Big lagoons, tiny coves, and a private boat day. This Tour A run around El Nido hits the headline spots, from the Instagram-famous Big Lagoon to the quieter Secret Lagoon tucked into limestone. It’s built for pacing—your group has the boat’s attention and you’re not stuck in cattle-cart timing.

I especially love the way this tour balances wow-moments with actual time in the water. You get snorkeling windows at Shimizu Island (where turtles show up) and again at Payong-Payong, plus kayaking time when conditions allow.

One drawback to consider: food and drink details can be a little inconsistent. The lunch is included as a buffet, but at least one person felt the drink situation and kayak wording weren’t as clear as expected—so I’d plan to ask what’s included on the day and bring your own basic snorkel setup if you’re picky.

Quick hits you’ll feel on Day 1

• Exclusive boat for your group means fewer delays and more control over your pace
• Big Lagoon + kayaking gives you both the postcard view and real “on the water” time
• Shimizu Island turtles and snorkeling make this more than just scenery
• Secret Lagoon’s limestone grotto entry adds that rare mix of dramatic and calm
• Payong-Payong’s gentle waves are ideal for relaxed swimming and easy paddling
• Guides who manage crowd timing can make the same sites feel totally different

Private Boat Time: Tour A feels less like a circuit

El Nido’s island hopping can turn into a blur—arrive, line up, pose, move on. What makes this version appealing is the private setup: your group gets exclusive use of a licensed tourist boat, with a licensed guide and crew on hand.

That changes the whole vibe. You spend more time actually being in each place, not just passing through. Even better, many guides here are clearly practiced at timing the day so you don’t feel smashed up against large group tour schedules. Names that came up in recent bookings include Gabi, Jason, Renz, Joshua, Edward, and Cyron—and several specifically mentioned crowd timing and photo help.

Practical note: destinations may shift with weather, and the lunch stop is decided by the guide. That’s normal in El Nido lagoon country, where wind and sea state can change fast.

Big Lagoon first: cliffs, blue water, and real photo ops

The day’s big moment is the Big Lagoon—the one with black limestone cliffs that make the water look framed. You’ll typically get a photo stop and then time to swim and cruise around the lagoon.

What I like about Big Lagoon isn’t just the view. It’s the sense of movement. The water has that startling brightness where sunlight hits the limestone walls, and kayaking time adds a slower way to take it in. If you’re the type who enjoys lingering—this is where you do it.

Do note one detail: the listing says kayak rental isn’t included, even though kayaking is listed as part of the lagoon time. Translation for you: don’t assume you’ll automatically have a kayak for paid lagoon use. Ask ahead what’s included for your booking, especially if kayaking is a must.

Seven Commando Beach: WWII history meets “sit and breathe”

Next up is Seven Commandos Beach. The name comes from a WWII story—troops left stranded there, and the beach still carries that past in the naming. On the water, you’ll feel the cliffs doing their job: they create a sheltered, almost cinematic pocket.

This stop tends to work as a reset. You get time for sightseeing and swimming, plus the kind of relaxed beach break where coconut water and sand time actually make sense. A lot of people choose this tour because they want a little less rushing, and this beach is one of the places where that style pays off.

If seas are a bit rough, this is also a decent place to watch how the day is going. If conditions are safe, you’ll see the crew keep things calm and organized. If not, guides usually adjust.

Shimizu Island: turtles, snorkeling, and an unhurried break

Shimizu Island is one of the reasons people book Tour A. The highlights call out majestic turtles, and the day is designed with a longer break here—time to settle in before you head back into the lagoon rhythm.

You’ll get a mix of break time, lunch, and then swimming and snorkeling. Snorkeling is where you see El Nido’s real personality: coral and fish life up close. It’s also one of the places you want to be properly set up, because water time is the whole point of the stop.

A few practical tips from what experienced guests learned the hard way:

• Wear water shoes or aquashoes if you have them. People mention lots of stone and coral near entry points.
• Bring a dry bag for your phone and camera. Even if you’re careful, you’ll get wet getting to and from the boat.
• If you didn’t pack fins and a snorkel mask, you can rent mask/snorkel, but it’s worth having your own if you care about fit and comfort.

If you go with family or a mixed group, Shimizu is also a good compatibility stop—some people want pictures, others want underwater time, and you can split your attention without feeling behind.

Secret Lagoon: the grotto feel you can’t fake

Then comes the Secret Lagoon, famous for being tucked away between limestone cliffs and reached through a narrow grotto opening. This stop is less about open sand and more about passing through a rock corridor into something quieter and more protected.

One of the descriptions of the area is that you go through a large caldera/depression and come out into what used to be a cave. In plain terms: you’re going from bright open water into a more enclosed space, and that shift matters. It makes the lagoon feel like a pause button.

You’ll have time for photos, sightseeing, and swimming. Expect it to feel intimate. It’s not the place to “speedrun” for a quick photo and move on. If you like calm water, lower-stress swimming, and the drama of limestone walls, Secret Lagoon is the stop you’ll remember.

Payong-Payong Beach: where gentle waves win

Payong-Payong Beach rounds out the day with rock formations and a smaller beach pocket. What I like most here is the water conditions described as gentle and modest—great for casual swimming and paddling, not just intense “let’s snorkel and race” energy.

