EL NIDO: Sharing/Joiner Island Hopping Tour A w/BUFFET LUNCH

El Nido Island Hopping Tour A is interesting because it strings together some of Palawan’s most photo-friendly water stops into one smooth day. I especially like the kayaking time in Big Lagoon and the snorkeling around Shimizu Island, where the water clarity makes everything feel closer than you expect.

The main thing to watch is the fine print on costs. The advertised price covers a lot, but there are government environmental and lagoon fees that are not included, and your day can also shift a bit if weather changes.

Key things to know before you go

• Big Lagoon kayaking lets you paddle at a relaxed pace through towering limestone walls
• Shimizu Island snorkeling is the trip’s best underwater payoff for most people
• Seven Commandos Beach is a classic white-sand break with spots to grab snacks or drinks
• Secret Lagoon is accessed through a small hole in the limestone wall, so you’ll want to move carefully
• Payong-Payong Beach is your quieter, more secluded swim-and-sun stop
• Lunch, route details, and which beach gets the main break can change with weather, guided by your crew

How El Nido Tour A works as a day plan

This is a full-on beach-and-water outing, not a quick “see the postcard” sprint. You’re out for about 8 hours, traveling by licensed boat with a licensed captain and guide plus crew. You get a life vest or jacket, and the day is structured around swim time, short sightseeing breaks, and two water-focused activities: kayaking and snorkeling.

The smart way to think about Tour A is as a rhythm. You’ll start with a bright sand break, then move into the big scenic moments in the lagoons, then end with more open-beach time. If you want variety in one day, this is built for that.

Pickup, start time, and how to avoid the “why are we waiting?” feeling

Your tour includes free pickup within El Nido Town and Corong-corong. That matters because it saves you the stress of getting to the boats yourself.

Timing can feel slightly loose at the start. Even when the tour is listed with a start time, I suggest showing up a bit early at pickup, staying calm, and assuming the first briefing could run behind schedule. Once you’re on the water, the flow tends to feel more settled.

Also keep in mind that drop-off back to your hotel is not included. You’ll want to have a plan for getting back when the day ends, especially if you’re staying outside El Nido Town or Corong-corong.

Seven Commandos Beach: sun, sand, and an easy first swim

The day’s beach opener is Seven Commandos Beach, a powdery stretch of sand backed by tall limestone cliffs. It gets its name from a story about seven commandos who reportedly lived here after World War II. Even if you don’t care about the legend, the setting does the job.

What you’ll do here is simple: swim, take photos, and enjoy a break. This stop is also where you can usually grab a cold drink or a snack, since there are small shops and rustic bars around.

Practical tip: put on biodegradable sunscreen before you hit the water. You’ll likely spend more time in the sun than you think, and sunscreen is one of those things that is easiest to apply early, not later after you’re already tanned.

Big Lagoon kayaking: the main scenic moment

If you’re choosing Tour A for one reason, it’s the Big Lagoon segment. You enter the lagoon through a narrow opening, then the walls of limestone rise around you like a natural amphitheater. The water color is the kind you have to see in person to understand how bright it looks.

Kayaking here is the highlight. The good news is you’re not just looking from the boat. You’ll paddle in the lagoon and explore in your own time, within the guide’s instructions. This is also where the scenery turns from pretty to unforgettable, because you’re close to the cliffs instead of watching them from shore.

A consideration: lagoons depend on conditions. If the day is choppy or access feels delayed, you might feel like you’re waiting longer than expected for canoes to get into the lagoon area. Build in patience and treat it like part of the adventure.

Shimizu Island snorkeling: the trip’s underwater payoff

Shimizu Island is your snorkeling stop, and it’s named after a Japanese diver who explored the area. The underwater payoff is the point: coral and fish activity around the reefs can make snorkeling feel like moving through a living postcard.

On this stop, expect time for:

• a swim
• guided snorkeling
• and a break for lunch

Lunch is often handled as part of the rhythm of the day, and the setting matters. The vibe here is less about a strict “restaurant meal” and more about eating while you’re surrounded by beach shade and waves.

Practical tip: if you’re new to snorkeling, keep your movements slow. Most people get the best view when they don’t rush, and it also keeps you from getting tired too fast.

Secret Lagoon: squeezing through limestone and watching your footing

Next comes Secret Lagoon, reached by passing through a small hole in a limestone wall. You’ll likely spend some time snorkeling here as well, but the bigger moment is the entrance and the feeling of stepping into a secluded pocket of water.

Because it’s accessed through a tight opening, you’ll want to watch your footing and move carefully. Water shoes help, and so does having a waterproof bag so your phone and camera stay dry.

