EL NIDO: Private Island Hopping Tour A with BUFFET LUNCH

Come for the cliffs, stay for the water. El Nido Tour A packs Big Lagoon kayaking and snorkeling at Shimizu Island into an eight-hour private boat trip, with white-sand beaches and a buffet lunch along the way. I like the mix of active time and easy beach breaks, and I also like that the crew provides a kayak, masks, water, soft drinks, and fruit.

The main caution is timing. A private boat should help you get an early start, but one group reported leaving late and finding the main sites crowded. There was also a serious kayak mishap involving a child, so I would pay close attention to instructions and ask the crew to steady the kayak before anyone gets in.

Key points to know before booking

• Big Lagoon is the star stop: You get one included kayak, dramatic limestone walls, and time for photos, swimming, and paddling.
• The route covers five major stops: 7 Commandos Beach, Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Secret Lagoon, and Payong-Payong Beach.
• Lunch is flexible: The guide chooses the lunch location, usually among the scheduled island and beach stops, depending on conditions.
• The price is not all-inclusive: The $139 cost covers the private tour and listed supplies, but lagoon and environmental fees are extra.
• The crew gets strong praise: Guides named Julius, Leonard, and Cyron were singled out for care, humor, photography, and good service.
• Crowds can change the day: Weather, departure time, and local conditions may alter the order or destinations.

What the $139 price really covers

At $139 per person, this is a premium outing by El Nido island-hopping standards. The price makes more sense if you want a private group rather than a shared boat, or if you value having a guide and crew handle the route, lunch, safety gear, and boat operation.

The package includes pickup within El Nido Town and Corong-corong, a licensed tourist boat, captain, guide, and crew. You also receive a buffet lunch, drinking water, soft drinks, fruit, life jacket, mask, snorkel, and one kayak. Those practical inclusions reduce the number of small expenses you need to think about once you leave shore.

You still need to budget for the 200 lagoon entrance fee and 400 environmental fee. Those are government charges, not optional extras built into the advertised rate. Additional kayak rental is also separate, and the return drop-off to your hotel is not included.

For couples, families, or a small private group, the value comes from control and personal service. For a solo visitor or someone happy to share a boat, the price may feel high. I would compare the total cost for your full group, including the extra fees, before booking.

Starting in El Nido and getting the morning right

Pickup is free from accommodations in El Nido Town and Corong-corong, but you need to give the operator your hotel name when completing the booking. The listed starting point is Beachfront Travel and Tours.

The tour lasts about eight hours. That sounds generous, but five stops, boat movement, lunch, and changing sea conditions can make the day pass quickly. If seeing the main lagoons before the largest crowds matters to you, confirm the pickup time in advance and make it clear that an early departure is important.

This point deserves attention because a private booking does not automatically guarantee an early start. One poor account described a late departure, crowded sites, missed parts of the planned route, and a kayak accident. That is a sharp warning, not a reason to dismiss the whole tour. Ask about the planned departure and make sure the crew gives clear help before you kayak.

The crew speaks English and Tagalog. The group is private, so your party does not share the boat with a larger public tour group. Destinations can change with the weather, and the guide chooses the lunch stop.

7 Commandos Beach, a gentle first stop

The first scheduled stop is 7 Commandos Beach, with about an hour for photos, swimming, a guided visit, and sightseeing. The beach has pale sand, coconut trees, turquoise water, and limestone cliffs around it.

Its name comes from a local story about seven commandos who supposedly lived here after World War II. You do not need to treat the story as the main attraction. The real appeal is simple: it is an easy place to get into the water, loosen up after pickup, and take in El Nido’s famous combination of rock, sand, and sea.

Small shops and rustic bars provide a chance to buy a cold drink or snack. Since water and soft drinks are included on the boat, you may not need to spend much here, but cash is still worth carrying for purchases and fees.

I would use this stop for a swim and quick photos rather than expecting solitude. As one of the best-known beaches on the route, it can feel less quiet than Payong-Payong Beach. That contrast is useful, since the day gives you both a social beach setting and calmer corners later on.

Big Lagoon, the main reason to choose Tour A

Big Lagoon is the strongest part of the route for many people. The boat passes through a narrow entrance into a broad body of blue-green water ringed by tall limestone cliffs. The rock walls give the place a dramatic, enclosed feel, and the water is clear enough for views below the surface.

You receive one free kayak. Use it to move farther into the lagoon and see the cliffs from water level. Kayaking also lets you pause for photographs without relying only on the boat’s position. The schedule allows about an hour here for a guided visit, sightseeing, swimming, photos, and kayaking.

That hour can feel short if you want both a long paddle and a relaxed swim. Still, it is enough to get a strong sense of the place if you organize your time. I would take photos early, then paddle while the kayak is available, and save the final minutes for a swim or a quiet look around.

Safety matters here. Life jackets are included, and the crew should help you board and leave the kayak. If you are traveling with children or anyone who is not a confident paddler, ask for hands-on assistance and keep the kayak steady before shifting your weight. The reported accident involving a six-year-old is a reminder to treat the transfer as carefully as the paddling itself.

Additional kayak rental costs extra. If your group has more than one person eager to paddle, ask about availability and pricing before the trip.

Shimizu Island, snorkeling and buffet lunch

Shimizu Island is scheduled for about an hour and combines snorkeling, swimming, free time, photos, and lunch. The island is named after a Japanese diver associated with its waters, and its surrounding reefs attract colorful fish and other sea life.

The included mask and snorkel make this an easy stop for casual underwater viewing. You do not need to arrange separate equipment, though bringing your own mask can be useful if fit and comfort matter to you. Snorkeling quality can vary. One otherwise very positive account found the snorkeling less impressive than other places they had visited, so I would enjoy it without assuming it will be the best reef experience of your trip.

