El Nido Island Hopping Tour A with Lunch

El Nido Island Hopping Tour A is interesting because it packs the classic Palawan shoreline hits into one organized half-day format, with quick beach time, lagoon stops, and a full lunch included. You pick a theme (Tour A among the three tour options), and the day stays structured around five island stops.

I especially like the included lunch and the fact you get round-trip transport from downtown El Nido. The lunch has been described as generous, with a mix of fruits, vegetables, fish, chicken, pork, and rice, plus options like vegan meals when you ask. That means you spend your energy on the water, not hunting down food.

One consideration: there can be extra payments on the day, because some environmental and lagoon fees are listed as excluded from the base price. Also, getting onto the boat can involve wading through chest-high water to reach the ladder, so wear the right footwear and keep your things secure.

Key points before you go

• Five island stops with a theme, so you know what kind of scenery your day is built around
• Lunch included, often described as a big spread with meat, fish, rice, and fruit
• Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Seven Commando Beach are key highlights in the Tour A route
• Short beach windows at the first two stops mean you will move fast, photo often
• Extra fees are common for environmental and lagoon access, so plan to pay in pesos
• Small-group feel with a maximum of 30 travelers

Tour A at a glance: a structured day on El Nido water

This is a classic El Nido “go see a lot” tour. The day runs about 6 to 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am, and it is built around five island stops. The important part is not just the number. It is the timing. You get a mix of quick look-and-swim stops and at least one longer stretch, so you are not stuck on the boat the whole time.

Tour A also sits inside a bigger choice: there are three tour options, each with a common theme across the five islands. In other words, you are not blindly bouncing around. You should pick the option that matches the scenery you care about most, like beaches and shrines versus caves and coves versus lagoons and beaches.

Group size matters in El Nido. This tour caps at 30 people, which usually keeps things easier than the truly huge boats. You still share the day, but you are less likely to feel like part of a slow moving crowd.

Meeting at Mabuhay Sports Bar, then on to the boat

Your start point is MABUHAY Sports Bar in El Nido, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point. That is a practical setup, because you are not guessing where you will land after the day. The tour also includes round-trip transport from downtown El Nido, so you should not need to arrange your own ride.

One real-world detail to plan for: boarding can be rougher than you expect. At least one guest described wading through chest-high water to reach the boat ladder. That tells you two things. First, you want footwear you can trust, not flip-flops that slide. Second, keep your phone and camera in a dry bag or waterproof pouch.

Secret Lagoon: the 30-minute pause with big water views

Stop 1 is Secret Lagoon. The whole pitch is clear: it is tucked into an island setting with a pristine white beach and crystal-clear water. You spend about 30 minutes here, and that half hour is usually enough to do the essentials: look for the lagoon view, stroll the beach, and decide whether you want a quick swim.

Because the time is short, you get the most out of Secret Lagoon if you do two things fast: set your photo spots quickly, and then focus on swimming or relaxing. With only 30 minutes, do not plan a long changing routine. Go ready, take your photos early, and then enjoy the water.

Also note: admission ticket is listed as included for this stop, so you are not juggling a separate entrance fee every time you jump off the boat.

Shimizu Island: shade, a white-sand break, and swim time

Stop 2 is Shimizu Island, and the tone here is different from Secret Lagoon. This stop is described as having a white-sand beach and lush green trees that provide natural shelter. In hot El Nido sun, that shade is not a small perk. It makes the stop feel more comfortable, especially if you are on the water all day.

You get another 30 minutes. That means you will likely do a quick combination of swimming and beach lounging. The water is described as clear blue, and you can use the shade when you need a break.

Practical tip: bring sun protection even if you feel like you will be in and out quickly. Twenty minutes of strong sun can still turn into an all-day burn when you are out on the boat afterward.

Seven Commando Beach: the longer hour for swimming and photos

Stop 3 is Seven Commando Beach, and this is the stop with the most time in the details provided: about 1 hour. Here, the scenery is built around the limestone mountain and lush greenery, with the vibe focused on refreshing and resetting.

What makes this stop especially valuable is the longer window. You can take your time. You can swim without feeling rushed. You can also grab the steady photos that you cannot get when the schedule feels like a checklist.

As with the earlier stops, admission is listed as included, so your main job is simple: enjoy the beach and use that hour well.

The other two stops: how the theme choice affects what you actually see

The tour is designed to visit five islands, but the detailed stop-by-stop information provided only names three of them. That does not mean you only see three places. It means the remaining two are part of the same day structure, chosen to match the theme you booked.

So here is the smartest way to plan for Tour A without overthinking it: pick your tour option based on the type of scenery you want. If you are choosing an option themed toward lagoons and beaches, you will likely get more water-and-bay scenery. If your option leans toward caves and coves, you should expect more dramatic shoreline features. If it leans toward hidden beaches and shrines, you should expect quieter, smaller-feeling stops.

Because the schedule includes multiple short island windows, your best strategy is to stay flexible and treat the day as a sequence of best-of moments rather than one destination you want to “solve.” You will not have hours at each island, so your goal is to savor each stop fast.

