El Nido Tour A is the most popular island-hopping tour in the Philippines — and for many travellers, the highlight of their entire trip. It visits the Bacuit Archipelago’s most iconic spots: Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Beach, and Seven Commandos Beach. This complete guide tells you exactly what to expect, what each stop is like, how to book, and tips for making the most of your day.
El Nido Tour A: Quick Facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Departure time | 8:00–9:30am (most operators) |
| Return time | 4:30–5:30pm |
| Duration | ~8 hours |
| Group size | 10–15 people per bangka |
| Price (group tour) | ₱1,400–₱1,800 per person |
| Price (private charter) | ₱5,000–₱7,000 per boat |
| Included | Boat, guide, lunch, entrance fees, snorkel gear |
| Not included | Kayak rental at Big Lagoon (₱150–₱200), drinks |
| Difficulty | Easy — swimming ability helpful but not required |
| Best season | November–May (dry season, calm seas) |
Tour A Stops — What to Expect
Stop 1: Big Lagoon
The crown jewel of Tour A — and arguably the most photographed spot in El Nido. Big Lagoon is enclosed by towering grey limestone karst formations and filled with electric turquoise water so clear you can see the bottom in 8 metres of depth.
- Entrance: The tour fee covers entrance; kayak rental inside the lagoon costs ₱150–₱200 and is highly recommended
- Swimming: Excellent — calm, clear, and warm
- Crowds: Peak season (Dec–Mar) can get very busy by 10am; the earlier you arrive, the better
- Photography: Best light in the morning (before 10am) when the sun hasn’t cleared the cliffs yet
- Time spent: ~1.5 hours
Stop 2: Small Lagoon
Next door to Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon has a completely different character — you enter by kayaking or swimming through a narrow rock passage, emerging into a calm, enclosed lagoon surrounded by sheer cliff walls draped in hanging vines.
- Access: Swim or kayak through the entrance gap (tight at low tide — follow the guide’s instructions)
- Atmosphere: More intimate and serene than Big Lagoon; the enclosure amplifies sound in an eerie, beautiful way
- Kayak rental: ₱150–₱200 if you didn’t rent at Big Lagoon; same kayaks can be paddled between both
- Time spent: ~1 hour
Stop 3: Secret Beach
The most adventurous stop on Tour A — Secret Beach is hidden behind a towering limestone cliff wall. You reach it by swimming through a narrow submerged crevice in the rock. The crevice is about 3 metres wide and requires getting your head close to the water to pass through.
- Access: Swim from the anchored boat (~50m), then through the rock gap. Life jackets are available and worn by most people.
- Inside: A small white-sand cove completely enclosed by cliffs — stunning and private-feeling
- Swimming ability needed: Yes — non-swimmers can wear a life jacket but must still be comfortable in open water
- Time spent: ~45 minutes
- Tip: Go through the gap first before the whole group — you’ll get unobstructed photos of the cove
Stop 4: Seven Commandos Beach
The lunch stop and longest beach on the tour, Seven Commandos is a beautiful stretch of white sand with excellent swimming and casual snorkeling off the rocky ends.
- Lunch: Included in the tour price — typically a spread of grilled fish, rice, vegetables, and fruit served on the beach
- Swimming: The best of any Tour A beach — long, calm, shallow entry, clean water
- Snorkeling: Head to the rocky outcrops at either end of the beach for reef fish and occasional turtles
- Facilities: Toilets, fresh water rinse station
- Time spent: ~2 hours (longest stop)
Stop 5: Payong-Payong Beach
The final stop before heading back to El Nido town, Payong-Payong is a smaller, quieter beach with good snorkeling off the coral shelf. By this point most people are tired — it’s a good spot to simply relax and float.
- Snorkeling: Solid coral cover, parrotfish, angelfish, occasional sea turtles
- Atmosphere: Quieter and less crowded than earlier stops
- Time spent: ~45 minutes
Tour A Map & Sequence
All Tour A stops are in the central-western Bacuit Archipelago, about 30–45 minutes by bangka from El Nido town. The typical sequence is: depart El Nido → Big Lagoon → Small Lagoon → Secret Beach → Seven Commandos (lunch) → Payong-Payong → return to El Nido.
How to Book Tour A
- Through your accommodation: The simplest option — ask at check-in. Most guesthouses can arrange group tours for the next morning.
- Tour operator offices: Several operators on Real Street in El Nido town offer walk-in bookings. Compare prices — ₱1,400 is the usual starting point.
- Online in advance: Klook and KKday offer Tour A bookings that can be reserved from home. Useful in peak season (Dec–Mar) when tours fill up.
- Private charter: For flexibility and fewer crowds, charter your own bangka (₱5,000–₱7,000 per boat). Best for groups of 6+ or those wanting a customised itinerary. See our Private Charter Guide.
What to Bring on Tour A
| Item | Essential? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50) | 🔴 Yes | Reapply every 2 hours on the boat |
| Dry bag | 🔴 Yes | For phone, wallet, camera |
| Swimwear + rash guard | 🔴 Yes | You’ll be in and out of water all day |
| Water sandals / reef shoes | 🔴 Yes | Rocky beach entry points |
| Hat and sunglasses | 🟠 Strongly recommended | Hours on open water under full sun |
| Cash (₱200–₱500) | 🟠 Yes | Kayak rental, drinks, tips for guide |
| Snorkel mask | 🟡 Optional | Provided by tour but bring your own for best fit |
| Underwater camera | 🟡 Optional | GoPro or waterproof case for phone |
| Seasickness tablets | 🟡 If prone | Take 2 hours before departure |
Tour A Tips & Insider Advice
- Book for a weekday: Tour A on weekends (Dec–Mar) can have 30+ boats at Big Lagoon simultaneously. Weekdays are significantly quieter.
- Depart at 8am sharp: The lagoons are least crowded first thing in the morning. If your operator offers 8am, take it over 9:30am.
- Rent a kayak: The ₱150–₱200 kayak rental at Big Lagoon is the best money you’ll spend all day. Paddling yourself gives you freedom to explore corners that swimmers can’t easily reach.
- Tip your guide: A tip of ₱100–₱200 per person is customary and greatly appreciated by the crew.
- Bring a light snack: Lunch is included but some people prefer to eat less at the boat stop. Bring a granola bar or fruit for the mid-morning gap.
- Don’t touch the coral: The reefs are protected. Keep fins and hands away from coral formations.
Wondering how Tour A compares to the other tours? See our full Tour A vs B vs C vs D Comparison. Ready to plan your whole trip? Start with the 5-Day El Nido Itinerary.
