One long boat day. Five famous stops. That’s what makes El Nido Island Hopping Tour A such a reliable pick for first-timers, with limestone scenery, clear-water swimming, and a mix of kayaking and snorkeling that keeps the day from feeling repetitive. I especially like that the package includes the core stuff you need to enjoy the water, like a licensed boat and guide, plus lunch, fruit, and water. The trade-off: you’ll be sharing these spots with other boats, and weather can shift timing and stop order.

What you’ll like most is how the day flows from easy beach time into the more dramatic lagoons. You start at Seven Commandos Beach, then move into the “wow” factor of Big Lagoon, and you get proper snorkeling time at Shimizu Island. If you’re hoping for a calm, private lagoon escape every minute, plan for some crowd energy and occasional schedule hiccups.

Key things I’d bet on before you book

• Big Lagoon kayaking through towering limestone walls, where the water color looks unreal from the boat
• Shimizu Island snorkeling with reef fish close enough to make your mask worth bringing
• Secret Lagoon via a narrow limestone opening, which adds real sense of place
• Buffet lunch on the water with fruit and water included, so you’re not scrambling for food
• Seven Commandos Beach early in the day, when the sand time can feel extra relaxing
• Weather can change details, including the lunch stop, so keep expectations flexible

Why Tour A Works for Most El Nido Days

El Nido is famous for its limestone cliffs and glassy lagoons, and Tour A is one of the most practical ways to see a lot of that without needing your own boat. The structure is simple: you’ll bounce between beaches and protected areas, with swimming built into the stops and activities like kayaking and snorkeling sprinkled in so the day doesn’t turn into endless “just boat riding.”

The value is strong for the price point because the package already covers the essentials. You’re not only paying for transport—you’re paying for the boat crew, a licensed captain, and a licensed guide and crew, plus life vests. Add a buffet lunch, fruit, and water, and you’ve got a full day that doesn’t require pre-planning a separate meal.

Just know the rhythm: you’ll be out for about 8 hours, and that usually means your day is built around tides, weather, and how quickly groups can cycle through the water time.

Seven Commandos Beach: The Easy-Start Sand Stop

Seven Commandos Beach is a great first stop because it’s low-pressure. You get a chance to stretch your legs, take photos, and go for a swim before the day turns more active. The setting is classic El Nido: powdery sand, coconut trees swaying, and limestone cliffs framing the water.

There’s also practical convenience here. The beach is set up with rustic bars and small shops, so you can grab a snack or a drink if you want something beyond what’s included. One review even mentioned cocktails at the beach setup, which fits the vibe: you’re not just waiting around for the next activity.

One thing to consider: because it’s a popular opening stop, it can feel lively. If you want quieter sand time, arrive ready to beat the crowds by grabbing your spot early and keeping your schedule for the rest of the day calm.

Big Lagoon and Kayaking in the Limestone Amphitheater

This is the emotional highlight of Tour A for many people, and it makes sense. Big Lagoon is surrounded by towering limestone walls that make the whole area feel like a natural amphitheater. When the water is clear, you’ll see why people come back here over and over.

The main activity is kayaking, which is a big part of why this stop feels more than just “swim and leave.” Kayaking lets you move at your own pace along the lagoon edges and into calmer corners where the scenery fills your view. Life vests are included, which matters because you’re out on open water around the lagoon approach.

That said, timing can be a little uneven. Some days include waiting—like a period of time in open water before the kayaks can go into the lagoon itself. If you’re sensitive to delays, keep your tolerance for “is this running late?” fairly high, and bring a mindset of “enjoy the scenery while you wait.”

Shimizu Island Snorkeling + Lunch That Actually Holds Up

Shimizu Island is where the tour earns its repeat interest: snorkeling in reef waters. The island is surrounded by coral and lots of fish, so it’s not one of those snorkeling stops where you just get a glimpse and then nothing. You’ll also have time on the island to relax and recharge between water sessions.

Food is handled here in a smart way. A lunch stop is built into the day, and the lunch is buffet-style with water and fruit included. In practice, that means you can refuel without digging for restaurants or trying to time your hunger around waves and boat schedules. One review also noted soda/water being served, which is a nice comfort after a few hours in the sun.

One practical note: you’re spending a chunk of the morning moving and a chunk of the afternoon getting back into the water, so sunscreen and a change of clothes matter. If you don’t have biodegradable sunscreen, you’ll want to grab it beforehand—especially because the tour also has rules about what you can bring.

Secret Lagoon: The Tight Entrance and the Quiet Inside

Secret Lagoon is the kind of stop that feels like it was designed by nature to keep things private. You access it through a narrow hole in the limestone wall, and once you’re inside, the setting changes from “open-water boat day” to “enclosed lagoon moment.”

The scenery is the point, but it’s also a good reminder that El Nido’s beauty isn’t just on the postcard cliffs. The lagoon is surrounded by tall rock walls, and the stillness makes the place feel special even on a busy day.

This is also where you might see more adventurous behavior depending on conditions. One review mentioned a cave-like spot where people could cliff-jump. That doesn’t mean you should plan on it, but it does explain why Secret Lagoon can feel slightly more active than the average beach stop.

Because this stop depends on weather and safe access, don’t assume the exact experience will match someone else’s day. The tour info clearly states destinations can change with weather, and that reality matters here more than at a normal beach.

Payong-Payong Beach: The Relaxer When You Want Less Chaos

Payong-Payong Beach is the softer, calmer feeling part of Tour A. It’s known for being more secluded and tranquil than some of the other marquee stops, which makes it a smart final stretch—especially if you’ve been in-and-out of water all day.

You’ll get swimming time here, and the water is described as clear with soft sand. The surroundings also stay visually interesting, with rock formations and lush vegetation nearby. In other words: it’s not just a place to sit. You’ll have enough scenery to keep the afternoon interesting.

Snorkeling can also be part of this stop. If you want to maximize reef time, this is a good place to do it, since you’re likely to feel more rested here than earlier in the day.

Like all El Nido hotspots, though, it’s still a shared experience—just typically a quieter one. If you’re the type who wants a “last stop” that feels like a reset button, Payong-Payong is usually the right vibe.

Price and Extras: Getting the Real Total in Your Head

At $23 per person for a full day around 8 hours, Tour A is priced like a value option—especially because it includes a lot of what other tours quietly charge for separately. You’re getting free pickup within El Nido Town and Corong-corong, plus buffet lunch, water, fruit, and life vests.

But don’t ignore the extra government fees. The tour lists:

• Environmental fee: 400
• Lagoon entrance fee: 200

These aren’t included, so you should budget for them when planning your day. Also, drop-off back to your hotel isn’t included, so you’ll want to understand how you’ll get back to where you’re staying after the tour ends.

One more potential add-on: additional kayak rental isn’t included. Since kayaking is part of the Big Lagoon segment, it’s possible standard kayak use is covered. Still, the note about extra rental means you should be ready for the possibility that something about equipment timing or additional units could require extra payment.

Overall: the base price is fair. The value improves if you show up with the right basics (sunscreen, cash for fees, and a waterproof plan) so the day stays smooth instead of stressful.

Timing, Crowds, and What to Do When the Day Feels Off

Tour A runs with multiple boats and multiple groups, so crowds are part of the math. Big Lagoon and snorkeling areas can be busy, and you may see other boats at the same time. That doesn’t ruin the scenery, but it does change the feel—more people in the water, more waiting to get into the lagoon areas, and more competition for the best viewing spots.

Schedule hiccups also happen. One experience noted the tour start time shifting compared to what the app indicated, and another described a long wait for kayaks to enter the lagoon. That’s not ideal, but it’s realistic in places where weather and sea conditions can quickly change what’s safe.

Here’s how you protect yourself:

• Keep your expectations flexible about exact minute-by-minute timing.
• Treat the “most dramatic spots” as photo and water moments, not as quiet meditation sessions.
• If something looks delayed, shift your attention to what you control: sun protection, hydration (water is included), and enjoying the scenery while waiting.

The good news: the tour is designed to give you enough water time to make the day feel worth it, even if the day runs a bit later than expected.

What’s Included on the Boat (and What You Must Bring)

On the water, you’re covered for the big safety and comfort basics: life vests, a licensed boat, and a licensed captain and crew. You’ll also get buffet lunch, fruit, and water.

What you should bring is mostly about staying comfortable and not ruining your stuff in the salt spray:

• Change of clothes
• Camera
• Beachwear
• Biodegradable sunscreen
• Cash (for fees and any extras)
• Waterproof bag
• Waterproof shoes

Also, follow the rules. Smoking is not allowed. Plastic bags, alcohol, and drugs aren’t allowed. Littering isn’t allowed. These rules matter because the itinerary is built around protected natural areas, and the tour experience depends on keeping the sites clean.

Who Tour A Fits Best

Tour A fits best if you want a classic El Nido day without complicated planning. You’ll likely enjoy it if you’re:

• First-timing in El Nido and want the headline lagoons and beaches
• Interested in a mix of activities—kayaking plus snorkeling—not just one type of water time
• Comfortable with a shared group day where you’ll see other boats at major stops
• Happy to spend the day in a “sun and swim” rhythm

If you hate crowds, can’t handle delays, or need a super structured schedule with guaranteed timing, you might find a more private option better. This one is built for people who value variety and scenery over a quiet, controlled experience.

Should You Book El Nido Island Hopping Tour A?

If your goal is a big-picture El Nido day—Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island snorkeling, and Secret Lagoon—Tour A is a strong bet. The price is low for what’s included, and the included buffet lunch plus water and fruit removes a common stress point on island tours.

I’d book it if you’re realistic about two things: you’ll be sharing the water with other boats, and weather or sea conditions can shift timing and even the lunch/stop order. If you go in with that mindset, you get a lot of variety for your money, and you’ll leave with photos that actually look like El Nido.

FAQ

How long is El Nido Island Hopping Tour A with buffet lunch?

The tour duration is about 8 hours.

Does the price include pickup?

Yes. Free pickup is offered within El Nido Town and Corong-corong.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The tour includes a buffet lunch, plus water and fruits.

What about safety gear and staff?

You get life vest/jacket, and the tour uses a licensed tourist boat with a licensed boat captain and a licensed guide and crew.

What extra fees are not included?

There is an environmental fee (400) and a lagoon entrance fee (200), both listed as government taxes.

Is kayaking rental included?

Additional kayak rental is not included, so if you need extra rental beyond what’s provided, it would be an extra cost.

What languages is the guide in?

The live tour guide works in English and Tagalog.

What should I bring and what is not allowed?

Bring change of clothes, a camera, biodegradable sunscreen, beachwear, cash, a waterproof bag, and waterproof shoes. Smoking, plastic bags, alcohol and drugs, and littering are not allowed.