El Nido: Tour A (Big & Secret Lagoon, Shimizu, 7 Commando)

El Nido Tour A is interesting because it stacks lagoon scenery and reef time into one 7.5-hour outing, guided in English with a simple rhythm from beach to boat to more lagoon. You also get a real break from the usual stop-and-go vibe, with time built in to relax and look around.

I like how the schedule gives you Big Lagoon as the main show, plus Shimizu Island for snorkeling and beach lounging. It is a balanced mix of classic El Nido views and a chance to slow down on the water.

One possible drawback is the usual El Nido reality: weather and shared-boat days can affect timing. On some departures, you may have delays if a boat needs a replacement, so it helps to stay flexible and pay attention to crew updates.

Key Points at a Glance

• Big Lagoon is the highlight stop, but you should budget for its separate entrance fee
• Secret Lagoon is accessed through a narrow opening, so expect a more intimate feel than the bigger lagoons
• Shimizu Island is where you get coral snorkeling time and a calmer beach pause
• Seven Commandos Beach is your early anchor stop, with guided time before the bigger water segments
• Akingventures support seems strong, including help with registration and snorkeling gear handling for at least some guests

Meeting at Grounded Arabica and the Day’s Timing You Should Plan For

This tour is built around a clear meeting point: Grounded 100% Arabica Coffee, El Nido Branch. The details show 8:30 AM as the activity time in one place, and 9:00 AM as the meeting time in another. Do yourself a favor and arrive early, especially if you are trying to connect with other plans that day. If you are coming from somewhere else in town, give yourself cushion for tricycle time and a quick bathroom stop.

Expect a full day that still feels like a “half-day adventure.” The duration is listed as 7.5 hours, and you should plan on returning around 4:30 PM. That matters because you want the rest of your day to be realistic, not packed with a ferry or dinner reservation that cannot move. This is also a group tour, shared with other travelers, so you are following the group pace and the guide’s timing.

The tour is guided in English with a live guide, which is useful for lagoon rules and snorkel etiquette. The basics are simple: no littering, no smoking, and you should not touch marine life or plants. That last rule is not just “nice to have.” It protects the reef and keeps you from damaging something you cannot replace.

First Stop: Seven Commandos Beach and a Guided Start to the Bay

Seven Commandos Beach is the first real anchor in the day. You get about 45 minutes here with a guided setup before moving into the longer water segments. This is a good “warm-up” stop, because it gets you oriented in Bacuit Bay without asking you to jump straight into snorkeling.

What you can take from this portion is the way the tour is paced. You are not only sprinting from viewpoint to viewpoint. Instead, there is time for the guide to manage group flow, do basic safety reminders, and set expectations. If you are new to lagoon tours, this matters. People often underestimate how quickly the schedule can feel rushed once you are on the boat.

The time at the beach also gives you a chance to do the things that make snorkeling easier later. Dry off after any quick splash, check your sunscreen, and keep your camera ready. Since you will be near boats and water for hours, bring your essentials in a bag you can keep close. Also, if you are wearing water shoes, this is the place to confirm you have them on correctly before you start hopping between surfaces.

Big Lagoon Time, Classic Views Plus the Fee Reality

After Seven Commandos Beach, you move into the main lagoon highlight: Big Lagoon. This segment is listed as guided time of about 1 hour, and it is paired with the tour’s big selling point: the lagoon scenes people came for.

Big Lagoon entrance is not included in the tour price. You will pay a separate P200 Big Lagoon entrance fee on top of the base rate. This is important for two reasons. First, it is a cost you should not be surprised by once you see the final bill. Second, it affects how the day feels. When entrance fees are separate, you are more likely to spend a bit of time waiting around while payments are handled.

What you can do to make Big Lagoon more enjoyable is simple: show up ready to look slowly. Lagoon tours reward patience. The light shifts over the water, and the boats adjust their position. If you treat it like a 5-minute photo stop, you will miss the best parts. The guide’s job is to get the group into a smooth rhythm, so follow their instructions on where to sit, when to move, and how to keep the group together.

