- What Is El Nido Tour A?
- El Nido Tour A Stops: Complete Breakdown
- El Nido Tour A: Key Facts at a Glance
- Tour A vs Tour B vs Tour C vs Tour D
- How to Book El Nido Tour A
- What to Bring on El Nido Tour A
- El Nido Tour A: Sample Itinerary
- Practical Tips for El Nido Tour A
- Where to Stay for Tour A
- El Nido Tour A: Frequently Asked Questions
What Is El Nido Tour A?
El Nido Tour A is the most popular island hopping tour in Palawan, Philippines. It visits the iconic Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Seven Commandos Beach — all within a single day. Tour A is the benchmark experience that most visitors book first, and for good reason: it packs the most photographed landscapes in El Nido into one unforgettable itinerary.
If you only have one day for island hopping in El Nido, Tour A is the one to take.
El Nido Tour A Stops: Complete Breakdown
1. Big Lagoon
The Big Lagoon is the crown jewel of Tour A. Enclosed by towering limestone karsts, the lagoon’s water shifts from emerald green near the entrance to deep turquoise in the interior. You enter by kayak (included in the tour fee) or by swimming. The lagoon is roughly 500 metres long and wide enough to paddle for 30–40 minutes without retracing your route.
Best for: Kayaking, photography, swimming. Depth: 3–8 metres. Tip: Arrive early — the lagoon gets crowded by 10:30 am. Ask your boatman to go here first.
2. Small Lagoon
The Small Lagoon is accessed through a narrow rock passage that you swim or kayak through at low tide. Inside, the water is calm, crystal-clear, and surrounded on all sides by vertical limestone walls draped in vegetation. It feels like a secret swimming pool carved by nature.
Best for: Swimming, snorkelling, photos. Tip: Bring an underwater camera. The light inside the lagoon is spectacular between 9–11 am. At high tide the entrance may be too shallow to kayak — you’ll need to swim.
3. Secret Lagoon
The Secret Lagoon lives up to its name. You reach it by squeezing through a small crack in the limestone cliff — barely wide enough for one person at a time. Inside is a shallow, sheltered lagoon with a sandy floor and a small beach. It’s less dramatic than the Big or Small Lagoon but the sense of discovery makes it memorable.
Best for: Exploration, photos, a quiet swim. Tip: The crack entrance can be slippery. Wear water shoes.
4. Shimizu Island
Shimizu Island is the snorkelling highlight of Tour A. The reef around the island is one of the healthiest in El Nido, with hard and soft corals, sea turtles, reef fish, and occasional reef sharks in the deeper sections. Lunch is served on the beach here — typically grilled fish, rice, and fresh fruit prepared by your boatman.
Best for: Snorkelling, lunch stop, relaxing. Reef depth: 2–15 metres. Tip: Bring reef-safe sunscreen. The reef at Shimizu is protected — do not stand on or touch the coral.
5. Seven Commandos Beach
Seven Commandos Beach is the final stop on Tour A and the most relaxed. It’s a long white-sand beach with a beach bar, hammocks, and calm shallow water ideal for swimming. The name comes from seven soldiers who were stranded here during World War II. Today it’s a perfect place to unwind before the boat ride back to El Nido town.
Best for: Swimming, relaxing, cold drinks. Facilities: Beach bar, toilets, sun loungers (for hire). Tip: The beach bar sells fresh coconuts and cold San Miguel. Budget ₱100–200 for drinks.
El Nido Tour A: Key Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Duration | Full day (approx. 7–8 hours) |
| Departure time | 8:30–9:00 am from El Nido town pier |
| Return time | 4:00–5:00 pm |
| Standard price | ₱1,200–₱1,500 per person (shared boat) |
| Private boat price | ₱5,000–₱8,000 for the whole boat |
| Group size (shared) | 10–15 people per bangka |
| Lunch included? | Yes — grilled fish, rice, fruit |
| Kayak included? | Yes — for Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon |
| Snorkel gear included? | Yes (basic mask and fins) |
| Environmental fee | ₱200 (if not already paid) |
Tour A vs Tour B vs Tour C vs Tour D
| Tour | Highlights | Best For | Crowd Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tour A | Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Seven Commandos Beach | First-timers, photographers, snorkellers | High |
| Tour B | Entalula Beach, Cudugnon Cave, Cathedral Cave, Pinagbuyutan Island | Cave explorers, beach lovers | Medium |
| Tour C | Helicopter Island, Star Beach, Matinloc Shrine, Hidden Beach, Tapiutan Island | Snorkelling, remote beaches | Medium |
| Tour D | Cadlao Lagoon, Bukal Beach, Pasandigan Cove, Natnat Beach, Paradise Beach | Quieter experience, less crowded | Low |
Most visitors do Tour A first, then Tour C. If you have 3–4 days for island hopping, doing all four tours gives you a comprehensive view of El Nido’s coastline. See our complete island hopping guide for a full comparison.
How to Book El Nido Tour A
Option 1: Book at the Pier (Walk-In)
Walk to the El Nido town pier early in the morning (by 8:00 am) and join a shared boat. Prices are fixed by the local tourism office. This is the cheapest option but you may not get your preferred departure time during peak season (December–April).
Option 2: Book Through Your Hotel or Hostel
Most accommodation in El Nido can arrange Tour A for you. Prices are typically ₱50–₱100 higher than walk-in rate but the convenience is worth it. Your hotel will confirm your pickup time and handle the logistics.
