Saltwater and limestone cliffs, all in one day. El Nido Island Hopping Tour A is built around Shimizu Island snorkeling and fine white sand time, with lagoon scenery and coral-rich water between stops.

I like that the route mixes active water time with long beach breaks, so you’re not just sprinting from spot to spot. I also like that you get a DOT-licensed guide plus a motorized boat, lifevest, and a packed lunch so the day runs on rails.

The biggest drawback is simple: if you get seasick, the motorized boat ride may not feel great.

Key highlights you’ll care about

• Shimizu Island snorkeling or chill time with corals and lots of fish
• Long white-sand beach time at Seven Commando Beach
• Limestone cliffs with vegetation that you’ll see from the water
• Picnic lunch included, plus a chance to grab a drink at the end beach stop
• Sea turtle sightings possible, depending on conditions

Why El Nido Island Hopping Tour A feels like the classic Palawan day

Tour A is one of the most popular island hopping options in El Nido for a reason: it gives you the big postcard moments without turning the day into a marathon. In 9 hours, you move through lagoons, beaches, and snorkeling areas, with limestone cliffs covered in greenery hanging over the scenery.

What makes this tour work for real people is the mix of moods. You get swimming and snorkeling for the colorful underwater part, then you get proper beach time for sand-between-toes rest. That balance matters because island hopping can wear you out—this one keeps the pacing friendly.

Also, you’re not responsible for the whole plan. You’ll have pickup around El Nido Proper, a DOT-licensed guide (English and Tagalog), lifevests on board, and a picnic lunch included. That’s the difference between a relaxing day and a stressful day.

Price and the extra fees you should budget upfront

The published price is $27 per person, and it’s a strong entry point if you’re trying to do island hopping without going premium. The tradeoff is that not everything is included, and the missing pieces can surprise you if you only budget the base rate.

You pay directly before the tour:

• Environmental fee: 400 per person
• Lagoon fee: 200 per person

On top of that, optional add-ons cost extra, like kayak rental and mask and snorkeling. If you already own your snorkel mask, bring it and skip rental. If you don’t, you can plan to pay for it on the day.

My practical take: treat the $27 as the “boat-and-guide” price, then add the environmental and lagoon fees to get the real total.

Getting picked up and meeting the guide without stress

Pickup is included if your accommodation is in El Nido Proper. If you’re staying outside town proper, you’ll need to take a tricycle to the meeting point: Petron Gasoline Station near El Nido Port, where you meet your assigned guide.

This detail matters more than it sounds. A late start can wreck the day, especially when you’re riding in a boat and moving between multiple coastal stops. If you’re not sure whether your hotel counts as El Nido Proper, confirm with your accommodation staff or ask your tour operator where guests meet.

One more comfort point: the guide is DOT-licensed, and the day runs with set tour timing. That usually means fewer surprises and less time figuring out logistics.

On the water: motorized boat rides, lifevests, and how to feel okay

You’ll travel by motorized boat, and you’ll be given a lifevest. That’s the baseline safety setup for this kind of El Nido tour.

Still, boat movement is part of the experience. If you’re prone to seasickness, this is not the best choice. The tour lasts 9 hours, so you’ll spend plenty of time on the water, not just short transfers.

If you’re on the fence, think like this: snorkeling days are fun, but feeling queasy is not. If you know your stomach doesn’t love waves, pick a calmer option or plan medication ahead of time (ask a pharmacist in advance).

The lagoon-and-cliff scenery: why this part is worth showing up for

The highlight description isn’t just marketing language. During the day, you’ll see beautiful lagoons and beaches, plus the limestone cliffs covered with vegetation that El Nido is famous for. Seeing limestone formations up close from the water gives you a sense of scale you just don’t get from land views.

This is also where the tour feels “classic.” Lagoons in Palawan aren’t flat water ponds; they’re surrounded by dramatic rock walls, and the light can change fast. Even if you don’t swim at every stop, you’ll want to keep your waterproof camera ready.

A good strategy: treat the lagoon portion as your photo and reset time. You’ll have plenty of active water later, and this gives you moments to slow down.

Shimizu Island: snorkeling for corals or going low-key on the sand

Shimizu Island is the anchor point for the snorkeling part of Tour A. Here, you can either snorkel to see corals and fish or relax on the white sand beach.

Why I think this stop is a smart design: you get two experiences in one location. If conditions feel good, snorkeling is the payoff. If you want a break from the water or you’d rather conserve energy, the white sand beach gives you an easy alternative.

What you’re aiming for is clear: corals and hundreds of fish species, plus a chance to spot sea life as you float above the reef. Even if you’re not a fearless swimmer, the lifevest helps you stay comfortable while you enjoy the scenery.

