If you like limestone cliffs and calm water, start here. This El Nido Tour A is a tight, six-hour circuit built around Big Lagoon kayaking, Secret Lagoon, and a beach lunch day that feels like a postcard with a schedule.

I especially like how the day mixes two different water moods: easy paddling through Big Lagoon and then snorkeling time at Shimizu (and sometimes other nearby spots when conditions change). The guide work also seems solid, with fun energy from people like Arnold and other team members keeping things moving and safe.

One thing to plan for: this route is popular, so you can feel the crowd factor, with limited time at each stop and occasional delays (one group waited around 45 minutes to start). If you hate busy boats and short beach hangs, this may test your patience.

Quick hits on Tour A

• Big Lagoon kayaking through limestone walls, with chances to tuck into small spots like a cave during paddling
• Secret Lagoon access through a narrow rock opening, with crew support if you need it getting toward the entrance
• 7 Commandos Beach for the classic “white sand + coconut drink” reset before the next water stop
• Shimizu Island lunch and snorkeling with mask/snorkel gear included, plus extra snorkeling location options when seas shift
• Guide energy you’ll remember, including entertaining staff like Arnold and Anderson/Ken Kyle

Meeting at Marber’s: your day starts on Beach Time

The meeting point is Marber’s Restobar on Calle Hama beachfront. Go inside Marber’s and look for Annabelle or any Alexzus staff. This matters because, in El Nido, tours can start late if the boat crew and schedules line up slowly. One recent booking noted a wait of about 45 minutes before departure, so plan to arrive early and keep your expectations flexible.

Once you’re with your group, you’ll get a safety briefing before things get underway. You’ll also be using a licensed tourist boat with a licensed captain, plus a local guide who keeps the rhythm of the day. If you’re prone to getting fidgety before a boat leaves, bring a small snack and water and treat that “hold time” as part of island time.

Seven Commandos Beach: the palm-lined breather

Your first major stop is Seven Commandos Beach. This is where the day typically slows down just enough for you to reset: sightseeing first, then time on the sand with a clear view of the coastline and palms.

What I like about this stop is its function. After you’ve gathered on a boat, this is the payoff moment where your brain goes, Okay, I’m really here. You can sunbathe, relax, and even play beach volleyball if the mood hits. Just remember: this is also a popular beach, so it won’t feel private. Your goal here is not to claim space, but to enjoy the sand, the photos, and the quick break before more active water time.

One more practical note: you’ll want shoes you can handle on and off boats. Even if the sand looks easy, the whole day involves rocks, wet steps, and slippery transfers.

Big Lagoon kayaking: calm water, big scenery

Then comes the main event: Big Lagoon. This is the stop you book Tour A for. You’ll paddle in a kayak, framed by towering karst walls, with water that can look mirror-flat when conditions cooperate.

Here’s what makes the kayaking portion so satisfying: it’s not “hard adventure.” It’s controlled and scenic. You move at your own pace, soak in the limestone shapes, and (if you kayak around) you may even find small features like a cave you can pass through. That kind of mini-moment feels special because it happens while you’re actively doing the thing, not just watching from a boat.

Timing can be a little variable. One booking reported their group had to return to Big Lagoon three times because kayaks weren’t ready at first. That’s a good reminder: kayaking is weather- and logistics-dependent, so if you’re only in El Nido for a very short window, Tour A is still a strong choice, but don’t assume every minute will go perfectly to plan.

Also, crowds matter. Big Lagoon is famous for a reason, so expect other boats and people nearby. You can still find quiet minutes if you paddle a bit and don’t rush to the most obvious photo spot.

Secret Lagoon: narrow entrance, crew help, and real footing

Secret Lagoon is next, and it’s a different kind of magic. Instead of wide open water, you’re looking at a secluded natural pool surrounded by sheer limestone cliffs. Access is through a small rock opening, so it feels like stepping into another pocket of the archipelago.

There’s one consideration here that you should take seriously if you’re not a strong swimmer: the entrance can be tricky. One guide crew member reportedly helps people by dragging them toward the entrance area if they need it. That means they can help you get there, but you should still show up ready to manage wet, uneven footing and short swims.

I’d pack your footwear strategy around Secret Lagoon. Water shoes or sandals with straps are strongly recommended because there’s a lot of rock on the ocean floor. Slippers might float off. I know, that sounds like a small detail until you’re halfway in the water holding onto sandals like they’re life rafts.

If you want great photos, keep your eyes up and your camera dry-ish. The best shots tend to come from inside the lagoon while your group is lined up and still enough for the cliffs to frame you.

Shimizu Island: lunch on sand plus snorkel time

Midday is Shimizu Island, and this is where the tour does two things at once: you get a beach lunch and time to snorkel.

Lunch first, then snorkeling

The lunch is served on the island. You’ll typically see options like grilled seafood, chicken, vegetables, rice, and tropical fruit. One good sign for food quality: multiple bookings said there was plenty of food and lots of choices (pancit, prawns, melon, and more).

But I’ll be honest about reality. One review mentioned that if you’re among the last ones off the boat for lunch, you might end up with fewer pieces of the main items (like one chicken piece). It doesn’t mean the food disappears everywhere, but if you want a more generous plate, try to move quickly when lunch starts.

Also, one booking noted there weren’t clear vegetarian options beyond rice and noodles. If you eat vegetarian and want more than that, consider eating a small snack before the tour or bring something simple that won’t violate the tour rules.

Snorkeling: colorful fish and coral, with backup sites

Snorkeling gear is included: mask and snorkel. You’ll also have life vests for boat transfers, and the crew runs the swim. The snorkeling described here is about seeing colorful fish and coral.

