El Nido Island Hopping Tour A: Complete Guide to Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon & Secret Lagoon

Tour A is the most iconic island-hopping experience in El Nido — the one that gets featured in every travel magazine. Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, and Secret Lagoon are each extraordinary in their own way, and together they form a day that most visitors rate as one of the best of their lives. This guide tells you exactly what to expect at each stop.

Tour A Highlights at a Glance

Stop 1: Big Lagoon — The Crown Jewel

The Big Lagoon is the definitive El Nido experience. Towering limestone karst walls rise on all sides of a calm enclosed body of water — paddling through on a kayak or paddleboard gives a sense of being inside a natural cathedral. At low to mid tide, the water is a mirror that doubles the already dramatic scenery.

What to do: Kayak to the far end of the lagoon (20 minutes paddle) for the most dramatic perspective with no other boats visible. Stand-up paddleboards are also available at the lagoon entrance — PHP 500–800/hour for kayak or SUP rental.
Sea turtles: Commonly sighted resting or feeding in the Big Lagoon area — particularly around the shallow areas near the lagoon entrance. Guides know the regular spots.
Photography tip: Best light is 9:30–11:00 AM before the sun climbs too high. From inside the kayak looking back toward the entrance gives the most dramatic karst framing.

Stop 2: Small Lagoon — The Most Photogenic

Despite the name, the Small Lagoon may be the most visually spectacular stop on Tour A. The water is an extraordinary electric teal — one of those colours that looks filtered but isn’t. Access is kayak-only (the entrance is too shallow for boats) — this natural bottleneck keeps the experience more intimate than the Big Lagoon.

What to do: Kayak inside (rental included in most tours or available at PHP 200–300), then hop off and float or snorkel in the teal water. The lagoon walls are close enough to touch — don’t touch them, but the proximity is exhilarating.
Crowds: Small Lagoon sees high traffic mid-morning (10:00–11:30 AM). If on a private charter, ask to visit first thing or last before lunch.
Photography tip: Wide angle from inside the lagoon looking up — the teal water and grey limestone walls make a naturally perfect composition.

Stop 3: Secret Lagoon — The Dramatic Entrance

Secret Lagoon earns its name from the entry method: a narrow cave-like opening in the limestone wall, low enough that you duck or dive through. Depending on tide height, this ranges from a comfortable swim to a tight squeeze. Once inside, a small enclosed beach appears — completely hidden from the outside world.

What to do: Swim through the opening (guide goes first), explore the small beach, float in the protected water. At low tide you can walk through on the reef ledge. At high tide you swim through — life jackets available.
Wildlife: Small resident population of reef fish visible through the opening. White sand beach inside with no facilities — bring what you need in a waterproof bag.

Stop 4: Shimizu Island — Best Snorkelling

The snorkelling stop on Tour A. Shimizu Island has some of the healthiest coral in Bacuit Bay — parrotfish, triggerfish, reef sharks (occasional), and frequently sea turtles feeding on the reef. Snorkel gear is provided on all tours; bring your own mask for the best fit and clarity.

What to do: Snorkel the reef fringe around the island (20–30 minutes recommended). The right side of the island (looking from the beach) tends to have denser coral and more fish. Ask the guide which way the current is running — snorkel with it, not against.

Stop 5: 7 Commandos Beach — Lunch Stop

A long, calm white sand beach used as the lunch stop on Tour A. The beach is wide and swimmable — good conditions for non-snorkellers to enjoy the water. Tour lunch (grilled fish, rice, fruit) is cooked and served here. A small beach bar operates on the sand.

Tour A Practical Information

• Departure: 9:00 AM from El Nido Town beach (near the tourism office)
• Return: Approximately 5:00–5:30 PM
• Cost: PHP 1,200–1,800 per person (shared tour, includes lunch and snorkel gear)
• Ecotourism fee: PHP 200 per person (separate, payable at the designated booth before or during tour)
• What to bring: Reef-safe sunscreen, dry bag, snorkel mask (optional own), water, rash guard, light snacks
• Book: Walk Real Street operators the evening before. Peak season (December–February): book 2–3 days ahead

For a full packing list, see the El Nido island hopping packing list. To compare all four tours before booking, see the Tour A vs B vs C vs D comparison. For a private charter version of Tour A stops, see the private boat charter guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in El Nido Tour A?

Tour A includes stops at Big Lagoon (kayak rental), Small Lagoon (kayak rental), Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island (snorkelling), and 7 Commandos Beach (lunch stop). Shared tour price (PHP 1,200–1,800) includes lunch, snorkel gear, boat, and guide. Kayak/paddleboard rental at Big and Small Lagoon is extra (PHP 200–800). The PHP 200 ecotourism fee is separate.

Is El Nido Tour A worth it?

Yes — Tour A is consistently rated the best island-hopping experience in El Nido. The Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon are genuinely extraordinary and unlike anything most travellers have seen before. Sea turtle sightings are common. If you can only do one tour, Tour A is the one.

How do I book El Nido Tour A?

Walk along Real Street in El Nido Town and compare prices at tour operator offices — dozens operate there. Prices are fairly consistent (PHP 1,200–1,800). In peak season (December–February), book 1–2 days ahead. Low season: walk-in same-day booking is usually possible. Your hotel can also arrange Tour A for a small markup.

Can I do Tour A and Tour C on the same day?

No — each tour is a full day (9 AM–5 PM). You need one full day per tour. If you have limited time and can only do two tours, choose Tour A and Tour C — they are the two most iconic. See the tour comparison guide for the full breakdown.