Lagoons in El Nido feel unreal. This day tour groups the iconic Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon sights with snorkeling and beach time, so you see a lot of Bacuit Bay’s best scenery without racing across islands all day. I also love that you’re given a real stretch of water time at multiple stops, not just a quick photo. The main thing to watch is logistics: the included transfer is only within El Nido Town Proper, and pickup/return can get confusing if you’re outside that area.

For about $50 for 8 hours, you’re paying for more than the views. You get roundtrip motorized boat time, lunch, lagoon and environment fees, drinking water, a life vest, and a live English guide. The trade-off is that snorkeling gear (mask/fins) and kayaking gear are marked as not included, so you’ll want to plan what you’ll bring or rent.

Key highlights that matter before you go

• Big Lagoon delivers those limestone walls and postcard-blue water for a full 1-hour visit with photos built in
• Secret Lagoon access includes a cave-like passage—timing and water shoes help when it’s rocky and slippery
• Shimizu Island is where lunch often happens, with shade from limestone cliffs while you recharge
• Seven Commandos Beach gives you a long 320-meter stretch of white sand plus swimming and kayaking time
• Payong Payong Beach is a calmer-feeling stop with shady trees and clear water for easy snorkeling
• Sea turtle chances are part of the appeal here, so slow down and look around, not just straight ahead

Why El Nido Tour A earns a top spot in Bacuit Bay

El Nido’s island hopping works best when you get the big “wow” moments in one run. Tour A is built for that. You start with Big Lagoon scenery—limestone cliffs closing in around wide water—then you move into smaller, more hidden-feeling spots like Secret Lagoon.

What I like is the pace. You’re not trapped on a boat the whole day. You step off, swim, look around, and reset your brain with actual beach time. And because this tour includes the lagoon and environment fees, you’re less likely to get stuck handling cash for entry once you’re out there.

Morning pickup and getting to the boat with less stress

Pickup is included only if you’re in El Nido Town Proper. If your hotel is outside that zone, the tour doesn’t include that transfer, and you may have to arrange transport yourself. I’d treat this as the #1 planning task.

Here’s what helps:

• Confirm the exact pickup point and timing with your operator after they email details.
• If you’re outside town, plan a backup route and a budget for getting to the port area.
• Bring a small bag of essentials right away (sunscreen, water shoes). You’re going to swap between sun and shade all day.

On the day, the driver is supposed to greet you holding a sign with your name. If something feels off, don’t argue on the roadside—just call the operator and straighten it out early.

Big Lagoon: the classic limestone walls and your first hour on the water

Big Lagoon is usually your first big visual hit. You’re going to see dramatic limestone rock formations towering over bright water, which is why this stop gets so much camera time.

During the 1-hour slot, you’ll likely do a mix of:

• Photo stops (expect time for pictures)
• Visiting the lagoon area before you move on

What to know: this stop sets the tone. If you’re the type who likes to settle in before snorkeling, use this hour to get your bearings, put sunscreen on properly, and decide where you want to swim when you get your next water window.

Secret Lagoon: hidden water, cave-like entry, and why water shoes help

Secret Lagoon is the one you talk about afterward. It’s a natural pool behind limestone cliffs, and it feels more sheltered than the open lagoon areas.

Getting there is part of the experience—but it’s also where you need to be ready. The boat docks near a white sand beach on the southern side of Miniloc Island. From there, you walk through a rocky passage that’s described as cave-like. When tides are high, head-height can be an issue, and the footing can be slippery.

This is where your kit matters:

• Wear water shoes (or anything with grip) rather than flip-flops.
• Move slow through the rocky section.
• If you’re short on time, keep your phone secure first, then focus on steady steps.

You’ll have about 1 hour here, with time for swimming and kayaking/hop-on hop-off style access. Just note: kayaks aren’t listed as included, so you might need to rent one on-site.

Shimizu Island: lunch under cliffs and swimming with colorful fish

Shimizu Island is a straightforward beach break that keeps the day balanced. It’s known for a white-sand shoreline and plenty of marine life.

This is also where lunch fits in. You’ll get your island lunch during the break time, plus swimming afterward. The timing is helpful because you get food and a chance to cool down before the next beach stop.

Two practical notes:

• Lunch is included, but you should still keep expectations realistic. If you arrive hungry and in a hurry, treat lunch like a reset button, not a long meal.
• The tour includes drinking water, but it’s still smart to refill/guard hydration from the start, since the sun in El Nido can be intense.

If you’re here for snorkeling, your best move is to put on your mask/fins early and then swim slowly. Coral and fish are often more rewarding when you stop chasing distance and start watching what’s close.

Seven Commandos Beach: long sand, big views, and a reason to slow down

Seven Commandos Beach is famous for a long stretch of white sand—about 320 meters—surrounded by limestone cliffs and coconut trees. You’re reaching it by boat, which adds to the feeling that you got there by the right path.

You’ll have a 1-hour visit with swimming and kayaking time. Again, kayaking gear isn’t listed as included, so be ready to pay if you want one.

What I’d do if I were planning my “best moment” here:

• Spend the first part of the hour swimming when the light is strongest.
• Then move to a shaded spot or cooler area to rest and take photos.
• If you’re snorkeling, keep an eye out for turtles when visibility is decent—this tour’s highlight story includes sea turtles, and sightings are more likely when you move calmly.

Also, the beach name is tied to local legend—some versions relate it to stranded soldiers, others to a vessel or carved stone. Either way, it’s one of those places where the scenery feels like it has a story baked in.

