El Nido Tour A

Big lagoons in a single day. I love the Miniloc Island lagoons with their calm, clear water, and I also appreciate the licensed crew running the boats and guiding the timing. One watch-out, the packed lunch can feel basic, and vegetarian options may be limited.

You’ll spend your day moving between big-view lagoons and small, quiet water moments, with time for sun on Shimizu Island and a stop at Seven Commando Beach. A key detail I’d plan around is that you need an ID document, since a passport is required.

Before you book, think about your comfort on the water. This tour is not suitable for people prone to seasickness, and it is not recommended if you have high blood pressure.

Key highlights in El Nido Tour A

• Miniloc Island lagoons: a mix of the big, open Big Lagoon view and calmer lagoon moments nearby
• Big Lagoon Tour plus Secret Lagoon Tour: you get both a “main event” lagoon and a quieter kayaking option
• Shimizu Island time: relaxed sand time paired with lagoon scenery later in the day
• Seven Commando Beach stop: an on-island beach break built into the route
• Licensed tour guide and boat captain: included for a smoother day on the water
• Skip the ticket line: saves time so more of your day is outdoors

El Nido Tour A in 8 hours: what your day is really like

El Nido Tour A is built for one thing: getting you onto the best-known lagoon scenery around Miniloc without turning your day into a logistics puzzle. At 8 hours, you’ll feel like you’re “on the go,” but the route is practical, with boat transfers planned and a live English guide coordinating the flow.

For the price, the value isn’t just the sights. You also get bottled water, a packed lunch, and the boat ride covered, which matters because Island hopping adds up fast when you start paying for basics separately. If you already know you want Big Lagoon and the Miniloc area, this package style can be a smart shortcut.

The vibe is group-based, and that can be good or annoying depending on how you travel. If you like a structured schedule, you’ll probably enjoy it. If you hate feeling rushed, treat it as an organized nature outing, not a slow beach day.

Miniloc Island lagoons: Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, and the Small Lagoon kayak moment

This is the core of El Nido Tour A, and it’s where your photos and your memories will come from. You’ll start with clear-water lagoon time around Miniloc Island, including stops tied to Big Lagoon and the Secret Lagoon experience. The tour is designed so you see more than one style of lagoon, not just a single “pretty water” stop.

Big Lagoon is the crowd favorite for a reason. It’s the lagoon where you get that classic wide-open feel, the one that makes the whole area look bigger than it does from shore. Plan to spend real time looking around, not just at your phone. The best views usually happen when the boat pauses and the water smooths out.

Then there’s the calmer side of the route tied to Secret Lagoon, including a Small Lagoon moment where kayaking can be part of the experience. This is where the pacing feels different. Instead of big open water, you’re moving through more peaceful, protected sections, and the water can feel glassy when conditions line up.

A key detail: kayaks are not included in the base tour price. Kayak rental in the lagoon costs Php 300 for 2 people. That means you should decide ahead of time if you want that extra time on the water. If you’re traveling solo, you might still be able to pair up in the group, but the only price you’re guaranteed is the “2 people” rental cost.

Seven Commando Beach: a planned beach break that changes the tone of the day

Between lagoons, you get a stop at Seven Commando Beach. This matters because lagoons can be mentally tiring after a while, even when the scenery is stunning. A beach stop resets your body: you can stretch, get sand under your feet, and take a breath between boat segments.

What I like about this kind of route design is that it gives you time away from constant water movement. Even a short beach window can help you last through the full day without feeling like you’re always in “sit on the boat, look at water, move again” mode.

That said, don’t assume you’ll have long, unbroken downtime. With an 8-hour day, every stop has a schedule. If you’re sensitive to time pressure, pack your energy for quick changes: sunscreen on, water ready, hat secured, and your towel or dry clothes accessible.

Shimizu Island: white sand, sun time, and the Japanese-diver story

Shimizu Island is the portion of the day that leans into simple pleasures: white sand and a chance to relax. The tour also includes sightseeing time tied to the area, and one of the most interesting details here is the name itself.

Shimizu Island was named after a Japanese diver who allegedly perished in an underwater tunnel nearby. It’s a small detail, but it gives the day more meaning than just a pretty shoreline. It connects local folklore and foreign influence through one place name, while still keeping the focus on nature doing its thing.

In practical terms, Shimizu Island is also where you’ll want your sun protection to be on point. You’re outdoors for long stretches, and this is the kind of stop where you can lose track of time because everything looks photographable.

If you burn easily, treat sunscreen like a non-negotiable item, not a suggestion. The tour lists sunscreen as something to bring, and I agree. Don’t leave it for later.

Price and value: $27 covers the essentials, extras come later

At about $27 per person for an 8-hour tour, El Nido Tour A is positioned as a budget-to-midrange lagoon day. The value is in what’s included: packed lunch, bottled water each person, boat transfer, a licensed tour guide, and a licensed boat captain.

That included set matters because it reduces “surprise spending.” If you’ve ever done island tours where your base price feels low but then you keep paying for basics, you’ll appreciate that here. You still need to budget for the separately listed fees.

Two important extras:

• Environmental fee ticket: Php 200 per person, valid for 10 days
• Lagoon entrance: Php 200 per person

Kayak rental is another extra if you choose it: Php 300 for 2 people.

If you’re trying to judge whether this is a good deal for you, do the math as a total lagoon-day cost, not just the tour headline price. The included items cover a lot of your time on the water, but the government and lagoon access fees are part of the real cost of doing business in the area.

Logistics that can make or break your day (and how to plan around them)

Meeting point is simple: look for the BIZ IT Travel representative. I’d still do one extra step the day before you go, which takes almost no time. Confirm your pickup or your meeting expectations and ask for the exact time you should show up. The route depends on timing, and being early buys you less stress.

