El Nido: Island Hopping Tour A with Kayaking on Big Lagoon

El Nido Island Hopping Tour A is interesting because it strings together the area’s most famous water moments into one smooth 6 hour day. Big Lagoon kayaking is the headline, and I also like the quick shift from lagoon calm to sand-and-snorkel time at 7 Commando Beach.

The main thing to weigh is that this is a popular route, so you should expect some crowds at well-known stops, plus extra PHP fees and rentals that are not included in the starting price.

Key points to know before you go

• Big Lagoon kayaking gives you time on the water with limestone cliffs and lots of photo stops
• Secret Lagoon is short but special, with that secluded feeling you want in El Nido
• Snorkeling gear (mask and snorkel) is included, but kayak and extra footwear may cost extra
• Picnic lunch happens on Shimizu Island, plan snacks if you have dietary needs
• This route can be busy, so go with a flexible mindset and good sunscreen

What You’re Really Buying on El Nido Tour A

For $21 per person, you’re getting more than a boat ride. You have a licensed tourist boat and captain, a licensed local guide, snorkeling gear basics (mask and snorkel), a life jacket, purified drinking water, and a picnic lunch. That is solid value for an island hopping day where the logistics can otherwise get messy fast.

What makes this tour feel worth it is the balance. You get time on sand to reset, time in the water to see coral and fish, and then time on a kayak where the scenery slows down enough for you to actually enjoy it.

One more practical note, in English. You’ll have an English live guide, and the day’s tone can be light. Names like Anderson and Ken Kyle are associated with keeping the trip fun and memorable, which matters when you spend hours on boats and moving from stop to stop.

Morning Start at Marber’s, and How to Get Ready Fast

You start at Marber’s Restobar on Calle Hama Beachfront. Go inside and look for Annabelle or any staff of Alexzus. This matters because you’re not meeting in some vague spot by the shore. You can get your bearings quickly, ask last-minute questions, and settle in before the boat schedules kick in.

There is no hotel pickup and drop-off listed. So you should plan your own way to Marber’s, and also plan to be back at the meeting area after the tour. This is a “show up, board, enjoy” style day.

Bring the basics listed by the operator: sunglasses, a sun hat, beachwear, a waterproof camera if you have one, insect repellent, cash, and a change of clothes. I also recommend bringing a small bag you trust with wet items, because you will end up with soaked swimwear at some point.

Seven Commandos Beach: Powdery Sand and a Tight Safety Briefing

Your first long stop is at 7 Commando Beach, with guided tour time, sightseeing, and a safety briefing. This is scheduled for about 1 hour. That means you get enough time to enjoy the sand and swim, but you will not have an endless stretch to lounge like a full beach day.

This is also one of the stops that sets expectations for the whole tour. Expect clear water, powdery sand, and a lot of photo opportunities. If you love the classic postcard El Nido look, this is where you get it.

Practical tip: set up your sunscreen and water routine early. The day has moving parts, and sun can sneak up on you while you’re waiting for kayaking or snorkeling instructions. If you want to keep sand out of your things, use a dry bag or keep your phone and camera in waterproof protection.

Snorkeling Time Near the Miniloc Area: Coral and Fish Without the Hassle

The plan includes snorkeling at reef areas near Advance or South Miniloc. Mask and snorkel are included, so you only need to worry about comfort. Many people prefer wearing water shoes, because rocky edges and entry points can be unforgiving.

You can rent water shoes for about 100 PHP per pair, and flippers for about 150 PHP per pair. Kayak rental is separate, which is important to understand early so you do not get surprised later.

Two rules to keep in mind: touching marine life is not allowed, and you should not handle anything in the water. You’ll enjoy it more, and you’ll keep the reef safer too. The life jacket helps if you’re not a strong swimmer, but you still should treat snorkeling like snorkeling, not like a walk in the park.

Big Lagoon: Kayaking Your Way Through Limestone Walls

This is the showpiece. The Big Lagoon stop runs about 105 minutes and includes guided sightseeing and kayaking, with plenty of scenic time for photos. You’ll paddle around towering limestone cliffs with calm, turquoise-looking water that’s perfect for slow movement and steady camera angles.

Kayaking here feels different from snorkeling. Instead of bobbing in waves, you’re steering and watching. That means you notice more. You can spot rock formations, enjoy the quiet stretches, and pause for pictures when the lagoon opens up.

If you want the best chance at a comfortable kayak setup, start thinking about rentals and seating in advance. Kayak rental is not included. It’s listed at 300 PHP for a 2-seater and 350 PHP for a 3-seater. If you’re traveling as a pair, a 2-seater can make your pace feel natural. If you have a small group, a 3-seater can help you stay together without juggling.

Crowd reality check: this route is popular, so kayaking and viewpoints can feel busy at times. You cannot control that, but you can control your vibe. If you expect activity and noise, you’ll feel less annoyed when boats stack up near the same areas.

Shimizu Island Picnic Lunch: Simple, Scenic, and Time Enough to Eat

Lunch is a picnic on Shimizu Island, scheduled for about 105 minutes. That’s a big chunk of time, which I like because it gives you breathing room. You can eat, rinse off if you have water left, and let your body recover before the lagoon portion and Secret Lagoon visit.

