El Nido: Island Hopping TOUR A with Lunch, Transfer & EDTF

El Nido Tour A is interesting because it strings together some of Bacuit Bay’s best photo and swim spots in one full day, with boat time in between. You’ll spend the day around Miniloc Island lagoons and El Nido’s famed beaches, not just sitting on a single shoreline.

I especially love the chance to snorkel with real reef life, including the possibility of spotting sea turtles. And I like that you get an actual lunch stop at Shimizu Island, so the day feels complete instead of rushed from one highlight to the next.

One drawback to plan for: the transfer coverage is limited. Roundtrip transfer is included only within El Nido Town Proper, and some nearby areas may require extra coordination.

Key moments that make this tour work

• Big Lagoon time on Miniloc Island: a classic lagoon visit framed by limestone cliffs
• Secret Lagoon access through a cave-like passage: head clearance matters, and tide changes the walk
• Shimizu Island lunch stop: you eat, then you can swim again while limestone shade cools things off
• Seven Commandos Beach break: a boat-access only beach with lots of white sand time
• What’s included for $50: motorized boat, guide fee, lagoon fee, environment fee, drinking water, and a life vest
• Pickup clarity matters: transfer is only guaranteed within El Nido Town Proper

Why El Nido Tour A is the classic island hopping day

If you’re seeing El Nido for the first time, Tour A is the “start here” option for a reason. It balances lagoons, beaches, and swimming time, and it keeps logistics simple with a guided day on a motorized boat.

The tour also has a practical rhythm for most visitors. You’re not expected to be a hardcore adventurer all day. Most of your effort is basic, like getting in and out for swims and snorkeling, plus a bit of walking on rocky sections.

At $50 per person for an 8-hour day, the value comes from what’s wrapped into the price: roundtrip boat, lagoon and environment fees, island lunch, and a guide. That said, the day will feel best if your hotel is in the pickup zone, since transfer is not included everywhere.

Big Lagoon on Miniloc Island: the photo stop that turns into real sightseeing

Big Lagoon is one of those places where you immediately get why people come to El Nido with cameras. On this tour, you get a photo stop and then around an hour to visit, with limestone rock formations framing the lagoon.

What makes this stop special is the mix of stillness and scale. The water holds the light, and the cliff walls give you a strong sense of place. Even if you’re not a snorkeler, it’s an easy stop to enjoy by just watching the lagoon and taking photos.

Time is limited, though. If you want the best shots, do them early, because the day moves to other beaches soon after. Also, wear something you can comfortably move around in, since you’ll be getting on and off the boat throughout the day.

Secret Lagoon entrance: cave-like passage, tides, and easy-to-make mistakes

Secret Lagoon, also called Hidden Lagoon, is the one stop that feels the most “off the main path.” You’ll reach it from Miniloc Island, and the lagoon sits behind impressive limestone cliffs.

The key detail is the entry route. Your boat docks near a white sand beach, and then you step off and walk through a rocky cave-like passage. When the tide is high, you need to be mindful of your head in the passage, and you might want a bit more caution with where you place your feet.

Low tide is more forgiving because you can wade into the entrance more easily. That means the lagoon experience can feel slightly different depending on the day, so don’t panic if it’s not identical to someone else’s photos.

On-site time includes swimming, and kayaking is listed as part of the stop. One caution: while kayaking is part of the activity options, a kayak itself is listed as not included, so you may want to assume you could pay for it on the spot. If you’re only interested in swimming and photos, you can still have a great time here.

Shimizu Island lunch break: eating well, then swimming in shade

Shimizu Island is a calm white-sand break in Bacuit Bay, and it’s a favorite lunch stop on Tour A. The island has clear water where you can spot different kinds of fish while you swim near shore.

After you arrive, you can unwind on the sand, take photos, and then you get lunch. Lunch is included, and the timing matters because you can refill your energy before the final beach stops.

There’s also a practical comfort factor here. Limestone cliffs cast shade, and that’s helpful when the sun gets strong later. I like stops like this because they give you a reset, not just another “look only” viewpoint.

And there’s a fun local legend attached to the name, tied to a scuba diver named Shimizu whose remains were discovered here. Even if you don’t care about legends, the story adds a little meaning to the day while you’re relaxing on shore.

Seven Commandos Beach: white sand time you reach only by boat

Seven Commandos Beach is the kind of place you understand instantly from the photos: long stretches of white sand, coconut trees nearby, and tall limestone cliffs keeping the feel enclosed. On this tour you get about an hour here, with time for swimming and kayaking options.

The beach is about 320 meters long, and since it’s accessible only by boat, you get that “arrived by water” feeling. It’s also a great stop for slowing down a bit after lagoon stops that can feel more structured.

There’s no shortage of background story around the name, but the detail you can use is simpler. The beach has a mix of sand and shade, so you can choose where you want to spend your time: sun for pictures, shade for downtime.

Payong-Payong Beach: gentle swimming and snorkeling-friendly water

Payong Payong Beach is another Miniloc Island stop where the vibe shifts toward relaxing. It’s known for cliffs, interesting rock formations, and trees that give you some natural shade.

The water is clear enough for snorkeling, and it tends to be a good place to see fish and coral while you swim at an easy pace. The waves are gentle, which makes it more comfortable if you’re not fully confident in open water.

