El Nido Private Tour A w/ Lunch

A private boat turns El Nido into your day. What makes this tour stand out is the private setup and the big lagoon time at Big Lagoon, where the karst views feel like they were built for photos and slow moments on the water. I also love how the crew focuses on safety and keeps the day moving smoothly, plus how the guide helps you get the best angles. One thing to plan for: some lagoon entrance fees and snorkel gear cost extra.

This is the kind of tour where you can actually steer the day. You get free pickup within town limits and a full lunch package with soda, water, and fruit, plus a route designed to meet fewer crowds along the way.

Key highlights worth your attention

• Private island-hopping, just your group so you are not stuck waiting on strangers at every turn
• Big Lagoon time plus the option to add kayak or SUP for a better view and a different pace
• Photo help from the crew with guides who focus on getting you safe shots, not just fast stops
• Snorkel gear available for a fee if you want it, so you can pack light
• Meals and drinks included so you are not hunting for food mid-boat ride

Private Island-Hopping in El Nido: what this day is really like

El Nido’s best sights are scattered, and that is the whole trick. This tour gets you to the highlights without the typical hassle of sharing a boat with people you did not pick. The private format matters more than you might think, because it changes your rhythm. Instead of rushing to satisfy a group schedule, you can slow down when the water is good, or spend more time where you are actually interested.

The other big value is the guide. You are not just being delivered to stops. You have a licensed guide and crew working with you during the day. Based on the vibe from the guides I saw referenced in notes like Captain Oliver and guide Darrel (plus Jul and RJ in another guide crew), the common thread is clear: they prioritize safety, and they help with photos, too. That is a small thing until you realize how hard it is to get clean pictures on a moving boat.

Price and what makes it feel fair at $143 per person

At $143 per person for a 7 to 8 hour private island tour with lunch, transfers, and lagoon access, this is not a “budget only” choice. But it can be good value if you compare it to piecing everything together yourself: boat time, a guide, lunch, and the lagoon entry charges that are included.

Here is what I’d price-check before you say yes:

• Snorkel gear is not included by default, but you can rent it for P100 per set.
• Lagoon entrance for Big Lagoon and Payong-Payong Beach is not included.
• Kayak is extra at P400.
• Pickup is included only around town proper or within 2 km from public market, with extra charge outside that zone.

So the tour is priced for convenience and control. If you are the type who hates surprise extras, you will want to ask what entrance tickets you’ll be paying that day and whether your pickup location is inside the free zone.

The practical logistics: pickup, timing, and where to meet

Your day starts at the El Nido Police Station meeting point, and the tour ends back there. If you are staying within the town proper or within 2 km of the public market, pickup is free. If you are farther out, you should expect an extra pickup charge.

One small tip: even though this is a private tour, you still want to show up ready. Wear quick-dry clothes, bring sunscreen, and keep your phone in a waterproof pouch if you have one. The water days in El Nido can feel calm until they suddenly do not.

Stop 1: Big Lagoon, the main event and why kayaking helps

Big Lagoon is usually the headline. It is also the place where the karst limestone backdrop makes everything feel dramatic, like you are looking at a natural backdrop that took millions of years to finish.

You get about 1 hour 30 minutes here. Lagoon entrance is listed as not included, so you should budget for that when you get there.

Better yet, this stop is explicitly set up for kayaking or SUP. The tour notes even call out that you have a better experience that way. If you want the water-level view, go for it. Kayak is P400, so you can decide once you see the conditions.

What can go wrong here? Wind. When the lagoon is choppy, a kayak ride can feel less magical and more like a workout. If the day is windy, you can still enjoy the scenery, but you may prefer a slower plan, like taking time for photos and just enjoying the boat drift.

Stop 2: Shimizu Island for turtles and a relaxed lunch break

After Big Lagoon, the tour heads to Shimizu Island for another 1 hour 30 minutes.

This is where the day shifts from iconic views to something more human-paced. Shimizu is highlighted for turtle watching and just enjoying the time on the water. It is also where the day feels calmer, because the stop is geared toward letting you hang out, not just sprint to the next shore.

Shimizu Island admission is free. That is a nice break after the pay-for-it parts of the route.

You will also be living off what the tour includes for food. Lunch includes soda, water, and fruits. The exact order of when lunch hits can vary based on conditions, but the important bit is that you are not stranded without drinks and fuel.

Stop 3: Secret Lagoon, where time on the water turns into real downtime

Secret Lagoon is a stop designed for that moment where your brain finally stops planning. It is described as one of the most beautiful beaches in El Nido, and you get time to explore and chill there.

You should expect around 1 hour 30 minutes at this stop. Admission is listed as free.

