El Nido Island Tour A

El Nido Island Tour A is interesting because you get a fast, day-long loop through some of Palawan’s most famous limestone scenery, with clear photo moments and quick chances to get in the water. I especially like the way Big Lagoon and the other lagoons show off those dramatic cliffs up close.

I also like that the pace gives you more than just stopping and looking. You’ll have real time for swimming and snorkeling, plus simple beach breaks where you can actually relax, not just rush from spot to spot.

One thing to consider is that the day depends on Coast Guard clearance, so your dispatch window can stretch. Also, the picnic lunch setup can be basic and tight, so go in with realistic expectations and plan your comfort accordingly.

Key things to know before you go

• 5 major stops in one day: Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Payong-payong beach, and Seven Commando Beach
• Swim and snorkel time: life vests included, and snorkeling masks are available during boat dispatch
• A licensed guide is on hand: you’ll have a guide available for help throughout the tour
• Picnic lunch is part of the day: served on one of the islands, with a simple setup
• Bring a little cash for fees and options: lagoon and environmental fees are collected at the booking office, plus optional kayak rental

Why El Nido Island Tour A feels worth your time

This is the kind of island hopping day that works well if you want the classic El Nido scenery without building your own route. For 8 hours, you’re moving between lagoons and beaches, with hop-on stops that let you step onto the sand, take pictures, and then get back on the boat for the next viewpoint.

The biggest payoff is the limestone setting. When you hit places like Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon, the cliffs and water create that signature El Nido look people talk about. It’s not just pretty from the boat, either. You get moments where you’re close enough to feel how the limestone shapes the water and light.

I also like how the tour builds in activity, not only viewing. You can snorkel, swim, sunbathe, and even play volleyball during the day. That matters because some tours are mostly photo stops. Here, your time on the water and your time on the shore both add up to a proper beach day.

Price and the real cost after the required fees

The advertised price is $22 per person, for an 8-hour Island Tour A package. That includes the core essentials: life vest, tour guide, boat permit, and picnic lunch.

But you should budget for two extra items that are collected at the booking office:

• 200 pesos lagoon fee
• 400 pesos environmental fee

So while the base price is low, your final total will be a bit higher once those fees are added. That doesn’t make it bad value, it just means you should show up ready.

There are also optional extras:

• Kayak rental in Big Lagoon is 300 pesos per hour
• Snorkeling mask rental is not listed as a priced add-on, because masks are available in the beach during boat dispatch

If you’re someone who likes to swim and snorkel and you want a guided, organized day, you’ll usually feel good about the value. If you mainly want to sit and take photos, you might feel the optional add-ons are not needed, and you can skip them.

Meeting point timing: what actually matters before 9:00am

You meet at Cliffside Travel and Tours, beside El Nido Cliffside Cottages. Plan to arrive before 8:30am. The boat dispatch is between 9:00am and 10:00am, depending on Coast Guard clearance.

That timing detail matters because island hopping runs on official clearance and on-the-ground readiness, not just a neat schedule. I recommend you treat the 9:00am start as a target, not a guarantee. If you’re hungry, grab a quick breakfast before you go. If you’re sensitive to waiting, bring water and a light layer.

If your hotel is within El Nido Town, you can also get free pickup. Just keep in mind the tour still ends at El Nido Beach, so if you’re staying outside the town area, you’ll likely need your own transport at the end.

The day’s rhythm: travel time, stop time, and your expectations

After meeting, it takes about 20-30 minutes to reach the first destination. Then you’ll typically get around 40-50 minutes at each island or main stop.

That stop duration is a sweet spot for a day like this. It’s not a full day on one beach, but it’s long enough to swim, take a few photos, and still move on before you feel rushed.

The tour ends around 3:00pm to 5:00pm. That wide window is normal for island days because sea conditions and clearance can shift. If you’re planning dinner reservations later, give yourself breathing room.

Big Lagoon: the photo stop that turns into a real swim day

Big Lagoon is where you’ll feel the tour’s mood set. It’s your first big limestone show, and the time here is usually the most active. You’ll get:

• a photo stop
• a guided tour
• sightseeing with safety briefing
• a hop-on hop-off stop

This is also the place where optional kayak rental is available, 300 pesos per hour. Even if you don’t rent one, you’ll see how Big Lagoon’s calm water and cliff views make it one of the signature spots in El Nido.

Practical tip: bring a little patience for your first entry into the lagoon. There are safety briefings and quick coordination, and the water entry works best if you follow the guide’s pacing.

Snorkeling is also a key activity here. Life vests are included, which is a comfort boost if you’re not a confident swimmer. And if you want to snorkel, have your mask ready during dispatch so you can get in the water quickly.

Shimizu Island: quick hop-on time for water lovers

Shimizu Island is a hop-on hop-off stop, which means you’ll have a set chunk of time to get on the beach and enjoy the water.

Why I like this stop type: it lets you tailor your time in small ways. If the water looks great, you can spend your minutes in the water. If the sand and views are better for photos, you can do that instead. With only about 40-50 minutes, you don’t want to over-plan. You want to make the best choice based on what you see when you arrive.

If sea conditions are choppy, you might feel the difference more at the open water side. When conditions are calmer, this stop tends to feel more relaxed.

Secret Lagoon: beautiful, but treat it as a jump-in moment

Secret Lagoon, El Nido is another hop-on hop-off stop. This is one of the areas people love for the lagoon feel, where limestone and water create that protected, postcard look.

Here’s how to make the most of it:

• Go in thinking short and sweet. You’re not there for hours, you’re there for your chance to swim, float, and take photos.
• Keep your time focused on what’s in front of you, not what you wish you had more time to do.

