El Nido Tour A – Big Lagoon Premium Tour (Private / Shared)

Big Lagoon is the kind of view you stop explaining. In this El Nido Tour A (Big Lagoon Premium), you get the famous lagoon scenes, plus several classic island-and-beach stops, with time to swim and snorkel. What I like most is Big Lagoon as the first big moment, and the help from guide Jerry, who made the day feel smooth and personal. One thing to keep in mind: the itinerary depends on weather, especially around Payong-Payong.

You should also know this is priced as a premium day, but not everything is included. Entrance and environmental fees are extra, so your real budget is the base price plus a couple of on-the-day payments. Still, when the water is clear, the day delivers the El Nido payoff in about 7 hours.

Key highlights to know before you book

• Big Lagoon happens first, so you stand a better chance of enjoying the area before it gets busy.
• Snorkeling gear is not fully included, you may need to rent a snorkeling mask (PHP 150).
• Entrance fees and an environmental fee are extra, so check the full cost before you go.
• Kayak is only included for private tours, if that matters to you, confirm your booking type.
• Pickup is included, but confirm the exact pickup location near your hotel and departure area.
• Weather can change the plan, including what happens at Payong-Payong.

Big Lagoon first, and why that order matters

Big Lagoon is the headliner for a reason. It’s a scenic, narrow waterway with striking blue water and dark limestone cliffs all around. The water is the star here, clear enough that you actually want to slow down and look around, not just rush to the next photo spot.

The timing is also smart. You start at Big Lagoon for about 1 hour 30 minutes, which gives you breathing room for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking if your tour type includes it. Starting earlier matters because conditions can change fast on island tours, and you want your best chance at calm water and good visibility.

Now, the practical bit. Big Lagoon also has fees. The entrance ticket is PHP 200 per person, and it is not included in the tour price. So if you are doing mental math, plan on paying this on top of the $40 base.

Pickup, boat transfer, and the private/shared reality check

This tour includes hotel pickup and boat transfer, plus a licensed crew and guide, life jackets, purified water, and a picnic lunch with fruits. That’s a solid bundle for a full day. You also get a smoother start if you are not trying to coordinate a meeting point with multiple vans and taxis.

That said, the “private/shared” label can be confusing. The tour description says private activity with only your group, but the day may still feel like a shared experience depending on boat size and how the operator groups departures. I’d treat this as a day trip that is mostly about the itinerary, not a guaranteed “your own boat with zero other people” promise, unless your confirmation clearly states it.

Pickup can also be a small wrinkle. In one case I saw, pickup was declined because the hotel was considered too far from the downtown departure area. You do not want your day to start with a phone call and a sprint. If you are staying outside the main area, confirm your pickup address and the actual pickup time window before you rely on it.

One more logistics point: timing can shift with weather. I’ve seen at least one scenario where the start time was adjusted to match better weather conditions. Since this tour is weather sensitive, build in a little flexibility.

Stop 1: Big Lagoon Premium time, swimming, snorkeling, and possible kayaking

Your Big Lagoon segment is the core experience. You get about 1 hour 30 minutes here, and the main activities are built around the setting: swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and soaking in the cliffs and the lighter-than-air water tones.

Snorkeling gear, what to do

A snorkeling mask is not included. Rental is listed as PHP 150 per person. If you have your own mask, bring it. If you do not, do not wait until you are on the boat to solve it, especially if you want time in the water quickly.

Life jackets are included, which is a comfort boost if you are not a confident swimmer. Also, you’ll be on a boat transfer, so it helps to be mentally ready for some spray and sun.

Fees to budget for Big Lagoon

Big Lagoon entrance is PHP 200 per head, and there’s also an environmental fee of PHP 400 per head. The environmental fee is valid for 5 days, which is useful if you plan to visit other El Nido sites later in your trip.

Stop 2: Shimizu Island for a swim break and snorkeling in calm water

Next up is Shimizu Island for about 1 hour 30 minutes. This is your lighter, slower interlude after the big lagoon. The vibe here is relaxed: powdery white sand, lush greenery nearby, and clear water where swimming feels easy.

The snorkeling is part of the plan too. The description notes snorkeling opportunities in very clear, shallow turquoise water, which usually means fewer barriers between you and what’s underwater. You do not have to be an expert to enjoy this stretch. Even if you do not snorkel, the swim break is the point.

A practical move

Take advantage of this stop to reset. If the morning is sun-heavy for you, you can switch between shade on the island and quick swims. It’s also a good time to confirm you have what you need for the next stops, sunscreen, water, and your rented mask if you are using one.

Stop 3: Payong-Payong Beach, and why weather changes your plan

Payong-Payong Beach is about 1 hour. This stop is explicitly weather dependent. If conditions are not right, the tour notes you will be taken to another spot to enjoy snorkeling in El Nido waters.

That is not a flaw, it’s part of how lagoon and beach days work here. When winds or water conditions are poor, the operator prioritizes safety and visibility. The downside is you may not end up on Payong-Payong itself.

So what should you do? Have the right mindset. Treat this as a snorkeling and scenic-water stop, not as a promise that you will land on one exact beach under any weather scenario.

Stop 4: Secret Lagoon through a cave, short time, big payoff

Secret Lagoon is for people who like a little drama in their nature photos. It’s accessible through a small cave, and it’s a popular sightseeing stop.

You’ll have about 1 hour here. That’s enough time to walk in, take the sights in, and if you are comfortable, spend time looking around the lagoon area. The cave entry does mean this is not the stop for a fully relaxed pace. You’ll want to keep an eye on footing and flow with the group.