One more thought: secret spots can be sensitive to weather and water conditions. If the day is less than ideal, your access or timing here can shift. Your guide’s job is to keep things safe while still giving you the best chance at that wow moment.

Payong-Payong Beach: quieter swimming to close out the day

Payong-Payong Beach is where the tour often shifts from “busy lagoon energy” to something calmer. It’s described as small, secluded, and more peaceful than the headline stops. The water is clear enough for swimming, and the sand feels like a proper place to relax between water activities.

This is also a good stop for slow photos and resting your shoulders after the kayaking. If you love lounging as much as you love snorkeling, this is the part of the day that helps you feel like you’re on vacation, not just sightseeing.

It’s also the kind of beach where you might find extra small pleasures like a drink from a nearby bar setup, depending on what’s available that day.

Buffet lunch, water, and what you should not assume

Your tour includes a buffet lunch, plus water and fruits. It also includes life vests or jackets, plus a licensed guide, captain, and crew. In other words, you’re not just paying for boat transport. You’re paying for a full day plan with basic comfort built in.

One detail worth noting: your guide chooses the lunch stop, and destinations can change based on weather. That’s not a problem if you go in with flexibility, but it is why you should pack to stay comfortable across different beach conditions.

What is not included is important:

• drop-off back to your hotel
• additional kayak rental
• the environmental and lagoon-related fees

Price and value: what $23 covers, and what to budget for

At $23 per person, this tour is positioned as a value pick for the El Nido island-hopping circuit. You get the big-ticket scenery stops plus snorkeling and kayaking time, and you’re not stuck organizing everything yourself.

But plan your budget like a local. The environmental fee (400) and the lagoon entrance fee (200) are not included. On top of that, there may be days when you pay a fee tied to a specific lagoon access setup, and if conditions are not suitable you might end up not using it as you expected.

So if you want a clean budget number, assume you’ll pay the stated fees in cash on the day. The exact amount will depend on the local currency and how the provider collects it, but the key idea is: the true cost is higher than the sticker price.

What to pack: the checklist that actually makes a difference

Bring change of clothes, beachwear, a camera, and a biodegradable sunscreen. You’ll also want a waterproof bag and waterproof shoes.

Cash is also smart. Some of the small shops, snacks, or additional fees are cash-based. And if you’re the type who uses a phone for photos, a waterproof pouch will save you stress.

A final practical note: follow the rules on plastic. Plastic bags are not allowed, and littering is not allowed either. If you’re coming from somewhere with lots of plastic freebies, swap to a reusable bag before you go.

Who this tour suits best

This is a great fit if you want:

• the classic El Nido highlight list in one day
• real time on the water with kayaking and snorkeling
• a day that is mostly planned for you by a licensed crew
• a mix of active and relaxing stops

It may be less ideal if you hate crowds or you want an ultra-custom itinerary. Popular sites like Big Lagoon and the main beaches are often visited around the same time windows, so expect other boats in the area.

Also, if you’re extremely sensitive to schedule changes, treat this as a weather-dependent day. Your guide can adjust stops, especially when conditions affect access or comfort.

Quick verdict: should you book Tour A?

Yes, I think you should book El Nido Island Hopping Tour A if your goal is a high-value day that balances scenery, water activities, and beach breaks. You’ll get the signature lagoon experience, strong snorkeling around Shimizu, and a strong chance to feel like you hit the best parts of El Nido without planning every detail.

Skip it or compare alternatives if you need guaranteed timing, you strongly prefer fewer boats, or you’re trying to keep the total day cost as close to $23 as possible. Once you factor in lagoon-related fees and the fact that drop-off back to your hotel isn’t included, you’ll want to plan your budget and transportation accordingly.

If you do book, do one thing that boosts your whole day: pack for water conditions (waterproof bag, water shoes) and keep a flexible mindset about timing.

FAQ

How long is El Nido Island Hopping Tour A?

The tour duration is 8 hours.

Is pickup included?

Yes. Free pickup is included within El Nido Town and Corong-corong.

What meals and drinks are included?

A buffet lunch is included, along with water and fruits.

What extra fees are not included in the price?

The environmental fee (400) and the lagoon entrance fee (200) are not included. Drop-off back to your hotel is also not included, and additional kayak rental is not included.

What activities are part of the tour?

The tour includes kayaking in Big Lagoon, swimming at the beaches, and snorkeling at Shimizu Island and Secret Lagoon.

What should I bring to the tour?

Bring change of clothes, camera, biodegradable sunscreen, beachwear, cash, a waterproof bag, and waterproof shoes.

Is there anything I’m not allowed to do or bring?

Smoking, plastic bags, alcohol and drugs, and littering are not allowed.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.