The Big Lagoon and the Small Lagoon are the two most photographed places in El Nido, and almost every first-time visitor wants to see both. But they are surprisingly different experiences, and choosing how to visit each one, by kayak or by swimming, at what time of day, and on which tour, makes the difference between a crowded scramble and a magical morning. This guide breaks down exactly how Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon differ and how to plan a smooth visit in 2026.
- Where Are the Lagoons?
- Big Lagoon: Grand Scale and Towering Cliffs
- Small Lagoon: Intimate, Hidden and Adventurous
- Big Lagoon vs Small Lagoon: Side-by-Side
- Kayak or Swim? The Tide Decides
- How to Beat the Crowds
- What to Bring
- Which Lagoon Should You Choose?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Photography Tips for the Lagoons
- Getting There and Typical Costs
Where Are the Lagoons?
Both lagoons sit on Miniloc Island in Bacuit Bay, about a 30 to 45 minute boat ride from El Nido town. They are the headline stops on Tour A, the most popular of the El Nido island hopping tours. Because they are so close together, most boats visit both on the same trip, usually starting with the Big Lagoon in the morning.
Big Lagoon: Grand Scale and Towering Cliffs
The Big Lagoon is exactly what its name suggests, a wide, deep channel of luminous emerald water framed by sheer limestone karst walls that rise dozens of meters overhead. Boats enter through a narrow mouth at high tide, or you transfer to a kayak at low tide, and glide into a cathedral-like space where the cliffs echo and the water shifts from jade to deep turquoise.
What to do at Big Lagoon
This is primarily a paddling and cruising destination. The water is deep, so it is less about snorkeling and more about soaking in the scenery. Renting a kayak, or kayaking in the lagoons, is the best way to reach the quiet far end away from the boats. Allow around 45 to 60 minutes here.
Small Lagoon: Intimate, Hidden and Adventurous
The Small Lagoon is more enclosed and secretive. You reach the inner pool by kayaking or swimming through a small gap in the rock, sometimes ducking under a low arch at high tide. Inside, you find a sheltered emerald basin, small caves, and cliff ledges. It feels like discovering a secret world, which is why many travelers rank it as their favorite of the two.
What to do at Small Lagoon
The Small Lagoon rewards exploration. There is better snorkeling spots near the entrance, cave nooks to poke into, and a famous crevice you can swim into. It is more physical than the Big Lagoon, so bring water shoes and reef-safe sunscreen. Around 45 minutes is typical.
Big Lagoon vs Small Lagoon: Side-by-Side
| Feature | Big Lagoon | Small Lagoon |
|---|---|---|
| Scale | Vast, open channel | Enclosed, intimate pool |
| How you enter | Boat or kayak through a wide mouth | Kayak or swim through a narrow gap |
| Best activity | Kayaking and photography | Snorkeling, caves and exploring |
| Water depth | Deep | Shallow to moderate |
| Effort level | Easy to moderate | Moderate |
| Crowds | Busy mid-morning | Bottlenecks at the entrance |
| Kayak recommended? | Yes, highly | Yes, essential at low tide |
Kayak or Swim? The Tide Decides
Tides shape the whole experience. At high tide, boats can float into the Big Lagoon and you can swim into the Small Lagoon easily. At low tide, boats must anchor outside and you kayak in, and the Small Lagoon entrance can become too shallow for boats but perfect for kayaks. Renting a two-person kayak (roughly PHP 300 to 500 per lagoon, or included on some premium tours) is the single best upgrade for both. Always check the day’s tide chart the night before.
How to Beat the Crowds
Both lagoons get busy from about 10:00 am when the main flotilla of tour boats arrives. To enjoy them at their best:
Book an early-start or private Tour A so you reach the Big Lagoon first, ideally before 9:00 am. Consider a reverse-itinerary tour that hits the lagoons last, after the crowds thin in the early afternoon. Visit in the shoulder season rather than the December to February peak. And remember there is a small environmental fee to enter the Big Lagoon, so carry cash. If you are short on time, prioritize the Small Lagoon for adventure or the Big Lagoon for sheer grandeur.
What to Bring
Pack light but smart for a lagoon day. A dry bag, reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes, a snorkel mask, and a waterproof phone case cover the essentials; see our full guide on what to bring for island hopping. If you have extra time in Bacuit Bay, pair the lagoons with a stop at one of the nearby beaches for lunch and a swim.
Which Lagoon Should You Choose?
If you can only do one, choose based on your style. Photographers and relaxed cruisers will love the epic scale of the Big Lagoon. Adventurous swimmers and snorkelers will prefer the hidden, cave-dotted Small Lagoon. The good news is that the standard Tour A includes both, so most visitors do not have to choose at all, they simply need to plan the timing and bring a kayak.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon on the same tour?
Yes. Both are included on the standard El Nido Tour A, along with other stops like Shimizu Island and the Secret Lagoon, so you can see both in a single day.
Do you need to pay to enter the Big Lagoon?
There is a small conservation and entrance fee for the Big Lagoon, payable in cash. It is separate from the tour price, so bring pesos.
Is the Small Lagoon safe for weak swimmers?
The entrance can be tricky at high tide and requires swimming or kayaking through a gap. Weak swimmers should wear a life jacket and use a kayak rather than swimming in.
What is the best time of day to visit the lagoons?
Early morning, before about 9:30 am, offers the calmest water and smallest crowds. The light is also softer for photos than the harsh midday sun.
Photography Tips for the Lagoons
The lagoons are a photographer’s dream, but the conditions are challenging. The best light falls in the first two hours after the lagoons open, when the sun is low and the water glows without harsh glare. Shoot from a kayak for the classic angle looking back at the karst walls, and use a polarizing filter to cut surface reflection and deepen the emerald color. A wide-angle lens captures the towering cliffs of the Big Lagoon, while a waterproof action camera is ideal for the swim-through entrance of the Small Lagoon. Keep electronics in a dry bag between shots, because splashes are constant, and always ask fellow paddlers before including them in your frame. Overcast days can actually produce richer, more saturated water colors than bright sun, so do not despair if the sky is grey.
Getting There and Typical Costs
You cannot visit the lagoons independently, so you will join a shared boat tour or charter a private banca. A shared Tour A costs roughly PHP 1,400 to 1,800 per person including lunch, snorkeling gear and the boat, while a private charter for a small group runs about PHP 6,000 to 9,000 for the day. On top of the tour you pay the El Nido eco-tourism development fee, valid for several days, plus the separate Big Lagoon entrance fee. Kayak rental is extra unless your operator includes it. Budget a little cash beyond the headline tour price so the on-the-day fees do not catch you out, and confirm exactly what your tour covers when you book.
