El Nido: Island Hopping Tour A with Kayaking on Big Lagoon

Five stops, one full island day. El Nido Tour A packs the area’s famous sights into six hours, with Big Lagoon kayaking and a picnic lunch at Shimizu Island as its main draws. I like the clear mix of swimming, snorkeling, quiet boat views, and photo stops, and the friendly guides, including Anderson and Ken Kyle when assigned, add plenty of humor. The main drawback is that this is a very popular route, so several stops and the boat can feel crowded.

I also like that masks, snorkels, life jackets, lunch, and purified water are included. At $21 per person, the base price is appealing, but you need to budget for the environmental fee, Big Lagoon charge, and kayak rental. Lunch may also be less useful for vegetarians, with rice and noodles as the main reported meat-free choices.

Key points to know before you go

• Big Lagoon requires an extra kayak fee: A two-seat kayak costs 300 PHP, while a three-seat kayak costs 350 PHP.
• The route covers five major stops: Seven Commandos Beach, Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, a snorkeling area, and Secret Lagoon.
• The environmental fee lasts five days: The 400 PHP charge is not included in the tour price, but it can cover other qualifying island trips during that period.
• Crowds are part of the deal: Tour A visits El Nido’s best-known places, which means excellent scenery but busy beaches, boats, and water access.
• Lunch is served picnic-style: The meal is taken at Shimizu Island or Payong-Payong Beach, depending on the day’s arrangement.
• You return to the same area: Meet at Marbers Resto Bar on Calle Hama Beach Front, then finish back at the meeting point after the boat trip.

Why El Nido Tour A remains so popular

Tour A is the classic introduction to El Nido’s island scenery. You get tall limestone cliffs, clear water, small beaches, snorkeling, kayaking, and a simple picnic in one compact outing. If you have only one free day for an island trip, this route gives you the broadest sample of the area’s signature sights.

The $21 starting price makes the experience look like an easy bargain. It is a good deal for a licensed boat, captain, local English-speaking guide, lunch, drinking water, snorkeling equipment, and safety gear. Still, you should treat that amount as the starting cost rather than the final bill.

The environmental fee is 400 PHP per person, and the Big Lagoon user fee is another 200 PHP per person for one access. Kayaking costs 300 PHP for two people or 350 PHP for three people. Water shoes cost 100 PHP per pair, and fins cost 150 PHP per pair if you want them.

That means the tour offers strong value, but only if you plan for the extras. You can skip the optional fins and water shoes, but Big Lagoon is specifically built around kayaking, so most people will want to rent a boat there.

Meeting at Marbers before the boat leaves

Your start point is Marbers Resto Bar on Calle Hama Beach Front. Go inside and ask for Annabelle or a member of the Alexzus team. The tour ends back at the meeting point, and hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

That meeting arrangement is simple, but leave enough time to find the restaurant and staff without rushing. You will need beachwear, sun protection, and cash for the add-on costs. A waterproof camera is useful if you want photos near the lagoons and snorkeling areas, but protect your phone carefully around the water.

The boat is licensed, as are the captain and guide. A life jacket is included, and you receive a safety briefing during the day. The tour runs in English, and a private group option is available if you prefer a more personal setup.

The route takes about six hours. The listed stops account for roughly four hours and 15 minutes, leaving time for boat rides, instructions, swimming, loading and unloading, and changes in the day’s order. Expect an active outing rather than a slow beach day.

Seven Commandos Beach starts the day with sand and swimming

The first main stop is Seven Commandos Beach, with about an hour for sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing. This is the easy opening act: powdery white sand, clear water, and room to settle into the rhythm of an island day.

I like the placement of this stop because you can start gently. You do not need to be ready for a long snorkel session the moment you leave the boat. Instead, you can swim, sit in the sun, take photos, or simply look back at the limestone surroundings from the beach.

Bring a hat and sunglasses, but remember that shade may be limited depending on where the group settles. Insect repellent, a change of clothes, and a dry bag or waterproof pouch will also make the day more comfortable.

Seven Commandos is one of the route’s popular beaches, so do not expect solitude. The appeal is the setting and the chance to enjoy a bright, sandy beach early in the trip, not complete peace and quiet.

Big Lagoon is the tour’s main event

Big Lagoon receives about 105 minutes, the longest scheduled stop. This is where the limestone walls rise sharply around calm turquoise water, creating the most dramatic setting on the route.

Kayaking changes the experience. From a boat, you see the lagoon in passing. From a kayak, you move at your own pace and get closer to the water, with more control over where you look and how long you pause for photos. The surrounding rock formations provide the kind of backdrop that makes a waterproof camera worthwhile.

The rental fee is separate from the tour. Two people can share a kayak for 300 PHP, or three people can use a larger one for 350 PHP. If you are booking with friends, the three-seat option can reduce the cost per person, though the amount of space and comfort will depend on your group.

Big Lagoon is also the place where crowding matters most. It is a famous stop, and several boats may be using the same area. You can still enjoy the cliffs and calm water, but the quiet, empty-lagoon image often associated with El Nido is not guaranteed.

Use the life jacket provided, follow the guide’s instructions, and avoid touching marine life or plants. The tour rules also prohibit smoking, alcohol, and drugs. Big Lagoon access carries a separate 200 PHP user fee, so include that in your cash plan.

Snorkeling adds a welcome change of pace

The route includes a snorkeling stop near Advince or South Miniloc, described as a site with coral reefs and colorful marine life. Masks and snorkels are provided, so you do not need to bring your own basic equipment.

This portion gives the day a useful change of pace. After the beach and kayak stop, you get to focus below the surface rather than only on cliffs and photographs. You can expect the quality of marine life and water conditions to vary by location and weather, but the stop is intended as a proper snorkeling session rather than a quick look from the boat.

