EL NIDO: Private Island Hopping Tour A with BUFFET LUNCH

Eight hours of lagoons, sand, and real snorkeling. This private island hopping Tour A is built around Palawan’s signature look, towering limestone cliffs and clear water, with kayaking in the lagoons and snorkeling at the best reef stops. I especially like the feel of a small, personal day, and how the crew keeps things moving so you spend more time in the water than waiting around.

My second favorite part is the “included and ready” setup. You get masks and snorkels, a life vest, plus a buffet lunch with water, soft drinks, and fruit. One thing to keep in mind is that the guide chooses where you eat and stops can shift with weather, so your exact sequence may vary.

Key points worth knowing before you go

• Private group pacing, so you can snorkel and swim without fighting for space
• 7 Commandos Beach pairs an easy swim with classic El Nido cliff-and-coconut scenery
• Big Lagoon kayaking is the star, with limestone walls framing water that looks unreal
• Secret Lagoon access involves squeezing through a small limestone opening, and it is all part of the magic
• Shimizu and Payong Payong snorkeling, with provided gear and beach time built in
• Guide-selected lunch spot means the buffet can land at different beaches depending on conditions

El Nido Tour A, what you are really buying for $139

El Nido’s island hopping tours can feel the same on paper: jump on a boat, stop at a few beaches, take some photos, repeat. What makes this one worth a closer look is how the day is structured for variety. You are not just doing one type of scenery. You get white sand beaches, big open-water swims, lagoon time where cliffs act like natural walls, and reef snorkeling where you actually get to see fish close up.

At $139 per person for an 8-hour day, the value comes from what is included and what is not. Included, you get a buffet lunch, water and soft drinks, fruit, snorkeling gear (mask and snorkel), life vests, and even a free kayak. You also get a licensed boat, licensed captain, and a licensed guide and crew. That matters in the real world, because boats in El Nido move fast and conditions can change, so you want a team that knows the routes and keeps safety basics tight.

The other part of the value is the private-group setup. You are not stuck in a crowd routine. Instead, the crew can manage timing around your group, and that makes the lagoon moments feel less like a timed photo shoot.

Picking your day: lagoons, beaches, and why the route works

This tour hits several of El Nido’s most iconic “water moods,” and that is not an accident. The lagoon stops are different from the beach stops, even though they look close together on a map. Lagoons are calm and enclosed, which makes kayaking feel peaceful rather than chaotic. Beaches give you the classic swim and relax time, plus easy shore photos.

You also get a mix of snorkeling and non-snorkeling time. Shimizu Island is where you expect the reef action. Payong Payong Beach adds another water break, with snorkeling listed there too. The day is balanced so you are not snorkeling for every minute you are on the water.

And because the guide chooses your lunch stop and destinations can shift with weather, the overall flow is practical. If conditions change, the crew adapts rather than forcing the entire day to follow a rigid script.

7 Commandos Beach: the first swim and the legend setting

The day starts at 7 Commandos Beach, and it is a good warm-up. The sand is white, the water is turquoise, and the cliffs give you that classic El Nido frame. It is the kind of beach where you do not need to think too hard. You step in, cool off, and you still have time to settle for photos.

The beach has a name with a story. It is linked to a World War II legend about seven commandos who supposedly lived there. You do not need the history to enjoy the place, but the name adds a little extra “why this spot matters” feeling while you are relaxing.

This is also a practical first stop. You get an hour that works for swimming and sightseeing, so you are not rushed before the bigger lagoon moments.

Big Lagoon kayaking: limestone cliffs plus calm blue water

Big Lagoon is where the day starts to look like a postcard you are afraid to touch. As the boat enters, you see towering limestone cliffs around the lagoon, like a natural amphitheater. The water color is intense, and the clarity is the kind that makes you think about what is under your feet.

This is also your main kayaking window. The tour includes free 1 kayak, and the best part is that you are not just paddling in circles. The lagoon setting makes it feel quiet and sheltered, so you can explore corners and sheltered spots at your own pace.

