EL NIDO: Sharing/Joiner Island Hopping Tour A w/BUFFET LUNCH

Five bays, big views, one day.

El Nido’s Sharing/Joiner Island Hopping Tour A is interesting because it packs limestone lagoons and quick-hit swimming and snorkeling into an 8-hour water day around Palawan. I like the mix of calm time and active time, especially kayaking in Big Lagoon and snorkeling on Shimizu and the other reef stops. One thing to weigh: the day can run based on conditions, and the tour notes that routes and timing may shift with weather.

You’ll also want to budget for the add-on government fees (environmental and lagoon entrance). The tour price is low for what you get, but the total is not just the sticker price.

Key things I’d anchor on before you book

• Big Lagoon kayaking in clear, enclosed limestone scenery
• 7 Commando Beach for a long swim and sun time
• Shimizu Island snorkeling with a full reef stop on the schedule
• Secret Lagoon access through a small hole in a limestone wall
• A buffet lunch plus water and fruits included
• Free pickup in El Nido Town and Corong-corong, but no hotel drop-off

El Nido Tour A in plain terms: what you’re buying for $23

This is the classic “Tour A” style day: a licensed boat, a licensed guide, and a string of stops built around El Nido’s most famous water colors. You’re doing a lot in one go, but the pacing usually keeps it from feeling like nonstop work. The biggest value is that the itinerary includes both swim time and active time like kayaking and snorkeling.

At $23 per person, the price feels like a bargain for five different featured stops plus a buffet lunch, water, and fruits. The catch is that you should plan on extra government fees once you arrive: an environmental fee (listed as 400) and a lagoon entrance fee (listed as 200). Also, the tour includes pickup, not drop-off back to your hotel.

This tour is best for you if you want a full El Nido highlight day without planning your own boat route. If you’re picky about crowd levels, you’ll still enjoy the scenery, but you may want to be flexible about timing and how packed each lagoon feels that day.

The “8 hours” reality: timing, pickup, and what can affect the day

The tour is listed as 8 hours, with starting times that depend on availability. Pickup is free within El Nido Town and Corong-corong, so you can show up without hunting for a meeting point.

Two practical notes that matter for your comfort:

• You’ll be in and out of the water, so bring a change of clothes and a waterproof bag if you have one.
• The tour also says destinations are subject to change based on weather, and the guide chooses the lunch stop. That flexibility can be a positive if conditions are better somewhere else, but it can also mean the day won’t feel perfectly identical to the printed itinerary.

In real-world terms, I’d show up early and assume there may be a wait before the first departure. Once you’re out on the water, the stops tend to move in a rhythm: brief photos, guided orientation, then your time to swim, snorkel, or paddle.

Stop-by-stop: what each location feels like (and where to watch your timing)

7 Commandos Beach: sand time before the action

You start with a break and a scenic photo moment at 7 Commandos Beach. This stop is famous for powdery white sand, coconut trees, and the dramatic limestone cliffs that frame the bay. It’s a good early-day reset because the water is inviting and the scenery looks great even without snorkeling gear.

You’ll also find rustic bars and small shops around this area, which is handy when you want a cold drink between swims. This is also where you’ll likely want to get your photos done quickly, because the day moves on.

What to do here: swim, relax, and take advantage of the easiest “get tanned” time on the schedule. If you’re prone to sunburn, this is where you need your sunscreen most, before you’re busy paddling later.

Big Lagoon: kayaking in the limestone bowl

Big Lagoon is the marquee moment for many people, and the tour builds a full kayaking stop into it. When the boat navigates the narrow entrance, you’re surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, and the water color in the lagoon is a huge part of the wow factor.

Kayaking is a great fit for this location because it lets you slow down. Instead of seeing the lagoon through a windshield, you can paddle at your own pace and scan for the corners most people skip.

Timing consideration: the day can include some waiting around kayaking logistics, and you may spend time offshore before you actually enter the lagoon. It’s not a reason to avoid the tour, but it is a reason to bring patience and not plan anything else for the rest of your day.

Bring: a waterproof way to keep your phone or camera safe. Life vests are included, but your gear still needs protecting.

Shimizu Island: the snorkeling-focused reef stop

Shimizu Island is set up for snorkeling and underwater viewing. The name here is tied to underwater exploration, and the stop is designed around coral and fish sightings rather than just beach lounging.

You’ll get your lunch here as part of the schedule, which helps keep the day from feeling like a long hunger stretch. The itinerary also includes guided time and a boat cruise element, so you’re not only jumping straight into the water.

What to expect in the water: this is one of the most “gear matters” stops. If you have snorkeling comfort, you’ll likely get the most out of it. If you’re new to snorkeling, take it slow and focus on floating and breathing, because the reef zone can be busy.

Secret Lagoon: squeeze through the limestone hole

The Secret Lagoon stop is accessed through a small opening in a limestone wall. Once you’re through, you get a secluded lagoon feel, with cliffs rising around the water like a natural room.

