El Nido Tour A – Group w/ Buffet Lunch

El Nido Tour A is interesting because it stitches together some of the coast’s most famous lagoons and beaches in one long day, with limestone cliffs everywhere you look. I really like the Big Lagoon stop, especially the narrow approach and the chance to get out on the water (kayak time).

I also love the crew energy on this route. Names like Albert and Ramon come up often, and the guides tend to keep the day moving while looking after safety and photos.

One drawback to plan for is the group rhythm. Expect lines, bottlenecks, and waiting at the busiest stops like Secret Lagoon, especially in peak season.

Key points before you go

• Big Lagoon kayak time is a highlight, and it’s the kind of scenery that makes the day feel worth waking up for.
• Lagoon entrance and environmental fees are covered in the price, so you are not juggling extra tickets at the dock.
• Buffet-style lunch is part of the deal, but your exact lunch spot can vary based on where you are docked.
• Shimizu Island is the easygoing break, with snorkeling chances and a strong chance to spot turtles near the waterline.
• Cave access at Secret Lagoon adds cool-factor, but also means tight timing and crowd flow matters.
• Group size is capped at 50, so you will share boats and loading moments with lots of people.

El Nido Tour A at a glance: what $44.95 buys you

At $44.95 per person, Tour A is built for people who want the classic El Nido lagoon loop without a private-boat price tag. You get a packed day that typically runs 7 to 8 hours, starting around 9:00 am, plus buffet lunch and key site fees.

What makes this tour feel like good value is what is included on paper: lunch, lagoon entrance, and an environmental fee that is listed as valid for 14 days. You also get free pickup only within El Nido town. If you’re staying outside town, you should expect an extra charge.

The tradeoff is the group experience. This is a shared tour, with up to 50 travelers, so you will spend some time waiting. If you’re the kind of traveler who hates lines, you’ll need patience here. If you can roll with it, the views do the heavy lifting.

Big Lagoon: narrow passage, kayak time, and the one fee you should note

Big Lagoon is the stop that people come for. You get that narrow waterway feel first, then the water turns a deep, bright blue as the limestone walls rise around you. It looks dramatic in photos because it’s dramatic in real life.

This is also where the day can feel most “you’re actually here” instead of “watching from a boat.” Kayaking is part of the experience concept, and it’s priced separately as a rental: P400 per kayak (good for two persons). You might be tempted to skip it, but if you can afford the extra, it’s usually the best way to experience the lagoon’s calm corners.

A key practical point: lagoon entrance is listed as included, and it notes P200 per person. That matters because you will not want to negotiate tickets while you’re trying to get into the water.

Time-wise, you should plan on around 1 hour 30 minutes here. In a busy group format, that window can feel shorter if you spend extra minutes forming up, boarding, and reloading.

Shimizu Island: lunch break, turtles, and how to think about snorkeling

Shimizu Island is your midday breather. It’s a scenic stop that works for people who want a relaxed view, plus it’s also where snorkeling is commonly expected. The details in the tour description point to snorkeling with turtles, which is one of those moments that sticks in your memory.

Here’s how to make this work in real life: go with flexible expectations. Some days and groups focus more on swimming and turtle-spotting than on active snorkeling for everyone, and water time depends on conditions and crew timing. If you don’t snorkel, you can still enjoy the island views and the break from the motion of the boat.

Lunch is timed here in a lot of schedules. The tour includes lunch in a beach setting, but I’ve learned (the hard way in other places) that the exact lunch spot can vary when crowds and dock space get tight. So if you picture eating fully on shore, keep an open mind.

If you want to snorkel, bring the right gear mindset. Mask and snorkel rentals are P100 per set, and drinks like water or soda are not included. In practice, that means you can do fine with a rental, but you will want to budget a little extra cash and keep your water bottle strategy simple.

Payong-Payong Beach: white sand, clear water, and a solid swim stop

Payong-Payong Beach is the “classic postcard” beach moment. Expect white sand, clear water, and tall limestone cliffs framing the shoreline. This stop is usually where you stretch your legs, take photos, and do the straightforward beach stuff: swim, walk, and enjoy the light reflecting off the water.

The schedule calls for about 1 hour 30 minutes here. In group tours, that’s enough time to have fun, but not enough time to forget you’re sharing the day. If you want fewer people around you, don’t wait until the crowd settles in for the peak photo moment. Move early or find a quieter edge of the beach line.

Also, this is a stop where you’ll feel the value of proper footwear. Even if the water looks inviting, you might be stepping around boats, sand, and rocky edges when you go back and forth. Plan to keep your feet happy.

Admission to Payong-Payong is listed as included, so you are not hunting for tickets while everyone else is forming lines.

Secret Lagoon: cave entry, crowd flow, and the importance of timing

Secret Lagoon is the cool-factor stop. Access is described as passing through a small cave, which immediately changes the vibe from open beach to something more hidden and dramatic. When everything runs smoothly, it feels like a reward for being patient earlier in the day.

In a group tour, though, timing is everything here. The cave entry can turn into a slow-moving queue, and that’s where group congestion becomes real. If you hate waiting, Secret Lagoon will test you.

The good news is that the stop length is about 1 hour 30 minutes, and that usually gives you time for photos and a swim if water conditions cooperate. The tour description says environmental realities permitting, this is a popular destination for sightseeing, which usually means you’re doing more than just walking around.

One more practical tip: water entry can be uneven. Even when it looks like a straightforward place to swim, you can still encounter slippery or rocky footing while you move between boat and lagoon area. Wear water shoes if you have them.

