A boat day in El Nido can feel like magic. This Island Hopping Tour A keeps it simple: short beach-and-lagoon stops, a proper lunch, and round-trip transport from downtown. You get five islands in a single outing, with the day paced for photo ops and swimming.

I especially liked the way the stops are timed—enough time to swim and explore, not so long that you’re bored on the boat. I also like that the lunch is part of the package, and the food gets praised for being big and filling, with even vegan options arranged when needed.

One thing to think about: the base price doesn’t cover all local fees, and those can be confusing in the moment. Some charges involve lagoon and environmental fees, plus optional rentals like snorkeling gear or aqua shoes—so bring extra cash and confirm what you’re paying for before you hand it over.

Key things to know before you go

• Five island stops in one 6–8 hour day, starting at 9:00am
• Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Seven Commando Beach are the named highlights
• Lunch + local guide + boat transfers are included, with round-trip transport from downtown
• Group size capped at 30 travelers, which helps the day stay organized
• You should budget for eco and lagoon user fees plus optional rentals (snorkel gear, aqua shoes, kayak)

El Nido Tour A: what you’re really paying for

At $24 per person, this tour feels like a bargain—until you notice the fine print about local charges. Here’s the honest math mindset: you’re paying for the boat day, the guide, and the included lunch, while some island-access and environmental fees are added separately on top.

What makes Tour A good value is that it bundles the stuff that often costs extra when you do it on your own: boat transfers, a guide, and the round-trip ride from downtown El Nido. A group tour also means you’re not stuck figuring out logistics while everyone else is already on the move.

The day is built around short stops. That’s a feature, not a flaw, if you’re visiting for the first time. You’ll get to see a lot of different scenery without burning half your vacation sitting in one place.

Meeting point and timing: getting on the water without stress

The tour starts at 9:00am at MABUHAY Sports Bar in El Nido. It ends back at the meeting point, so you don’t have to plan how you’ll get home after you’re sunburned and hungry.

Plan for a 6 to 8 hour day. That’s long enough to feel like an experience, not long enough to drag if the weather cooperates. And because the group can be up to 30 travelers, you’ll likely share the boat with people who are excited (and sometimes chatty). The good news: a capped group size helps keep the stops from turning into chaos.

One practical note from real-world experience on these tours: getting aboard can be wobbly. If you’re traveling with mobility concerns, or you’re wearing flip-flops that don’t grip well, take a little extra care when stepping into the boat.

Secret Lagoon: the postcard moment that doesn’t last forever

Your first featured stop is Secret Lagoon, tucked inside an island with a pristine white beach and clear water. You get about 30 minutes here, so think of it as: arrive, take photos fast, then switch to enjoy mode.

What you’ll do in that short window:

• Walk the beach edge and look for the best vantage points
• Swim if the water conditions feel good
• Explore around the lagoon area at a relaxed pace

Because your time is limited, I recommend you don’t overthink it. You’ll get the view, you’ll get the water, and you’ll be ready for the next stop while you still feel fresh.

Potential drawback: if you’re a slow mover, 30 minutes can feel tight. If that’s you, aim to start your swim early and keep your gear organized so you don’t waste time.

Shimizu Island: swimming with shade and breathing room

Next up is Shimizu Island, another stop designed for beach time and a quick reset. You’ll have about 30 minutes here too.

This stop stands out for one simple reason: there’s shade. The shoreline is backed by lush green trees, so you’re not stuck cooking in direct sun the entire time. It’s a nice place to cool down between longer viewpoints.

What to expect when you arrive:

• White sand underfoot and clear water you can swim in
• A quieter vibe than the most famous spots, mostly because you’re only staying briefly

If you hate feeling rushed, this is one of the easier stops to enjoy because you can alternate between swimming and relaxing under trees without a ton of “get moving now” pressure.

Seven Commando Beach: longer hang time on limestone coast

Your third named highlight is Seven Commando Beach. You’ll get about 1 hour, which is significantly more time than the first two stops.

That extra hour matters because it gives you room to do more than just pose. You can:

• Swim and float without watching the clock
• Walk along the shoreline a bit
• Take it slow and actually settle into the scenery

The feel here is more “refresh and reset” than “blink-and-you-miss-it.” The limestone mountain and greenery give you strong background scenery for photos, but the best part is that hour-long pace. You’ll feel like you got your money’s worth here.

The middle of the day: lunch, snorkeling gear, and fee surprises

Lunch is included, and it’s one of the most praised parts of the day. People describe it as a big meal with fruits, veggies, fish, chicken, pork, rice—exactly the kind of food you want after a few hours in the sun. If you have dietary needs, ask ahead. Some groups report vegan options arranged on request.

Snorkeling: the overview mentions snorkel gear rentals, and the excluded fees list also mentions snorkeling equipment for a rental fee. That conflict is important for you. Before you go, confirm whether you’ll get snorkel gear provided for free or if you’ll be paying the listed rental amount.

Also budget for foot comfort. Aqua shoes are listed as an optional rental (with a fee). If you’re planning to swim and you know your feet get irritated easily, it’s worth renting or bringing something with grip. The sea floor can be unpredictable even when the water looks calm.

