El Nido Tour A (shared tour)

Lagoons make El Nido feel unreal. On this El Nido Tour A, you spend an 8-hour shared day bouncing between the Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon, plus beach time like Shimizu Island and 7 Commando Beach. I love how the water looks almost glassy in Big Lagoon, and I really like the small, enclosed feeling when you enter Secret Lagoon.

One thing to keep in mind: because it’s a shared tour, the day can get crowded, and that can affect how relaxed the snorkeling stops feel. You might also spend a bit of time waiting around the meeting point before you finally head out.

The upside is strong value for the money. You get hotel pickup within El Nido town proper, a licensed guide in English, a guaranteed boat, lunch plus water, and towels, all for a low base price.

Key takeaways before you book

• Guaranteed boat reduces the fear factor on a busy island-hopping schedule
• Big Lagoon clarity and rock formations are the wow moment most people remember
• Secret Lagoon’s narrow entrance gives you that secluded feeling right away
• White sand at Shimizu Island turns the day from sightseeing into real beach time
• Payong-payong and 7 Commando Beach add variety, with your guide sharing the 7 Commando name story
• Snorkel gear is not included, so bring your own water shoes and plan for mask and snorkels

Price and fees: what that $34 really costs

At about $34 per person, El Nido Tour A is priced like a budget-friendly way to see the must-do lagoons and beaches. The base package includes hotel pickup in El Nido town proper, a licensed English-speaking guide, lunch and water, towels, and a guaranteed boat. That coverage matters because it removes a lot of small costs that add up fast when you book island hopping piece by piece.

Now the important part: extra fees are on top. You’ll need to budget for an environmental fee of P400 per person, and a Big Lagoon fee of P200 per person. Since the environmental fee is one-time purchase valid for 5 days, it can pay off if you plan more than one tour in the next few days.

Snorkeling costs can also creep in because mask and snorkels are not included, and you’re expected to have things like aqua shoes and fins. If you want the kayak option mentioned for Secret Beach, there’s a kayak rental listed at P300 good for 2 people.

Meeting point and pickup: where the day starts in El Nido

This tour starts with hotel pickup within El Nido town proper, so you do not have to coordinate your own transport to the harbor area. If you are using the meeting point instead, it’s listed at Umi Travel at seaside Hama, Barangay Suerte, El Nido.

The shared format is exactly why timing can feel a little unpredictable. One downside that shows up in real-world pacing is waiting at the meeting point before the boat leaves. If you like tight schedules, you’ll feel that friction. If you travel with buffer time, it’s manageable.

My practical advice: arrive early, keep your day bag ready (especially your beachwear and towel situation), and be ready for the group to form. Also, note the tour does not include drop-off back at your hotel, so you should plan how you’ll get back to where you’re staying when you finish.

What to bring for an 8-hour lagoon day

Pack for “wet and sandy,” not “museum and photos.” You’re told to bring a change of clothes, beachwear, and a towel. Water shoes are strongly suggested in the tour guidance, and they also help you stay comfortable during boat boarding and beach time.

You’ll also want to think about snorkeling setup. Mask and snorkels are not included, and aqua shoes and fins are not included either. If you want to swim with less hassle, bring your own gear or plan to rent it locally in El Nido before you head out.

For the boat day itself, you’ll be glad the package includes lunch and water, because it reduces the chance you’ll spend your time searching for food while everyone else is back on the water. Towels are included too, so you only need to worry about your personal clothing and any swim-specific items.

Last, follow the rules: alcohol and drugs are not allowed. And if you have mobility limitations, this tour is not suited for you, since you’ll be moving between boats and uneven beach areas.

Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon: the water stops that do the heavy lifting

Big Lagoon is the signature start for many people, and it’s easy to see why. You get clear, rippling water with rock formations around you and underneath, so it feels like you are moving through a natural marine corridor. Even if you are not spending most of your time snorkeling, you’ll still get that cinematic view from the boat and shallow edges.

Secret Lagoon is the other showstopper. This one is described as a small entrance where you duck in to reach a secluded pool of crystal water surrounded by rocks. That design is what creates the “storybook” feel, because the space feels protected rather than like open sea.

Here’s the tradeoff: both lagoons are popular, and on a shared tour the water can be busy. That can limit how much time you get to linger in the shallows, especially for snorkeling. If your goal is calm, slow swimming, temper your expectations. If your goal is to see these iconic places and get multiple beach breaks, this tour still delivers.