Seven Commando Beach: fun final swim, or just one more stop?

Seven Commando Beach is serene, with turquoise water, palm trees, and rock formations. There’s also a beach bar, so it’s not just about swimming, it’s about that easy final-day feeling where you can relax a bit before the long trip back.

But this is also where you may feel the downsides of a group schedule. Some people find the last stop a bit crowded or rushed for loading and unloading, and that makes sense: getting everyone back onto the boat is a logistical bottleneck at the end of the day.

If your goal is maximum time in the water, Seven Commando might feel like a “good, but could be longer” stop. If your goal is to see the full set of El Nido classics, it’s a worthwhile finish. Either way, this stop has a clear identity, and it’s a nice closing scene with a beach vibe.

Expect around 1 hour 30 minutes again. In group tours, that can be enough for a relaxed swim and a few photos. If you’re sensitive to crowds, start using the time strategically, not emotionally. Do your photos early and save your energy.

Safety and boarding: what the crew does right, and what you should watch

The best part of this kind of shared island tour is the crew. Many outings on this route are led by professional, safety-focused staff who help people handle entry and exit smoothly. Some guided teams even adapt timing for the group and try to keep everyone comfortable.

That said, you are still dealing with a day of boats, steps, and water entry. Expect some combination of:

• Walking a short distance through shallow water to board
• Careful ladder or step transitions near the boat edge
• Crowded loading moments when the group has to move as one

The practical takeaway: watch your footing, follow instructions, and go slow during boarding. If you have mobility issues or you’re traveling with someone elderly, this is exactly the type of trip where it helps to choose a tour known for helpful staff. Still, the water entry part is real, and you’ll want to plan for it.

Crew names you may hear include Albert, Ramon, and Willy in past trips, and the consistent thread is that guides focus on keeping the operation safe and calm.

Price and logistics: where the money is and where it leaks out

Let’s talk value, because this tour is priced to be accessible. For $44.95, you are getting:

• Lunch (buffet-style)
• Free pickup only in El Nido town
• Lagoon entrance noted as P200 per person
• Environmental fee noted as P400 per person, valid 14 days
• A mobile ticket and confirmation at booking

That means a lot of the common “surprise” charges are already accounted for, which is why this tour sells well.

Where you likely spend extra:

• Mask and snorkel rental: P100 per set
• Kayak rental: P400 per kayak (two persons)
• Drinks: not included
• Pickup outside town: extra charge applies

Also, if your day depends on specific activities like snorkeling at every stop, treat that as a bonus rather than a guarantee. Conditions and crowd flow can change how much time you actually spend in the water.

If you want the day to feel less hectic, budgeting for kayak can be a smart upgrade. You are paying for time on the water, and in places like Big Lagoon, that time is the memory-maker.

Packing list that makes the day easier (and cuts stress)

This is not the trip for guesswork. You’ll thank yourself for packing the basics that handle boat time and water time.

Bring:

• Water shoes for rocky or uneven entry points
• A waterproof bag or dry pouch for your phone and camera (a waterproof bag came up as a key tip)
• Sunscreen and a hat, because you are outside for most of the day
• A quick-dry towel if you have room
• A small cash amount for rentals, snacks, and drinks

If you’re snorkeling, rental gear exists, but your comfort matters. If you already own your own mask, bring it. If you don’t, renting a mask and snorkel set is straightforward.

Also, plan for the “busy start” feeling. Meeting points can get crowded early, and that adds to the day’s mental load. If you show up ready, with your group checked in, you’ll lose less time to shuffling.

Who Tour A fits best, and who might prefer a different format

Tour A fits best if:

• You want the classic El Nido sights in one day
• You’re comfortable with group pacing and busy stops
• You like the idea of a kayak add-on at Big Lagoon
• You’re traveling in the right mood for long water days and shared logistics

It may feel less ideal if:

• You hate waiting and queueing
• You want maximum time in the water at every stop
• You strongly prefer calm, uncrowded transitions and private-feeling beach moments

The group format can turn crowded quickly, and some people find certain stops harder for loading and unloading. If that would ruin your day, you might enjoy a private tour more.

Should you book El Nido Tour A?

Yes, book it if you’re looking for great scenery per dollar and you can handle the group rhythm. For many people, the combination of Big Lagoon water time, Shimizu Island turtle potential, and the “five stops in a day” structure makes it a standout value.

Don’t book it if you need a low-crowd experience or you’re counting on uninterrupted snorkeling and long beach time. This tour is more about seeing the highlights in one go, not about slow travel.

If you do book, make it smoother by packing water shoes and a waterproof bag, and by budgeting for kayak or snorkel rentals if they matter to you. Then you’ll spend your energy on the views, not on logistics.

FAQ

How long is El Nido Tour A?

It runs about 7 to 8 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:00 am.

Where does the tour take you?

You visit Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Payong-Payong Beach, Secret Lagoon, and Seven Commando Beach.

Is pickup included?

Pickup is free only within El Nido town. Pickup outside town has an extra charge.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, described as a buffet lunch served during the trip.

Are lagoon entrance and environmental fees included?

Yes. Lagoon entrance is included (listed as P200 per person), and there is an environmental fee included (listed as P400 per person) valid for 14 days.

Do I need to rent snorkeling gear or a kayak?

Snorkeling gear is not included. Mask and snorkel rental is P100 per set. Kayak rental is P400 per kayak for two persons.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 50 travelers.

What happens if the weather is bad or I need to cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.