Big Lagoon looks like a movie scene. El Nido Tour A strings together iconic lagoons, kayaking, snorkeling, and beach time in one smooth 6-hour outing with an English guide. You’ll get that classic limestone-and-turquoise look from the water, plus plenty of photo breaks.

I like how the day starts with real downtime at Seven Commandos Beach, where you can swim and unwind on powdery white sand. I also like the practical setup: mask and snorkel gear, life jacket, purified drinking water, and a picnic lunch at Shimizu Island are handled for you.

One thing to consider: lunch may not be vegetarian-friendly beyond basic options like rice and noodles, so plan a backup if you eat that way.

Quick takeaways

• Big Lagoon kayaking time with limestone cliffs and calm turquoise water for photos
• Secret Lagoon visit with a short guided stop behind rock formations
• Snorkeling gear included, with optional fins and aqua shoes for comfort
• Shimizu Island picnic lunch gives you a proper break (vegetarian options may be limited)
• Popular route means some crowding at stops and on the boat

Tour A in El Nido: the best “highlights” combo for your day

This is the kind of tour that works when you want the famous El Nido views without spending your whole trip figuring out boats and schedules. Tour A keeps the flow moving through the postcard locations most people come here for, with kayaking and snorkeling as the main activities.

What I think makes it especially good value is that the day isn’t just scenic sightseeing. You also get hands-on time: snorkeling where coral and fish are common, and kayaking through Big Lagoon’s limestone scenery. That mix makes the hours feel full, but not frantic.

Marber’s meet-up and the day’s rhythm (Marber’s to dockyard, back again)

Your day begins at Marber’s Resto Bar on Calle Hama Beachfront. You go inside and look for Annabelle or any Alexzus staff member, which helps if you’re new to the area.

From there, the tour runs as a structured island-hopping loop with safety briefings and guided stops. Even though the itinerary is busy, it’s built around clear blocks of time—like the 1 hour at Seven Commandos Beach and the 105 minutes at Big Lagoon—so you know when you’ll have a calm moment versus activity time.

English is the live guide language, and there’s a private group option if you want a calmer, more tailored feel. The tour also notes skip-the-ticket-line and “reserve & pay later,” which is handy if you’re juggling plans.

Seven Commandos Beach: powdery sand, swim time, and a gentle start

Seven Commandos Beach is where you get your first real hit of that El Nido beach look—powdery white sand and crystal-clear water. This is also the point where you reset. You’ll have time for sightseeing, a guided overview, and a chance to swim before the water activities ramp up.

In practical terms, use this stop to get your body ready for the rest of the day. You’ll likely spend a lot of time in sun and on boats, so I recommend changing into swimwear early if you can. Bring a towel or a layer you don’t mind getting sandy, then keep your valuables in something sealed.

One small caution: this beach is a crowd magnet on classic island-hopping days. If you’re sensitive to busy environments, arrive ready to share space and focus on the water and the views.

Snorkeling near Advince or South Miniloca: what’s included and what you might add

Snorkeling is built into the route, aimed at a coral-rich area near Advince or South Miniloca. The tour includes mask and snorkel, which is a big savings because rental gear can add up fast.

If you want the most comfortable experience, consider renting extras:

• Aqua shoes if the water entry or rocks feel rough underfoot (rental is listed)
• Flippers/fins if you like an easier swim with less leg effort (rental is listed)

The tour also follows a clear safety and behavior set: no touching marine life. That rule isn’t just for conservation—it also helps you avoid getting stung, scratched, or stirring up things you don’t want to.

Also, pack a waterproof camera plan. You’ll want hands-free photo moments, and the water clarity is the kind that makes even simple shots look good.

Big Lagoon kayaking: limestone walls, calm water, and real photo angles

This is the centerpiece of Tour A. You’ll navigate Big Lagoon with towering limestone cliffs on the sides and turquoise water that tends to look smooth and inviting. Kayaking here is different from a beach swim because you’re moving slowly through a landscape that changes as you paddle.

The tour sets aside 105 minutes for the Big Lagoon block, with kayaking, guided sightseeing, and scenic photo opportunities. That’s long enough to get a real feel for the lagoon and still have time to stop for pictures.

A smart strategy: plan to take a few photos, then spend more time just watching. The best shots usually happen when you pause your movement and let the cliffs frame you. If your guide is someone like Anderson or Ken Kyle, you may get extra story and humor along the way, which makes the kayaking part feel less like a chore and more like a proper outing.

Kayak rental is not included. You’ll need to add the listed PHP 300–350 per kayak depending on seats, so think about what you want: shared paddling can be fun, but you may prefer a layout that keeps you comfortable.

Shimizu Island picnic lunch: a real break, plus the one thing to plan around

Lunch happens at Shimizu Island with a picnic setup, and you get about 105 minutes to eat and reset. This is one of the bigger value points of the tour because you’re not buying lunch on the fly, and you’re not searching for a place that works with a boat schedule.