Also, remember that reef rules still apply. Even though this is a lagoon stop, the tour is designed around snorkeling later at Shimizu. Avoid touching the water life anywhere in the area, not just at the reef.

Shimizu Island Snorkeling and the Coral Reef Break You’ll Remember

Shimizu Island is where the tour turns from scenic to sensory. You get about 105 minutes here, which is a lot of time for a short island stop. The goal is clear: relax on the beach and snorkel among coral reefs with colorful marine life nearby.

This portion is also where planning your gear becomes worth it. Snorkeling gears are optional and cost P100 to rent. Aqua shoes are optional too, at P100. You might not need them if you are comfortable with slim footwear, but reefs and rocks can be unpredictable. Even if you are not aiming for long snorkel time, shoes can help you walk and settle down without stressing about every step.

You are told to bring swimwear, a hat, sunscreen, camera, and snacks. That is not overkill. It is the difference between a smooth reef session and a day where you keep worrying about sun or your bag. You also get lunch later, so snacks here can be your insurance policy if you get hungry before the buffet.

One thing that keeps snorkeling enjoyable is restraint. The tour rules say do not touch marine life. That keeps the reef healthier, and it keeps your experience better too. Constant chasing, grabbing, or standing on coral ruins the vibe fast, and the guide likely wants you focused on what you can see, not what you can handle.

Secret Lagoon Through the Narrow Opening, a Quieter Moment of the Day

Then comes the portion many people remember for the “how do you even get in there?” factor: Secret Lagoon. It is accessible through a narrow opening, and the guided time is about 1 hour.

This stop tends to feel different from the big lagoon moments because of the layout. Narrow-entry lagoons usually mean fewer easy viewpoints, more waiting for the group to align, and a more enclosed feeling once you are inside. That makes it a great counterbalance after the bigger-water stop. If you want a moment that feels calmer and more contained, this is the place.

The narrow opening is also why timing and group control matter. If someone in the group is slow with moving or fails to follow the guide’s instructions, the whole lineup can get stuck. That is another reason to keep your attention on the guide and avoid wandering off.

Since the tour also includes rules about not touching plants or marine life, treat the Secret Lagoon as a place to observe. Look for reflections and the way the water changes as the boat shifts. This is where a camera helps, but so does patience. You are waiting for the right angle, not just the right location.

Lunch, Water, and the Small Details That Make a 7.5-Hour Tour Work

Included in the price are lunch (buffet) and 300 ml of bottled water. For a day that is mostly outdoors, that is a good base. It keeps you from spending money every few hours just to stay comfortable. Still, 300 ml is not a full-day hydration plan in hot sun. If you tend to get thirsty, consider bringing extra water snacks as allowed, or plan to buy more in town after you return.

Your packing list is practical, not fancy: hat, swimwear, camera, snacks, sunscreen, water. That list is what you should follow because it lines up with what the day demands. You are at beaches and lagoons. The sun hits hardest when you are stuck waiting for boat positioning. Sunscreen and hat help most during those “stand there and look” moments.

Also, keep in mind the day is shared with other adventurers. That means your lunch experience depends on group flow and the buffet pace at the stop. If you want to avoid getting stuck in line, eat calmly but efficiently. Then get back out to your next activity without lingering too long.

Price Breakdown: $23 Is the Base, But Fees Add Up Fast

The advertised price is $23 per person, and it covers visits to Big Lagoon, Seven Commandos, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and more, plus lunch and water. That is decent value for a full half-day of lagoon and reef stops, especially with an English-speaking guide.

But do not treat $23 as your final number. The non-included fees that can show up are:

• Environmental fee: P400.00 (you can present proof if already paid earlier, and it is good for 5 days)
• Big Lagoon entrance fee: P200.00
• Kayak rental: P300.00 (optional)
• Snorkeling gears: P100.00 (optional)
• Aqua shoes: P100.00 (optional)

So the real question is value, not price. You are paying low for the core tour, then paying a bit more for protected-area access and optional comfort upgrades. If you snorkel without renting, keep an eye on how you feel in the water. If you want comfort underfoot, budget for aqua shoes. If you plan to kayak, that is extra time and cost.

If you are watching your budget, I’d prioritize what you truly need. For most people, snorkeling gear rental can be worth the small cost if you do not already have your own. Aqua shoes are worth considering if you dislike rubbing, scraping, or awkward barefoot steps near reef-adjacent areas.

Guides and the Akingventures Touch: Helpfulness Can Change Your Day

The tour is run by Akingventures Travel & Tours, and the guide experience can make or break how smooth the day feels. In one account, the support stood out for being hands-on, including staff help with registration and snorkeling gear setup the day of the tour. The name Mark came up as someone who answered questions, helped get snorkeling gear, and followed up afterward.

That kind of help matters because lagoon logistics are not always obvious the first time you do them. If you get a clear check-in, quick gear support, and real communication from the staff, you spend more of your time looking at lagoons and less time worrying about where to go.

Now, a balanced note: shared water days can be unpredictable. One report described a boat problem and a replacement after about 1.5 hours, with limited communication from the crew. I would not assume that will happen to you. But I would plan for the possibility of delays and keep your attention on safety instructions, especially before the group boards.

Weather Risk in El Nido: Your Best Defense Is Flexibility

El Nido tours depend on the sea state, and this one has a weather advisory. Tours can be cancelled due to weather conditions. Even when tours run, storms in the area can make things choppier and less comfortable.

Here is the practical approach. Wear sunscreen but also cover your shoulders with a light layer if you get sunburn easily. Keep your phone protected in a dry bag. And mentally plan for changes. If you are the type who needs a tight schedule for the rest of the day, this is the wrong tour unless you build in buffer time afterward.

If you do get delayed, focus on what you control: show up early, stay calm, and communicate your needs to the guide. Group tours move as a unit. That means the guide’s instructions are not optional, even when things feel slow.

If weather is questionable, a smart tactic is to keep your expectations realistic. The tour includes multiple water stops. When the conditions are rough, the “best moments” can still happen, but the order and pacing may feel different than the dream scenario.

Should You Book El Nido Tour A?

If you want a classic El Nido day that mixes Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, and a real snorkeling stop at Shimizu Island, this is a strong match. The included buffet lunch and English guide support the value, and the time allocations are enough to enjoy each place without feeling completely rushed.

Book it if:

• You like a structured route with a live guide
• You want both lagoon views and a reef experience
• You are okay sharing a boat day with other people

Skip or choose another option if:

• You hate any chance of delays and tight timing after the tour
• You are very sensitive to changes caused by weather
• You expect no extra fees beyond the base price, because environmental and entrance fees apply

Overall, I think this tour is a good value for what you get, as long as you budget the known extra costs and show up ready for a shared, weather-dependent sea day.

FAQ

Where do I meet for El Nido Tour A?

Meet at Grounded 100% Arabica Coffee, El Nido Branch. The time listed is 8:30 AM, and the meeting time is also stated as 9:00 AM, so arrive a bit early.

How long is the tour and when do I return?

The duration is listed as 7.5 hours, and you should return by around 4:30 PM. Another note says the tour is approximately 7 hours.

What is included in the tour price?

The tour includes visits to Big Lagoon, Seven Commandos, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and lunch (buffet) plus 300 ml of bottled water.

What extra fees are not included?

Not included are the environmental fee of P400.00, the Big Lagoon entrance fee of P200.00, and optional rentals like kayak (P300.00), snorkeling gears (P100.00), and aqua shoes (P100.00).

Do I have to pay the environmental fee if I already paid earlier?

If you already paid the environmental fee earlier, it is valid for 5 days. You should present the issued copy upon checking.

Can I rent snorkeling gear or aqua shoes?

Yes. Snorkeling gears are listed as P100.00 optional rental, and aqua shoes are also listed as P100.00 optional rental.

What should I bring, and what is not allowed?

Bring hat, swimwear, camera, snacks, sunscreen, and water. Not allowed: smoking, littering, touching marine life, and touching plants.

Is the tour affected by weather, and can I cancel for a refund?

Tours are subject to cancellation due to weather conditions. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.