Shimizu Island and Payong-payong Beach: when it turns into actual beach time

After the lagoons, the day shifts into classic El Nido rhythm: swim, relax, and reset. Shimizu Island is specifically known here for white sand and a laid-back atmosphere. The idea is simple and good, you get time to soak up the sun, take photos, and recover your energy in between water stops.

Payong-payong Beach is a smart add-on because it gives you another scene change without making the day feel like a nonstop sprint. You get another opportunity to enjoy clear water from the shoreline and keep switching locations as the boat schedule moves.

If you want the best experience, treat these beach blocks like your recovery time. Put on sunscreen before you get into the sun for real, keep a small stash of dry clothes in a sealed bag, and use water shoes to avoid regrettable sand-to-foot problems. Lunch and water are included, so you can focus on enjoying the break rather than planning meals.

One more practical tip: since snorkeling gear is not included, decide early whether you’ll snorkel here or just swim. That choice helps you stay flexible if crowds slow things down.

7 Commando Beach: the swim break plus the story behind the name

7 Commando Beach is where the tour rounds out with another strong swim-and-chill stop. You’ll be able to relax and take a dip in the clear blue ocean, and your guide includes information about the origin of the 7 Commando Beach name. That little story component can be surprisingly valuable, because it turns a pretty shoreline into something with context.

This stop also tends to feel different from the lagoon phases. Lagoons are more about narrow passages, rock formations, and short bursts of time in the water. 7 Commando Beach is more open and beachy, so it’s easier to settle in and enjoy the day.

If you care about photos, this is a solid time to focus on shore shots and wide water views. If you care more about swimming, this is usually your best “longer comfort” stretch because you’re not working around a lagoon entrance or a tight pocket of water.

Just remember it’s still a shared tour, so you may see many people on the beach at once. Plan to keep your pace calm, especially if you’re sharing changing areas or walking on busy sand.

Crowds, weather, and making the most of shared boat time

El Nido is famous, and that’s both the point and the problem. On a shared tour, you can run into the reality that multiple tours may be heading toward similar stops, which can make the water feel crowded and reduce how long you get for snorkeling. The good news is the tour still keeps moving through multiple different locations, so even if one stop feels busy, you are not stuck in one place.

Weather can also change the mood of the day. I’ve seen reports of still having a great experience even with less-than-perfect weather. If the sky looks cloudy, it can still be worth it because the lagoons are still visual, and beach time still works as long as you’re dressed for it.

Your best strategy is mindset. Treat the day as a lineup of highlights, not a private, slow-motion photo shoot. Keep your expectations aligned with a shared schedule, and you’ll feel a lot happier with the overall flow.

Also, know what’s not included so you don’t get caught mid-day. Snorkel gear, fins, and aqua shoes are not included, and kayak rental is optional at P300 for 2 people. With those facts in hand, you can make quick decisions and keep the day fun.

Should you book El Nido Tour A?

Book it if you want the biggest El Nido hits in one day: Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island white sand, and 7 Commando Beach, with lunch, water, towels, an English-speaking licensed guide, and pickup within El Nido town proper. At the base price, it’s strong value, especially since you’re not paying separately for core tour services.

Skip or reconsider if your number-one goal is quiet snorkeling time in uncrowded water. Shared tours can squeeze snorkeling, and waiting at the meeting point can happen. Also skip if you have mobility impairments, since this one is not set up for that.

If you do book, go in smart: bring water shoes, plan for mask and snorkels you can use, and keep a little extra time buffer for the start of the day.

FAQ

How long is El Nido Tour A?

The tour duration is 8 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is listed at $34 per person.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is at Umi Travel at seaside Hama, Barangay Suerte, El Nido.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, it includes hotel pickup within El Nido town proper. Drop-off back to your hotel is not included.

What’s included in the price?

Included are hotel pickup within El Nido town proper, a licensed tour guide, a guaranteed boat, lunch and water, and towels.

What extra fees should I plan for?

You may need to pay an environmental fee of P400 per person (one-time purchase valid for 5 days) and a Big Lagoon fee of P200 per person.

Is snorkeling gear included?

No. Mask and snorkels, plus aqua shoes and fins, are not included.

Can I rent a kayak for Secret Beach?

Yes. Kayak rental is listed at P300 good for 2 pax.

What should I bring?

Bring a change of clothes, beachwear, a towel, and water shoes.

Is there a cancellation option?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.