El Nido Tour A is the most iconic island-hopping experience in Palawan — and arguably in all of the Philippines. Visiting the famous Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Seven Commandos Beach, and Shimizu Island, Tour A showcases the very best of El Nido’s dramatic limestone karst scenery and crystal-clear turquoise waters. This complete guide covers everything you need to know for 2026.
Table of Contents
Tour A at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Duration | Full day (~8:30am–5:00pm) |
| Shared tour price | ₱1,200–1,500/person |
| Private boat price | ₱4,000–7,000/boat |
| Stops | 4–5 stops |
| Lunch included | Yes (grilled fish, rice, fruit) |
| Environmental fee | ₱200 (usually included) |
| Best for | First-timers, lagoon lovers, snorkelers |
| Difficulty | Easy — suitable for all fitness levels |
Tour A Stops: What to Expect
1. Big Lagoon
The crown jewel of Tour A. Big Lagoon is a vast enclosed lagoon surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, with water that shifts from emerald green to deep turquoise depending on the light. You enter by boat through a narrow channel — the moment the lagoon opens up is genuinely breathtaking.
- What to do: Kayak through the lagoon (kayaks available for rent at ₱200–300), swim, snorkel
- Time spent: 45–60 minutes
- Tip: Arrive early — Big Lagoon gets crowded by mid-morning. The first boats in get the best light and fewest people
2. Small Lagoon
Smaller and more intimate than Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon is accessed by swimming or kayaking through a low rock arch at low tide. Inside, the water is calm, warm, and an extraordinary shade of blue-green.
- What to do: Swim through the arch, kayak inside, snorkel
- Time spent: 30–45 minutes
- Tip: You must swim or kayak to enter — there’s no boat access. Non-swimmers can kayak in
3. Seven Commandos Beach
A long, white-sand beach with calm, shallow water — perfect for swimming and relaxing. Named after seven soldiers who were stranded here during WWII. This is typically where lunch is served.
- What to do: Swim, sunbathe, eat lunch, snorkel off the beach
- Time spent: 60–90 minutes (includes lunch)
- Tip: The snorkeling off the right end of the beach has good coral and fish
4. Shimizu Island
A small island with excellent snorkeling — one of the best snorkel spots on any of the four tours. The reef is healthy with diverse marine life including sea turtles, clownfish, and large schools of tropical fish.
- What to do: Snorkel, swim, relax on the beach
- Time spent: 45–60 minutes
- Tip: Bring your own snorkel mask for the best fit — rentals are available but quality varies
5. Secret Beach (sometimes included)
Some Tour A operators include a stop at Secret Beach — a hidden cove accessed by swimming through a small underwater gap in the rock. Not all tours include this stop; confirm with your operator.
Tour A Prices 2026
| Option | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Shared group tour (walk-up at pier) | ₱1,200–1,500/person | Solo travelers, budget travelers |
| Shared tour (booked online) | ₱1,400–1,800/person | Convenience, guaranteed spot |
| Private boat (up to 8 pax) | ₱4,000–7,000/boat | Couples, families, groups |
| Private boat (premium operator) | ₱7,000–12,000/boat | Luxury experience, custom itinerary |
What’s included: Boat, guide, lunch, snorkeling equipment (basic), environmental fee (usually). Not included: Kayak rental at Big Lagoon (₱200–300), drinks, tips for crew.
Tour A vs Tours B, C, D
| Tour | Best For | Highlight | Crowd Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tour A | First-timers, lagoon lovers | Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon | High |
| Tour B | Cave explorers, snorkelers | Cathedral Cave, Entalula Beach | Medium |
| Tour C | Adventure seekers | Secret Beach, Hidden Beach | Medium-High |
| Tour D | Wildlife, off-the-beaten-path | Helicopter Island, Bulalacao sharks | Low-Medium |
See our full comparison: El Nido Tours A, B, C, D — Complete Guide
Practical Tips for Tour A
- Book the day before — walk to the pier in the evening and book directly with operators for the best prices
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen — regular sunscreen is harmful to coral and increasingly restricted
- Wear water shoes — some beach landings are rocky
- Bring a dry bag — your belongings will get wet on the boat
- Start early — boats depart 8:00–9:00am; earlier departures beat the crowds at Big Lagoon
- Bring ₱500–1,000 cash for kayak rental, drinks, and tips
Best Time for Tour A
Tour A runs year-round, but the best conditions are during the dry season (November–May). During the wet season (June–October), tours may be cancelled due to rough seas — especially July–September.
| Month | Conditions | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Nov–Feb | Calm seas, clear skies | Best time — peak season |
| Mar–May | Hot, calm, excellent visibility | Excellent — shoulder season value |
| Jun–Aug | Increasing swells, some rain | Tours run but check conditions |
| Sep–Oct | Rough seas, frequent cancellations | High risk of cancellation |
Read more: El Nido Weather Guide: Best Time to Visit
How to Book Tour A
The easiest way is to walk to the main pier (Calle Hama) the evening before and book directly with one of the many licensed tour operators. Prices are fixed by the local tourism office, so there’s little variation between operators for shared tours.
For private boats, compare 2–3 operators and check what’s included. Premium operators offer better boats, smaller groups, and more flexible itineraries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tour A the best El Nido tour?
Tour A is the most popular and widely considered the best introduction to El Nido. The Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon are genuinely world-class. However, if you’ve already done Tour A, Tours C and D offer equally stunning but less crowded experiences.
Can non-swimmers do Tour A?
Yes. Life jackets are provided on all boats. You can kayak into Small Lagoon instead of swimming. Seven Commandos Beach has shallow, calm water. You’ll miss some snorkeling but can still enjoy the scenery fully.
How many people are on a shared Tour A boat?
Shared boats typically carry 10–15 passengers. If you want more space and flexibility, book a private boat for your group.
Is lunch included in Tour A?
Yes — all shared and private tours include a freshly cooked lunch, typically grilled fish, squid, rice, and fresh fruit, served on the beach at Seven Commandos.
What should I bring on Tour A?
Reef-safe sunscreen, swimwear, a dry bag, water shoes, snorkel mask (optional but recommended), cash for kayak rental and tips, and a light cover-up for sun protection on the boat.
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