El Nido Tour A is the most popular island hopping route in Palawan — and for good reason. It visits the iconic Big Lagoon, the enchanting Small Lagoon, the hidden Secret Lagoon, and the world-class coral reef at Shimizu Island. If you’re visiting El Nido for the first time, Tour A is the essential experience. Here’s everything you need to know for 2026.
Tour A El Nido: At a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Official name | El Nido Island Hopping Tour A |
| Route area | Miniloc Island and surrounding waters, southern Bacuit Archipelago |
| Duration | ~7–8 hours (8am–4pm approx.) |
| Stops | Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island (+ lunch beach) |
| Shared group price | ₱1,200–₱1,500/person |
| Mandatory fees | ₱200 ENTP + ₱100 municipality = ₱300/person |
| Total cost estimate | ₱1,600–₱2,200/person (including fees and lunch) |
| Lunch | Included — grilled fish, vegetables, rice, fruit |
| Kayak access (Small Lagoon) | Required — often ₱150–₱200 extra on shared tours |
| Snorkeling gear | Sometimes included; bring your own for best experience |
| Difficulty | Easy — suitable for all ages and fitness levels |
The Four Stops on El Nido Tour A
Stop 1: Big Lagoon (Miniloc Island)
The Big Lagoon is the first major stop on Tour A and arguably the most photographed location in all of El Nido. The lagoon is enclosed by towering limestone karst walls rising 50–100 metres from the emerald-green water. Motorboats can enter directly, but kayaks provide the best experience — allowing you to drift slowly and take in the dramatic scale of the cliffs above.
The water inside the Big Lagoon is strikingly clear, with visibility to the sandy bottom (3–5 metres deep in most areas). Snorkeling is possible but the real draw is the scenery — the interplay of reflected light on the limestone walls and the deep silence inside the enclosed lagoon. This stop typically lasts 30–45 minutes.
- Access: Motorboat enters directly; kayaks available inside for ₱100–₱200
- Best for: Photography, kayaking, scenic appreciation
- Tip: Face west to get the sunlit cliff walls in your photos — morning light is ideal
Stop 2: Small Lagoon (Miniloc Island)
The Small Lagoon is the most uniquely memorable stop on Tour A. Unlike the Big Lagoon, the Small Lagoon is accessible only by kayaking through a narrow crack in the limestone cliff — just wide enough for one kayak at a time. The passage opens into a perfectly enclosed circular lagoon with turquoise water so clear you can see every detail of the sandy bottom 4–6 metres below.
The experience of paddling through the narrow limestone gate into the hidden lagoon is unlike anything else in El Nido. The interior is completely sheltered — no wind, no waves, just still blue-green water and towering cliffs on all sides. A small beach on one side of the lagoon allows you to pull up the kayak and wade or swim.
- Access: Kayak only — motorboats cannot enter. Kayak rental inside: ₱150–₱200/kayak (2-person). Some shared tours include this.
- Best for: The unforgettable kayak-through-the-crack experience
- Tip: Go through the passage slowly and look up — the limestone overhang is spectacular
- Timing: Best before 10:30am when fewer kayaks are queuing at the passage
Stop 3: Secret Lagoon (Miniloc Island)
The Secret Lagoon is accessed by squeezing through a small hole in the limestone cliff at water level — you need to crouch or slide sideways through the gap (about 60 cm wide). Inside, you’ll find a sheltered lagoon ringed by cliff walls, with a small beach and shallow, crystal-clear water. Unlike the Big and Small Lagoons, the Secret Lagoon has a less dramatic scale but a more intimate, discovered feeling.
Before entering through the gap, climb the short wooden ladder provided to reach the viewpoint on top of the cliff — this gives a stunning bird’s-eye view looking down into the turquoise lagoon interior. It’s one of the most photographed viewpoints on the entire tour.
- Access: Squeeze through a 60cm gap in the cliff wall (no kayak needed)
- Best for: Viewpoint photography, intimate lagoon swimming
- Note: The gap requires some flexibility — not suitable for those with limited mobility
- Tip: Do the viewpoint climb first (short ladder provided) before going through the gap
Stop 4: Shimizu Island
Shimizu Island is the best snorkeling spot in El Nido and the crown jewel of Tour A. The coral reef surrounding the island is remarkably healthy and diverse — table corals, brain corals, sea fans, and an extraordinary density of fish. Blacktip reef sharks are frequently spotted cruising the reef edge, along with green sea turtles, parrotfish, clownfish in their anemones, and schools of blue chromis.
The snorkeling at Shimizu is accessible to all levels — the reef top is just 1–3 metres in some areas, making it ideal for beginners, while the reef slope descends to 10–15+ metres for stronger swimmers. The boat anchors nearby and you can spend 45–60 minutes in the water.
