Private El Nido Tour A Island Hopping

Private boat days in El Nido can feel like a cheat code. On this Private El Nido Tour A you get the famous lagoon-and-beach circuit with a more flexible schedule, so you have a better shot at avoiding the worst crowd crush. I especially like that the day is built around the classic lagoons, and that the package includes a solid flat set of basics like a licensed guide, lunch, life vests, and entrance tickets for the stops. One thing to keep in mind: this experience depends on good weather, so the day may shift if conditions are poor.

If you’ve ever done the shared boat versions, you already know how chaotic it can get: boats queue, schedules feel rigid, and you spend more time waiting than looking. This private setup keeps your group together in a motorized boat with a first aid kit and an ice box onboard, and the tour team (including guides like Vanessa and Eva with Natural Arts Travel and Tours) tends to be friendly and photo-helpful. That said, each main stop is roughly 30 minutes, so it is not a slow, all-day hang at one beach.

Key points worth your attention

• Private schedule flexibility helps you time lagoon views when boats are less packed
• Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon are the core highlights, each with an entrance ticket included
• Seven Commando Beach plus Shimizu Island gives you both swimming and postcard sand time
• Lunch and safety gear are part of the package, with life vests and a first aid kit provided
• Short, focused stops mean you get a lot of variety, but you will not linger long at any one spot

The private Tour A boat setup, and why it changes the day

The big difference here is simple: you are not sharing a boat with strangers and you are not trapped by a group’s exact pace. In El Nido, that matters because the most famous sights get busy fast, especially around the lagoons and the snorkeling areas. With a private day, you can usually enjoy the water and views without feeling like you are constantly trying to beat the next boat in line.

Your boat is a motorized boat with a life vest and first aid kit onboard, plus an ice box for keeping lunch items and drinks manageable. This is not just comfort, it is practical. A hot lagoon day can wear you down, and having those basics handled makes it easier to stay focused on enjoying the scenery.

Also, note the meeting and ending point. You start and end back at Dayo Cafe El Nido (listed with a plus code), which is handy because you can meet close to town without guessing where the pickup truck will be. The tour is private, meaning your group is the only group on the boat.

One more detail that’s easy to overlook: you receive a mobile ticket. That matters if you are traveling with spotty connectivity, since you’ll want the ticket saved offline or ready to show on your phone.

Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon: iconic views with a realistic time plan

El Nido’s lagoons are the reason island hopping is so addictive. Big Lagoon is typically where the day’s first wow moment lands, with limestone cliffs framing calm water that looks almost unreal when the light hits right. You get about 30 minutes here, and the admission ticket is included, which keeps things simple once you reach the site.

Secret Lagoon is the second classic stop on this route. It has that “quiet corner” feel even when boats are around. Expect the vibe to shift from open lagoon views to something that feels more tucked in, and it’s a great place to swim or pause for photos if you brought them to the front of your mind.

Here’s the realistic consideration: 30 minutes per stop means you’ll want to move efficiently. If you want time in the water, don’t treat each lagoon as an extended beach picnic. I recommend thinking of the day in segments. Lagoon arrival, quick swim or photo set, then back on board so you do not feel rushed later when the snorkeling and beach time starts.

The entrance tickets being included at each lagoon is a quiet value win too. Instead of budgeting for small add-ons, you can focus on what actually affects the day, like water time and comfort.

Shimizu Island: snorkeling country with a strong payoff

Shimizu Island is where the tour shifts from postcard views to water time. You get another 30 minutes here, with an admission ticket included. The key value of Shimizu is that it tends to pair well with snorkeling because the water and shoreline area make it easy to get going without complicated logistics.

If you are the kind of traveler who likes to pack in a lot of “best of” locations, Shimizu is a smart mid-day anchor. It is also a stop where being on a private boat can feel extra helpful. Shared tours can feel like a race, and you might spend the best part of the snorkel window waiting for everyone to be ready. With a private group, you can keep the flow.

Quick practical note: snorkeling gear is listed inconsistently in the details you have. The overview describes snorkel gear as part of the package, while the exclusions section also mentions snorkeling equipment as not included. Before you show up, confirm what you personally will be given. If they do not provide gear, you’ll want to bring your own, or you’ll be stuck with wet feet and a look-only plan.

Seven Commando Beach: sand-and-water time that feels like a reset

Seven Commando Beach is one of El Nido’s signature stops, and it brings a different feel than the lagoons. Instead of enclosed calm water, this is about getting onto a wide stretch of shoreline and letting the day reset. You get about 30 minutes, admission included.

This is the stop where I’d plan your most relaxed moments. If you’ve been in and out of the water during the lagoons, Seven Commando Beach can feel like the “breather” phase of the route. It is also a good time to regroup, hydrate, and take a few photos without feeling like you must rush to make it back for the next stop.

One more reason this stop matters for value: it gives your itinerary variety. A day that only hits lagoons can start to blur together. Adding a beach stop is how island hopping stays fun all the way through the afternoon.

Payong-Payong Beach: the quick extra stop that adds variety

The final scheduled stop is Payong-Payong Beach, often recognized for its distinctive umbrella rock formation. You get another 30 minutes and the admission ticket is included.

