Secret Lagoon feels like a film set.

I like that this tour strings together the big El Nido classics—Secret Lagoon and Big Lagoon—plus real snorkeling time, with life vests and boat transfers handled. I also love the mix of underwater and on-land moments, because you get coral gardens, fish, and even a shot at sea turtles without it turning into an all-day slog. One heads-up: this route is popular, so the lagoon isn’t quiet and empty the way some photos make you hope.

You’ll meet up downtown at either Jarace Grill or Marber’s, depending on what you booked, then spend about six hours bouncing island to island. A guided pace helps, and you’ll get a picnic lunch to keep energy up between water stops. Just plan for some wet moments getting on and off the boat, plus bring ways to protect your phone if you want photos that don’t end up as saltwater souvenirs.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Secret Lagoon: step through a small opening to reach a calm lagoon surrounded by limestone walls.
• Big Lagoon kayaking/dips: turquoise water right in front of you, with entry limits that may change one stop.
• Two snorkeling stops: coral gardens and colorful fish, with a chance of sea turtles.
• Seven Commandos Beach: white sand and coconut trees, plus time to swim or chill.
• Picnic lunch on the water day: built into the route so you’re not hunting food between islands.
• What’s not included: mask/snorkels and water shoes are extra, so you’ll want to pack well.

Secret Lagoon + Big Lagoon + reef time: what this day is really like

This is the kind of El Nido day that makes sense if you want variety without doing the logistics yourself. You start with boat access to major lagoons and beaches, then you add snorkeling for the marine life side of Palawan. The best part is that the tour is structured: you’re not guessing where the best spots are or timing transfers between islands.

I especially like how the route balances “see it” and “experience it.” Secret Lagoon and Big Lagoon are all about the scenery and the water color, while Shimizu Island and the next snorkeling area are about coral and fish. And then you get a reset at Seven Commandos Beach, where the day stops being about boats and starts being about sand, shade, and swimming.

The tour also includes boat transfers, a licensed English guide, and life vests. That matters more than it sounds. In El Nido, the shore-to-boat moments can be tricky, and having the safety basics sorted means you can focus on enjoying the day.

Meeting points downtown: Jarace Grill vs Marber’s and how the day flows

Your start point depends on the option you booked: Jarace Grill or Marber’s in El Nido town. Drop-off goes back to those same places. If you’re staying downtown, that’s a plus—you’re not scrambling across town at odd hours just to catch the first boat.

Plan for a day that runs on water time. The schedule feels like: boat transfer, short guided activity, then more transfer. That’s why the total duration is only about six hours. It’s not “slow travel,” but it is a good pace if you want to hit multiple sites in one shot.

Also, a practical warning from the way these stops are set up: several moments involve getting in or out of the water near the boat. One traveler described wading from shore (waist-deep at the stairs the first time) and exiting into the water at certain locations. The good news is everyone is provided with a life jacket, so you’re not left to figure out water safety on your own. Still, it helps to feel comfortable with a bit of splash-in-your-day reality.

Big Lagoon: kayaking, dips, and the entry-fee reality

Big Lagoon is one of El Nido’s signature views—limestone scenery backed by striking turquoise water. On this tour, you get a guided stop there with time that can include kayaking or just dipping and swimming, depending on how the water is running and what the day allows.

Here’s the catch: Big Lagoon entry is limited. If entry isn’t available, your tour swaps you to a different spot. That doesn’t mean your day is ruined—it just means the exact “Big Lagoon moment” might not match what you saw in photos. If you have flexibility, you’ll handle it fine; if Big Lagoon is your one obsession, keep this limitation in mind before you get emotionally attached.

Cost-wise, Big Lagoon has an extra on-site fee: Php 200 per person, collected on site. This is separate from the El Nido environmental fee. So when you budget, don’t treat the advertised tour price as the full amount. More on that later.

One more practical note: kayaking can be fun, but it can also be work. A traveler noted that they were the only one paddling during the kayak segment and it was tiring. If you’re not sure about your paddling stamina, consider how you’ll approach it—steady strokes, short breaks, and keeping your expectations realistic go a long way.

Shimizu Island and the second snorkeling stop: coral, fish, and sea turtles (maybe)

After Big Lagoon, you head to Shimizu Island, described as a snorkeler’s paradise with vibrant coral reefs and lots of marine life. The tour provides guidance and includes boat transfers and safety items (life vests), but the snorkeling kit is not included—so you’ll need to plan ahead if you don’t already have your own gear.

What you’re likely to see is the main reason this part is worth it: colorful fish, coral gardens, and a chance at sea turtles. I wouldn’t treat the turtle part as a sure thing, but it’s part of why people sign up for this route.

The tour then moves you to another prime snorkeling spot. That second reef stop matters because it gives you a backup if conditions are a bit choppy or if you just want more time in the water. It also spreads out the day’s “underwater look” so it doesn’t feel like one long session where everyone runs out of attention.

A key practical tip is about your belongings. Snorkeling days in El Nido are phone-consuming if you’re not careful. One traveler strongly advised getting a wet bag for your stuff and phone. That’s sound advice, because you’ll be surrounded by water and spray, and you’ll want to keep something as important as your camera safe.

Secret Lagoon: limestone walls, guided timing, and the crowd factor

Then comes the star: Secret Lagoon. This is the moment people talk about because you reach it through a small opening in the limestone, then you’re in a sheltered lagoon framed by towering rock formations.