If you get even a little bored sitting still on a beach, kayaking is a smart fix. You stay active, but not in a stressful way. It is hands-on and scenic at the same time, and that is usually when photos turn from quick snapshots into real memories.

Practical tip: even with a life vest, keep your movements calm while you are getting in and out. Lagoon water can be clear, but footing can still be slippery depending on how it is loaded and where you step.

Shimizu Island snorkeling and a beach lunch moment

Next is Shimizu Island, a snorkeling-focused stop. The water around the island is known for coral reefs, and it is where you get that close-up fish-and-reef feeling. Since the tour provides your mask and snorkel, you can jump in without scrambling for gear.

This stop also includes a break time and a lunch moment. One nice detail here is that lunch is not treated like an afterthought. You get a buffet, plus water, soft drinks, and fruit. And because the guide chooses the lunch stop, your lunch may land here on some days or at another beach depending on conditions.

So think of Shimizu Island as a two-part stop:

• reef time for snorkeling and underwater photos
• a real rest period with shade and a full meal

A balanced expectation helps, too. Snorkeling quality can vary with water conditions, currents, and what the reef looks like that day. It is still a strong stop for seeing marine life, but it is not the same as a private guided dive with every fish coming to the camera.

Secret Lagoon: the squeeze-through moment you will remember

The Secret Lagoon stop is the dramatic closer to the middle of the day. It is reached through a small opening in a limestone wall. The entrance is tight enough that you feel the adventure before you even arrive inside.

Once you go through the hole, you find a secluded lagoon surrounded by tall cliffs. It is quieter-feeling than the open-beach vibe, and that isolation makes the water look extra special. This is also a great place for just floating and taking in the scale of the limestone walls.

If you are traveling with kids, it helps to know this part is physically simple but not totally effortless. The squeeze entrance is the kind of moment where you want to keep kids close and steady.

And yes, the route on the way there is part of the experience. You get scenic views while moving between stops, so the secret feeling does not start only when you enter the lagoon.

Payong Payong Beach: where you slow down again

After the Secret Lagoon, the day shifts back to beach time at Payong Payong Beach. This stop is known for a quieter, more secluded feel. The water stays clear enough for a refreshing swim, and the sand is soft.

Snorkeling is also listed here, so you can compare the reef experience with Shimizu Island. Even if you do not snorkel much, Payong Payong is still a worthwhile break because it gives you time to reset. After lagoons and rocky limestone structures, a calm swim and a slow afternoon feel like the right balance.

There is also a practical advantage to ending with a beach stop: it is easier to enjoy the water without worrying about kayaking timing or squeezing through limestone openings again.

The included buffet lunch, water, and the small comfort wins

Food is a big part of why island hopping tours either feel good or feel rushed. Here, lunch is a buffet lunch, and you also get water and soft drinks plus fruit. That means you are not hunting for snacks on a tiny island with zero options.

The tour also provides the basics that prevent “vacation friction”:

• life vest/jacket
• mask and snorkel
• included kayak for one person

That set-up matters. If you have ever done an outdoor tour where you waste time on gear, you know what I mean. Here, you can spend that energy on the water and the photos instead of trying to find something to borrow or rent.

Price check: what $139 covers and what you should budget extra

Let’s do the math in a way that helps your planning. The headline price is $139 per person for an 8-hour private Tour A experience. That base price includes pickup within El Nido town and Corong-corong, a buffet lunch, water, soft drinks, fruit, snorkel gear, a life vest, and a licensed crew and boat.

But two government-related fees are not included:

• lagoon entrance fee: 200
• environmental fee: 400

Those are listed separately and can change how your total day cost feels. Also, drop-off back to your hotel is not included.

There is one more variable: additional kayak rentals. You get free 1 kayak included, but if you want more than that for your group, you will likely pay extra.