Fins are not included. You can rent a pair for 150 PHP, though you may prefer to swim without them if you are comfortable in the water. Water shoes are also available for 100 PHP per pair. They can help protect your feet around rocky or shallow areas, but they are optional purchases.

Please do not touch coral, fish, other animals, or plants. That rule is good for the environment and for you. Snorkeling is more enjoyable when you can look closely without grabbing anything.

Shimizu Island turns lunch into a scenic break

Lunch is scheduled at Shimizu Island for about 105 minutes, though Payong-Payong Beach may be used instead. This is a long enough pause to eat, rest, and enjoy the view without feeling pushed straight back onto the boat.

The picnic lunch and purified drinking water are included. That adds real value to the $21 base cost because you do not need to arrange a separate meal during a remote island outing. Bring snacks if you tend to get hungry after swimming and kayaking, since six hours of sun and activity can work up an appetite.

The main food limitation is important for vegetarians. The meat-free choices may be limited to rice and noodles, so you should raise dietary needs before the day begins and carry extra snacks if necessary. Do not assume a broad special-diet menu.

This is also a good moment to change into dry clothes if needed. A spare outfit is listed among the recommended items, and it can make the second half of the trip much more pleasant.

Secret Lagoon offers a short, dramatic finale

Secret Lagoon receives about 45 minutes. The attraction is the entrance through rock formations into a more enclosed pool area, giving the stop a different feel from the wide-open Big Lagoon.

The visit is shorter and more focused. You will have time for a guided look, photographs, and exploration, but this is not the place to linger for hours. Access and water conditions can affect how much time you spend inside, so listen to the guide and take care around the rocks.

Secret Lagoon is another popular stop on Tour A, which means you may share the entrance and surrounding area with other groups. Its appeal comes from the shape of the setting and the sense of moving through the rocks into a secluded pocket, not from guaranteed privacy.

The tour finishes back at the dockyard and then returns to the meeting point. You should still have time afterward to shower, eat, or rest, but your energy may be lower than expected. The day includes swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, beach time, and repeated boat transfers.

Guides can make a busy route much more enjoyable

The guide is not just there to point toward the next beach. A friendly, funny guide can make boarding, safety instructions, photo stops, and waiting around feel easy. Anderson and Ken Kyle have been especially praised for bringing humor to the day, while another direct account describes the guide as friendly and fun.

That personal touch matters on a shared island route. The scenery does much of the work, but a guide who keeps the mood light can make the trip feel more relaxed. At the same time, do not book this expecting a long, lecture-style cultural tour. One useful criticism is that some visitors wanted more information about each location.

If you want detailed history and interpretation at every stop, ask questions as you go. If you mainly want scenery, swimming, snorkeling, and a lighthearted day, the guiding style should fit well.

What to pack for six hours on the water

Keep your day bag small and practical. I would bring:

• Sunglasses and a sun hat
• Beachwear and a full change of clothes
• Snacks and extra water
• Insect repellent
• Cash for fees and rentals
• A waterproof camera or protected phone
• A towel, if you have room
• Reef-safe personal sun protection, if available

The supplied drinking water helps, but the tour specifically advises bringing water and snacks too. That is sensible for a six-hour outing with several active stops.

Wear clothing that dries quickly. You will likely move between swimming, kayaking, sitting in the boat, and walking around beaches or rock areas. Avoid bringing anything you cannot afford to get wet.

The experience is not suitable for people over 70, according to the activity information. The combination of boat transfers, slippery areas, swimming, kayaking, and a full schedule makes that restriction worth taking seriously.

Who should book this island-hopping day?

I would choose this tour if you want El Nido’s famous sights in one efficient outing. It suits couples, friends, and active families who like mixing beach time with snorkeling and kayaking rather than spending the whole day in one place.

It also works well for first-time visitors with limited time. Seven Commandos, Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Secret Lagoon, and a snorkeling site give you a useful introduction to the area’s main attractions.

I would think twice if your priority is silence, flexibility, or a slow private cruise. The route is popular, the schedule is fixed, and crowding is possible at the beach, lagoon, and boat. A private group is available, but the major stops will still be well-known places.

Vegetarians should ask about lunch before booking and bring backup food. Anyone who dislikes extra fees should add the 400 PHP environmental charge, 200 PHP Big Lagoon fee, and kayak rental to the advertised price before comparing tours.

Should you book El Nido Tour A with kayaking?

Book it if you want a good-value, active introduction to El Nido and you are happy to accept a busy route. Big Lagoon by kayak is the strongest reason to choose it, while the included lunch, snorkeling gear, guide, and water keep the base price attractive.

Skip it if you want empty beaches, a highly detailed cultural commentary, or complete control over the day. For most first-time visitors, though, the mix is hard to beat: white sand at Seven Commandos, coral snorkeling, a scenic meal, dramatic lagoons, and friendly guides who help keep the schedule enjoyable.

FAQ

Where does El Nido Tour A with kayaking start?

Meet at Marbers Resto Bar on Calle Hama Beach Front. Go inside and ask for Annabelle or any member of the Alexzus team.

How long does the tour last?

The activity lasts about six hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

What is included in the tour price?

The price includes a licensed tourist boat, licensed captain, licensed English-speaking local guide, mask and snorkel, life jacket, picnic lunch, and purified drinking water.

Is the kayak rental included?

No. A two-seat kayak costs 300 PHP, and a three-seat kayak costs 350 PHP.

What other fees are not included?

The environmental fee is 400 PHP per person and is valid for five days. Big Lagoon access costs 200 PHP per person for one-time access. Water shoes cost 100 PHP per pair, and fins cost 150 PHP per pair.

Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

Can I cancel the booking for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.