Payong Payong Beach: a calmer swim with shade and easy snorkeling

Payong Payong Beach is on the southern side of Miniloc Island and tends to feel like a softer landing after the larger headline stops. You’ll see cliffs and rocks, plus shady trees—nice if you want to cool off between swims.

The 1-hour time here is built around:

• Visiting the beach
• Swimming
• Enjoying the clear water for snorkeling

The water tends to be inviting and friendly for a casual swim, so this is a good stop for people who want marine life without a full-on challenge. If you’re with kids or older family members, this kind of beach time is usually where everyone relaxes.

Snorkeling, kayaks, and what’s actually included (so you don’t get stuck)

The tour experience clearly includes water time and snorkeling opportunities. But the included list says snorkeling mask and fins are not included. Kayak is also listed as not included.

So here’s the practical approach:

• Bring your own snorkeling gear if you can (mask and fins). The tour specifically asks you to bring snorkeling gear.
• If you don’t have it, plan to rent locally, and bring a bit of cash for it.
• For kayaking: since kayak gear isn’t included, treat kayaking as a possible add-on rather than a guaranteed free activity.

Good news: you do get a life vest on board. That’s a real comfort for families and anyone who isn’t a confident swimmer.

Also, the tour focuses on relaxation—there aren’t sports-style set pieces you’re forced into. The value is in moving between lagoons and beaches at a manageable pace.

What to pack for a long beach day in El Nido

This is one of those days where being ready beats being tough.

Bring:

• Swimwear and beachwear you can reuse quickly
• Towel
• Sunscreen, and biodegradable sunscreen is specifically recommended
• Sun hat/hat and a headscarf (useful on bright days)
• Flip-flops, but seriously consider water shoes for rocky entry areas
• Hand sanitizer or tissues
• Snorkeling gear (mask/fins) if you want to be self-sufficient

Also, don’t bring alcohol or drugs. That’s listed as not allowed.

One last real-world tip: pack a small waterproof bag for your phone and passport. You’ll be stepping off boats, walking over uneven ground, and getting splashes. Phones love to “accidentally” fall into the sea.

Transfers, boat rules, and the small things that make or break your day

Your best day is usually the one where logistics are boring and smooth.

Remember:

• Transfer to port is included only within El Nido Town Proper.
• You’ll be doing multiple hop-on style transitions between stops, so build in patience for waiting, boarding, and re-gathering.
• The boat uses fuel (it’s a motorized boat), so don’t assume there’s a clean-air environment.
• I’d also be prepared to follow onboard safety rules around smoking. Some tour operators enforce no-smoking behavior because of the boat’s small space and fuel environment.

Now, the value question: this tour includes lagoon and environment fees, guide fee, boat ride, lunch, and water. That’s why the price is attractive. But if your pickup isn’t in the included zone, your real “out of pocket” can rise—so check your hotel location honestly before you assume everything is covered.

Price and value: is $50 worth it?

For $50 per person and an 8-hour day, the value comes from what’s bundled:

• Roundtrip motorized boat time
• Island lunch
• Lagoon/environment fees
• Guide fee
• Life vest
• Drinking water

That’s a lot of costs that can easily add up if you try to assemble your own day with separate entries and rentals.

Your main “cost risk” isn’t the ticket—it’s extras:

• Snorkeling mask/fins (not included)
• Kayak (not included)
• Any transport needed if your hotel is outside El Nido Town Proper

If you’re staying centrally in town and you come prepared with your own snorkeling gear, this is a strong deal.

If you’re outside the included pickup zone and you need to rent everything, the sticker price can feel less like a bargain. Still doable, just plan for added spending.

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

This is a good fit if you:

• Want a full-day hit of El Nido’s top lagoon and beach scenery
• Like swimming and snorkeling more than hiking
• Prefer an organized format with a live English guide

It’s also described as aimed at secure, accessible fun for children, seniors, and those with disabilities. That said, this is still a boat day with rocky walking sections (like the Secret Lagoon approach) and significant sun exposure.

Don’t plan on it if:

• You’re pregnant
• You’re over 95 years old

Should you book this tour?

I’d book El Nido Tour A if you want the classic Bacuit Bay day: Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, a lunch stop on Shimizu, then beach time at Seven Commandos and Payong Payong. It’s one of the most efficient ways to see the highlights without overthinking connections.

Two last checks before you click:

• Make sure your hotel is in El Nido Town Proper so the transfer is truly included.
• Bring your own snorkeling setup if you care about having it on your schedule, since mask/fins and kayaks aren’t listed as included.

If those two points are solid, you’re set up for a day of water, cliffs, and serious photo-worthy moments—without the stress of piecing it together yourself.

FAQ

What’s the duration of El Nido Tour A?

The tour runs for 8 hours.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Island lunch is included.

Does the price include snorkeling gear or a kayak?

Snorkeling mask and fins are not included, and kayak gear is also listed as not included. The tour does include snorkeling time and kayaking time at stops, but you may need to bring or rent gear.

Is pickup included, and where does it apply?

Roundtrip transfer to the port is included only within El Nido Town Proper. If your hotel is not in that area, transfer is not included.

How long do you spend at each main stop?

The schedule provides 1-hour blocks at Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Seven Commandos Beach, and Payong-Payong Beach.

Is a guide and life vest included?

Yes. There is a live English guide, and life vests are provided on board.

What’s not allowed during the tour?

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.