El Nido: Island Hopping Tour A Lagoons and Beaches

This El Nido island hopping day feels special because it keeps you in Bacuit Bay where the scenery looks like it was drawn, not arranged. The day starts with the Secret Lagoon, a calm, enclosed-feeling spot tucked into jagged rock walls, and guides like Buddy and Dexter tend to keep the rhythm smooth so you are not just waiting around.

I also like the practical side, the way the tour builds in time for beach swimming and a proper break with lunch included. The only real consideration is that Big Lagoon entry is limited, so if it is full that day, you will go to another spot instead.

Key things to know before you go

• Secret Lagoon early start keeps the feel of the lagoon calmer before crowds roll in
• Big Lagoon kayaking is the highlight and it typically means extra fees and gear on top of the tour price
• White sand beach breaks at Shimizu Island and Seven Commandos Beach give you real downtime, not constant hopping
• Lunch is genuinely well done with a buffet that multiple guests praised as above average
• Safety and photo help get consistent mentions, including guides taking photos on your phone
• Snorkeling quality can vary by spot and some entries may be tougher without the right footwear

Price and value in the real world: what $23 gets you

On paper, this is a budget-friendly tour, priced around $23 per person for an 8-hour boat day. In practice, you are paying for a licensed guide, a shared or private boat, life vests, and lunch. That is a good base value, especially because you are not just cruising past viewpoints, you are stopping for water time and beach time.

Now the part to plan for: there are fees that are not included. You will need the El Nido environmental fee (400 PHP) before boarding your boat. You also pay Big Lagoon entry (200 PHP), and if you want to get into Big Lagoon, you will be renting what you need, like a kayak. This is why I like to think of the tour price as the ticket to the day, and the pesos as the price of admission to the best moments.

Meeting up and what to bring for an easy day on the water

Meeting point can vary depending on what option you book, so I suggest you double check your exact pickup location before you head out. Once you are on the boat, the day is built around swimming and short shore stops, so pack like you are going to be in and out of water.

Bring:

• Passport or ID card
• Swimwear
• Change of clothes
• Sunscreen
• Cash

Leave at home:

• Smoking
• Luggage or large bags
• Plastic bottles

It sounds small, but these rules matter once you are on a shared boat with limited storage. Also, cash is not optional here, because the environmental fee and Big Lagoon fees are paid in pesos, and rental gear is extra.

Secret Lagoon: why the first stop works so well

The tour starts with the Secret Lagoon, and that first-lagoon timing is smart. You get the enclosed rock-wall feeling right away, before you spend the whole day on open beaches. The vibe is different from the wider bays because the water feels more protected, and the scenery looks dramatic even if you do not swim for long.

What you can do here:

• Swim and float in the calmer lagoon water
• Take photos from the shoreline and shallow areas
• Enjoy the stillness before the day speeds up

If you are a non swimmer, do not panic. The tour includes life vests, and guides are typically focused on getting people comfortable with water activities. Still, I would keep your expectations realistic at a lagoon stop. You are usually wading and hopping in, not doing a long open-ocean swim.

Shimizu Island: crystal-clear beach time that feels like a reset

Next comes Shimizu Island, where the main point is simple: white sand, clear water, and time to chill. This is one of those stops where you can switch your brain off for a bit. Swim, rinse off, grab a snack, and let the boat day catch up with you later.

The big practical win here is pacing. A good island hopping day is not just about seeing, it is about having enough time to enjoy. Shimizu tends to function like that reset moment, and it is a great choice if you want the day to feel like vacation, not logistics.

Big Lagoon kayaking: fees, limited entry, and the main reason people return

The Big Lagoon segment is the star of this tour. People consistently highlight kayaking time here as the moment that makes the whole day feel worth it. There is something special about moving through the lagoon at your own pace, instead of only floating in the water.

But here is what you need to plan around:

• Big Lagoon entry is limited
• If entry is no longer available, you will visit a different spot
• You will usually need to pay extra at the lagoon (the tour notes a Big Lagoon entry fee), and you will rent a kayak to enter

In other words, do not build your entire trip around a guarantee. Instead, treat Big Lagoon as the reward if you luck out, and treat the backup location as part of the package.

One more real-world note: some guests feel the kayaking portion can run long. If you prefer quick in-and-out activities, you might want to mentally prepare for a slower rhythm at this stop. If you love paddling and do not mind being out on the water, this is exactly the right style of activity.

Seven Commandos Beach plus lunch: the day’s feel-good middle

Later you will hit Seven Commandos Beach, a white sand stretch with coconut trees and the kind of beach water you just want to sink your toes into. This is where the day starts to feel less like a tour and more like a beach day with a boat ride attached.

And then there is lunch, which is included. What makes it stand out is that it is not described as a token meal. Multiple guests praised the buffet as genuinely good, with a lot of food, including fresh meat and fish, plus vegetables and fruit. If you have eaten tour lunches before, you know the type where you are hungry again five minutes later. Here, that is not the vibe.