- Marine life: Blacktip reef sharks, sea turtles, clownfish, parrotfish, moorish idols, blue chromis
- Depth: 1–15m at the reef
- Tip: Enter the water immediately when the boat anchors — shark sightings are more common when the reef hasn’t been disturbed yet
- Gear: Bring your own mask for the best experience — rental masks at Shimizu are available but variable quality
Lunch Stop
Between the morning and afternoon stops, the boat crew prepares a full lunch on a beach (usually 7 Commandos Beach or a similar sandy spot near Miniloc). Lunch is included in most Tour A packages and typically consists of: grilled fish, grilled squid or prawns, sautéed vegetables, steamed rice, fresh tropical fruit, and drinking water. It’s a genuinely good meal eaten barefoot on the beach — one of the highlights of the tour for many guests.
Tour A vs Tour C: Which Should You Do First?
| Factor | Tour A | Tour C |
|---|---|---|
| Main theme | Lagoons (Big, Small, Secret) | Hidden beaches, remote islands |
| Most iconic stop | Small Lagoon kayaking | Hidden Beach swim-through |
| Snorkeling quality | Excellent (Shimizu Island) | Very good (Tapiutan wall) |
| Duration | 7–8 hours | 8–9 hours |
| Price | ₱1,200–₱1,500/person | ₱1,500–₱1,800/person |
| Crowd level | Higher (most popular) | Lower (fewer groups) |
| Recommended order | Day 1 | Day 2 or 3 |
| Best for | First-timers | Second visit, adventurers |
The consensus among experienced El Nido travelers: do Tour A on your first day (the lagoon experience is unmissable), then Tour C on day 2 or 3. Both deliver completely different scenery and neither disappoints.
How to Book El Nido Tour A
Option 1: Book at Your Guesthouse or Hotel
Most accommodation in El Nido town can arrange Tour A on your behalf. This is the most convenient option — just ask at reception the evening before. Price is the same as booking direct (₱1,200–₱1,500/person for shared). Some guesthouses have preferred operators with slightly better boats and smaller group sizes.
Option 2: Walk-In at the Pier
The tour operator booths at El Nido pier and along Calle Hama book Tour A slots daily. Walk-in is usually possible except during peak holiday periods (Christmas/New Year, Chinese New Year). Tour A departs at approximately 8–9am — arrive at the pier by 7:45am if booking same-day.
Option 3: Private Tour A
A private Tour A (your group only, up to 10 people) costs ₱6,000–₱10,000 per boat per day. For groups of 6 or more, this works out similar to or cheaper than shared, with the major advantage of flexible timing and no waiting for other guests. Private tours can also customize the route and time spent at each stop.
Tour A Practical Tips
- Book Tour A the day before. Peak season (Dec–April) sees tours fill up quickly. Secure your slot the evening before to avoid disappointment.
- Bring your own snorkel mask. A well-fitted personal mask is far superior to rental options and will transform your Shimizu experience. Fins are useful but less critical.
- Use reef-safe mineral sunscreen. Chemical sunscreens are damaging to coral and increasingly restricted near marine protected areas. Apply before boarding.
- Bring cash for extras. Kayak rental at Small Lagoon (₱150–₱200), drinks at beach stops, and tips for the crew are cash-only.
- Tip your boat crew. The captain, guide, and cook work hard for long hours. ₱100–₱200/person tip is customary and genuinely appreciated.
- Don’t touch the coral. At Shimizu Island especially — the reef health depends on divers and snorkelers not making contact. Keep fins away from the bottom.
- Start at Shimizu if possible. On private tours you can request to visit Shimizu first (best visibility in the morning). On shared tours the route is fixed — but you’ll always get to Shimizu.
Frequently Asked Questions: El Nido Tour A
What is included in El Nido Tour A?
El Nido Tour A includes: bangka (outrigger boat) transport between all stops, a tour guide, life jackets, beachside lunch (grilled fish, vegetables, rice, fruit), drinking water, and entrance to the Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, and Shimizu Island. Kayak rental for the Small Lagoon (₱150–₱200) and snorkeling gear (₱100–₱200) are sometimes extra depending on the operator.
How long is El Nido Tour A?
Tour A typically runs from approximately 8:00–8:30am to 4:00–4:30pm — about 7–8 hours. Departure time depends on your operator. Most tours spend 30–60 minutes at each of the four main stops, plus 45–60 minutes for lunch.
Is Tour A suitable for non-swimmers?
Yes — Tour A is suitable for non-swimmers. Life jackets are provided and mandatory on the boat. The lagoons can be appreciated by boat and kayak without swimming. At Shimizu Island, life jackets are available for non-swimmers to float while enjoying the scenery. The tour guide will ensure everyone is safe at every stop.
Can I do Tour A and Tour B on the same day?
Technically possible as a combo tour, but not recommended. Each tour alone takes 7–8 hours including travel time. Rushing both in one day means you spend only 15–20 minutes at each stop — not enough to properly enjoy the lagoons and reefs. Do one tour per day for the best experience.
What should I bring on El Nido Tour A?
Essentials: reef-safe mineral sunscreen, rash guard or UV shirt, your own snorkel mask, dry bag for electronics, cash (for kayak rental, extras, and tips), water shoes or sandals, and a change of clothes. The boat provides life jackets, lunch, and water. Everything else is optional but improves the experience.
