous for lagoons. What makes this tour special is that it is built around the lagoon circuit people chase in pictures, but the private part changes how the day feels.

With an exclusive use boat for your group, you have more control over pacing. That matters because the lagoons do not just look good, they also get crowded fast. Even a small timing shift can mean the difference between squeezing into a photo angle and actually taking your time. I especially like that crews and guides can adjust the order to keep the day comfortable. In the details from past trips, I noticed names like Gabi, Jason, Renz, Edward, and Cyron showing up again and again, often paired with good timing and strong photo help.

You still get the classic lineup. Expect the day to circle the area that includes Miniloc lagoons, Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, and the surrounding beaches where you stop to swim and snorkel. If you care about the photos, the limestone walls help you out. The water color does the work for you.

Getting to the water: pickup, tuk-tuk transfer, and packing for a wet day

Your day starts with pickup in El Nido, with free pickup within 1 km of Corong-corong Beach using a tuk-tuk, then you head toward the boat area. From there, you’re on island time. The full tour runs about 8 hours, so you’ll want to pack like it is a full day, not just a quick cruise.

What to bring is pretty straightforward, and the list makes sense:

• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Change of clothes
• Towel
• Camera
• Cash
• Beachwear

Here’s what I’d add from practical experience with how these tours operate. You should treat this as a wet-and-wild day, even when the sea looks calm from shore. Getting from the boat area into the water happens more than once, and several past guests noted their clothes got wet during water transfers. That is why water shoes and a dry bag are so useful. If you do not have fins, you can rent mask and snorkel, but rental availability depends on the operator and what they have on the day.

Also note the rules: no intoxication, no smoking in the vehicle, no plastic bottles, and no littering. That is normal, but it is good to know so you do not show up with the wrong water bottle.

Seven Commandos Beach: WWII vibes plus a calm swim pause

The first real stop after the tuk-tuk transfer is Seven Commandos Beach. Plan about 45 minutes here, with time for photos, a visit, a boat cruise loop around the area, sightseeing, and swimming.

Why this stop matters is simple. It’s one of the warm-up beaches that sets the tempo. You get a chance to stretch your legs, get your first saltwater swim in, and take those early photos when you are still fresh. Seven Commandos also has a backstory. The beach is named after troops who were stranded there during World War II, and the limestone cliffs framing the shore give it a dramatic, almost cinematic feel.

One practical note: your time here is not meant for a long hang. Think of it as a scenic break and an efficient reset before the big lagoons.

Big Lagoon: the famous limestone walls, kayaking time, and smart pacing

Big Lagoon is the headliner, about 45 minutes of boat cruise, sightseeing, photo time, swimming, and kayaking.

This is the lagoon that people come to El Nido for. You’ll see black limestone cliffs rising around the water, and the lagoon includes small inlets and a striking stream-like area with bright blue water. The color contrast is what makes the Instagram shots work, but what you’ll remember is how calm the moment feels when you are floating there instead of just standing at a viewpoint.

Kayaking is listed in the tour plan, but there’s an important detail for your budget and expectations. Kayak rental is not listed in the inclusions, and one guest noted a kayak was not valid for use inside the lagoon, or that lagoon use required extra payment. So here’s the clean way to handle it: before you go, confirm what kayak time means on your booking. If kayaking is a priority, treat it as a possible add-on rather than something automatically free.

Swimming here is usually the smoothest part of the day. Bring your courage, not your complicated plans. Keep it simple: swim, float, take photos, and let the lagoon do the rest.

Shimizu Island: turtles, snorkeling, and a longer break with lunch

After Big Lagoon, you head to Shimizu Island for about 1 hour. This is where the itinerary gives you a real block of time, including break time, a visit, lunch, swimming, and snorkeling.

Shimizu is famous in this circuit for two reasons:

1) the chance to see turtles while you’re in the water, and

2) the snorkeling window when the water clarity can be excellent.

In the highlights, this stop is specifically tied to swimming with majestic turtles. That means you should keep your eyes open and move calmly, not thrash around like you’re trying to win a race. Snorkeling is part of the experience here, and the inclusion list covers life vests, while masks, snorkel gear, and fins/aquashoes are not included. If you do not have your own mask or snorkel, plan to rent. If you have fins, use them. If you do not, fins help, but you can still snorkel without them if you are comfortable.

The lunch moment is also a big deal. Instead of rushing food between photo stops, Shimizu gives you a steadier break. A few past guests mentioned the food as a highlight, calling the buffet delicious, but one person flagged it as a disadvantage. My take: buffet lunch on a boat is what it is. You will likely do best if you come hungry, pick what feels safest for your stomach, and accept that it’s not a fine dining event.

Secret Lagoon: a tight entrance, calm water, and photo magic

Next up is Secret Lagoon, about 45 minutes for photo stop, visit, sightseeing, and swimming.

This lagoon is hidden between limestone cliffs and is accessed through a narrow opening. That structure is why it feels different from the wider Big Lagoon. When you enter, the place has that enclosed, protected feeling, and the water tends to look darker and deeper. It can also create an easy photo trap, because everyone tries to find the same angle. The private setup helps you spread out a bit.

Time here is short, so use it like a pro. Do one swim, one snorkeling look if you have the gear, and then save energy for photos on the edges where the light hits the limestone walls.

If you get motion sick, Secret Lagoon is usually the least stressful kind of stop, because you’re not out in open water for long stretches. Still, you’ll be on a boat all day, so pack any nausea support you usually rely on.