Now for the part that can sour the day: local fees. The tour price doesn’t include:

• El Nido Eco-Tourism Development Fee (₱400 per person)
• Big Lagoon User’s Fee (₱200 per person)
• Possible add-ons like kayak access to Big Lagoon (₱350 per person)

One review describes confusion where environmental or lagoon-related fees were charged higher than expected, then later clarified by the operator as covering multiple required charges. Translation for you: don’t assume the first number you hear is the full breakdown. Ask what each fee covers before paying.

The last two island stops: five total, so expect more beach-and-lagoon time

Tour A is designed around a theme and totals five islands during the outing. Only three stops are spelled out in the details you’ll see—Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Seven Commando Beach—so you should expect two additional island stops that fit the same overall vibe: beaches and lagoon/shoreline scenery.

How these “extra” stops usually feel on a tour like this:

• Another short beach segment for photos and swimming
• More time on the boat moving between locations
• A rhythm where your day becomes “arrival, swim, explore, go”

This matters because some people do better with shorter visits across multiple islands, while others prefer a “stay longer at the best spot” style. If you’re the first type, Tour A will fit you well. If you’re the second type, you might find the pacing too stop-start.

Crew quality can make or break a boat day

On a group island-hopping tour, the crew’s attitude is everything. The best reviews praise hosts and guides who take care of you and keep things running smoothly. One named guide that comes up is Ariel, described as helpful and attentive, with crew members who are service-minded.

There’s also a mention of the tour being hosted by LoveLynne tours, and the crew is credited with making lunch feel like a real meal rather than a snack. That’s a big deal on a day like this: when everyone’s tired and sun-drained, the difference between small food and a proper spread is noticeable.

If you’re sensitive to organization issues, you’ll want to stay flexible. One less favorable experience described disorganization and confusion around fees. Even with that, the overall rating suggests most days still feel enjoyable rather than dreadful.

What to pack (so you don’t hate the day)

You can make or break your comfort level with a few basic choices.

Bring:

• Swim shoes or aqua shoes (or rent them) for better footing
• Sunscreen and a hat you don’t mind getting damp
• A small waterproof bag for phone and cash
• Towel or quick-dry cloth (if not provided, you’ll want one)

Wear:

• Something you can get wet and re-wear
• Clothes that dry quickly because you’ll be in and out of the water a lot

Also bring extra patience for the boarding moment. If the boat uses a ladder and you have to wade in shallow-but-cold water to step aboard, go slow and hold onto a rail if there is one. It’s not a “danger” situation in a typical tour sense, but it’s not the smoothest entry either.

Who Tour A is best for (and who should choose differently)

This tour suits you if:

• You’re seeing Palawan for the first time and want a classic island-hopping day
• You like a mix of swimming + scenery with a real lunch break
• You’re okay with shorter time slots at each stop
• You want a group day that’s capped at 30 travelers

It may not be your best match if:

• You hate paying extra on top of the ticket price for required local fees
• You’re hoping for long, slow exploration at one lagoon or one beach
• You’re planning to spend most of your time kayaking (kayak access is listed as optional and extra)

One clue from the fee list: kayak access to Big Lagoon costs extra. If you’re not a kayaker and you only came for that, your “best use of time” might require a different tour option.

Should you book El Nido Island Hopping Tour A with Lunch?

I’d book Tour A if you want a well-fed, water-focused El Nido day with a good mix of signature scenery. The included lunch, local guide, and boat transfers make it feel like more than just a ticket to get on a boat. And the named stops—Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Seven Commando Beach—cover the kind of views people come to El Nido for.

Before you pay and go, do two things:

1. Budget for the eco and lagoon user fees listed as excluded, and ask for a clear breakdown of what you’re paying on the spot.
2. Confirm snorkeling gear: the info you see mentions rentals, but the included/excluded wording isn’t perfectly consistent. A quick check with your provider saves hassle later.

If you’re flexible, don’t mind a packed-but-fun schedule, and want a classic Palawan boat day, this is a solid pick.

FAQ

What’s the duration of El Nido Island Hopping Tour A with Lunch?

It runs about 6 to 8 hours.

Where is the meeting point and when does the tour start?

The tour starts at MABUHAY Sports Bar, El Nido, Palawan at 9:00am.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes lunch, a local guide, and boat transfers. Round-trip transport from downtown El Nido is also included.

What fees are not included?

Not included are the El Nido Eco-Tourism Development Fee (₱400 per person) and the Big Lagoon User’s Fee (₱200 per person). Optional rentals and add-ons listed include kayak access (₱350 per person), snorkeling equipment (₱150 per person), and aqua shoes (₱150 per person).

Which stops are included on Tour A?

The named stops listed are Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Seven Commando Beach. The tour is described as visiting five islands total, so there are additional stops beyond those three.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

The information provided mentions snorkeling equipment rentals and also lists a snorkeling equipment rental fee. I’d confirm what you’ll receive on your specific booking.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.