That lagoon lineup looks serious. This private Tour A focuses on El Nido’s most famous stops with the flexibility to dodge the busiest crowds. You’ll enjoy a private boat schedule that feels calmer, plus lunch and included admission tickets that keep the day moving without extra hassle.

A big win is the personal touch from the Natural Arts Travel and Tours crew. In particular, Vanessa and Eva are mentioned as friendly and knowledgeable, with a boat team that’s willing to help with photos. One consideration: depending on your exact booking details, you’ll want to confirm whether snorkel gear and hotel transfers are truly included for your departure, since the info provided can conflict in places.

Key Things That Make This Private Tour A Worth Your Time

• Private boat flexibility to beat the worst crowd surges
• Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon with admission tickets included
• Stops balanced between famous lagoons, an island break, and a beach moment
• Licensed guide + life vest + first aid kit for a safer outing on open water
• Lunch and an ice box so you’re not hunting for food mid-day
• A strong, friendly service reputation tied to guides like Vanessa and Eva

Private El Nido Tour A Feels Different When It’s Not a Herd

El Nido’s island-hopping scene can get loud. Boats pull in, people swarm for photos, and the schedule can feel like a timed sprint. The private version of Tour A changes that vibe. You’re not stuck waiting for other groups to finish their photos. You’re not forced into the most chaotic departure window.

What you get instead is a more flexible rhythm across the day. The itinerary is still structured—five big stops and about 6 to 8 hours overall—but private touring gives your guide room to time the pauses better. That matters because El Nido’s lagoons and beaches can look wildly different depending on cloud cover, wind, and boat traffic.

It also helps that you’re on a motorized boat designed for hopping between spots fast. When the day is well paced, you spend more time actually in the water (or on the sand) and less time stuck in “loading mode.”

The Real Value: What Your $940.28 Per Group Covers

This tour is priced at $940.28 per group for up to 8 people. At first glance, that sounds steep—until you price out what you’re really buying: a private boat, a licensed guide, admission tickets across multiple stops, lunch, and safety gear.

Here’s the value in plain terms:

• You’re paying for privacy plus logistics. Someone has already organized the boat day and the stop timings.
• Admission tickets are included for each stop, so you’re not adding surprise entry fees later.
• Lunch is included, along with an ice box—useful on a hot Palawan day.

There’s one small mismatch to watch: the tour description says snorkel gear and hotel transfers are included, but the details list also indicates hotel pickup/drop-off isn’t included and snorkelling equipment may not be. I’d treat this as a “confirm before you go” item. Ask the provider what you get for your exact day, especially if you’re assuming hotel pick-up or bringing your own snorkel set.

Also note the capacity details: pricing is listed for up to 8, while the tour description says the package is good for up to 10 travelers. For planning, treat the most conservative number as your comfort limit. You want enough space to sit, move, and still enjoy the day without shoulder-to-shoulder boat stress.

Meeting at Dayo Cafe: One Simple Start, No Mystery

Your day begins back at the meeting point: Dayo Cafe, Serena St, El Nido (with a nearby pin reference). Ending back at the same meeting point helps a lot. You’re not mentally budgeting a second transfer at the end of a long, sun-heavy day.

You’ll also get a mobile ticket, which usually means less paper handling and smoother check-in. In practical terms, that’s great for people who hate carrying documents around while they’re in swimwear mode.

If you’re trying to map your own schedule: plan to arrive a bit early so you can settle in, get briefed, and avoid rushing. Island hopping days feel fast even when nothing goes wrong.

Big Lagoon: The Signature Stop With a Tight 30-Minute Window

Big Lagoon is one of El Nido’s headline lagoons. Expect the classic lagoon look—calm water, dramatic limestone scenery, and that instantly recognizable “this is why people come here” feeling. This stop is timed at about 30 minutes, with admission included.

That short window is both a benefit and a drawback.

Why it’s great:

You get to experience Big Lagoon without it eating the whole day. If you’re trying to see multiple lagoons, a short stop keeps your day from turning into one long waiting-and-photographing block.

What to watch:

If you want extra time for snorkeling, floating, and multiple photo angles, 30 minutes can feel quick. The private format can help, but you should still treat Big Lagoon as a “hit it smart” stop. Go in, get your bearings fast, and decide quickly whether your priority is photos, swimming, or snorkeling.

Secret Lagoon: The Calm Change of Pace

Secret Lagoon is quieter on the itinerary, and that’s the point. It’s also listed as about 30 minutes with admission included. The vibe here is often about being in a sheltered space, where the water can look even more inviting than it does in more open areas.

This is one of your best stops for that “slow moment” feeling—especially if you’re traveling with people who don’t want to sprint from spot to spot. Since your day is private, you may have a better chance to time this stop when it feels less crowded.

The practical catch is similar to Big Lagoon: with only about half an hour, you’ll want your plan ready. If you’re snorkeling, make sure you’re comfortable with your gear before you step into the water. If you’re staying on the boat side for a while, use the time for photos from different angles rather than trying to do everything at once.

Shimizu Island: The Island Break That Helps Your Whole Day

Shimizu Island gets a 30-minute slot too, and it’s a good “reset” stop in the middle of lagoon time. The tour description frames it as part of the snorkeling-and-beach sequence, which makes sense: islands tend to offer a different feeling than lagoons—more open space, different water color, and a chance to stretch your legs.

Here’s why I like Shimizu Island within this specific Tour A day plan: you’re not just chasing scenery; you’re alternating water settings. Lagoons give you dramatic views. Islands give you a different kind of break.

If your group is mixed—some snorkel lovers, some who prefer lounging—this is usually the stop where that balance can work best. Just don’t assume you’ll have unlimited time. Thirty minutes still goes by fast, especially in sun and wind.