I like this stop because it breaks the “boat to boat to boat” rhythm. If you are the type who loves beaches but still wants to keep the day efficient, Secret Lagoon is a good balance. If you prefer snorkeling, you might also find you want to linger along the edges, though snorkel gear rental is extra unless you already packed your own.

Stop 4: Seven Commando Beach, a quieter shoreline with a story

Seven Commando Beach is another 1 hour 30 minutes stop, and it is tied to the history of the island, named after seven commandos and their titles shown on the island’s cliffs.

Admission is listed as free.

This is one of those stops where you get value even if you do not know the full story. The point is the vibe: it is described as a lonely beach stretch with a sloping shoreline. Translation: it is likely less crowded than the Instagram-famous stops, and it is easier to slow down.

Also, because this is private, you can ask the guide about how long to spend on shore versus out on the water if conditions are changing.

Stop 5: Payong-Payong Beach, white sand and taller cliffs

Payong-Payong Beach is your final “wow beach” stop. It is described as picturesque, with clear waters and towering limestone cliffs.

You get 1 hour 30 minutes here. The lagoon entrance is listed as not included for this stop.

This is a good place to think about how you want to end the day. If the water is calm and you feel like getting in for a swim, you can. If you rented snorkel gear, this is typically where it makes the most sense to use it. If you did not, a dip is still part of the fun.

And yes, this is where you will want to take your time with photos. The cliffs create strong frames, and the white sand makes everything stand out.

Snorkeling and gear: what is included, what costs extra

The tour includes lunch and other essentials, but snorkel gear is specifically listed as not included. Rental is P100 per set.

So before you pack, decide which option fits you:

• Bring your own mask and snorkel if you travel with them already.
• Or plan to rent on site if you want lighter packing.

Kayaks are also extra at P400. Since kayaking is highlighted for Big Lagoon, you might treat it as your main “activity add-on,” and keep expectations flexible if the day is breezy.

The crew and guide factor: why people rave about the people, not just the places

The best comments you see again and again are not about the sea turning into a postcard. It is about how the people run the boat.

One featured note highlights Captain Oliver for safety and the guide Darrel for being helpful, careful, and focused on the islands and photography. Another full-score note praises Jul and RJ for knowing the best spots when not crowded, plus help with everything and great picture work.

That matters because your day is only as good as your timing and safety. When you are moving between lagoons and beaches, a good captain and crew keep it smooth. And when someone helps you with photos from the right angle, you actually come home with memories that look like the day felt.

Weather reality: when the sea gets rough, your plan changes

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund. That is the honest deal with El Nido. When it is windy or rough, lagoons and boat rides can feel less comfortable.

If you are booking during a shoulder period, keep your schedule flexible. And bring a light layer even in the day, because wind on open water can surprise you.

Who this tour fits best

This private island-hopping tour is a strong match if:

• You want fewer crowds and a route that can vary based on your interests.
• You care about getting time at the major sites, without waiting on other people.
• You prefer a guide who helps with safety and pictures, not just a checklist.

It can also work well for couples, friends, and small groups. It is private, so you all get the same pace and you are not dealing with the stop-and-go effect of larger shared boats.

If you are ultra budget-focused and you pack snorkel gear yourself, you can still make it work, but you should be aware of the extra fees at some stops and for kayak.

Should you book El Nido Private Tour A with lunch?

I think this is worth booking if you want a calmer, more controlled El Nido day and you value the private guide and crew. The tour is built around the right mix of famous lagoon views and quieter beach time, and you get lunch with drinks plus environmental fees handled.

I would hold off or ask extra questions first if:

• You are trying to keep every cost predictable, because snorkel gear rental, kayak, and some lagoon entrance fees are not included.
• Your pickup location might be outside the free area, since the extra charge could change the final value.

If you want a day on the water where you can steer the pace, this tour is a solid choice. Just budget for the optional and non-included add-ons, and plan for weather.

FAQ

What is the duration of the El Nido Private Tour A with lunch?

The tour runs about 7 to 8 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts at the El Nido Police Station and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is pickup included?

Yes. Free pickup is offered around town proper or within 2 km from the public market. Pickup outside that area has an extra charge.

What lunch is included?

Lunch includes soda, water, and fruits.

Is snorkel gear included?

No. Snorkelling gears or equipment are not included. You can rent a set for P100.

Is kayak included?

No. Kayak is not included. The cost is listed as P400.

Which stops include lagoon entrance fees?

Lagoon entrance is included overall, but Big Lagoon and Payong-Payong Beach specifically list admission tickets as not included.

Are any stops free of admission?

Yes. El Nido, Secret Lagoon, and Seven Commando Beach list admission as free in the itinerary.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. This is a private tour/activity, so only your group participates.

What happens if weather is bad?

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