My take: the $139 price is reasonable for what you get, especially for a private-group day with lunch and equipment included. Just budget a little extra for the government fees and any extra kayak needs, so you are not surprised at the end.

Guides, captains, and the safety stuff that matters

El Nido water days rely on the crew doing small jobs well. In this tour style, your experience often comes down to how confidently the captain and guide handle boarding, timing, and the tricky bits like lagoon entrances.

You can end up with different team members, but names have come up for this operation. A captain named Cyron is mentioned, along with guides like Julius and Leonard, and another team member called Simon gets a positive shout-out too. The thread in the feedback is clear: when the crew is attentive and organized, the day feels smooth, and safety feels real.

Licensing also matters. The tour includes a licensed tourist boat and a licensed boat captain, plus a licensed guide and crew. That is not just paperwork. It is how you get better route decisions and safer handling in tight areas.

One note on risk: one experience included an incident where a kayak tipping resulted in a child getting hurt. You should take that as a reminder to treat kayaking and boarding seriously, even when you are doing a “fun swim tour.” Wear your provided life vest properly, keep your footing sure, and do not rush steps just because the water looks inviting.

What to bring so the day feels easy

You are on a boat and on the water for most of the day, so pack like you will get wet and then keep moving.

Bring:

• change of clothes
• towel
• camera
• biodegradable sunscreen
• beachwear
• cash
• closed-toe shoes
• waterproof bag
• waterproof shoes

If you want one practical hack, use a waterproof bag for your phone and camera. You will touch it less and worry less.

Also follow the rules: no smoking, no plastic bags, no alcohol or drugs, and no littering. Those rules are normal for island protection and they also keep the boat cleaner for everyone.

Who this private island hopping Tour A suits best

This tour is best for people who want iconic El Nido scenery with a little structure. It fits:

• couples who want a special day without big tour crowds
• snorkeling lovers who want gear included and two water-focused stops
• travelers who like variety, beaches plus lagoons plus reef time
• families who can handle active water time, especially if kids are comfortable staying close during the Secret Lagoon entrance

If your priority is a slow, ultra-calm day with zero effort, kayaking and lagoon movement might feel like too much. If your priority is photos, swims, and a good lunch without planning, this works well.

Should you book this El Nido Tour A?

I think it is a strong choice if you want a private-group island hopping day with the major highlights people come for: 7 Commandos Beach, Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island snorkeling, Secret Lagoon, and Payong Payong Beach. The included buffet lunch, snorkel setup, and free 1 kayak make it feel complete, not like you pay for the boat and then pay again for everything else.

Book it if you are flexible about timing and you respect that weather can shift the exact sequence. Skip it or reconsider if you want a perfectly fixed schedule down to the minute. Also, if you are traveling with kids, treat kayaking and the Secret Lagoon entrance as moments that require extra steadiness.

FAQ

What is the duration of El Nido Island Hopping Tour A?

The tour runs for 8 hours.

Is pickup included?

Yes. Pickup is included for accommodations within El Nido Town and Corong-corong.

What is included in the tour price?

The tour includes a buffet lunch, water and soft drinks, fruits, free 1 kayak, life vest, licensed tourist boat and captain, licensed guide and crew, and mask and snorkel.

What fees are not included?

Lagoon entrance fee (government tax) and environmental fee (government tax) are not included. Drop-off back to your hotel is also not included, plus any additional kayak rental.

Which places are visited on Tour A?

The day includes 7 Commandos Beach, Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Secret Lagoon, and Payong-Payong Beach.

Do I get snorkeling and kayaking during the tour?

Snorkeling is listed at Shimizu Island and Payong-Payong Beach. Kayaking is included at Big Lagoon, with free 1 kayak.

Who leads the tour and what languages are used?

You get a live tour guide with English and Tagalog.

Is it a private group?

Yes. This is a private group.

Can the schedule change?

Yes. The guide chooses the lunch stop, and destinations are subject to change according to weather.