It’s not just a pretty stop—it’s a change in feeling. Big open water is loud visually. Secret Lagoon is quieter and more enclosed. That difference is why the photos look so dramatic: the limestone acts like a natural border, and the water color shifts in the sheltered space.

Now the honest drawback: the lagoon can be busy. One review made it clear that the area isn’t the lone-person “secret beach” fantasy you might expect. So go with the mindset of enjoying the experience rather than chasing empty-space photos.

If you want better photos anyway, aim for timing and angle. Try to position yourself away from the bottleneck area near the opening. And if you care about phone shots, protect your gear early—don’t wait until you’re already wet.

Seven Commandos Beach and picnic lunch: how to use your downtime

To close the day, you head to Seven Commandos Beach, known for its powdery white sand and coconut trees. This is where the tour shifts from “activity mode” into “unwind mode.”

You can swim, relax, or even play beach volleyball if the mood and space line up. The point isn’t the sport—it’s the opportunity to stop moving and let your body recover a bit after boat steps and snorkeling.

Lunch is a big part of the value of this tour. You get a picnic lunch included, served on one of the islands. For a lot of people, that’s the difference between a fun day and a stressful one, because it removes the need to find food mid-excursion. One traveler joked about how eating at shore can be challenging for an older person, which hints at the general reality: you might be on uneven ground, and the layout can be simple. Bring a calm attitude toward mess and steps—life jackets and boats have a way of making things a bit awkward.

Price and value: $34 plus the fees you must plan for

The tour price is listed around $34 per person for about six hours, which is solid if you compare it to the cost of doing boat transfers and guided access on your own. But the value depends on what you’re bringing and what you’re paying extra.

What’s included:

• Picnic lunch
• Licensed tour guide service
• Boat transfers
• Life vests

What’s not included:

• El Nido Environmental Fee: Php 400 per person (collected on site)
• Big Lagoon Entry Fee: Php 200 per person (collected on site)
• Hotel transfers (you meet downtown at Marber’s or Jarace Grill)
• Kayak rental (extra)
• Water shoes
• Flippers
• Mask and Snorkels

So the real budgeting equation is: tour price + environmental fee + possibly Big Lagoon fee + your gear needs. If you already own a mask and snorkel (and maybe flippers), the tour becomes an even better deal. If you don’t, you’ll spend more before you even step on the boat.

Also pay attention to the fee verification process. You’ll need to pay the El Nido Tourism Development Fee / Environmental Fee and keep your QR code for verification. Your guide won’t let you board without this, and the booking fee won’t be refunded. That’s not the kind of thing you want to solve at the last second, so set aside time to handle the QR code part properly.

Finally, note that there’s a “skip the ticket line” feature. That can save time, but you still have those on-site collections. Think of it as smoother than standing in random lines, not as everything being fully covered.

Packing tips that actually matter for this route

This tour is “comfortable clothes” on paper, but you’ll get more out of your day if you pack for wet and sandy conditions.

Bring:

• A wet bag for your phone and small electronics (strongly recommended based on real feedback)
• Water shoes if you have them (they’re listed as not included)
• Your own mask and snorkels if possible (also not included)
• Flippers only if you like them; they’re also listed as not included
• Something that dries fast for the day’s water-to-boat transfers

Wear:

• Lightweight clothes you don’t mind getting wet
• A mindset that you will step in water at least once, and sometimes more

One last caution: this isn’t the best choice if you have mobility issues. The tour involves getting in and out of the boat and navigating water entry points, so the on-the-ground mechanics matter.

Should you book it? My straight answer

Book this tour if you want a one-day mix of Secret Lagoon, a Big Lagoon lagoon stop, and two snorkeling sessions, plus a proper picnic lunch and time on sand at Seven Commandos Beach. It’s a good value setup because boat transfers and guide support are handled, and you’re not stuck planning between far-flung sites.

Skip it (or choose a different format) if you hate crowds at scenic spots or if you don’t want to deal with water entry steps. Also be honest about gear: since mask/snorkels and water shoes aren’t included, you’ll either need to pack them or rent/borrow before your start time.

If you’re flexible about the possibility that Big Lagoon entry might be limited and swapped to another stop, you’ll enjoy the day for what it is: a packed, scenic Palawan outing that makes it easy to see a lot without the hassle.

FAQ

What does the tour price include?

The tour includes picnic lunch, service of a licensed tour guide, boat transfers, and use of life vests.

What fees do I need to pay on site?

You’ll need to pay the El Nido Environmental Fee (Php 400 per person) and the Big Lagoon Entry Fee (Php 200 per person) if Big Lagoon entry is available. These are collected on site.

Is kayaking included in Big Lagoon?

Kayak rental is not included, so if you want to kayak, you’ll likely need to pay extra for the rental.

Do I need my own snorkeling gear?

Mask and snorkels are not included, and flippers and water shoes are also not included. If you have your own gear, it’ll make the day smoother.

Where do I meet and where do I get dropped off?

You meet at either Jarace Grill or Marber’s downtown, and you’re dropped off at one of those locations as well. The exact meeting point can vary depending on your booked option.

How long is the tour and is the guide English-speaking?

The duration is about 6 hours, and the live tour guide is English-speaking.