Big Lagoon is the day’s big star. This El Nido Island Hopping Tour A brings you to the places you’ve seen in photos, with guided stops and time to actually enjoy the water. I love the mix of kayaking in Big Lagoon plus the quieter feel of Secret Lagoon, and I also like how the team keeps the day organized. One thing to consider: lunch options may be limited if you’re vegetarian, so it helps to plan a snack backup.

The rhythm is simple: beach first, then sea time (snorkel and paddle), then a picnic break, then another lagoon. The route is popular, so you can expect some crowd energy at the stops and around the boat—but the guide humor and the variety of activities make the hours fly by.

Key takeaways before you go

• Big Lagoon kayaking: limestone cliffs + calm turquoise water make paddle time feel special
• Secret Lagoon: a short guided visit to a secluded cove behind rock formations
• Seven Commandos Beach: powdery sand time to reset and cool off
• Snorkeling near Advince or South Miniloca: colorful coral reefs, with mask and snorkel provided
• Shimizu Island picnic lunch: a full break with purified drinking water included
• Bring cash: environmental and Big Lagoon user fees are not included, and kayak rentals are extra

Marber’s meeting point: starting clean and on time

Your day starts at Marber’s Resto Bar at Calle Hama Beachfront. Go inside and look for Annabelle or any staff member of Alexzus—this matters because the handoff is how the whole day stays smooth.

I’d treat this like a logistics warm-up. Have cash ready for any on-the-water fees you’ll need, and keep your waterproof camera accessible. Also, plan to be energized: the full tour is about 6 hours with multiple active stops.

If you’re used to grabbing breakfast and rushing out, slow down a bit. A change of clothes and insect repellent are listed for a reason; you’ll be in and out of the water, and the sun does its own thing.

Seven Commandos Beach (about 1 hour): sand, swim, and a quick reset

The first real stop is Seven Commandos Beach, with a guided visit plus sightseeing time and a safety briefing along the way. You get around 1 hour here, which is just enough to settle in: stretch on the sand, snap photos, and take a swim in clear water.

This beach stop is also a practical setup. By the time you leave, you’ll be ready for the longer water activities—snorkeling and kayaking. If you forget your swimsuit under your clothes, you’ll regret it fast, because you’ll want to change and stay comfortable for the rest of the day.

One more smart move: wear beachwear you can live in for hours. You’re not just “visiting”—you’re going from sand to water to boat again.

Snorkeling near Advince or South Miniloca: colorful coral without extra gear hassle

Your snorkeling time is set up around a site near Advince or South Miniloca, with coral reefs and lots of colorful sea life. Mask and snorkel are included, plus a life jacket, so you’re not scrambling for essentials the morning of the tour.

Still, you should think about what’s comfortable for you:

• If you have sensitive feet, consider water shoes (they’re available as a rental)
• If you want easier kicking, flippers/fins are also a rental option

And keep the rules in mind. You’re not allowed to touch marine life, animals, or plants. It’s not just for safety—it’s also how reef areas stay healthy and photogenic for everyone.

Also, snorkeling stops tend to bring a mix of swimming confidence levels in one group. Go at your pace, keep a steady rhythm, and enjoy the coral rather than racing to the far edge.

Big Lagoon kayaking (about 105 minutes): limestone cliffs and real paddle time

Then comes Big Lagoon, and this is why people book Tour A. You’ll spend about 105 minutes here with kayaking and sightseeing.

The setting is described as towering limestone cliffs with tranquil turquoise water—that combination is exactly what makes kayaking feel like more than a checkbox. The cliffs make natural photo frames, and the calm water helps you actually enjoy the glide instead of just bracing.

This is also where you should be clear about fees. The Big Lagoon users fee (200 PHP per person) is listed as one-time access, and kayak rental is not included in the base package. If you’re counting on a specific kayak type, plan your budget early:

• 300 PHP kayak rental for a 2-seater
• 350 PHP kayak rental for a 3-seater

If you’re on a tandem seat, you’ll paddle together—so it’s worth coordinating with your partner or group before you push off. A little teamwork makes the whole lagoon time smoother and way more fun.

Shimizu Island picnic lunch (about 105 minutes): where the day slows down

Lunch is served at Shimizu Island for about 105 minutes. The plan is a picnic meal plus purified drinking water, and you’ll also likely have time to recover between water activities.

What you should know for decision-making: lunch options may not fit every diet. One common complaint is that there aren’t strong vegetarian choices beyond items like rice and noodles. If you eat vegetarian most days, I’d bring a small snack you can rely on.

Also, your lunch break is your chance to get practical:

• Dry off a little if you can
• Reapply sunscreen
• Drink water before the next lagoon stop

In other words: don’t treat lunch like a quick pause. Use it to recharge so you enjoy the later Secret Lagoon segment instead of rushing through it.

Secret Lagoon (about 45 minutes): secluded cove time with a guided touch

After lunch, you head to Secret Lagoon for about 45 minutes. This stop is described as hidden behind towering rock formations, which is exactly why it feels like a different world compared with the more exposed beaches.

You’ll get a visit with a guided tour and time to explore. The value here is the contrast: after kayaking and open-water snorkeling, Secret Lagoon gives you a more sheltered, calm feel.

Keep expectations realistic. Forty-five minutes is short, so you’ll want to focus on what matters most: get your photos quickly, then spend the rest of the time soaking in the atmosphere and the rock-framed views.

This is also a good moment to remind yourself of the rules: no touching marine life, animals, or plants. It’s tempting to reach for something interesting, but the best-looking spots are the ones you can enjoy without contact.

