El Nido Group Tour A with Beach Lunch

This El Nido island-hopping day is interesting because it links boat-only lagoons and secluded beaches into one smooth route, with kayaking and swimming built in. I love the Big Lagoon paddle time and the quiet drama of the Secret Lagoon stop. The main drawback to plan for is that you will likely walk in the water and climb a ladder on and off the boat more than once.

You get an about 7-hour block on the water, plus a beach lunch served by the shore. If you’re traveling with small kids, I’d ask in advance for the right-sized life jackets, since getting in and out can be tricky.

Key highlights you should know before you go

• Big Lagoon kayaking for 1 hour 30 minutes, with time to swim and snorkel in clear, turquoise water
• Secret Lagoon for 1 hour 30 minutes, reached through a small opening in a limestone wall
• Shimizu Island snorkeling for 1 hour 30 minutes, a solid reef stop even if you should not expect huge fish
• Payong-Payong Beach for 1 hour, short, pretty, and calmer than the bigger lagoon scenes
• Seven Commandos Beach for 1 hour 30 minutes, the classic long-sand break with swimming time and coconuts
• Max group size of 50, which helps keep the day organized and not chaotic

The lagoon-and-beach route that makes El Nido feel different

El Nido is famous for scenery, but this tour is built around getting you close to it by boat. You’re not just looking at postcards from shore. You’re paddling into lagoons and stepping into the water at stops tucked under towering limestone cliffs.

What I like best is that the day moves on purpose. You start with the big show (Big Lagoon), then shift to coral-and-water time (Shimizu Island), then to calmer beach breaks (Payong-Payong and Seven Commandos). The route also saves the most enclosed-feeling spot (Secret Lagoon) for later, so the day stays fun instead of exhausting.

The other smart element is how much time you actually get at each stop. It is not a drive-by schedule. Your total time is about 7 hours, and each key location has a dedicated block.

9:00 am start, about 7 hours, and a realistic pace

This tour starts at 9:00 am and runs about 7 hours. The schedule is steady, with five main stops that add up neatly, so you always know what comes next.

There is also a maximum of 50 travelers, which matters more than you might think. Larger crowds can turn snorkeling and boarding into stress. A smaller cap usually means staff can keep things organized, and you spend more time in the water and less time waiting.

Pickup is another practical point. Pickup is offered only in El Nido town, and you may pay an extra charge if you need pickup outside town. So if you are staying just outside the center, build in time for the meeting point logistics.

Big Lagoon: 1 hour 30 minutes of kayaking and clear-water swimming

Big Lagoon is your first big wow moment, and it is timed well. You get 1 hour 30 minutes there, which is enough for a proper paddle without feeling rushed.

Expect clear turquoise water and towering limestone cliffs closing in around you. This is the kind of place where you notice how different the water looks from one angle to another. The tour includes entrance to the lagoon, so you are not dealing with ticket hassles mid-day.

Activities here typically include:

• Kayaking through calm water
• Swimming and snorkeling to see tropical fish

One important detail: kayaking is not included in the base price. You will usually pay an extra P400 per kayak, good for 2 persons. That means if you want to kayak, you should either plan to share with your travel partner or budget for a solo kayak later.

Also, water movement can change. Even if conditions look calm from the boat, you still need to be comfortable getting in and out. The guides and crew are there to help, but you should go in expecting some physical effort.

Shimizu Island snorkeling: reef time with modest fish expectations

Next up is Shimizu Island for 1 hour 30 minutes. This is your main snorkeling block besides the lagoon stop, and it is known for crystal-clear water and marine life.

Here’s the honest expectation set. Snorkeling can be magical, but in this specific experience, I would not plan the day as if you will see big, bold, Hollywood fish all the time. Snorkeling tends to be more about coral and lots of small life, with only occasional bigger sightings. You might still be happy you did it, especially if you enjoy slow, careful looking.

The good news is that you have time. 1 hour 30 minutes lets you choose your pace. You can float, swim for a bit, come back to regroup, and not feel like you are burning your best minutes in a panic.

Snorkeling gear is also not included in the base tour price. A mask and snorkel set is listed as P100 per set. If you are picky about fit, go for your own mask if you have it. If you do not, rent the set, but plan to test it before you go too far.

Payong-Payong Beach: the quiet stop that resets your energy

Payong-Payong Beach is the break-in-the-middle you’ll appreciate. It gets 1 hour and it is designed for relaxing and swimming rather than constant activity.

This stop is known for powdery white sand, clear shallow water, and limestone cliffs that frame the cove. It is one of those beaches where you might not want to sprint through photos, because the setting is the point.

This is also a helpful time to:

• dry off a little
• rinse off if you can
• reset your energy before Secret Lagoon

Since the longer lagoon stops can feel like a lot, Payong-Payong gives you a lower-pressure rhythm. You can move at beach speed.

Secret Lagoon: 1 hour 30 minutes of adventure through the limestone wall

Secret Lagoon is the stop many people remember. You get 1 hour 30 minutes here, and it is described as accessible through a small opening in a limestone wall. Inside, you find a secluded pool surrounded by cliffs, and the experience feels more tucked-in than the open-water lagoons.

This is also where you should think about your comfort with water entry and boat boarding steps. Even when the stop itself looks calm, getting there often means ladder climbs and walking in water around the boat. The crew can help, and staff are described as friendly and supportive, including when mobility is limited.

That said, the day is still a day at the coast, not a pool party. If you have knee issues, dizziness, or trouble with balance, this is the moment to assess honestly. If you need assistance, ask early. I find it helps to communicate your needs before the boat stops moving.