If you are claustrophobic, consider whether a cave entry would bother you before booking. The description is clear that it’s the way in, not an optional detour.

Stop 5: Seven Commando Beach for beach bar time and photos

Seven Commando Beach is another 1 hour stop, focused on scenery and beach time. You get serene white sand, clear turquoise water, palm trees, and rock formations. There’s also a beach bar, so this is where a cold drink and a slower rhythm make sense.

This is also a nice wrap-up stop. By the time you reach Seven Commando, you’ve already done the lagoons and snorkeling. So this last beach scene is easier to enjoy if you’re a little sun-worn and ready to just watch waves for a while.

End of the day includes dropping you to the El Nido floating dock. That’s a helpful finish point if you are arranging transport back to your hotel.

Lunch, purified water, and what you get for the premium price

What’s included matters because you want to know where your day’s value is coming from. This tour includes:

• A picnic lunch with fruits
• Purified water
• Life jackets
• An experienced crew and licensed tour guide

In at least one described day, the lunch included a mix that went beyond just one protein, with seafood plus pork and chicken, along with fruit. You should still treat this as “included lunch with fruit,” not as a fine-dining guarantee. The key point is: you won’t be hunting for food mid-tour.

The purified water inclusion is also practical. On hot days, having water sorted for you helps you avoid the scramble that often happens when tours run a bit longer or start earlier.

Entrance fees and the real cost per person

Let’s talk money in a clean way. The tour price is $40 per person. But you should plan for additional fees:

• Big Lagoon entrance fee: PHP 200 per person (not included)
• Environmental fee: PHP 400 per person, valid for 5 days
• Snorkeling mask rental: PHP 150 per person (if you need it)

So your “on the day” costs can add up quickly if you forget them. A smart move is to have some cash or an easy way to pay these fees when you arrive.

The environmental fee being valid for 5 days is a nice detail. If your schedule includes more tours on different days, it may prevent you from paying it again immediately.

When the day goes wrong: weather, start times, and pickup issues

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you should expect to be offered either a different date or a full refund. That’s important because it changes your risk level.

Even when the tour runs, weather can still tweak the day. One person’s booking showed a last-minute cancellation due to technical difficulties, arriving the night before. That’s rare compared to a pure weather issue, but it’s a reminder to keep your plans flexible, especially in peak season.

There’s also a theme around expectations versus reality. A couple of complaints focused on boat comfort and how the private/shared label felt different than expected, plus one issue where hotel pickup was not accepted because of distance from the departure area.

My advice is simple: screenshot your pickup details and double-check your pickup point the day before. Ask for the exact meeting spot. If you are paying a premium for a particular comfort level, confirm the boat size and whether you are sharing with others for your exact departure.

Who should book this El Nido Tour A?

You’ll likely love this tour if you want an all-in-one El Nido sampler with the big lagoon included. The itinerary hits classic stops that work well for first-timers who want lots of variety in one day: lagoon scenery, a sandy island break, snorkeling, a cave-access lagoon, and a final beach with a bar.

It’s also described as suitable for most travelers, so it’s not only for hardcore snorkel fans. If you just want the water views and a few swims, this still makes sense.

You might think twice if:

• you hate cave entries (Secret Lagoon goes through a small cave)
• you expect a perfectly private experience with no other boats around
• you are strict about pickup and are staying far from the center, since pickup can be sensitive to distance
• you dislike weather-linked changes, since Payong-Payong is weather dependent

Should you book this Big Lagoon Premium Tour A?

Book it if you care most about the Big Lagoon experience and want a packed, scenic day without building your own itinerary. The guide support, included life jackets, and the fact that the lagoon time comes first make it a strong value when conditions are good.

Skip or switch to a different operator if you are extremely sensitive to schedule uncertainty, because this is a weather-dependent outing and some days can be shifted or replaced. Also, if you are booking as premium for private comfort, confirm exactly what your boat will be like and how pickup will work for your hotel.

If you can handle a bit of real-world logistics, you’re in the right place. Big Lagoon, when it’s clear, is the kind of view that turns a “quick day trip” into a core memory.

FAQ

How long is El Nido Tour A (Big Lagoon Premium Tour)?

It runs for about 7 hours (approx.).

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup is included.

What are the main stops on the itinerary?

You visit Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Payong-Payong Beach, Secret Lagoon, and Seven Commando Beach.

Does the tour include snorkeling?

Yes. Swimming and snorkeling are part of the activities, especially at Big Lagoon and Shimizu Island. Payong-Payong is also described for snorkeling.

Are entrance fees included?

No. Big Lagoon entrance fees are not included.

How much are the Big Lagoon entrance fees?

PHP 200 per head for Big Lagoon.

Is there an environmental fee?

Yes. The environmental fee is PHP 400 per head and it is valid for 5 days.

Is a snorkeling mask included?

No. A snorkeling mask can be rented for PHP 150 per person.

Do you get lunch?

Yes. A picnic lunch with fruits is included.

Is a kayak included?

A kayak is included only for a private tour.

Should you book this Big Lagoon Premium Tour A?

If you want the classic El Nido route in one day, starting with Big Lagoon, this is a good pick. Just budget for the Big Lagoon entrance and the environmental fee, and confirm your pickup details so your morning starts calmly. If the weather is good, you’ll get a full lineup of lagoons and beaches that feel like they belong on the top of El Nido’s shortlist.