Private Tour A Island Hopping in El Nido

A day like this is why people chase El Nido. This private island-hopping tour gives you an exclusive boat for your group and a pace that feels less rushed than the big-mass tours, while still hitting the big highlights like Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon. I also love the way the team (Poseidon Tours and Expeditions) focuses on service and helps you find calmer spots away from crowd energy when possible.

One thing to keep in mind: this experience depends on good weather, and the route can shift if conditions change.

Key Highlights at a Glance

• Exclusive boat use for your group, so your day runs on your schedule
• Iconic lagoon time at Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon (with short, satisfying stop windows)
• Snorkeling gear included plus a free kayak for one person
• Lunch included and planned by the guide based on where you are that day
• Entrance and environmental fees included, so fewer surprise add-ons

Tour A Island Hopping: Why El Nido’s Lagoons Feel Like a Secret

Tour A is famous for a reason. You’re not just doing “another boat day.” You’re moving through a chain of limestone coast drama—beaches, clear-water coves, and lagoon areas that feel tucked in rather than out in the open.

What makes this private version especially appealing is the rhythm. With an exclusive boat, you can linger a bit more where you’re actually feeling it, rather than getting herded through each stop. And when you reach the lagoon zones, it’s the kind of scenery that makes you lower your voice without trying. Big Lagoon is the headline, but Secret Lagoon is the emotional payoff for a lot of people.

If your idea of paradise includes at least some snorkeling and some lagoon time, this tour fits that brief. You’ll also get multiple beach-and-water moments in one long stretch, which is efficient if you have limited days in El Nido.

What Makes This Tour Private: Your Boat, Your Pace, Your Snorkel Time

The big practical win here is simple: you have exclusive use of the boat for your group. That changes the whole day. You’re not waiting on other people’s timing. You’re not packed shoulder-to-shoulder. Even the little pauses—photo breaks, water breaks, swapping snorkel gear—feel smoother.

It also helps that the operation is set up like a real professional service. You’ll travel with a licensed tour guide and a licensed boat captain, plus the tour includes private transportation and required fees. That means less mental math for you on the day.

On top of that, snorkeling support is included. You get snorkeling equipment, and there’s a free use of one kayak. So you can show up, get suited, and get moving without spending extra at the last second—except for fins/aquashoes, which you can rent if you want.

Your 8-Hour Route (Stops, Timing, and What to Watch For)

This is listed as about 8 hours starting at 9:00 am. The stops are arranged so you’re in the water and on boats for most of the day, with time blocks that let you see things without turning the tour into a full-day exhaustion event. Exact routing can change due to weather, and lunch is determined by the guide.

Here’s what your timeline looks like, stop by stop, and what you should plan for at each one:

Stop 1: Seven Commandos Beach (45–60 minutes)

Seven Commandos Beach is a classic El Nido stop for a reason: it’s photogenic and it sets the mood early. You usually get enough time to cool off in the water and take in the beach views without feeling like you’re sprinting.

My practical tip: treat this as your warm-up. Once you’ve got your swim rhythm, you’ll enjoy the later lagoon snorkeling more.

Stop 2: Big Lagoon (45–60 minutes)

This is the marquee moment. Big Lagoon is a large, scenic lagoon area where the water and rock formations make the whole experience feel like you’re traveling through a living postcard.

You’ll want to be strategic with your time here. If you plan to snorkel, do it soon after you arrive so you’re not rushing in the last minutes. If you’re more of a “soak it in” person, use the early portion to settle, take photos, and then pick the best window for swimming.

Stop 3: Shimizu Island + Lunch Area (60–90 minutes)

This is your longer break. Shimizu Island is the lunch area, which is helpful because it turns a midday stop into something useful—not just a waiting room.

Lunch is included, and based on past experiences, it’s not usually an afterthought. You can expect good variety, which matters because it keeps you fueled for Secret Lagoon later.

Consideration: since the guide determines the lunch stop and timing, don’t plan on eating at a specific restaurant right before or after. This tour is designed to be the center of your day.

Stop 4: Secret Lagoon (45–60 minutes)

Secret Lagoon is where the tour earns its mystique. The scenery feels more tucked-in, and the overall vibe tends to feel calmer. This stop is a favorite when you want that “how is this real?” feeling.

My advice: keep your expectations flexible. Lagoons can look different depending on water conditions and how the day unfolds. If you get even a small window of clear, bright water, you’ll likely be happy.

Also, if you’re someone who doesn’t love crowds, the private format plus the way the team works to find quieter spots can be a big advantage. You still get the signature lagoon, just without the maximum chaos feeling.

Stop 5: Payong-Payong Beach (45–60 minutes)

Payong-Payong Beach is a fun closer. It’s beach time again, which makes the day feel balanced—less just “rocky lagoon, rocky lagoon” and more variety.