This last leg is where you’ll appreciate the private format again. When shared boats are running behind, the last stop often becomes a rushed photo-op. With a private route, you’re more likely to get the time you were promised, and you can make Payong-Payong more than just a quick glance.

Since this is a shorter stop, it’s not the best place to plan a long swim if you already used your energy on the earlier water time. Instead, I’d treat it as your “wrap-up” moment. Quick dip if conditions are good, photos with the rock as your backdrop, then back to the boat.

Lunch, safety gear, and the value bundle check

The package includes lunch, and the boat setup includes an ice box, which is a big deal in a warm coastal climate. Having lunch handled is not just convenience. It removes one of the biggest stress points for island hopping: figuring out where you’ll eat after you’re already hot, hungry, and slightly sun-blinded.

Safety gear is handled in the basics. You should have life vests and a first aid kit. That does not mean you should get reckless, but it does mean you’re not scrambling to find the essentials.

The tour also includes the services of a licensed tour guide, and that shows up in how smoothly a day like this tends to run. The Natural Arts Travel and Tours crew, including guides such as Vanessa and Eva, has a reputation in the area for being friendly and willing to help with photos. If that is your priority, you can lean into it. Bring your phone, show them what kind of photo you want, and they can help you angle shots while your group stays together.

The one thing to double-check before you go is snorkeling equipment. Because the details you have include both an inclusion mention and a non-inclusion note, confirming gear is the smart move.

Price per group: when $940.28 feels fair, and when it doesn’t

This tour is priced at $940.28 per group, up to 8 people (and the description also says it works for up to 10 travelers). In plain terms, you should expect to split the cost among your group. If you fill it with 8 people, that works out to roughly $118 per person.

That may sound high, but island hopping in El Nido is not a low-effort activity. You’re paying for a private motorized boat, a licensed guide, entrance tickets at multiple stops, lunch, and safety basics. The value is strongest when you have enough people to share the cost, and when you care about avoiding crowds.

If it’s just two or three people, the private format might feel less like a bargain and more like a splurge. In that case, I’d ask yourself one question: do you really want your time to be controlled by other boats? If the answer is yes, privacy is worth it. If the answer is no, a shared tour might be more cost-friendly.

Also consider timing. The tour is often booked about 40 days in advance on average, so if your dates are fixed, plan ahead.

Who this private Tour A is perfect for

This is a great fit if you want a “best of El Nido” lagoon and beach circuit without feeling like you’re always chasing the next schedule. It’s especially appealing if you like:

• a flexible day to beat crowds,
• a private boat where your group stays together,
• and a guided experience that includes lunch and key entry tickets.

It also works well for small groups and families who want a smoother flow. The listed capacity makes it a natural choice for a group of friends or a couple plus a few relatives.

If you are traveling solo and you do not want to share costs, you might feel the price less comfortably. And if you are picky about snorkeling gear being exactly what you prefer, confirm what is provided before you rely on it.

Practical tips so your 6 to 8 hours feel like a win

This tour runs about 6 to 8 hours. With multiple 30-minute stops plus travel time, the day will move. Here’s how to make it feel effortless instead of rushed.

• Plan for fast transitions. Treat each stop like a short chapter: arrive, swim or photos, then move on.
• Bring sun protection you actually use. Reef-safe sunscreen if you have it, plus a hat and water-friendly layers.
• Hydrate early. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty, especially if you’ll be in and out of the water.
• Confirm snorkeling gear. Because the details conflict, ask the provider what you will receive so you can pack accordingly.
• Use your guide for photos. If Vanessa or Eva or the crew offers help capturing shots, take them up on it.

One more small but important point: you start at Dayo Cafe and return there. If you are lining up dinner plans, build in buffer time so you are not trying to run out the door the moment you land back in town.

Should you book Private El Nido Tour A?

Book it if you want a classic El Nido island hopping day with private timing, multiple lagoon and beach highlights, and a guided setup that includes lunch and admission tickets. The cost makes most sense when your group can share the price and when you care about avoiding crowd chaos.

Skip or think twice if your group is small and you feel the per-person cost will hurt, or if you need guaranteed snorkeling equipment without any chance of confusion. In your case, the smart move is to confirm the gear situation and headcount limits before you pay.

If you like your El Nido days to feel more like a curated day with your group and less like a slot in a shared schedule, this private Tour A is one of the more satisfying ways to see the lagoon-to-beach highlights.

FAQ

How long is the Private El Nido Tour A?

It runs about 6 to 8 hours.

How many people can fit in the private group?

The price is listed per group up to 8 people, and the overview also says the package is good for up to 10 travelers. Confirm your exact headcount with the provider.

What stops are included on the route?

The stops are Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Seven Commando Beach, and Payong-Payong Beach.

Are entrance tickets included?

Yes. Admission tickets are included for each listed stop.

Is lunch included?

Yes, lunch is included.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

The details include a conflict: the overview mentions snorkel gear, while the exclusions list mentions snorkeling equipment. Confirm what equipment you will get before the day.

Is a kayak included?

No, kayak use is listed as not included.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Dayo Cafe El Nido and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Hotel tour pick-up and drop-off is listed as not included, so you should plan to get yourself to the meeting point.

What happens if weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts.