EL NIDO: Private Island Hopping Tour A with BUFFET LUNCH

What makes El Nido Island Hopping Tour A interesting is how many iconic Palawan stops you can hit in one full day, without having to plan every hop yourself. I especially like the mix of kayaking and snorkeling plus the included buffet lunch that keeps the day feeling smooth. I also like that you get a private setup with a licensed crew, so the pace feels more tailored than the big group chaos. One consideration, though, is that timing matters, a late start can mean the popular sites feel crowded and you may not get as much done as you expected.

In the best versions of this day, the crew takes safety and comfort seriously. Names like captain Cyron, guide Julius, and guide Leonard show up again and again in how people describe the day, especially the careful guidance around the Secret Lagoon. Still, if you are bringing kids or you are not confident on a kayak, ask for clear instructions right away and keep a close eye on how the kayak is handled.

This tour is priced at $139 per person for 8 hours, and once you understand what’s included (and what government fees are extra), it can be a strong value for a first-time El Nido visit.

Key highlights you’ll actually feel during the day

• Seven Commandos Beach for white sand, turquoise water, and a first round of swimming plus a bit of legend
• Big Lagoon kayaking with a free 1 kayak and limestone cliffs framing the whole waterway
• Shimizu Island snorkeling with mask and snorkel included, plus time to relax and have lunch
• Secret Lagoon access through a limestone hole for that secluded, cliff-walled feeling
• Buffet lunch, water, soft drinks, and fruits included so you are not hunting for food on your own
• Free pickup in El Nido Town and Corong-corong to keep your morning stress low

El Nido Island Hopping Tour A: the day plan that works for first-timers

El Nido’s big draw is obvious once you see the limestone cliffs and the water color. What is less obvious is how hard it can be to stitch together great viewpoints, swim spots, and snorkeling stops on your own. Tour A solves that by running a logical route through the highlights, with enough time at each stop to actually enjoy it, not just rush through and hope for the best.

You also get a private group format. That matters in real life. You are not stuck waiting while a larger group shuffles, you are not negotiating your place in line for photos, and the guide can adjust the pace based on how you are doing in the water.

The licensed boat, licensed captain, and licensed guide team are also a big part of why this feels organized. Life vests are provided, snorkeling gear is included, and you have a guide on hand to point you toward what to look for and when to move.

Price and value: $139 is only part of the real cost

The headline price is $139 per person for an 8-hour private island hopping tour. That base price is only truly useful when you look at what you are already getting for it.

Included in the package:

• Buffet lunch
• Water and soft drinks
• Fruits
• Mask and snorkel
• Life vest or jacket
• Free 1 kayak
• Free pickup within El Nido Town and Corong-corong
• A licensed tourist boat, captain, guide, and crew
• Skip the ticket line

Not included:

• Lagoon entrance fee: 200 (government tax)
• Environmental fee: 400 (government tax)
• Drop-off back to your hotel
• Additional kayak rental

So you should budget an extra 600 for the government fees on top of the $139, plus plan how you will get back if the tour does not drop you off where you are staying.

Is it worth it? For me, it usually comes down to two things:

1. You are paying for convenience and a crew that runs the day for you, including gear and meals.
2. You are paying for time in the water at multiple famous spots, which is hard to recreate cheaply once you factor in boat, guide, and logistics.

If you are the type who hates last-minute planning and you want a full El Nido taste test, Tour A is often a solid buy.

Getting ready: pickup, boat comfort, and what to pack

The day starts with free pickup within El Nido Town and Corong-corong. After that, you’re on a licensed boat with a guide and crew who handle the transitions between stops.

This is a beach day with water time, so pack like it is one. Bring:

• Change of clothes
• Towel
• Camera
• Biodegradable sunscreen
• Beachwear
• Cash
• Closed-toe shoes
• Waterproof bag
• Waterproof shoes

A couple of practical notes that matter:

• Closed-toe shoes are useful on boats and around docks. Flip-flops can feel like a mistake when you are climbing in and out.
• A waterproof bag keeps your phone and camera safe during swim stops and snorkeling.
• Sunscreen matters, and biodegradable is what you want here.

Also note the rules: no smoking, no plastic bags, no alcohol or drugs, and no littering.

Stop 1: Seven Commandos Beach, white sand and WWII legend vibes

Seven Commandos Beach is where you get your first real El Nido hit. Expect powdery white sand, turquoise water, swaying palms, and dramatic limestone cliffs. The beach name comes from a WWII legend of seven commandos who supposedly lived here after the war, and even if you do not care about the story, the setting does the talking.

This part of the day is usually about relaxing and settling in:

• Photo stop
• Visit and guided sightseeing
• Swimming time
• About an hour total

What I like about this stop for first-timers is that it is not all pressure. You can swim early while the day is still calm, and you can get a feel for the water before snorkeling later.

There are also rustic bars and small shops around the beach, so if you want something quick, you might be able to grab it there. Still, keep an eye on the timeline so you do not drift too long.

Stop 2: Big Lagoon kayaking inside a limestone amphitheater

Big Lagoon is the show-stopper for many people, and it is easy to see why. The water sits inside towering limestone cliffs, and the entrance feels like you are slipping into a natural amphitheater. The water color tends toward deep blue-green, and it is clear enough that you can spot marine life below the surface.

This is where kayaking fits naturally. You are given time for:

• Photo stop
• Guided sightseeing
• Swimming
• Kayaking (and this is your free 1 kayak)

Why this stop matters: kayaking makes you slower and quieter. You notice details you miss from the boat, like the way the cliffs change shade as you move, and the stillness that hits once you stop paddling.

Also, kayaking in a sheltered lagoon is less chaotic than open-water conditions. That makes it a good choice for people who want a water adventure without feeling like they are thrown into something extreme.

One practical caution: if you are kayaking with kids or you are new to it, ask the guide to set you up properly and show you the basic movement before you go. A safe, controlled start makes a huge difference when it gets bumpy.

Stop 3: Shimizu Island snorkeling and lunch in one smooth block

Shimizu Island is named for a Japanese diver who explored the area, and the water is the point. This is a snorkeling paradise. You should expect coral areas full of colorful fish, and if you brought a waterproof plan for your camera, this is one of the places where photos can actually work.

This stop combines multiple activities, which is handy when you want a full day but hate waiting around:

• Break time
• Photo stop
• Guided tour
• Lunch
• Free time
• Sightseeing
• Swimming
• Snorkeling

The guide chooses how lunch fits in, and the buffet setup is part of what keeps the day comfortable. You get lunch plus water, soft drinks, and fruits across the tour day, and this is one of the likely lunch windows.

A balanced reality check: snorkeling quality can vary by conditions, and you might find it better for short bursts than for long, nonstop stretches. If you want to maximize it, do a quick check of visibility, then spend your best energy where fish and coral look most active.

Stop 4: Secret Lagoon, the squeeze-through limestone entrance

Secret Lagoon is where the tour earns its name. You access it through a narrow opening in a limestone wall, a small hole you have to squeeze through before you reach the lagoon itself. Once you are inside, it feels secluded and enclosed, surrounded by high cliffs on all sides.

Expect this to be a guided moment with time for:

• Photo stop
• Visit and guided tour
• Free time
• Swimming
• About an hour total

This is also the kind of stop where the guide can make or break the experience. When you have someone leading you through the entrance, it helps you time the moment and avoid rushing.

If you are claustrophobic or you are uncomfortable with tight passages, take that seriously before booking. The Secret Lagoon entrance is part of what makes it special, but it is also the part that can feel challenging depending on your comfort level.

Stop 5: Payong-Payong Beach, calmer swimming and optional snorkeling

Payong-Payong Beach is quieter than some of the bigger named stops. It is small, more unspoiled, and a great place to catch a slower rhythm, whether you want to lie back in the sun or swim with the day’s momentum.

Here’s what your time typically includes:

• Break time
• Photo stop
• Visit and guided tour
• Sightseeing
• Swimming
• Snorkeling
• Scenic views on the way (plus roughly an hour here)

If you are the kind of person who gets tired of constant movement, this stop can feel like a breather. The water is clear, and the combination of white sand and nearby rock formations keeps it interesting even if you do not snorkel for long.

Snorkeling here is optional, but if you do it, manage your energy. You will already be wet and tired from earlier stops, so keep your sessions short and focused.

The crew experience: what “private” really means on the water

A private group does not automatically mean perfect. But it does mean the crew can focus more closely on your comfort.

People often describe the team as attentive and professional, including the way guides handle transitions and help you with water activities. Some guides are especially known for being fun and engaging, and there is also an element of capturing your day on camera and video, so you might end up with more than just your own shots.

Safety is part of the package:

• Life vest or jacket provided
• Licensed boat and captain
• Masks and snorkel included
• Guide leads you through the key moments, like entering Secret Lagoon

My practical advice: treat the guide like your best safety tool. If you have balance issues in shallow water, tell them before the kayak or snorkeling time starts. If you are unsure about the limestone entrance at Secret Lagoon, ask for guidance on how to move through it.

Also, take the kayaking seriously. One past incident involved a child being injured when a kayak situation went wrong. That does not mean it will happen to you, but it is a reminder to keep kids close and make sure instructions are understood before you push off.

Timing and weather: why your day might shift

Tour A is designed as a full circuit, but there is a reality you should plan for: destinations can change based on weather. Your guide also chooses the lunch stop, which helps the day run smoothly.

This matters because:

• If weather is rough, open-water conditions can change your snorkeling and swimming comfort.
• If the day runs later than planned, popular stops may feel more crowded.

So do two simple things:

1. Be ready for pickup with your bag packed and dry shoes set aside.
2. Stay flexible and let the guide adjust. A good guide can often make the day still feel full, even if the order changes.

Who should book Tour A, and who should think twice

Tour A is a great fit if you want:

• A first-time El Nido day that hits the headline sites
• A mix of kayaking and snorkeling rather than only one activity
• A guided, organized day with buffet lunch included
• Private group pacing with English and Tagalog-speaking guides

It might be less ideal if:

• You hate tight spaces, because Secret Lagoon requires you to go through a limestone opening
• You have very young kids and you are not comfortable with the kayaking setup, especially if you need constant attention

For most people, though, it is a practical way to experience Palawan’s signature water drama, the limestone cliffs, the lagoon colors, and coral life, all in one 8-hour block.

Should you book this El Nido Tour A with buffet lunch?

If you are weighing this against the DIY option, I think Tour A wins when convenience is your priority. You get the core experiences in one day, plus buffet lunch, drinks, fruits, and gear, and that usually means you spend less mental energy and more time enjoying the water.

Book it if you:

• Want a full highlights route without planning
• Care about having a licensed crew and a guide leading the tricky parts
• Like having lunch taken care of, not scavenged

Skip it or choose another approach if:

• You are sensitive to enclosed entrances like the Secret Lagoon hole
• You want ultra-luxury downtime with no schedule at all, because this is still an 8-hour circuit with activity time at each stop

If you do book it, my best tip is simple: show up ready, ask how kayaking works for your group right before you go, and treat the schedule as a guide rather than a promise. When you do that, Tour A usually delivers the kind of El Nido day you remember for the water color and the cliff-walled lagoons.

FAQ

Where does the tour pick you up?

Pickup is free if your accommodation is within El Nido Town and Corong-corong. You need to specify your hotel names when filling out the form.

How long is El Nido Island Hopping Tour A?

The tour duration is 8 hours.

What is included in the price?

The package includes free pickup within town and Corong-corong, buffet lunch, water and soft drinks, fruits, free 1 kayak, life vest or jacket, a licensed tourist boat, a licensed boat captain, and a licensed guide and crew. Mask and snorkel are also included.

What extra fees do I need to pay?

Lagoon entrance fee is 200 (government tax) and environmental fee is 400 (government tax). These are not included in the listed price.

Do I get snorkeling equipment and a life vest?

Yes. Mask and snorkel are included, and life vest or jacket is provided.

Is kayaking included?

Yes, you get free 1 kayak. Additional kayak rental is not included.

Is this a private tour?

Yes, the tour is described as a private group, with a live tour guide (English and Tagalog).

Does the tour include drop-off back at the hotel?

Drop-off back to your hotel is not included.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I bring and what is not allowed?

Bring change of clothes, towel, camera, biodegradable sunscreen, beachwear, cash, closed-toe shoes, waterproof bag, and waterproof shoes. Smoking, plastic bags, alcohol and drugs, and littering are not allowed.