This stop is listed with sightseeing and snorkeling time. The design is what makes it special: it feels less like another beach and more like a hidden passage in the cliff.

Practical tip: keep your waterproof bag close and your entry pacing calm. If you’re prone to rushing when you see a “secret” spot, slow down. You’ll enjoy the view more and you’ll be less likely to drop things.

Payong-Payong Beach: quiet sand between the big moments

Payong-Payong Beach is scheduled after the Secret Lagoon. It’s described as secluded and tranquil, with clear water and soft white sand, plus lush vegetation and rock formations around it.

This is the decompression stop. If the lagoons and caves made you feel like you were on a mission, this is where you can exhale. You also get swimming and snorkeling time on the schedule, so you’re not just lying down for the last hour.

If you’re sensitive to crowds, this stop is the one you can lean on as a “chill” moment. Even if the whole day has other people, the vibe here is usually calmer than the most famous lagoon entrances.

Buffet lunch and the small comforts that make the day better

Lunch is included as a buffet, and the tour also provides water and fruits. That combination matters more than you’d think on a beach day. When you’re hot and wet, a real meal and not just a snack can keep your energy steady for the last snorkeling stop.

The tour says the guide chooses the lunch stop, so you should expect the specifics of the beach setup to vary a bit. But the important point is that lunch is planned into the schedule rather than shoved into a random gap.

One more comfort detail: life vests are provided. You still need to bring your own beachwear and a swimsuit that dries fast, but you won’t be dealing with the hassle of finding safety gear.

What to pack and what to avoid for a smoother day

The tour lists a clear packing list, and it’s worth following:

Bring

• Change of clothes
• Camera
• Biodegradable sunscreen
• Beachwear
• Cash
• Waterproof bag
• Waterproof shoes

The cash note is useful because the tour does not include everything. You’ll likely want it available for any fees or small purchases at stops.

Not allowed

• Smoking
• Plastic bags
• Alcohol and drugs
• Littering

If you’re tempted to bring a plastic bag for wet items, skip it. Bring a waterproof pouch or use reusable dry bags that are safe for the boat and easy to handle.

The value check: where Tour A is a steal, and where it can feel frustrating

This is an excellent value when you want multiple major El Nido stops in one day. You get:

• Free pickup within El Nido Town and Corong-corong
• A licensed boat and licensed captain and guide
• Buffet lunch plus water and fruits
• Life vests
• Structured time for kayaking, snorkeling, and sightseeing

Where the day can feel less perfect:

• You might deal with some waiting around kayaking logistics.
• The tour can be more crowded at the popular lagoons since this is a well-known route.
• Government fees are extra, so your final total is higher than the headline price.
• There’s no drop-off back to your hotel, so you need a plan for getting home after the tour.

If you can accept those realities, you’ll likely think the day was worth it. If you hate crowds and hate schedule uncertainty, you might find yourself wishing you had more control over your timing.

Who should book this tour (and who should choose something else)

Book Tour A if you:

• Want a single, all-in-one El Nido highlight day
• Enjoy a mix of kayaking plus snorkeling
• Like the idea of a buffet lunch and provided safety gear
• Don’t want to handle the planning and boat logistics yourself

Consider a different style of tour if you:

• Want maximum solitude at the exact most famous lagoon entrances
• Get stressed by schedule shifts linked to weather
• Need guaranteed hotel drop-off at the end

This tour is basically “effort to fun” done right. You’re not doing backcountry hikes. You’re doing sun, water, and famous views, with enough structure to keep the day feeling easy.

Should you book El Nido Tour A?

I’d book it if you’re after the classic El Nido sampler, and you’re okay paying a little extra in government fees. The kayaking in Big Lagoon and the snorkeling stops are exactly the kind of high-payoff activities that make an 8-hour boat day feel worth it.

I’d also book it if you want convenience: free pickup in the main areas, lunch handled, and life vests provided. Just go in with realistic expectations about crowds and possible waiting at the lagoons.

If you tell me your travel month and whether you’re confident snorkeling, I can help you decide if Tour A is the best fit for your pace, or if you’d be happier with a different El Nido island hopping style.

FAQ

What does the tour include for meals and drinks?

The tour includes a buffet lunch, water, and fruits.

What fees are not included?

You’ll need to budget for an environmental fee (400) and a lagoon entrance fee (200). Drop-off back to your hotel is also not included.

Do I get pickup from my hotel?

Yes, pickup is free within El Nido Town and Corong-corong.

Is snorkeling included?

Snorkeling is included as part of the tour stops, including Shimizu Island and the Secret Lagoon, and it’s also listed for Payong-Payong Beach.

Do they provide life vests?

Yes, life vest or jacket is included.

Is kayaking included, and can I rent extra kayaks?

Kayaking in Big Lagoon is part of the tour schedule, but additional kayak rental is listed as not included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.