Payong-Payong Beach: gentle waves for paddling and easy swimming

The final major swim stop is Payong-Payong Beach, also around 45 minutes. Expect boat cruise, photo time, sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling.

Payong-Payong is known for its beautiful rock formations and cliff-lined scenery, plus a smaller beach where the waves can be gentler. The waves being modest is the big advantage. It makes this feel more relaxed than the bigger lagoon environments. You get a chance for casual swimming and, if conditions allow, a bit of paddling.

This is where many people end up slowing down. After lagoons and snorkeling, you’re usually tired in the best way. Payong-Payong gives you an easier wind-down before the final boat wrap-up.

Lunch, water, and the reality check on drinks

Lunch is included as a buffet, with bottled water included too. That is solid value, because on island hopping days food add-ons can creep up.

That said, one detail came up in past feedback: soft drinks were not consistently clear as included. Some people felt the buffet only came with bottled water, and soft drinks were either not part of the deal or were treated as not included when asked. Your best move is to confirm, before you’re already hungry, what drinks are included with lunch on your specific day.

Also, keep the food logistics in mind. You’ll be wet. The best lunch setup is one that lets you eat fast and then get right back to the water. If you prefer hot and slow meals, plan to manage expectations.

Price and value: what $135 per person buys you on a private boat day

At $135 per person for an 8-hour private Tour A style island hopping day, the math works best if you want privacy and smoother timing more than you want the cheapest possible ticket.

Here’s what you are paying for:

• Private group experience with exclusive use of the boat
• A licensed tourist boat and a licensed guide and crew
• Pickup within 1 km of Corong-corong Beach by tuk-tuk
• Buffet lunch and bottled water
• Life vest

When you compare that to shared tours, the private setup is often the real upgrade. It’s not just comfort. It’s time on the water, fewer bottlenecks, and a better chance to spend a full minute longer in Big Lagoon rather than being moved along.

But it is also fair to price-check your add-ons. Masks, snorkel gear, fins/aquashoes, and kayak rental are not included. Environmental fees and lagoon entrance fees are also not included, and since these are government-mandated, you should budget extra cash for them. If you want to avoid surprises, bring cash and ask what you need to pay on arrival at the lagoon sites.

How to get the best day: timing, gear, and photo-friendly habits

This tour can be a photo machine, but you still need to behave like a smart photographer and a happy swimmer.

Gear habits that make a big difference:

• Wear water shoes because there can be stone and coral in the water
• Bring a dry bag for your phone and camera
• Use your swimwear under your clothes so you do not waste time changing
• Pack a change of clothes in a waterproof bag if you can

Photo habits that matter:

• Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon are the photo magnets, so arrive in each stop with a plan. One wide shot, one edge shot, one close-water shot, then swim
• Ask the guide for help taking photos. Past trips highlight guides like Gabi and Renz being good at taking pictures and helping with angles. If you want a mix of couple or group shots, tell your guide early so they can work it into the timing

Crowd avoidance is another advantage of private. The best experiences in the feedback mentioned guides adjusting the sequence to skip crowds. That means you should go with a flexible attitude. If your guide suggests a slight change, take it. Your schedule is still in the same 8-hour window, but your enjoyment goes up.

Who this tour fits best, and who should skip it

This private Tour A tour is a great fit if you:

• Want the iconic El Nido lagoons without the big group crush
• Care about snorkeling and want structured water time at Shimizu
• Like the balance of lagoons, beaches, and scenic cruising, with lunch included

It may be less ideal if you:

• Have mobility challenges, since it is not suitable for wheelchair users
• Expect all snorkeling and kayaking gear to be included automatically
• Are planning to be dry and tidy the entire day, because the water transfers make that unrealistic

Language is not a problem. The guide works in Tagalog and English, which is useful for getting clear instructions quickly when you are in and out of the water.

Should you book Poseidon Tours and Expeditions private Tour A?

If you want Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon, plus turtles and snorkeling, and you value privacy and good timing, this is an easy yes. The price is reasonable for what you get, especially the exclusive boat and the included guide, life vest, and buffet lunch.

Book it if you are the kind of traveler who likes to linger. Big lagoons are made for slow gliding and careful photo angles. Private time helps you do that.

Skip or at least confirm details if you strongly care about kayaking, or if your snorkeling kit depends on specific gear. The inclusions cover the essentials, but kayak rental and mask and snorkel gear are not included, and fees like lagoon entrance and environmental charges are also separate. Ask before you go, pack a dry bag, and keep cash on hand.

Do that, and you’ll walk away with that El Nido feeling: limestone cliffs, clear water, turtle odds, and a day that feels like yours.

FAQ

Is this a private island hopping tour or a shared group?

It is a private group experience with exclusive use of the boat for your group.

How long is the tour?

The duration is 8 hours.

What is included in the price?

Included are free pickup within 1 km of Corong-corong Beach by tuk-tuk, a buffet lunch, bottled water, life vest, and a licensed tourist boat plus a licensed guide and crew.

What is not included?

Not included are hotel drop off, fins/aquashoes, mask and snorkel (rentals may be available), kayak rental, environmental fee, lagoon entrance fee, and anything not listed in inclusions.

What are the main stops on the route?

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

Do I need to bring snorkeling gear?

Mask and snorkel are not included, but they can be rented if you do not have them. Fins/aquashoes are also not included, so you may want to bring your own or rent.

Where does pickup happen?

Pickup is included within 1 km of Corong-corong Beach using a tuk-tuk.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

No, it is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.