Seven Commando Beach: Sun, Sand, and a Very Photo-Ready Moment

Seven Commando Beach is one of the most recognizable stops on this route. It’s timed at 30 minutes and grouped as a prime snorkeling-and-beach highlight.

A beach stop is where the day starts to feel like a vacation again. Lagoons can be about the water and the scenery; beaches let you dry off, swap into calmer mode, and take in the coastline.

The drawback: beach time is always time-limited on island hopping tours. You’ll want to use your 30 minutes efficiently:

• Get your favorite angles quickly
• Decide early if you’ll swim or snorkel
• Take breaks when you need them, but don’t lose your whole window “getting set up”

Private means you can coordinate more smoothly as a group. If someone wants an extra photo, your guide and boat crew can usually adjust the flow more than a larger group schedule would allow.

Payong-Payong Beach: Umbrella Rock and a Fun Final Bite

The last stop is Payong-Payong Beach, noted for its umbrella rock formation. Like the others, it’s listed at about 30 minutes with admission included.

This is the stop that often feels the most playful. Umbrella-shaped rock formations are exactly the kind of visual detail you want after hours of limestone scenery and lagoon water. It’s a chance to end the day with something that looks different on camera, too.

Because it’s your final scheduled stop, treat it like a capstone moment. Keep a little energy left—don’t burn it all on the earlier lagoons if you want to properly enjoy this one.

Lunch, Transfers, and Transfers That Might Need a Confirm

Lunch is included, and you’ll also have an ice box, which is a small detail that matters in El Nido heat. Food can taste better when you’re not thirsty, sweaty, and scrambling.

Transfers are where you should double-check. The description suggests hotel transfers, but the details also state hotel tour pick-up & drop-off isn’t included. Since your meeting point is Dayo Cafe, your safest assumption is that you’ll be able to get there on your own—and then confirm whether any additional transport is added for your specific pickup.

This is also where private tours can be simpler than shared tours. Even if there’s no hotel pickup, the return to the same meeting point helps you avoid a complicated end-of-day.

Snorkeling Setup: What You Should Bring or Verify

The tour description says you’ll snorkel El Nido’s best lagoons and beaches, and that snorkel gear is part of the comprehensive package. But the provided details also indicate that the use of snorkeling equipment may not be included.

So here’s my practical advice:

• Confirm what snorkel equipment you personally receive.
• If there’s any doubt, bring your own mask/snorkel setup.

That way you’re not stuck making do with unfamiliar gear on a day where water time is limited by the schedule. Also, bring your basic water-ready items (swimwear, towel if you need one, and a dry bag if you have it). Your comfort matters more than you think when you’re out for 6 to 8 hours.

Safety and Crew: Why the Small Details Matter

This tour includes a life vest and a first aid kit, and you’ll travel on a motorized boat with a licensed tour guide. That’s not just paperwork. It’s the difference between feeling relaxed and feeling like you’re guessing.

One reason this tour stands out in how it’s described is the human touch. The Natural Arts team includes staff like Vanessa and Eva, and they’re noted as friendly and knowledgeable. The boat crew is also described as willing to help with photos, which is a big deal on a day where everyone wants the same sunset-looking shot but different people are holding cameras.

If you’re the designated photographer in your group, ask the guide/crew to help. With the right timing, you can get better photos without turning the day into a camera obstacle course.

Who This Private Tour A Fits Best

This is a strong choice if:

• You want El Nido lagoons without the crowd crush
• Your group values a more flexible schedule and fewer waiting moments
• You’re happy spending for convenience, guide attention, and bundled inclusions

It’s also a good fit for groups up to 8 (or larger if your booking confirms capacity), especially families or small groups who want a smoother experience than shared boats.

If you’re traveling solo or as a couple and the price feels high, compare your priorities. Shared island-hopping can be cheaper, but you’re trading away that flexibility and often paying in time and stress.

Should You Book This Private El Nido Tour A?

I think this is worth it when you want the classic Tour A stops but with a better-feeling day. The mix of Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Seven Commando Beach, and finishing at Payong-Payong Beach makes a full “greatest hits” loop. Add in lunch, included admission tickets, and safety gear, and you’re not cobbling together extras all day.

Book this if your group is willing to pay for a smoother schedule and you’re planning to spend time in the water and on the sand, not just watching other boats.

Before you confirm, do two quick checks:

1) Whether snorkel gear is definitely included for your date and group size.

2) Whether any hotel pickup/transfer is actually provided, since the details provided don’t fully match.

If those two items check out, you’re set up for a memorable, well-paced El Nido day that feels more personal than the usual island-hopping scramble.

FAQ

What stops are included on this Private Tour A?

The tour includes Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Seven Commando Beach, and Payong-Payong Beach (umbrella rock formation).

How long is the tour?

It runs about 6 to 8 hours.

Where do we meet, and where does the tour end?

You meet at Dayo Cafe El Nido on Serena St, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s a private tour, so only your group participates.

How many people can be in the group?

The price is listed per group up to 8, and the package description also notes it is good for up to 10 travelers. Confirm the exact capacity for your booking.

What’s included in the price?

Included items list a private boat, a licensed tour guide, life vest, first aid kit, motorized boat, ice box, and lunch, plus admission tickets for the stops.

Is snorkeling gear included?

The tour description says snorkel gear is included, but the details provided also list snorkeling equipment under not included. Confirm what you receive when you book.

Are admission tickets included?

Yes, admission tickets are marked as included for the stops.

What’s the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and weather can affect the schedule with an alternate date or a full refund offered if canceled due to poor weather.