This stop includes photo time, sightseeing, boat cruise, and time to swim and snorkel. It’s also a strong choice if you want to see corals again but in a slightly more relaxed setting than the more famous lagoons.

If you’re not a confident swimmer, this is one of the better stops to take your time—gentle waves make it easier to keep your breathing steady and focus on what’s under the surface.

Lunch on board: Filipino buffet, plus one real warning

Lunch is included as a buffet made with local Filipino dishes, and it’s served on the tour. Multiple guests said the food was delicious, and at least one person praised the lunch setup during their stop at Shimizu.

Still, here’s the caution you’ll actually want to remember: one booking noted that soft drinks weren’t delivered as they expected, and another review flagged food as the only real downside. That doesn’t mean your lunch will be bad. It just means you shouldn’t build your whole day around a specific drink plan.

If you’re the kind of person who needs certain drinks or snacks, bring cash for small extras or plan your expectations around water being available. Bottled water is included, so you won’t be stranded for hydration.

The value question: is $135 per person “worth it”?

At $135 per person for about 8 hours, the value depends on what you’re comparing it to.

Here’s how I think about it:

• If you’re used to group island hopping, the private boat is the main upgrade. Less waiting, fewer timing conflicts, and you can keep a steady rhythm through Big Lagoon, Shimizu, Secret Lagoon, and Payong-Payong.
• If you care about snorkeling time, this tour is structured around it—Shimizu and Payong-Payong both include swimming and snorkeling.
• If you want crowd-avoidance, many guests specifically credit their guides for timing and adjustments. That’s not a guaranteed promise, but it’s clearly a capability of the team.

What can swing the value down:

• Government-related fees are not included (environmental fee and lagoon entrance fee). That’s common, but it’s still extra you’ll pay on top.
• Some rentals aren’t included (mask/snorkel and fins/aquashoes, plus kayak rental at lagoon).
• One review suggests a mismatch between “included” wording and actual use for a kayak, and another questions soft drinks. That’s fixable by asking clear questions before you board.

Net: If you want a calmer day, real water time, and fewer crowd headaches, this pricing looks fair for El Nido. If you’re trying to squeeze every cent and you don’t care about pacing or photos, you might find cheaper group options.

How to pack so the day stays fun (not annoying)

This is the kind of tour where small details matter. If you show up underpacked, you’ll spend your best lagoon time dealing with discomfort.

Bring:

• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Change of clothes
• Towel
• Camera
• Beachwear
• Cash

And strongly consider:

• Water shoes/aquashoes for coral/rocky entry points
• A dry bag (people specifically recommend this since you’ll get wet)
• Your own mask/snorkel if you’re particular about fit

Not allowed:

• Intoxication
• Smoking in the vehicle
• Plastic bottles
• Littering

If you’re traveling with a group, tell everyone to arrive ready. Your boat day starts fast.

Weather and stop changes: why “Tour A” can feel different

El Nido lagoon tours run on real-world conditions. That’s why destinations can change due to weather, and lunch timing/spot is determined by the guide.

One traveler described a rainy day where the crew kept spirits up and still made the most of it. Another mentioned that they didn’t hit every planned stop, but they still got uncrowded time at other spots. This is why private touring can be a win: guides can adjust the route while keeping your day moving.

If it’s windy, it may affect lagoon entry and how long you can comfortably spend swimming. If you’re flexible and you treat each stop like a bonus, the day usually stays great—even when the sea has its own opinion.

Who this private Tour A suits best

This tour fits you if:

• You want the most famous lagoons without the tight group-tour stress
• Snorkeling matters to you (Shimizu and Payong-Payong both deliver)
• You like clear, photo-friendly water and dramatic cliffs
• You’re a couple, small group, or anyone who values having the boat to yourselves

It’s less ideal if:

• You need wheelchair access (this tour is not suitable for wheelchair users)
• You’re determined to avoid any extra costs like lagoon entrance/environmental fees or rentals

If you’re celebrating something, this is also a strong choice. The day feels like a “real excursion,” not just a hop from stop to stop.

Should you book this private exclusive Tour A?

If you want Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, turtles at Shimizu, and snorkeling in one focused 8-hour day, this private Tour A is a solid pick. The best reasons to book are practical: exclusive boat time, a guide who manages the day so you can dodge crowds, and multiple water moments instead of one quick swim.

My call: book it if you value pacing and comfort, and if you’re willing to ask one or two clarifying questions about kayak use and what exactly is included on drink and rental details. If you’re the type who just wants the cheapest ride and you don’t care about timing or comfort, a group tour may be enough.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?

The tour includes free pickup within 1 km of Corong-corong Beach by tuk-tuk, buffet lunch, bottled water, life vest, and a licensed tourist boat with a licensed guide and crew.

What snorkeling and water gear should I bring?

Mask and snorkel are not included, but they can be rented if you do not have them. Fins/aquashoes are also not included. Kayak rental is not included at the lagoon.

Are lagoon entrance fees and environmental fees included?

No. Environmental fee (government-mandated) and lagoon entrance fee (government-mandated) are not included.

How long is the tour and how does timing work?

The duration is about 8 hours. Starting times depend on availability.

Is pickup included from my hotel?

Pickup is included only as free pickup within 1 km of Corong-corong Beach by tuk-tuk. Hotel drop-off is not included.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. It is not suitable for wheelchair users.