If the day’s weather shifts, lagoons can still be worth it, but the exact water color and clarity can change. So if your expectation is maximum blue every minute, you might end up a little disappointed. If your expectation is a great lagoon experience plus time in the water, you’ll likely feel happy.

Payong-payong beach and the “between moments” that add up

Payong-payong beach is part of the 5-destination package. Even though it’s not the first lagoon people talk about, these in-between beaches often do the job of breaking up the day. You get another hop-on chance to stretch, sunbathe, and reset.

This is also where you start to appreciate the flow of the tour. You’re not stuck in one place all day, but you also aren’t constantly traveling with zero downtime. The short stays keep energy up and help you avoid that tired, stuck-on-one-spot feeling.

If you like beaches more than lagoons, these middle stops can be your favorite parts.

The 48WC+77 stop and Seven Commandos Beach

The tour includes a stop listed as 48WC+77 El Nido, then finishes at Seven Commandos Beach.

For the 48WC+77 stop, the details are less specific, but the format still matters: it’s another hop-on hop-off moment. Think of it as a chance to step out, take in the area, and use your time where conditions look best.

Seven Commandos Beach is the final beach push, and it’s usually where you’ll feel the day’s momentum shift into finishing mode. By then, you’ve had multiple water entries and photo moments, so you’ll probably appreciate a beach stop where you can just settle, sunbathe, and enjoy the views.

You’ll also have options on the day for eating at a restaurant during the tour, which is handy if the picnic lunch feels too simple for your taste.

Snorkeling and swimming: what you get and what you should bring

Here’s what’s covered that helps you focus:

• life vests are included
• a tour guide is included and available
• picnic lunch is included
• boat permit coverage is included

What about snorkeling gear?

Snorkeling masks are available during boat dispatch. That’s important, because you do not want to wait until you’re already at the water’s edge to hunt for gear. Show up ready, and you’ll get better access to the water time.

What you should bring is basic but smart:

• reef-safe sunscreen
• a dry bag for your phone and passport
• a towel or quick-dry cloth
• water shoes if you prefer safer footing

If you wear contact lenses, remember your comfort level with saltwater. This tour is active, so choose what works for you.

Picnic lunch: simple, and that can be fine if you plan for it

Lunch is served at one of the islands. The tour includes picnic lunch, but based on how island days typically work, it’s often simple, served where space allows.

So set your expectations accordingly:

• don’t plan on a restaurant-style meal
• be ready to eat in an outdoor, crowded setting
• keep a small snack option in your daypack if you get hungry fast

The upside is that lunch time still keeps you part of the day, not stuck in town while everyone else enjoys the water.

Weather, color, and why your day can look different

El Nido is famous for vivid water, but nature controls the exact look. If conditions are less ideal, you may see less intense blue water. That doesn’t remove the value of the places, it just changes the visual payoff.

I like tours like this because they don’t lock you into one outcome. Even if the sea color changes, you still get limestone cliffs, lagoon shapes, and beach time across multiple stops.

And because you have multiple chances to swim, you’re not doomed if one entry is less perfect than you hoped.

Tour service quality: what matters most in the boat crew and guide

One of the most reassuring things about this tour is that the licensed tour guide is always available if you need assistance. That’s a real comfort when you’re sharing boats and lagoons with other groups and you want quick clarity about what to do.

The overall tone is also described as positive, with guides who show a good attitude and help you make the day run smoothly. A well-maintained boat can also make the long day feel easier, especially when you’re bouncing between stops.

Still, keep in mind that timing depends on clearance. So if you’re strict about a later plan, give yourself buffer time.

Who should book Island Tour A, and who should skip it

This tour fits best if you want a classic El Nido highlights day with an organized schedule. It’s great for:

• first-time visitors who want multiple limestone lagoons and beaches
• people who want guided safety and simple logistics
• swimmers who like having repeated chances to enter the water

It might be less satisfying if:

• you need a super comfortable lunch setup with lots of seating
• you hate any chance of waiting before dispatch
• you are staying outside El Nido Town and want the smoothest end-of-tour transport

For families, solo travelers, and couples, the mix of photo stops and swim time tends to work well, as long as you go in expecting a busy, active day.

Should you book El Nido Island Tour A?

If your goal is a guided, classic El Nido day for a base price of $22, this tour is a strong option because it combines multiple famous stops with real water time. You also get helpful service, life vests, a picnic lunch, and a guide who’s available.

I’d book it if you can handle basic lunch conditions and you’re okay with Coast Guard clearance affecting your exact dispatch. I’d think twice if your schedule is tight later in the day or if you dislike any possibility of waiting around before departure.

If you want, tell me your travel month and where you’re staying in El Nido (town area or outside). I’ll help you judge how smooth the day will feel for your specific plan.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for Island Tour A?

You meet at Cliffside Travel and Tours, beside El Nido Cliffside Cottages. Plan to arrive before 8:30am.

What time does the boat leave?

Boat dispatch is between 9:00am and 10:00am, depending on Coast Guard clearance.

What does Island Tour A include?

It includes 5 island-hopping destinations, a tour guide, life vest, boat permit, and picnic lunch. Free pick-up is available in a hotel within El Nido Town only.

What extra fees should I expect to pay in addition to the $22 price?

At the booking office, you’ll pay a 200 pesos lagoon fee and a 400 pesos environmental fee.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkeling masks are available in the beach during boat dispatch. Life vests are included.

How long is the tour and when does it end?

The duration is about 8 hours, and the tour ends around 3:00pm to 5:00pm.