There’s a smart detail in the tour plan: depending on sea conditions, snorkeling may also take place at Advance or South Miniloc. That’s useful because it means you’re not purely stuck with one spot if the ocean is cranky. If you’re a first-time snorkeler, this helps your odds of still getting good water time.

What to watch for: don’t try to force an underwater marathon. Your best results come from calm pacing and letting the current (if any) move you slowly while you scan for fish. And remember the rules: no touching marine life or animals.

Price and value: what you really pay for

The headline price is about $23 per person for a six-hour tour. For that, you’re getting a licensed boat, a licensed captain, a local guide, snorkeling gear (mask and snorkel), life vests, drinking water, and lunch at Shimizu Island.

That’s the value equation: you’re paying for transportation, guides, and the hard-to-arrange combination of kayaking + snorkeling + lunch. You’re not paying for just a single viewpoint.

However, there are additional costs you should budget for:

• Environmental fee: 400 PHP per person (valid for 5 days)
• Big Lagoon users fee: 200 PHP (one-time access)
• Kayak rental (if you need it): 300 PHP for 2-seat and 350 PHP for 3-seat
• Water shoes: 100 PHP rental per pair
• Flippers: 150 PHP rental per pair
• Hotel pickup/drop-off: not included

If you’re trying to keep your total costs predictable, bring your own water shoes if you can. If not, rent them early so you’re not stuck waiting later. And bring cash. The day is fast and wet, and you’ll want to avoid any last-minute scramble.

Overall, Tour A feels like good value for first-timers because it packs the signature sights into one run without needing to coordinate multiple boats yourself.

What to bring: the small gear choices that save your day

Here’s what you should plan for, based on the tour’s reality (rocks, sun, water time, and quick transfers):

Must bring

• Sun hat and sunglasses
• Beachwear and a change of clothes
• Insect repellent
• Waterproof camera (or a phone in a waterproof case)
• Cash for any add-ons and fees
• Water and snacks if you want backup energy
• Water shoes / aqua shoes or sandals with straps

Optional but smart

• A small towel (if you have room)
• A zip bag for dry items

Also note what’s not allowed: smoking, alcohol, and drugs. And you must not touch marine life, animals, or plants. That’s not just rules on paper. In these lagoons, people who behave well help everyone keep access and keep the environment healthy.

The guide experience: energy matters in a timed day

A big part of how this tour feels is the crew and guide vibe. Recent trips highlighted guides who keep things lively and organized, with entertainment from people like Arnold. Another booking specifically called out Anderson and Ken Kyle for making the trip memorable.

Why you should care: in a day packed with water transfers and narrow lagoon entrances, you want someone who can spot issues early, manage the group calmly, and keep you from feeling rushed. The crew also reportedly helps with getting everyone on and off the boat safely.

If you’re the kind of traveler who enjoys a bit of trivia and laughs while you’re waiting for the next stop, you’ll likely enjoy this aspect. If you prefer quiet, you might still appreciate the practical instructions more than the banter.

Who should book Tour A (and who should think twice)

This tour is best for you if:

• You want the signature El Nido lagoon sights in one day
• You like kayaking on calm water paired with snorkeling time
• You want lunch included without planning your own logistics
• You enjoy having an energetic guide keep the day moving

Think twice if:

• You hate crowds and you don’t handle short beach stays well
• You’re not comfortable with wet, rocky footing (especially around Secret Lagoon access)
• You expect lots of free time at each stop
• You need strong vegetarian options beyond basic rice and noodles

It’s not suitable for wheelchair users, based on the tour’s accessibility notes.

Should you book El Nido Tour A?

Yes, if you want a classic El Nido day that hits Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, a white sand beach moment, and snorkeling without extra planning headaches. It’s the kind of trip that makes sense for a first visit because it compresses the best-known scenery into one six-hour loop, with lunch and basic snorkeling setup handled.

No, if you’re sensitive to crowds, you require lots of quiet time, or you struggle with rocky lagoon entrances. In that case, you might be happier with a smaller, more flexible plan that gives you longer beach time and fewer transfers.

If you do book, come prepared with water shoes, be ready for possible short delays, and bring some snacks for the “in-between” moments. That way, even when the day runs busy, you’ll still feel in control—and that’s when these lagoons really land.

FAQ

How long is El Nido Tour A?

The tour duration is listed as 6 hours.

Where does the tour meet?

The meeting point is Marber’s Restobar at Calle Hama Beach Front. You enter Marber’s and look for Annabelle or Alexzus staff.

What’s included in the tour price?

Included items are a licensed tourist boat, licensed boat captain, licensed local tour guide, mask and snorkel gear, life jacket, picnic lunch at Shimizu Island, and 1 bottle of purified drinking water (330ml served at lunch).

Is hotel pickup or drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Do I need to rent a kayak or snorkeling gear?

Mask and snorkel gear are included. Kayak rental is listed as an extra cost (300 PHP for 2-seaters and 350 PHP for 3-seaters). Water shoes and flippers are also available as rentals for extra fees.

Are there extra fees for Big Lagoon and the environment?

Yes. The environmental fee (400 PHP per person valid for 5 days) and the Big Lagoon users fee (200 PHP per person one-time access) are not included.

What should I wear or bring for the lagoon stops?

You should bring sun hat, sunglasses, change of clothes, beachwear, insect repellent, cash, and waterproof camera if you want one. Water shoes or aqua shoes are strongly useful because there is rocky footing around the lagoon areas.

Is snorkeling always at Shimizu Island?

Snorkeling is described around Shimizu Island, but it may also take place at Advance or South Miniloc depending on sea conditions.