Seven Commandos Beach: beach time, swimming, and a coconut

Seven Commandos Beach is your classic long-sand finale for 1 hour 30 minutes. You get clear blue water, white sand, and a line of coconut palm trees that makes it feel like the Philippines you imagined.

This is also where the tour leans into relaxation. You can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy more beach-style time before the tour ends.

One fun included touch is that you may receive a fresh coconut at the beach. It is a small thing, but it fits the vibe and makes the stop feel more like a day out than a schedule checklist.

Lunch on the beach: one of the best reasons this feels worth it

Lunch is included as beach lunch, served right where you can hear the water and see the sand. That matters because it reduces the chance you end up spending the day rationing snacks or paying for convenience foods every time you stop.

From a practical viewpoint, beach lunch also helps you recharge at the right moment. By the time you reach this late-day beach stretch, you want something filling but not complicated.

Bring a plan for hydration, because drinks are not included. Water or soda cost extra. If you skip this and just rely on whatever is offered, you can end up feeling drained during the later swims and paddles.

What you pay for, what you still need to budget (no surprises)

The base price is $44.95 per person, but the day also includes local fees listed as part of what the tour covers. Your tour includes:

• Entrance to Lagoon (P200 per person)
• Environmental fee (P400 per person), valid for 14 days
• Lunch on the beach
• Free pickup only in El Nido town
• Mobile ticket

Not included:

• Kayak (P400 per kayak, good for 2 persons)
• Mask and snorkel (P100 per set)
• Drinks like water or soda
• Pickup outside El Nido town (extra charge applies)

So is it good value? Usually yes, because the tour covers the route and the biggest mandatory costs (lagoon entrance and environmental fee), plus lunch. Your main extra spending decisions are really two things, kayak and snorkeling gear, plus drinks.

If you are traveling with a partner and you want kayaking, budgeting becomes simpler: P400 per kayak for two people is easier to manage than renting gear separately for everyone.

Gear and tips: how to avoid the common pain points

You can make this day smoother with a few simple choices.

First, bring a waterproof bag. You will be getting in and out, and you do not want to stress over phones, wallets, or spare clothes. A basic waterproof pouch or dry bag makes a big difference.

Second, wear suitable footwear for sea conditions. The tour involves walking in water and climbing ladders when boarding. Water shoes help you feel more stable and protect your feet.

Third, life jacket sizing matters. The crew is described as fun and helpful, and guides and life guards are mentioned as supportive. Still, ask in advance for a small life jacket if you’re traveling with small children. It is a comfort and safety issue, not a preference.

Finally, set your snorkeling mindset. The snorkeling experience may be more about lots of small reef life than big, dramatic fish. If you go in curious and patient, you’ll enjoy it more.

Price and value: who gets the most out of this $44.95 day

At $44.95 per person, this is positioned as a mid-priced El Nido tour, and the value comes from how much time is built into the water stops. A typical day like this can feel expensive when most of it is travel time. Here, you have dedicated time blocks totaling around 7 hours, so you are paying for experience time.

The included lunch is also a value anchor. If you had to buy lunch separately, you could easily spend close to the same amount over the course of a few days in resort areas.

Where you can lose value is if you do not actually use the included stops the way the tour is designed. This route is best if you like:

• active water time (kayaking, swimming)
• at least basic snorkeling
• beach breaks where you slow down

If you are only interested in taking photos from the boat and never get in the water, you might feel like a chunk of the price is wasted. In that case, you might be happier with a less active tour option.

Who this tour fits best, and who should reconsider

This tour says most travelers can participate, but the real-world reality is the coast. You should be ready to walk in the water and climb the ladder each time you board or disembark.

That makes it best for:

• couples and small groups who are comfortable with boat stairs
• travelers who enjoy snorkeling and do not need perfect visibility
• families who can handle water entry steps with the right life jacket size

It can also work for people with mobility challenges, because the guides and boat driver are described as helpful in those situations. But you still cannot erase the physical steps. If a ladder is a deal-breaker, you should think carefully before booking.

If you are traveling with small kids, plan your comfort level early. Ask for small life jackets before you get on the boat, and be ready to take it slowly at water entry.

Should you book El Nido Group Tour A with Beach Lunch?

I’d book this tour if you want a full El Nido day that mixes lagoons, beaches, and beach lunch without turning the day into a rushed checklist. The most praised parts here are the fun crew, the helpful guides and life guards, and the way the scenery stays the star from lagoon to beach.

If you are snorkeling-focused, go with realistic expectations. You may see mostly smaller fish and lots of reef texture rather than huge showy species. That does not ruin it, but it helps you enjoy the water for what it is.

My final advice is simple. Come prepared with waterproof storage, comfortable sea footwear, and the right life jacket size for kids. If you do that, this is a very solid way to experience Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, and Seven Commandos Beach in one well-timed day.

FAQ

What time does El Nido Group Tour A start?

It starts at 9:00 am.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 7 hours.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes entrance to the lagoon (P200 per person), an environmental fee (P400 per person, valid for 14 days), beach lunch, and free pickup only within El Nido town. It also includes a mobile ticket.

What extra costs should I expect during the day?

Kayaking is not included (P400 per kayak good for 2 persons). Mask and snorkel are not included (P100 per set). Drinks like water or soda are also not included, and pickup outside El Nido town can cost extra.

Is pickup available?

Yes, free pickup is offered only in El Nido town. Pickup outside the town has an extra charge.

What should I be ready for physically?

The tour involves walking in the water and climbing the boat ladder each time. Most travelers can participate, but if you have mobility concerns, plan for these steps.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.