El Nido: Private Boat Tour A to Big Lagoon and Beaches

A private boat day in El Nido is interesting because it lets you move at island pace, not group pace. You get to work around the crowds, especially if you start early and follow a smarter order of stops.

I really like the VIP feel of a private group, plus the simple payoff: you spend your time where the water looks good and the views are worth the effort. I also like that your guide can shape the flow around what you want to do, whether that means more swimming time or more time taking photos.

One consideration: this is an active day on the water, and it is not a fit for everyone. It is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and it is also not recommended for those with heart problems.

Key things I think are worth your attention

• Private boat, private pace so you can slow down at the lagoons instead of rushing between stops
• Big Lagoon kayaking option during your 1 hour there, with rental available if you want it
• Reverse-route strategy to hit the popular spots at quieter times by starting early
• Snorkeling built in at a secret stop plus Seven Commandos Beach, with mask and snorkel included
• Picnic lunch and water provided so you are not hunting for meals mid-tour
• On top costs to budget for environmental and lagoon access fees, plus optional gear like water shoes and kayaks

Why this private Big Lagoon day feels like a cheat code

The main reason this tour works is control. With a private boat and licensed captain, you are not stuck waiting for other groups to catch up. That matters at El Nido, where timing changes everything, especially on the lagoons.

Big Lagoon is the headline for a reason: the cliffs frame calm water, and the whole place looks postcard-clean. When you have your own time block there, you can paddle at a relaxed pace, or simply stay on the boat and take in the water and rock lines without feeling rushed.

I also like that the operator leans into an easy crowd-skip plan. Start early, and they run the day in a reverse order so the busier vibes hit later. Even if the weather shifts a little, you still get a better chance at that quiet, slow feeling you came for.

The other smart angle is the flexibility. You are not locked into only one version of the day. If you want extra swim time, or you care more about photos, the guide can tailor the flow within the tour structure.

Marber’s meeting point, and the start-of-day checklist that actually helps

Your tour begins at Marber’s Resto Bar, on the Calle Hama beachfront. You go inside and look for Annabelle or any staff of Alexzus. The end point is the Dockyard, and the activity returns to the meeting point area.

Here is how I’d prep to make the first 30 minutes smooth. Bring the basics that you will use right away, not later:

• Hat, sunscreen, and water
• Swimwear and a towel
• Camera
• Snacks, if you tend to get hungry during active half-days

Also, think about shoes. Water shoes can be rented (Php 100 per pair), which is useful if you want more grip on wet surfaces. If you have your own, even better.

And yes, listen to the rules. No smoking, no alcohol and drugs, no littering. Also no feeding animals and no touching plants. It sounds obvious, but on beach days it is the difference between a relaxing morning and a stressed afternoon.

Big Lagoon stop: 1 hour of photos, views, and optional kayaking

Stop 2 is Big Lagoon, and your time here is about 1 hour. Expect a mix of photo time, a guided tour moment, and kayaking. If you want the full lagoon experience, plan for the water time during that hour.

Here is the key practical detail: kayaking is not included as a rental in the base package. If you want a kayak on Big Lagoon, it is Php 300 for 2 seaters or Php 350 for 3 seaters. That pricing matters because private boat tours can feel like all-inclusive days until you hit optional add-ons.

My advice is simple: if your group wants that low, quiet paddle through lagoon water, budget for the kayak. If you are more of a sit-and-snapper, you can still enjoy the scenery from the boat and keep things lighter.

Even if you choose not to rent a kayak, Big Lagoon is still the visual anchor of the day. Towering limestone cliffs rise straight out of the water, and the calm makes it easy to spot the lagoon texture and color changes as the light shifts.

Secret Lagoon (El Nido): another lagoon, more calm, and guided time

Next, you head to Secret Lagoon, El Nido. This is Stop 3, and you get about 1 hour that includes a photo stop and a guided tour.

The vibe here tends to be quieter simply because it is not the only thing everyone is chasing at the same moment. You are still in lagoon country, so expect similarly striking rock formations and serene water. The guided piece is useful because it helps you understand what you are looking at, and it keeps your timing from slipping.

The biggest value of having a second lagoon stop is variety. Big Lagoon is the famous stage, but a second lagoon gives you a second chance at that slow, reflective feeling and a second set of photo angles.

Shimizu Island: break time, plus lunch that keeps your day on track

Stop 4 is Shimizu Island, with break time and lunch for about 1 hour.

This is one of those moments that sounds basic, but it matters. A half-day on the water can turn into a cranky half-day fast if you skip food. Here, you get picnic lunch and drinking water included, so your energy stays steady enough to enjoy the next snorkeling and beach stop.

I’d treat Shimizu Island as your reset button. Use the break to refill water if you need it, apply sunscreen again if you are the type who burns easily, and take five minutes to just sit out of the sun before the next swim session.

The secret snorkeling stop: 1 hour of mask time

Stop 5 is a secret stop with snorkeling for about 1 hour.

Snorkeling gear is included in the tour: you get a mask and snorkel, plus a life jacket. That means you do not have to arrive carrying gear or pay for rentals just to get in the water. If you are planning to snorkel, this is a big value point because mask-and-snorkel rentals can add up.

What you should bring is comfort. Wear swimwear, pack a towel, and use sunscreen before you get too hot. If you are prone to irritation from saltwater, having your own small anti-chafe routine helps, but the tour kit is still enough for a straightforward snorkeling session.