Use this final stop to do the things you might not have done earlier: a slower swim, a last round of photos, or just a relaxed sit with a cool drink in hand.

Snorkeling and Kayaks: What’s Included and What You Might Rent

This tour includes use of snorkeling equipment, which is one of the best value moves. You’re not paying extra for basic gear, and it means you can show up without bringing your own setup.

You’ll also get free use of 1 kayak. That’s a nice bonus because it adds a different way to experience the water—less about swimming, more about gliding and taking in the shoreline from a small craft.

What’s not included:

• Fins/aquashoes. Aquashoes can be rented for 150 pesos.
• Kayak rental beyond the free one. If you want another kayak, rental is 300 pesos payable at the lagoon.

My quick guidance: if you don’t already have aquashoes, consider renting them. Lagoons and rocky edges can be slippery. A little foot protection can keep your day stress-free.

Lunch, Fees, and the Little Costs That Add Up

You get lunch included, which matters more than it sounds. When you’re out for about eight hours, food becomes part of the value equation. In a tour like this, a good meal helps you stay comfortable and enjoy the later stops without feeling sluggish.

On top of that, the tour includes required costs:

• Environmental fee (government mandated)
• Lagoon entrance fee (government mandated)

This is a big deal for budgeting. Entrance fees are the kind of thing that can surprise you if they’re not covered. Here, they’re handled as part of the package.

The one area where you may still spend a little is gear you choose to rent, like aquashoes, and any additional kayak time if you want it.

Price and Logistics: Is $132 Worth It for Private Tour A?

At $132 per person, this isn’t the cheapest way to do island hopping in El Nido. But it’s also not trying to be budget travel. You’re paying for:

• exclusive boat use for your group
• included snorkeling equipment
• lunch
• required fees (environmental + lagoon entrance)
• a licensed guide and captain

The real value kicks in when you compare your cost to the total “unbundled” approach—if you were to piece together boat time, gear rental, and lagoon fees separately, the math often gets messy fast.

Also, this is a top, popular loop. Tour A is one of the most recognized island-hopping itineraries in the area. Booking it privately means you get the same famous stops with less of the big-tour stress.

One more practical note: this experience is often booked in advance (on average, about 82 days). If your dates are flexible, you might still find options later. If your dates are firm, book sooner.

Weather, Changing Stops, and How to Plan Your Day

This is a weather-dependent tour. You should expect the provider to focus on safety and conditions. If conditions are poor, the experience can be canceled and you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

More subtly, destinations may change due to weather conditions. That’s important because lagoon quality and access can shift. The tour also notes that lunch stop will be determined by the guide, which means your plan should be built around the tour day—not a tight schedule of additional activities.

My planning tip: keep one buffer day on either side if you can. El Nido weather can change the feel of your trip fast, and a buffer gives you room to absorb a reschedule without wrecking your whole itinerary.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Might Prefer Something Else)

This tour is a strong match if you want:

• classic Tour A lagoons (Big Lagoon + Secret Lagoon)
• beach time across multiple stops
• snorkeling without bringing gear
• a day that feels tailored to your group’s pace

It’s also a good choice when you prefer service with real attention—clean, courteous help and smooth handling. The overall vibe from the experience is professional and friendly, with staff focused on making the day work for different needs. Even if you’re not traveling like an ultra-athlete, the team’s support style can make the day feel easier.

You might consider a different kind of tour if:

• you hate the idea of weather-based changes
• you’re the kind of traveler who wants very long unstructured beach lounging (this itinerary is still structured and time-boxed per stop)

Should You Book Poseidon’s Private Tour A?

If your goal is the most recognizable El Nido lagoon circuit, plus snorkeling and beaches, I think this private Tour A is a smart booking. The value comes from the fact that so many essentials are included—snorkeling equipment, lunch, and the government-mandated fees—so you’re not piecing together surprises all day.

Also, if you care about the day feeling calmer, private boat time helps. And if the team can guide you toward quieter pockets away from heavy crowd energy, that’s exactly the kind of upgrade you’ll actually feel, not just read about.

If you only have one day in El Nido and you want the best chance of hitting the core sights, this is the kind of tour that earns its reputation.

FAQ

What time does Private Tour A in El Nido start?

It starts at 9:00 am.

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as about 8 hours.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s a private tour with exclusive use of the boat for your group.

What stops are included on Tour A?

The stops are: Seven Commandos Beach, Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island (lunch area), Secret Lagoon, and Payong-Payong Beach.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included.

Do I get snorkeling equipment?

Yes. You get use of snorkeling equipment as part of the tour.

Is pickup included?

Free pickup is included within 1km of Corong-corong Beach. Hotel drop-off is not included.

Are lagoon and environmental fees included?

Yes. The tour includes the environmental fee and the lagoon entrance fee, both government mandated.

What happens if weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Destinations may also change due to weather conditions.