El Nido Tour A

El Nido Tour A is interesting because it strings together several of Palawan’s most famous water stops in one long day: Miniloc Island lagoons, plus beach time and a look at Big Lagoon. It is the kind of itinerary that makes you feel like your whole day is built around clear water and quick jumps between views.

What I like most is the focus on the actual lagoons, not just a quick photo stop. I also like that you get a packed lunch and bottled water included, so you can spend your energy on swimming and relaxing instead of constantly hunting for snacks. One drawback to consider is food fit, especially if you eat vegetarian, because the lunch situation can be very basic.

Quick hits before you go

• Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon both get real time, so you are not only looking from the boat.
• Shimizu Island includes a meaningful local story tied to a Japanese diver and an underwater tunnel nearby.
• Kayaking is optional in the lagoon, but you pay extra for rentals (Php 300 for 2 people).
• You need extra entry and environmental fees on top of the $27 tour price.
• Sea and health comfort matters since it is not a good match for seasickness or high blood pressure.
• English is covered with a live licensed guide, plus a licensed boat captain.

Why Miniloc and the lagoons feel like real El Nido

If your idea of El Nido is clear water, white sand, and that quiet “how is this real” feeling, Tour A delivers. The day is built around three lagoon visits tied to Miniloc Island, plus beach time that keeps the rhythm from getting repetitive. The lagoons are the headline, but the breaks between them are what keep the long day pleasant.

A big reason people love this route is that you do not just stare at the water from one spot. You move from place to place, and that movement changes the mood. One moment you are focused on open lagoon water, the next you are in a calmer pocket where kayaking (optional) makes the scenery feel closer.

How the day runs, and where you can save time

Tour A runs about 8 hours. The schedule is simple on paper, but the practical truth is this: your comfort depends on how ready you are when the boat team calls the next move. You will be on a boat for boat transfer, and your day will speed up when you are packed, wearing the right clothes, and not scrambling at each stop.

You also want to be aware that the tour includes packed lunch and bottled water, but you may still want extra snacks for picky diets. Also, bring your essentials early: the tour requires a passport, and alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

If you want smoother timing, do two things before you meet your group:

• Keep your swimwear accessible so you can change fast.
• Bring sunscreen already at hand, not buried in your bag.

The meeting point is straightforward, but still treat it like an appointment. Look for the BIZ IT Travel representative at the agreed start location so you do not waste time finding the correct group.

Big Lagoon: where the day’s big scenery happens

Big Lagoon is the “main stage” stop for Tour A. This is where the scale of the lagoon tends to hit hardest. You get time to appreciate the water and the shoreline, and it is one of those places where even a simple swim feels like a special event because the setting is so iconic.

What makes Big Lagoon work for real life is pacing. You start your lagoon sequence with scenery that feels wide and open, so the day quickly becomes visually rewarding. It also helps you later, because once you have Big Lagoon in your head, the smaller lagoons feel even more distinct when you reach them.

Practical tip: protect your skin early. The sun can be strong on the water, and sunscreen is specifically listed for what to bring. Reapply when you can, especially after you have been in the water.

Secret Lagoon and Small Lagoon: calm water, optional kayaking

Tour A also includes stops labeled for the Secret Lagoon experience, and the day features a smaller lagoon option where you can kayak. The key practical detail is cost: kayak rental is not included, and it runs Php 300 for 2 people.

If you like slow movement and close-up views, kayaking can be worth it. It lets you glide through calmer water where the pace matches the mood of the lagoon. If you prefer to keep things simple, you can skip the kayak and still enjoy the water time.

This is also the part of the day where your readiness helps. Even though you are relaxing, the boat team typically expects you to be ready when it is time to move. If you wait until you are at the spot to pack up and change, you burn precious minutes.

Seven Commando Beach: the sand break you need

Between lagoons, Seven Commando Beach acts like a reset. You get white-sand time where you can stretch out, dry off, and shift from swimming mode to beach mode. This stop matters because it gives your body a break from moving boat to water to boat.

It is also a good place to manage your energy for the later portion of the tour. After the earlier lagoon sightseeing, you can keep your day comfortable by treating the beach stop as your main recovery window. That means shade if you find any nearby, water sipping, and a quick snack if you packed something extra.

Shimizu Island: the Japanese diver story you will hear on site

Shimizu Island adds a layer of meaning beyond scenery. The island name traces back to a Japanese diver who allegedly perished in an underwater tunnel located nearby. It is described as a poignant homage, tying together local folklore, foreign influence, and the ongoing cycles of nature in the area.

For me, this kind of story is why the stop feels more memorable than a generic beach-and-back moment. You are not only looking at water. You are hearing a reason the place has been talked about for a long time, which changes how you experience the shore.

Practical tip: plan for sun exposure. Shimizu Island is part of the beach sequence, so wear your sun hat and keep sunscreen ready. Also, since alcohol is not allowed on the tour, do not plan on bringing anything to drink for the vibe.

Price and what you should budget beyond the $27

The headline price is $27 per person, and that includes several real costs:

• packed lunch
• bottled water each person
• licensed tour guide (English)
• boat transfer
• licensed boat captain

That inclusion matters because in this region, boats and guides are not cheap, and you do not want to arrive and then realize key parts are missing.

However, the day is not only the $27. You should budget for at least two common additional costs listed for the tour:

• Environmental fee ticket: Php 200 per person, valid for 10 days
• Lagoon entrance: Php 200 per person

Also, remember the optional add-on: kayaking costs Php 300 for 2 people.

My advice is to treat the $27 as the base tour price, then mentally add the environmental and entrance fees. When you do that, the day starts to feel like what you are actually paying for: a full lagoon day with licensed staff, boat transport, and organized stops.

What to bring so the day feels easy, not rushed

Tour A is simple, but you still want the right gear. Use this as your checklist.

Wear and bring

• swimwear
• change of clothes
• sun hat
• sunscreen

You will also want to pack like you will be switching environments fast. Lagoons mean water exposure. Beaches mean drying off and sun. Boats mean wind and salt.

Document

• passport is required

One more comfort note: the tour is not suitable for people prone to seasickness. If you are sensitive to boat rides, this is the kind of day that can turn unpleasant quickly.

Crew care and the reality of group timing

What stands out in the best versions of this tour is how well the crew and guides take care of people. When the day goes right, you feel supported, and you know where to go without having to constantly guess.

Still, there is a practical consideration you should plan for. The timing and instructions at each stop can make the difference between a smooth day and a day where everyone spends extra minutes sorting gear. I recommend you stay ready and ask clear questions early, such as: how long you have at the lagoon, and what items should be kept accessible.

There can also be hiccups with pickup timing, since transfer is part of the experience but not always the smoothest at the start. If your hotel pickup is being used, confirm it the day before, and arrive prepared even if things feel a little disorganized at first.

Food on Tour A: included lunch, but bring a backup plan

The lunch is included, and it is meant to keep you going for the long day. The catch is that it may feel limited. One recurring issue is that the meal can be very basic, and vegetarian options may not be much more than simple vegetables like cucumbers with minimal extras.

If you are vegetarian or have food preferences, do yourself a favor. Bring a small backup snack you can eat immediately if lunch is not satisfying. Keep it light, easy to pack, and something you can handle with wet hands after a swim.

And if you are not vegetarian, still treat lunch as a fuel stop, not a full meal experience. With that mindset, you will enjoy the day more, because your expectations match the reality of a packed lunch on a boat day.

Who should book El Nido Tour A, and who should pass

This is a good match if you want an organized full-day loop with lagoon highlights, like Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon, plus beach time. It is also a good choice if you appreciate the “water first” style of sightseeing, where the main attractions are the lagoons and the white sand.

It is not a great choice if you:

• get seasick easily
• have high blood pressure
• are looking for a luxury pace or lots of detailed guidance at every minute

On the plus side, the tour is listed as wheelchair accessible, and the guide is English-speaking. That means you can expect a clear explanation during the day, which matters when you are moving between stops.

Should you book El Nido Tour A?

I think you should book Tour A if your priority is classic El Nido lagoon time and you are okay handling the extra entrance and environmental fees. The overall value is solid for what you get at the base price, especially since the tour covers boat transfer, a licensed guide, and lunch.

Skip it or reconsider if you know you get seasick, because the boat segments are part of the deal. Also consider packing a food backup if you have dietary restrictions, since the included lunch can be very plain.

If you go in prepared, you will have the kind of day where the lagoons are the story, not the logistics.

FAQ

How long is El Nido Tour A?

The tour duration is 8 hours.

What is included in the $27 per person price?

It includes a packed lunch, bottled water for each person, a licensed tour guide, boat transfer, and a licensed boat captain.

What additional fees might I need to pay on top of the tour price?

You may need to pay an environmental fee ticket of Php 200 per person (valid for 10 days) and a lagoon entrance fee of Php 200 per person.

Is kayaking included in the lagoon stops?

Kayak rental is not included. The listed cost is Php 300 for 2 people.

What should I bring for the tour?

Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, a sun hat, sunscreen, and your passport.

Is alcohol allowed, and is the tour suitable for seasickness?

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. The tour is not suitable for people prone to seasickness or for people with high blood pressure.