The tour includes purified drinking water, which is a quiet lifesaver in a sun-heavy day. Still, I’d bring extra water snacks if you’re the type who gets hungry before the main picnic, because the day rhythm can feel continuous once snorkeling and kayaking start.

Here’s the only downside I’d flag: lunch may have limited vegetarian choices. If you’re vegetarian, I’d come prepared with a snack backup or ask ahead what’s available so you don’t end up relying on plain rice and noodles.

Secret Lagoon: a shorter guided visit with strong scenery payoff

After lunch, you head to Secret Lagoon in El Nido. The guided visit is shorter—about 45 minutes—but it’s timed for the kind of effect lagoons like this are famous for: you explore the area hidden behind rock formations, and the scenery feels more enclosed than the open lagoons.

This stop is less about active swimming and more about sightseeing and walking around. It’s a good balance after kayaking and snorkeling, because your body gets a break while you still get views and photo moments.

A practical tip: bring a waterproof camera or phone case. Even if you’re not planning to get into the water, the angles and light here can make pictures worth the effort.

Pricing and extra fees: what $21 actually turns into on the ground

The advertised price is $21 per person, and the tour includes the licensed boat, licensed captain, licensed local guide, mask and snorkel, life jacket, purified drinking water, and the picnic lunch. That’s a solid baseline for El Nido island hopping because licensing and guide time are real costs.

But a few key items are not included, so your final spend depends on your choices:

• Kayak rental: PHP 300 for 2-seaters, PHP 350 for 3-seaters
• Water shoes/aqua shoes: PHP 100 rental per pair
• Flippers/fins: PHP 150 rental per pair
• Environmental fee: PHP 400 per person (valid for 5 days)
• Big Lagoon users fee: PHP 200 per person (one-time access)

So the best way to think about value is this: you’re paying for the core tour structure up front, then topping up for comfort and specific access fees. If you already own snorkeling fins and aqua shoes, you can keep costs down. If you don’t, renting is often worth it for comfort and reduced hassle.

Also note the tour doesn’t include hotel pickup and drop-off, so factor in how you’ll reach Marber’s in time.

Packing tips and on-water rules that keep the day smooth

The tour gives you a clear “bring list,” and it’s worth following because the day is active and sun-focused. Pack sunglasses, a sun hat, beachwear, and a change of clothes for after. Insect repellent is also listed, which is smart for coastal areas.

Bring:

• Snacks (helpful between activities)
• Water if you’re the type who drinks often, even though purified water is included
• A waterproof camera (you’ll want the lagoon and beach shots)
• Cash (for rentals and the extra fees)

Rules are also part of making the day work: no smoking, no alcohol or drugs, and no touching marine life or animals or plants. If you’ve snorkeled before, you already know the biggest win is calm, float, and watch—don’t chase wildlife, don’t grab rocks, and keep your hands to yourself.

One more real-world note: this route is popular, which can mean crowded stops and a busy boat at times. A little patience helps. Focus on the timing: you’ll get your moments at Big Lagoon and the lagoons even if the approach feels hectic.

Who should book El Nido Tour A, and who should reconsider

This tour fits best if you want a classic El Nido day with a mix of beach time, snorkeling, and kayaking in Big Lagoon. If you like guided structure, you’ll appreciate how the stops are timed and how the guide runs the day in English.

It’s also a good fit for:

• Couples and friend groups who want shared scenery without planning
• People who want licensed guides and safety gear included (life jackets, briefing)
• Travelers who prefer a set route with predictable lunch and stop durations

It’s not suitable for everyone. The activity specifically says it’s not suitable for people over 70. If that matters to you, look for a different format or a shorter, more flexible option.

Should you book this tour?

If you want the El Nido highlights—Seven Commandos Beach, Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island lunch, and Secret Lagoon—in one day, I’d book Tour A. The kayaking and snorkeling combo makes it feel more than “just another island hop,” and the included gear and picnic lunch keep it from turning into a constant add-on expense.

Book with your eyes open on two points. First, plan for extra fees and kayak/snorkel comfort rentals (a big part of the total cost is decided on the day). Second, if you’re vegetarian, assume lunch choices may be limited—bring a backup snack and you’ll feel a lot better about the meal.

FAQ

How long is the El Nido Island Hopping Tour A with kayaking on Big Lagoon?

The tour duration is about 6 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at Marber’s Resto Bar located at Calle Hama Beach Front. You should go inside and look for Annabelle or any Alexzus staff.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. The tour includes mask and snorkel, and a life jacket. Flippers/fins are not included and are available as a rental.

Do I need to rent a kayak?

Kayak rental is not included. The listed rates are PHP 300 for 2-seaters and PHP 350 for 3-seaters.

Is lunch included?

Yes. You’ll have a picnic lunch at Shimizu Island.

Are there extra fees for Big Lagoon and the environment?

Yes. There is an environmental fee of PHP 400 per person (valid for 5 days) and a Big Lagoon users fee of PHP 200 per person for one-time access.