Seven Commandos Beach: photos first, then swim and snorkel for 1 hour

Stop 6 is Seven Commandos Beach. You get about 1 hour, with a photo stop, swimming, and snorkeling.

Seven Commandos is a classic stop for a reason: it is a beach where you can do the whole beach day thing without needing a separate side trip. The best part of pairing it with snorkeling is that it gives you options. If water visibility is good, snorkel. If you just want to cool off, swim and relax. You choose your version of the hour.

With snorkeling included again and your mask and snorkel already provided, you are not repeating the rental hassle. If you added water shoes, this is the kind of place where they can help with traction and comfort, especially if the shoreline is a bit rocky.

Also, take advantage of the photo time. This is one of the stretches where people enjoy wide shots more than close-ups, so pause, breathe, and frame the cliffs, beach, and water together.

Price and what it really includes at $110 per person

The listed price is $110 per person for a 6-hour private boat tour. It can sound straightforward, but the real value comes from what you are getting for that price.

Included basics that matter:

• Licensed tourist boat and licensed boat captain
• Licensed local tour guide (English live guide)
• Mask and snorkel and life jacket
• Picnic lunch and drinking water

That stack is the difference between an expensive boat ride and a day that covers the important logistics. You do not have to arrange a guide, hunt for snorkeling gear, or pay for lunch while you are out.

What is not included, and you should budget for:

• Kayak rental on Big Lagoon: Php 300 (2 seaters) or Php 350 (3 seaters)
• Environmental fee: Php 400 per person, valid for 5 days only
• Lagoon users fee: Php 200 per person, one-time access only
• Water shoes rental: Php 100 per pair
• Hotel pickup and drop-off, plus any meals not mentioned

So my practical advice is to treat the $110 as the tour base, then add the local access and optional gear costs. If you snorkel and swim and also want the kayak, you will feel the extras. If you skip the kayak and already have shoes, the day stays closer to the core price.

Included gear and what to bring so you stay comfortable all day

This tour includes the essentials for getting in the water:

• Mask and snorkel
• Life jacket
• Drinking water
• Picnic lunch

That is great. It also means you should focus your packing on comfort and sun protection, because the included items do not solve for heat.

Bring:

• Hat and sunscreen
• Swimwear and a towel
• Camera
• Snacks (optional but smart)
• Water

Think twice about bringing valuables you do not want to manage around water. A small dry bag helps if you have one, but the tour info does not list it, so I’ll keep that as a personal preference tip.

And keep in mind the tour restrictions:

• No smoking
• No alcohol and drugs
• No littering
• No feeding animals
• No touching plants

Those rules are part of how this stays respectful and clean for everyone.

Timing strategy: how the early start and reverse route change your day

One of the most useful parts of this experience is that it is built around quieter water. Start early, and you beat the crowds. Then they reverse the typical route so the popular areas are visited at calmer times.

For you, that usually means:

• Better light for photos
• Less jostling around the most photographed spots
• More time to linger during photo stops
• A smoother overall flow because you are not constantly joining larger groups at peak moments

If your schedule forces a later start, the operator says to message them if you want to start late or early. That flexibility is worth using if you want to line up with your other island plans.

Who this private tour suits best, and who should skip it

This tour is a private group experience, so it is ideal when you want your own rhythm. It is especially a good match if you:

• Want Big Lagoon time without the chaos
• Plan to snorkel at least once
• Prefer a guide that can adjust the day to what you like
• Enjoy early starts to avoid crowds

It is not suitable for:

• People with mobility impairments
• People with heart problems

Also, expect that it is an active water day. Even if you choose kayaking only or just a swim session, you will still be on a boat for hours.

Should you book the El Nido private boat to Big Lagoon and beaches?

If you want a memorable El Nido day that feels more like a personal outing than a conveyor-belt tour, I would book it. The combination of private boat pace, two lagoon experiences, snorkeling, and picnic lunch covers the core reasons people come to this region.

Book it if you:

• Value quiet time, especially at Big Lagoon
• Want optional kayaking without giving up scenic time
• Like having gear handled for you (mask, snorkel, life jacket)
• Are okay with budgeting extra for local fees and optional rentals

Skip it or rethink it if:

• You need an easy, low-movement day on stable ground
• You cannot do water-based activities for health reasons
• You hate the idea of additional lagoon and environmental fees on top of the tour price

If you do book, aim for the earliest start you can manage. Then bring sunscreen, a towel, and your swim gear. Do that, and you will spend your 6 hours focused on the water, not on logistics.

FAQ

How long is the private boat tour?

It is listed as 6 hours. Starting times depend on availability.

What is the meeting point for the tour?

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

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Mask and snorkel are included, and snorkeling stops are part of the itinerary (including a secret stop and Seven Commandos Beach).

Are kayaks included for Big Lagoon?

Kayaking time on Big Lagoon is part of the stop, but kayak rental is not included. It costs Php 300 for 2 seaters or Php 350 for 3 seaters.

What fees are not included in the tour price?

Not included are the environmental fee (Php 400 per person, valid for 5 days only), the lagoon users fee (Php 200 per person, one-time access only), kayak rental (if you choose it), and water shoes rental (Php 100 per pair).

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes a licensed tourist boat, licensed captain, licensed local tour guide (English), mask and snorkel, life jacket, picnic lunch, and drinking water.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or people with heart problems. It also has rules like no smoking, no alcohol or drugs, and no littering.