What’s included vs what costs extra (so you don’t get surprised)

This tour includes a lot of the hard-to-organize parts, which is why it’s good value for a day trip. The package lists:

• Licensed tourist boat and licensed boat captain
• Licensed local tour guide (English)
• Mask and snorkel
• Life jacket
• Picnic lunch
• Purified drinking water

But several key items cost extra:

• Kayak rental: 300 PHP (2-seater) or 350 PHP (3-seater)
• Water shoes/aqua shoes: 100 PHP rental per pair
• Flippers/fins: 150 PHP rental per pair
• Environmental fee: 400 PHP per person, valid for 5 days
• Big Lagoon users fee: 200 PHP per person, one-time access
• Hotel pick up and drop off: not included

That fee structure is important. If you’re comparing to other El Nido tours, don’t judge only by the base price. The real value is how much of the day is already covered—boat, guide, snorkel gear, lunch, and water.

Price and time: is $21 really worth it?

The base price is listed around $21 per person, and for an El Nido day that includes boat transport, a guide, snorkeling gear, a picnic lunch, and two lagoon experiences, it can be a strong deal.

The catch is to budget like a local:

• Add the environmental fee (400 PHP)
• Add the Big Lagoon users fee (200 PHP)
• Add kayak and optional rentals if you don’t have your own water shoes or fins

The timing also affects value. With 6 hours and clear stop durations (Seven Commandos about 1 hour, Big Lagoon about 105 minutes, lunch about 105 minutes, Secret Lagoon about 45 minutes), you’re not stuck on the water forever. You get movement, variety, and built-in breaks.

One more reality check: the route is popular, so stops can feel crowded, and the boat can be busy. If you like quiet, you’ll still enjoy the scenery—but your comfort depends on your ability to share space.

Guide energy: English help with a funny streak

The guide is listed as English, and the day’s tone matters. A big positive note is that the guide team can be funny and friendly, which is exactly what you want when the schedule moves from beach to snorkeling to lagoons.

Names like Anderson and Ken Kyle show up as part of that lively guide energy. It’s not just entertainment; it helps with safety briefings and keeping everyone together through transfers and snorkeling setup.

Even if you’re not a chatty person, the humor tends to make the wait times feel shorter, and it helps you stay calm when the boat is rolling and the group is lining up.

What to bring (and what actually matters in practice)

You’ll be far happier if you come prepared. The tour recommends:

• Sunglasses and a sun hat
• Change of clothes
• Snacks and water (even though water is provided)
• Beachwear
• Waterproof camera
• Insect repellent
• Cash

I’d treat waterproofing as non-negotiable. You’ll be on a boat, in bright sun, and near water splashes. A simple phone pouch or waterproof case can save you from constant stress.

Also, don’t bring anything that encourages extra risk. The rules state no smoking and no alcohol or drugs, and you’re not allowed to touch marine life, animals, or plants.

And yes, bring energy. The tour isn’t a slow sightseeing stroll. You’re doing snorkeling and kayaking, plus plenty of sun exposure.

Who should book El Nido Tour A (and who might want a different format)

This tour makes the most sense if you want a packed El Nido highlights day. It’s ideal for:

• First-timers who want Big Lagoon + Secret Lagoon plus Seven Commandos Beach and snorkeling
• People who like a guided plan with snorkeling support and life jacket coverage
• Anyone who enjoys photo stops and short scenic windows between activities

It may not be ideal if:

• You need strong vegetarian options at lunch (the meal has limited choices)
• You dislike crowds and busy routes
• You’re older or prefer a more relaxed pace (the tour lists not suitable for people over 70)

You can also ask about private group available. If crowding would stress you out, a private setup can change the whole feel of the day—but you’ll still want to plan for the same key locations.

Should you book this tour?

Book El Nido Tour A with Big Lagoon kayaking if you want one day that hits the icons: Big Lagoon paddling, Secret Lagoon, Seven Commandos Beach, snorkeling with provided gear, and a picnic lunch on a simple schedule. The overall value comes from what’s included (boat, guide, masks/snorkel, life jackets, lunch) plus the variety in a fixed 6-hour window.

Don’t book it blindly if vegetarian meals are a deal-breaker for you, or if you can’t stand crowded routes. In that case, plan a snack backup and consider whether a private group fits you better. And budget for the environmental fee and Big Lagoon users fee, plus kayak rental if you don’t already have gear.

If you like your El Nido days active, scenic, and photo-friendly, this is a solid match.

FAQ

How long is El Nido Tour A with Big Lagoon kayaking?

The total duration is about 6 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet at Marber’s Resto Bar located at Calle Hama Beachfront. Go inside and look for Annabelle or any Alexzus staff.

What are the main stops on the tour?

The tour includes Seven Commandos Beach, Big Lagoon (kayaking), Shimizu Island (lunch), Secret Lagoon, and it finishes back at the dockyard/meeting point area.

Is snorkeling included, and what gear do I get?

Snorkeling is part of the experience. Mask and snorkel are included, along with a life jacket.

Is kayak rental included in the price?

No. Kayak rental is not included. The rental cost listed is 300 PHP for a 2-seater and 350 PHP for a 3-seater.

What extra fees should I budget for?

You should budget for an environmental fee of 400 PHP per person (valid for 5 days) and a Big Lagoon users fee of 200 PHP per person (one-time access).

What’s included in the tour price?

Included items are a licensed tourist boat, licensed boat captain, licensed local tour guide (English), mask and snorkel, life jacket, picnic lunch, and purified drinking water.

Are water shoes or fins included?

No. Water shoes/aqua shoes and flippers/fins are available as rentals at additional cost.

Does the tour include hotel pick-up and drop-off?

No, hotel pick-up and drop-off is not included.

What’s the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.