Practical tip: eat before you get too sun-wrecked. You are out for 8 hours, and you will be in and out of the water. Sunscreen habits can get sloppy once you start relaxing.

Snorkeling stops: how to make the most of underwater time

This tour includes a snorkeling area and aims to show you the underwater scenery of Bacuit Bay. The snorkeling experience can be great, but it is not the same everywhere. One thing I recommend based on what has been observed is being prepared for entries that might be tricky, depending on conditions and the spot.

Gear helps:

• Aqua shoes and fins are available for rent
• Using them can make it easier to handle sharper surfaces near entry points

If you are the type who gets bothered by rough shore entries or needs a stable footing, plan to rent aqua shoes. It is usually a small cost compared to the frustration of cutting a swim short.

Also, if you are prone to motion sickness, bring the medicine that works for you. A few guests specifically flagged the need for that kind of planning. Boats, waves, and long days can add up.

Shared vs private boat: getting your pace in a crowded world

This tour can be done on a shared or private boat. In the shared format, you will be part of the normal flow of other boats in El Nido. That usually means you might see crowds at the most famous stops, because everyone wants the same lagoon views and the same photo angles.

In the private option, you often gain something subtle but valuable: a little more flexibility and less waiting. Some guests noted quieter moments at islands when they arrived earlier than regular shared boats. If you hate feeling rushed, that can be the difference between a fun day and a stressful one.

Either way, remember the tour includes up to four stops total. That is a good number for a full day because it lets you spend time in the water, not just moving between locations.

Safety, guidance, and the small details that matter

This tour runs with a licensed tour guide, and the day is supported by a crew. You get life vests, and the guide gives explanations in English and Tagalog. That matters because lagoon and beach stops are not just about scenery, they are about being safe in and around water.

The best signs of a well run tour are small:

• Staff helping with boarding and disembarking
• Guides taking time so you understand what to do
• People staying proactive about safety
• Friendly service that does not feel chaotic

Even if you are not the strongest swimmer, the tour can still be a good fit because life vests are provided and the crew tends to be patient. Still, be honest with yourself. The operator lists this as not suitable for people with mobility impairments and wheelchair users, so if you need step-free access, you should treat that as a hard constraint.

Who this El Nido Tour A is best for

This is a great fit if you want:

• Multiple lagoon and beach highlights in one 8-hour day
• The specific combo of Secret Lagoon plus beach time at Shimizu Island and Seven Commandos Beach
• A real chance at Big Lagoon kayaking, the activity many people call the peak moment
• Lunch that feels like a proper meal

It is also a decent option if you are not a swimmer, as long as you can handle wading and you are comfortable following staff instructions. Some guests even described enjoying kayaking with help, which tells me the crew pays attention to how people are doing.

I would think twice if:

• You need wheelchair-friendly access (the tour is not suitable for that)
• You get motion sick and do not plan medication
• You really dislike longer activity blocks, since the kayaking time can run long for some

Should you book Tour A with Corazon Travel & Tours?

If you are deciding between skipping the boat day or doing it once and doing it right, I would lean toward booking this. For the price, you get the best El Nido highlights in a structured day: Secret Lagoon, major beach stops, a snorkeling area, and a shot at Big Lagoon kayaking. Add in a lunch that guests repeatedly describe as better than average, and you end up with real value, not just a pretty day on the water.

Book it if you:

• Want a classic Bacuit Bay day
• Can handle paying the EDTF (400 PHP) and Big Lagoon fee (200 PHP) plus rentals
• Are okay with the reality that Big Lagoon entry can be limited

Skip it if you:

• Need accessibility accommodations that the operator cannot support
• Cannot adapt if Big Lagoon is full and you end up at the alternate spot
• Do not want to spend extra on kayak access and water footwear

FAQ

How long is El Nido Island Hopping Tour A?

The tour duration is 8 hours.

What stops are included on Tour A?

Tour A includes stops at the Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Seven Commandos Beach, a Big Lagoon destination, and a snorkeling area.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included in the tour.

What fees are not included in the tour price?

The tour price does not include the El Nido eco-tourism development fee (400 PHP) and the Big Lagoon entry fee (200 PHP). Rental gear like aqua shoes, fins, or a kayak is also not included.

Is Big Lagoon entry guaranteed?

No. Entry to the Big Lagoon is limited. If entry is not available, you will visit a different spot.

Can I rent gear like aqua shoes, fins, or a kayak?

Yes. Aqua shoes, fins, and kayaks are available to rent.

What should I bring?

Bring a passport or ID card, swimwear, a change of clothes, sunscreen, and cash.

What is not allowed during the tour?

Smoking is not allowed. You also cannot bring luggage or large bags, and plastic bottles are not allowed.

Can I cancel for a refund, and is a private group available?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A private group option is also available.