This stop is also listed as a visit with swimming for about an hour. There aren’t sports built into it as a big part of the experience, so you can treat it like a laid-back swim and photo stop.

If you’re traveling with kids or anyone who gets tired easily, this is the kind of beach break that helps keep the day enjoyable instead of exhausting.

Boat ride realities, safety gear, and what to pack

The day runs on a roundtrip motorized boat, and you’re provided with a life vest on board. That’s a solid baseline, especially in a place where everyone is moving between water and sand.

One practical detail: the boat uses gasoline, so expect some engine smell and noise. Also, there’s a safety focus. A note from a past experience mentioned rules about not smoking on the small boat, so treat that like a real rule, not a suggestion.

What you pack makes a big difference because you’re in sun and water for hours. The tour’s own packing list includes a hat, sunscreen (with the important extra note of using biodegradable sunscreen), swimwear, a towel, flip-flops, and hand sanitizer or tissues.

For me, the single most important item is water shoes. Secret Lagoon involves rocky, slippery walking, and even if you’re careful, you’ll appreciate grip. Another plus from a real-world tip: waterproof bags can help keep your phone or camera gear dry when you’re moving between boat and shore.

And snorkeling gear matters. A snorkeling mask and fins are listed as not included, while you’re also told to bring snorkeling gear. So if you want a comfortable fit, plan to bring your own mask and fins, or be ready to rent them separately.

Price and value: what’s included, and where extra charges might appear

At $50 per person for an 8-hour day, the value is mainly about the included costs. You get roundtrip transfer to the port within El Nido Town Proper, the lagoon fee and environment fee, island lunch, and the motorized boat. You also get a guide fee and drinking water, plus a life vest.

That’s the kind of bundle that helps if you’re trying to control your budget in El Nido. You’re not constantly guessing what you still have to pay once you’re already on the water.

Where things can get messy is the edges. Transfer is not included if your hotel is outside El Nido Town Proper, and the description even calls out certain hotel areas like Lio Nampacan Beach area and Meregmeg. If you’re staying in those zones, you should confirm pickup and return details early, and in writing if possible.

A less pleasant experience included complaints about unexpected requests for money related to environment fees, plus issues with transport when pickup did not match expectations. I can’t say that’s typical for every operator-day, but it does point to a smart habit: before the day starts, confirm what fees are included in your ticket, and save any proof you have of payment.

Another negative point tied to kayak equipment in one case. Since kayaking is listed at some stops but the kayak itself is marked not included, I’d treat any water equipment as “confirm before use.” If something looks damaged or unsafe, stop and ask for a replacement.

Who this tour suits best, and who should skip it

This tour is aimed at a wide range of people, including children, seniors, and those with disabilities, with the intention of being accessible and safe. That said, the day still includes water travel, swimming, and some rocky walking for lagoon access.

It’s a strong fit if you want a classic El Nido day built around lagoons and beaches, and you like the idea of snorkel time without needing to plan a separate boat. It’s also a good “one and done” option if you’re short on time but still want variety.

Skip it if you’re pregnant, since it’s explicitly not suitable. And if you’re over 95 years old, it’s also marked as not suitable. Beyond that, I’d use common sense: if you can handle a rocky passage and getting in and out of the water, you’re in the right zone.

Should you book El Nido Tour A with lunch and transfers?

I’d book this if you’re staying in El Nido Town Proper, you want an organized full-day boat plan, and you value having lagoon and environment fees handled for you. The combination of Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, lunch at Shimizu Island, and beach time at Seven Commandos and Payong Payong gives you the classic El Nido mix in one day.

I’d think twice or at least confirm details hard if your hotel is outside the pickup zone, or if you’re counting on a smooth return transfer after a rain shower. In the past, heavy rain changed how the day ended for at least one person, so plan a little flexibility into your schedule.

If you do book, bring water shoes, reef-safe sunscreen, and your own snorkel mask and fins if you can. Then do one more smart move: message your operator to confirm your exact pickup spot and time, especially if you’re near the edges of the transfer area.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is El Nido Tour A?

The tour lasts 8 hours.

What does the $50 per person price include?

It includes roundtrip transfer to port within El Nido Town Proper only, island lunch, drinking water, lagoon fee, environment fee, roundtrip motorized boat, life vest on board, and guide fee.

Is hotel pickup included from anywhere in El Nido?

No. Pickup is included only within El Nido Town Proper. Transfer is not included if your hotel is outside that area, and certain areas like Lio Nampacan Beach area and Meregmeg are called out.

Are snorkeling mask and fins included?

No. Snorkeling mask and fins are listed as not included.

Is lunch included?

Yes, island lunch is included.

Does the tour include kayaking?

Kayaking is listed as part of the stops at the Secret Lagoon and Seven Commandos Beach, but a kayak is listed as not included, so you should expect possible extra arrangements.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring a sun hat, hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, biodegradable sunscreen, flip-flops, beachwear, headscarf, snorkeling gear, and hand sanitizer or tissues.

Is there a live guide, and is it in English?

Yes. The tour includes a live tour guide, and the language is English.

Is alcohol allowed on the tour?

No. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.