The tour description also notes lunch may pair with the view from Payong-Payong beach depending on the flow of the day. Either way, you’re eating with a scenic backdrop, not in a cramped, windowless place.

One thing to plan if you have specific dietary needs: vegetarian options may be limited. A past note mentioned lunch choices could be mostly rice and noodles, so if you’re picky or have dietary restrictions, bring a few backup snacks from your bag. The tour does not list vegetarian meals, so snacks are your friend here.

Secret Lagoon: Short Visit, Big Payoff

Secret Lagoon is the last main stop, about 45 minutes, with a guided visit and exploration time. This part works because it’s not trying to be a long drawn-out hike. It gives you enough time to feel the enclosed, secluded atmosphere behind rock formations, without turning the day into a marathon.

You’ll want to move at a steady pace. This lagoon is more about the feel and the surroundings than doing a lot of complicated activities. It’s also where good photo timing matters, because the light can change quickly around rock walls and shaded areas.

Also remember the behavior rules. Touching plants is not allowed, and the whole point is to enjoy the lagoon without leaving a trace.

Gear Rentals and Extra Fees: The “True Cost” Checklist

The base price is $21 per person, but your total cost can rise once you add the items that are not included. Here’s what you should budget for based on the listed add-ons.

Not included rentals:

• Kayak rental: 300 PHP (2-seater) or 350 PHP (3-seater)
• Water shoes: 100 PHP per pair
• Flippers: 150 PHP per pair

Not included fees:

• Environmental fee: 400 PHP per person, valid for 5 days
• Big Lagoon users fee: 200 PHP per person, one-time access

Then there are practical “you” costs:

• Snacks and extra water, if you want more than what’s provided
• Cash for rentals and fees, since cash is explicitly listed as something to bring

If you want a quick decision rule, think like this. If you already own snorkeling fins and water shoes, you might keep rentals low. If you do not, plan for the water shoes and possibly flippers. If kayaking is a must for you, check that your party size matches the kayak seating you want, so you do not end up renting the wrong setup.

What to Bring, What Not to Do, and Why It Matters

This is not a tour where you can show up empty-handed and wing it. The list of what to bring is practical: sunglasses, sun hat, change of clothes, snacks, water, waterproof camera, beachwear, insect repellent, and cash.

Why this matters: you will get sun exposure across multiple stops, and you’ll likely end with wet clothes. A change of clothes makes the ride back more comfortable, and insect repellent helps when you’re near beach edges.

Don’t do the listed no-go items. Smoking, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed. Most importantly, do not touch marine life, animals, or plants. The rules are there for your safety and for the ecosystem that makes these places special in the first place.

Pacing, Group Size Vibe, and the Crowds You Can’t Ignore

This trip is about 6 hours long with multiple scheduled stops. That means the pacing is active. You’re not just sitting on a boat for the whole day. You’ll get a mix of guided time, swim time, snorkeling gear time, kayaking time, lunch time, and a final lagoon visit.

Expect some crowding on a popular route. The tour runs through world-famous areas, and those places can get busy. Boat crowds and busy stops can happen, especially around photo moments and transitions between activities. If you know that going in, you’ll spend less energy feeling annoyed and more energy enjoying the water.

Private group availability is listed, which is worth considering if you want a calmer feel. The standard group format can still be enjoyable, but a private setup can reduce the waiting and side-to-side crowd pressure.

Should You Book El Nido Tour A With Big Lagoon Kayaking?

Book it if you want a one-day hit of the essentials: 7 Commando Beach, snorkeling time with included mask and snorkel, the main event Big Lagoon kayaking, a picnic lunch on Shimizu Island, and a final taste of Secret Lagoon. The $21 base price is attractive when you compare it to what you would otherwise pay just to piece together licensed transport, guide support, and a structured day.

Skip or rethink it if you hate crowds, you need lots of food options beyond rice and noodles, or you are sensitive to active sun time. Also keep in mind it’s not suitable for people over 70.

If you’re comfortable paying a bit more for environmental and lagoon fees plus kayak and footwear rentals, this is a strong way to see El Nido’s most famous water stops without turning your day into complicated planning.

FAQ

How long is El Nido Island Hopping Tour A?

The tour duration is 6 hours. Starting times can vary, so you’ll need to check availability for exact departure times.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $21 per person.

What is included in the tour price?

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

What extra fees or rentals should I expect?

Kayak rental is not included (300 PHP for a 2-seater, 350 PHP for a 3-seater). Water shoes (100 PHP per pair) and flippers (150 PHP per pair) are also rental options. You should also budget for an environmental fee (400 PHP per person, valid for 5 days) and a Big Lagoon users fee (200 PHP per person, one-time access).

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Where do I meet the tour?

You meet at Marber’s Restobar at Calle Hama Beachfront. Go inside and look for Annabelle or any staff of Alexzus.

What should I bring to the tour?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, change of clothes, snacks, water, a waterproof camera, beachwear, insect repellent, and cash.

What’s not allowed during the tour?

Smoking, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed. You also should not touch marine life, animals, or plants.