If snorkeling is the main goal for you, bring proper gear. The tour lists mask and snorkeling as optional, so going prepared can save time and hassle once you’re on the boat.

Seven Commando Beach: long sand, a drink option, and sea turtle hope

At the end of the tour, you’ll head to Seven Commando Beach, known for its long stretch of white sand. This is the kind of stop where you can finally put effort into doing nothing—lying down, walking slowly, and letting the beach scenery reset your brain.

There’s also a small bar setup where you can get a drink. That might sound minor, but it’s exactly the sort of comfort detail that makes island hopping feel complete instead of rushed.

The best part here: there’s a chance you can encounter sea turtles. That’s not something you can guarantee, but it’s the kind of moment that makes the whole day feel extra worth it when it happens.

If you care about wildlife spotting, keep your eyes open during calm water moments, not only during snorkeling time.

Lunch setup and how to get the most out of picnic-style food

Picnic lunch is included. The plan is simple: you eat, recharge, then head back to the water or the sand depending on where you are in the schedule.

One useful detail from real-world experience: lunch has been described as buffet-style by at least one recent booking, so don’t be surprised if it feels more like a laid-out spread than a single boxed meal.

Bring a mindset that matches a day outside. Eat early when you can, stay hydrated after, and don’t rely on lunch to be your only water strategy. The day is long, and sun plus salt can dry you out fast.

What to bring for a comfortable, low-drama day

Use the packing list the tour recommends and you’ll avoid most common “why didn’t I bring that” moments.

Bring:

• Sunscreen (and choose biodegradable sunscreen)
• Beachwear
• Waterproof camera (or waterproof phone case)
• Waterproof bag
• Goggles
• Snorkeling gear (mask and snorkeling are listed as optional, so bring your own if you prefer)
• Goggles/snorkeling gear if you plan to snorkel

A waterproof bag is a big deal. You’ll be on and off boats and on beaches, and you don’t want sand in your bag or water in your electronics. If you’re using a phone, treat it like you’re taking it to a beach shower. Protect it.

Also, sunscreen matters twice: once before you get moving, then again before stronger sun blocks you from feeling “safe.” Reapply even if you think you already did.

Who Tour A is best for (and who should skip it)

This tour fits best if you want the classic El Nido island hopping combo:

• snorkeling time for corals and fish
• a fine sand beach break
• a guided day that takes care of the route for you

It also works well for people who like structure. Pickup is included in El Nido Proper, the guide is DOT-licensed, and lifevests are provided. You get a clear sense of what you’ll do for the 9-hour duration.

It’s not suitable for people prone to seasickness. If you already know you react badly to boats, this should be a hard pass.

If you’re traveling with limited time in El Nido and you still want a full day outdoors, Tour A is a solid pick.

Should you book El Nido Island Hopping Tour A?

Book Island Hopping Tour A if you want a well-rounded El Nido day: lagoons and cliff scenery on the outside, snorkeling with coral and fish, then a long beach finish at Seven Commando. The included boat ride, lifevests, guide service, and picnic lunch make the base price feel reasonable—just remember to budget the eco/environmental and lagoon fees.

Skip or change plans if you know you get seasick on boats. This is a full 9-hour outing on a motorized boat, not a short hop.

If you’re deciding between doing “some swimming” versus doing “real snorkeling,” Tour A leans toward the second option, especially at Shimizu Island. Just come prepared with sunscreen and water-safe storage, and you’ll have the kind of day that feels like Palawan in a single long breath.

FAQ

How long is El Nido Island Hopping Tour A?

The tour duration is 9 hours.

Where is this tour located?

It takes place in Palawan, Philippines, in the El Nido area.

What is included in the price?

Hotel pickup around town proper, a DOT-licensed tour guide, a motorized boat, lifevest, and a picnic lunch are included.

What extra fees do I need to pay before the tour?

You pay directly: environmental fee 400/person and lagoon fee 200/person.

Does the tour include snorkeling gear?

Mask and snorkeling are listed as optional, so you may need to rent or bring your own gear.

Is pickup included, and where do I meet if I’m not in El Nido Proper?

Pickup is included if your accommodation is within El Nido Proper. If you’re outside town proper, you need to go by tricycle to Petron Gasoline Station near El Nido Port to meet your assigned guide.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring sunscreen (biodegradable sunscreen is recommended), beachwear, a waterproof camera or waterproof case, a waterproof bag, goggles, and snorkeling gear.

What places does the tour stop at?

You’ll go to Shimizu Island and Seven Commando Beach, with stops that include lagoons, beaches, and snorkeling spots.

Is this tour okay if I get seasick?

No. It is not suitable for people prone to seasickness.