Lunch on the water: the included meal that makes the price feel fair

Lunch is one of the biggest value drivers on this tour. The tour includes lunch, and the descriptions of the meal are consistently practical: plenty of food, not a sad sandwich situation. People mention a spread with fruits and vegetables, plus proteins like fish, chicken, and pork, along with rice.

This matters because it removes a major El Nido planning headache. When you book island hopping, you do not want to spend your limited day time deciding where to eat. You also want energy, because you are swimming, climbing, and walking on uneven beach landings.

If you have dietary needs, it is worth asking ahead or on the day. One person described the crew arranging a vegan option for lunch. You should still treat that as request-based, not guaranteed, but the fact it has worked before is encouraging.

What is included, what is not, and what you might pay in cash

Here is the payment reality. Your ticket price is listed at $24.00 per person, and the included items are lunch, a local guide, and boat transfers. The tour description also includes round-trip transport from downtown El Nido.

But the tour also lists extra fees you might pay on top, including:

• El Nido Eco-Tourism Development Fee: ₱400.00 per person
• Big Lagoon User’s Fee: ₱200.00 per person
• Kayak access to Big Lagoon (rent): ₱350.00 per person
• Snorkeling equipment rental: ₱150.00 per person
• Aqua shoes rental: ₱150.00 per person

There is also a small detail to watch: the overview mentions free snorkel equipment rentals, while the excluded list lists snorkeling equipment rental for a fee. That conflict is exactly why you should confirm what you will receive when you check in. If snorkeling gear is offered as free, great. If not, decide early whether you want to rent or use your own.

Also remember that cash is king for these kinds of day-of fees. Bring enough pesos so you are not forced into complicated money moves while the boat is waiting.

Price reality check: $24 plus fees, still often good value

On paper, the base price looks like a bargain. But the real value is what you get for the full day once extras are included.

If you only pay the standard eco and lagoon fees, plus you keep rentals to a minimum, you still benefit from the big ticket items being handled for you: boat transfers, local guidance, and transport from downtown, plus lunch.

Where the value can shift is if you rent gear or do add-ons like kayaking. Kayak access is listed as ₱350, and snorkeling gear plus aqua shoes add up too. None of that is automatically a bad thing. It is just math you should do before you are standing there.

The smart move: plan your “maximum comfort” version of the day.

• Pack sun protection and a waterproof phone pouch.
• Decide if you truly need rentals like aqua shoes.
• If kayaking is on your personal list, treat it as an intentional add-on, not an impulse.

Who Tour A fits best, and who should choose differently

This tour is a good fit for:

• First-time El Nido visitors who want the big sights without figuring out boats and schedules
• People who like snorkeling-ready days and do not mind moving on a tight timeline
• Anyone who values a included meal so the day stays simple

It may not be perfect for people who hate short stops. With 30-minute windows at the first two named locations, you will not get a long, slow hang. You will also want to be comfortable with a schedule that prioritizes seeing more over lingering.

For non-kayakers, do not automatically assume kayaking will be essential. The kayak is listed as an optional rental for Big Lagoon access. If you are not planning to do that, you still get beach time and swimming opportunities at the other stops.

The small details that can make or break your day

Two things can save your mood in El Nido island hopping.

First, treat boarding like part of the adventure. If you get waded chest-high to reach the ladder, you will be happier if you wear secure footwear and keep bags protected. You do not want wet electronics.

Second, plan for sun and thirst. Even if each stop is short, you are out under sun for hours. Bring water if you are allowed to, and use shade when you find it. Shimizu Island’s trees sound small until you are hot, then it feels like a lifesaver.

Finally, if you have a guide named Ariel as part of your group, lean into it. A good local guide can help you time swimming and understand where to stand for photos.

Should you book El Nido Tour A with lunch?

Yes, book it if you want a structured day that mixes Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Seven Commando Beach with lunch included and transport from downtown. The pricing can be very fair for the amount of logistics handled, especially if you are not planning to add lots of rentals.

Hold off or book with eyes open if you are fee-sensitive. The eco and lagoon fees listed as excluded can change the final cost, so bring pesos and confirm what you will pay on arrival. Also consider the short time windows, especially at the first two stops.

If you match the style of the day, Tour A is the kind of tour that leaves you saying you saw the real El Nido highlights, without turning your vacation into a project.

FAQ

What is the meeting point for El Nido Island Hopping Tour A?

The tour starts at MABUHAY Sports Bar, El Nido, 5313 Palawan, Philippines. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the tour start?

The tour start time is 9:00 am.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 6 to 8 hours.

What is included in the tour price?

The tour includes lunch, a local guide, and boat transfers. Round-trip transport from downtown El Nido is also included.

What extra fees are not included?

Not included fees listed are El Nido Eco-Tourism Development Fee (₱400 per person), Big Lagoon User’s Fee (₱200 per person), plus possible rentals like kayak access (₱350 per person), snorkeling equipment (₱150 per person), and aqua shoes (₱150 per person).

How many islands do you visit?

The tour visits five islands during the island-hopping experience.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkeling equipment is described as available with the experience, but it is also listed as a rental item for ₱150 per person. Confirm what you will receive at booking or check-in.