One practical tip: expect to check in, pay any required local fees if needed, and then move quickly once the schedule starts. With lagoon tours, time gets eaten by small things like packing up gear, finding your spot, and organizing wet and dry items.

Also, be ready for clear instructions and ask questions early. If you show up with your mindset set to be flexible, the group pace will feel normal. If you’re hoping for a totally hands-off day, this isn’t that. You’ll follow guide cues for when and where to get on and off the boat.

If you have trouble with direction changes, bring a little organization. A dry bag or zip pouch helps you move faster because you are not rummaging around every time the group shifts.

Comfort on the water: boats, timing, and your personal limits

This is a boat-and-lagoon day, so your body has to cooperate. The tour is not suitable for people prone to seasickness. It also isn’t suitable if you have high blood pressure.

If either of those applies, don’t gamble with it. Lagoons can look calm, but boat rides and water movement can still trigger nausea. And if you have health concerns, I recommend getting clearance from your doctor before you join any long boat activity.

If you are generally fine on boats, still plan for sun and heat. You’ll be outdoors for hours, and you’ll be in and out of water. That’s why the “what to wear” list is so important.

What to wear and bring: simple steps for a smoother lagoon day

Here’s the practical kit I’d follow for El Nido Tour A:

• Swimwear
• Change of clothes
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen

You’ll also want to bring a passport, because a passport is required. That’s the kind of item that can ruin a day if you forget it at home. Keep it in your day bag from the start.

Bigger picture, bring fewer things, but pack them smarter. A small dry bag is helpful for keeping valuables and paperwork protected while you’re in swim mode.

Two things you should not bring: alcohol and drugs are not allowed. If you’re the kind of traveler who thinks, I’ll just bring one small drink for later, skip that. Follow the rules so you do not create problems for yourself or the crew.

Food on the tour: packed lunch reality and how to handle it

You get a packed lunch and bottled water each person. That’s a plus because you won’t have to hunt for food during the day.

Still, I’d treat lunch as functional, not gourmet. One concern that comes up is that the lunch can be limited for vegetarians, with simple items and not much variety. If you’re vegetarian or have dietary needs, my advice is to bring a small backup snack that you know you can eat.

Good snacks for this kind of day are non-messy and easy to carry. Think something you can open fast, eat without a fork, and stash again. This way, you stay happy even if the packed lunch isn’t exactly what you were hoping for.

The crew and your experience quality: what to expect from a licensed team

A big strength of this tour is the included licensed guide and licensed boat captain. That usually means clearer safety procedures and less confusion about boat movements, which is exactly what you want when multiple stops are packed into an 8-hour route.

In a good day, the guide keeps you informed, gets you where you need to go, and manages timing so you don’t feel like you’re waiting around too long. The crew’s effort is part of why the overall rating lands in the good range.

But for a group tour, communication is everything. If you notice you’re arriving at a stop before everyone is ready, take control in a friendly way. Get your swim stuff organized early so you are ready to go when the group moves. That single habit saves you time and reduces the “wait, pack, rush” feeling.

Who should book El Nido Tour A (and who should skip it)

El Nido Tour A is a strong fit if you want to hit the classic lagoon sights efficiently, especially Big Lagoon and the Miniloc area. It’s also a good match if you like a day planned for you, with boat transfers, a guide, and included water and lunch.

You should probably think twice if:

• You’re prone to seasickness
• You have high blood pressure
• You need reliable vegetarian meals
• You hate following a schedule and moving as a group

If you’re a first-time El Nido visitor, this tour can help you understand what kind of lagoon scenery you like most, big open water versus calmer moments. And if you want the day to be efficient without hiring private boats, this is a reasonable route to start with.

Should you book El Nido Tour A?

Book it if your priority is Miniloc lagoons in one organized day, and you’re okay with a schedule plus simple, packed meals. The included water, lunch, boat transfers, and licensed crew make it feel like a fair price for a full half-day of major sights.

Skip or choose another option if your body doesn’t do well on boats, or if you need more dependable vegetarian options. In those cases, the extra effort of confirming food needs and planning backup snacks will make or break your experience.

If you do go, do two things well: pack sunscreen and hat early, and be ready to pay the environmental and lagoon entrance fees on top of the tour price. That’s the difference between a smooth lagoon day and a last-minute scramble.

FAQ

What is included in El Nido Tour A?

The tour includes a packed lunch, bottled water each person, a licensed tour guide, boat transfer, and a licensed boat captain.

What extra fees are not included?

Kayak rental is not included (Php 300 for 2 people). Also not included are the environmental fee ticket (Php 200 per person, valid for 10 days) and the lagoon entrance (Php 200 per person).

Where do I meet for El Nido Tour A?

Meet at the BIZ IT Travel representative. Look for them at the meeting point provided by the operator.

How long is the tour?

El Nido Tour A lasts 8 hours, with starting times depending on availability.

Is there an English-speaking guide?

Yes. The tour includes a live tour guide in English.

Do I need any documents, and what should I pack?

You need a passport. Bring sunscreen, swimwear, a change of clothes, and a sun hat.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible, and who should avoid it?

The tour is wheelchair accessible. It is not suitable for people prone to seasickness and people with high blood pressure.

Should you book El Nido Tour A?

Yes, if you want an organized way to see the main Miniloc lagoon highlights, including Big Lagoon and the Secret Lagoon area, plus Shimizu Island and Seven Commando Beach in one day. Add backup food if you are vegetarian, and plan for the listed environmental and lagoon entrance fees so your day stays stress-free.