Option 3: Book Online in Advance
Several operators offer online booking for Tour A. This is recommended during peak season (December–April) when boats fill up fast. Prices are slightly higher but you’re guaranteed a spot. Look for operators that cap group sizes at 10 people for a better experience.
Private vs Shared Boat
| Factor | Shared Boat | Private Boat |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ₱1,200–₱1,500/person | ₱5,000–₱8,000/boat |
| Group size | 10–15 strangers | Your group only (up to 10) |
| Schedule flexibility | Fixed itinerary | Customisable stops and timing |
| Best for | Solo travellers, couples on a budget | Families, groups of 4+, special occasions |
For groups of 4 or more, a private boat often works out cheaper per person than a shared tour — and you get full control over the itinerary.
What to Bring on El Nido Tour A
- Reef-safe sunscreen — chemical sunscreens are banned in El Nido’s protected marine areas. Use mineral-based SPF 30+ only.
- Rash guard or UV shirt — you’ll be in the sun for 7–8 hours. A rash guard protects better than sunscreen alone.
- Waterproof dry bag — your belongings will get wet on the bangka. Bring a dry bag for your phone, camera, and valuables.
- Water shoes — essential for the Secret Lagoon entrance and rocky beach landings.
- Underwater camera or GoPro — the lagoons and Shimizu reef are the best photo opportunities of the tour.
- Cash (₱500–₱1,000) — for drinks at Seven Commandos Beach, tips for your boatman, and any extras.
- Seasickness tablets — the open-water crossings can be choppy, especially November–February.
El Nido Tour A: Sample Itinerary
| Time | Stop | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 8:30 am | El Nido Pier | Departure, safety briefing |
| 9:00 am | Big Lagoon | Kayaking, swimming (45–60 min) |
| 10:15 am | Small Lagoon | Swimming, snorkelling (30–45 min) |
| 11:15 am | Secret Lagoon | Exploration, photos (20–30 min) |
| 12:00 pm | Shimizu Island | Snorkelling, lunch on beach (60–90 min) |
| 2:00 pm | Seven Commandos Beach | Swimming, relaxing, drinks (60–90 min) |
| 4:00 pm | El Nido Pier | Return |
Practical Tips for El Nido Tour A
Best Time to Do Tour A
The best months for Tour A are November to May, when seas are calm and visibility is highest. December to April is peak season — expect more boats at each stop. June to October brings rougher seas and some tours may be cancelled due to weather. See our El Nido best time to visit guide for a full month-by-month breakdown.
How to Avoid the Crowds
Tour A is the most popular tour in El Nido, which means the Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon can get very crowded between 10 am and 2 pm. To beat the crowds: book a private boat and ask to start at Big Lagoon first (before 9 am); visit on a weekday rather than a weekend; travel in shoulder season (November or May); or consider Tour D instead — it covers similar landscapes with far fewer tourists.
Environmental Rules
El Nido’s lagoons and reefs are part of the El Nido-Taytay Managed Resource Protected Area. Rules include: no chemical sunscreen; no touching or standing on coral; no feeding fish; no single-use plastics on the boat; no drones without a permit. Violations can result in fines. Your boatman will brief you before each stop.
Tipping Your Boatman
Your boatman prepares lunch, navigates the boat, helps you in and out of the water, and manages the kayaks. A tip of ₱200–₱500 per boat is standard and greatly appreciated. If your boatman was exceptional, ₱500–₱1,000 is appropriate.
Where to Stay for Tour A
Tour A departs from El Nido town pier, so staying in or near El Nido town is most convenient. See our El Nido where to stay guide for a full breakdown by area and budget.
- El Nido town centre — closest to the pier, most restaurants and bars, best for budget and mid-range travellers
- Corong-Corong — 10 minutes from the pier, quieter, better sunset views, good mid-range options
- Lio Estate — 20 minutes from the pier, luxury resorts, requires a transfer to the pier
For budget travellers, see our El Nido budget hostel guide for the best affordable options near the pier.
El Nido Tour A: Frequently Asked Questions
How much does El Nido Tour A cost in 2026?
El Nido Tour A costs ₱1,200–₱1,500 per person for a shared boat in 2026. A private boat costs ₱5,000–₱8,000 for the whole boat (up to 10 people). The price includes lunch, kayak use, and basic snorkel gear. You also need to pay the ₱200 environmental fee if you haven’t already.
How long is El Nido Tour A?
El Nido Tour A is a full-day tour lasting approximately 7–8 hours. Boats depart from El Nido town pier at 8:30–9:00 am and return at 4:00–5:00 pm.
What is included in El Nido Tour A?
El Nido Tour A includes: boat transport, lunch (grilled fish, rice, fresh fruit), kayak use at Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon, basic snorkel mask and fins, and a boatman guide. It does not include the ₱200 environmental fee (paid separately at the pier), drinks, or tips.
Can I do El Nido Tour A if I can’t swim?
Yes. Life jackets are provided on all Tour A boats and are mandatory. You can kayak through the Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon without swimming. The Secret Lagoon entrance requires a short swim or wade, but it’s shallow. Non-swimmers can still enjoy all five stops safely.
What is the difference between El Nido Tour A and Tour C?
Tour A focuses on lagoons (Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon) and is best for kayaking and photography. Tour C focuses on snorkelling and remote beaches (Helicopter Island, Hidden Beach, Matinloc Shrine) and is considered the best tour for snorkelling. Most visitors do both tours on separate days.