Lunch is served buffet style, with water, soft drinks, and fruit also provided. A French visitor specifically praised the meal, and another account described it as well catered and delicious. That is important on an eight-hour boat day. You get a proper break rather than having to search for food between stops.

The lunch location can change because the guide chooses it and weather affects the route. Shimizu Island is listed as one possible lunch stop, but Payong-Payong Beach may be used instead. Bring cash for anything extra, and remember that alcohol is not allowed.

Secret Lagoon, a small entrance with a big payoff

Secret Lagoon is reached through a small opening in a limestone wall. You squeeze through the narrow entrance and arrive in a sheltered lagoon surrounded by high rock.

This is one of the day’s more unusual moments. The entrance itself creates a sense of discovery, while the lagoon offers still water and a close view of El Nido’s limestone formations. You get time for photos, a guided visit, free time, sightseeing, and swimming.

The opening may not suit everyone. If you are uncomfortable with tight spaces, ask the guide what the current access looks like before attempting it. Wear secure footwear, since the recommended packing list includes closed-toe and waterproof shoes. A waterproof bag is also a smart choice for phones, towels, and spare clothes.

The crew’s personal help can make a real difference here. Julius was praised for being funny and engaging, and for taking special care of a visitor while passing through the opening. Professional photos and videos were also singled out as a highlight. Ask the guide what photography is available during the day, since not every listed inclusion promises a specific photo service.

Payong-Payong Beach, the quietest break

Payong-Payong Beach is scheduled for a break, photos, sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling. It is smaller and more secluded than 7 Commandos Beach, with soft sand, clear water, plants, and rock formations around the shore.

This is the place I would most want for an unhurried pause. You can swim, sit in the shade, or simply look out across the water without trying to fit another major activity into every minute. It is also a good setting for lunch if the guide chooses it for the meal.

The beach is not guaranteed to be the lunch stop, and the entire route may change with weather. Treat it as a likely part of the planned day, not an absolute promise. The same applies to snorkeling. You may find good conditions, but water visibility and marine life are not fixed.

What the crew adds to the experience

The strongest service comments focus on care rather than fancy extras. Guides and boat crew helped people on and off the boat, created a safe feeling, and kept the mood light.

Several crew members received individual praise. Julius was described as funny, engaging, and attentive. Leonard helped a couple make the most of Big Lagoon, including photos and videos, while Cyron and his crew were praised for careful service and an excellent meal.

That level of attention is especially useful on a private tour because the guide can focus on your group. It may help with the Secret Lagoon opening, snorkeling equipment, boarding, and kayak handling. Still, good service should not replace your own attention. Listen to the safety instructions, keep hold of personal items, and speak up if you need help.

The overall published rating is 4.6 out of 5 from seven ratings. That is a strong result, but the low rating provides useful information: late departure, crowded locations, incomplete plans, and poor kayak handling can seriously damage the day. Ask direct questions before setting off rather than assuming every private trip will run perfectly.

What to pack for eight hours on the water

Bring a change of clothes and a towel. You will have several chances to swim, and dry clothing makes the ride back more comfortable.

Pack biodegradable sunscreen, beachwear, a camera, cash, and a waterproof bag. Waterproof shoes and closed-toe shoes are both recommended, which suggests you should choose footwear that protects your feet around the boat, beach, and lagoon entrance.

Smoking, plastic bags, alcohol, drugs, and littering are not allowed. Use the boat’s provided drinks and keep waste under control. A small waterproof pouch for cash and phones will be more useful than a large beach bag.

Who should book Tour A?

I would recommend this tour to couples, families, and small groups who want the convenience of a private boat and a full day of classic El Nido scenery. It suits people who want several different settings in one trip: a popular beach, a major lagoon, a reef stop, a narrow rock entrance, and a quieter beach.

It is also a good fit if you value a crew that helps with photos, boarding, lunch, and equipment. The personal attention from guides such as Julius and Leonard may be a real advantage for first-time kayakers or anyone who wants help navigating the day.

I would be more cautious if you dislike crowds, need a guaranteed schedule, or are paying for a private trip mainly to get empty sites. Confirm the start time, ask how the crew handles the kayak, and accept that weather can change the route. If snorkeling is your top priority, keep your expectations measured because conditions and reef quality may vary.

The free cancellation option allows cancellation up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms give you some flexibility while plans are still changing.

FAQ

How long does El Nido Tour A last?

The tour lasts about eight hours. The schedule allows roughly one hour at each of the five listed stops, although the order and destinations can change with weather.

Is hotel pickup included?

Free pickup is included from accommodations in El Nido Town and Corong-corong. You need to provide your hotel name when completing the booking.

Is the return hotel drop-off included?

No. Drop-off back to your hotel is not included in the stated package.

What food and drinks are provided?

A buffet lunch, water, soft drinks, and fruit are included. The guide chooses the lunch location, and it may change with weather and the day’s route.

Are the kayak and snorkeling gear included?

One kayak is included, along with a life vest or jacket, mask, and snorkel. Any additional kayak rental costs extra.

Which fees are paid separately?

You pay a 200 lagoon entrance fee and a 400 environmental fee. These are government taxes and are not included in the advertised price.

What language does the guide speak?

The live guide service is available in English and Tagalog. The booking is for a private group.

Should you book El Nido Tour A?

Book it if you want the classic El Nido route with the comfort of a private group, included lunch, one kayak, and a crew that can help throughout the day. Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon give the trip its strongest character, while 7 Commandos and Payong-Payong provide time to swim and slow down.

Before paying, confirm the departure time and clarify the extra fees. If your group has children, ask for careful assistance with the kayak and Secret Lagoon entrance. With those points handled, the $139 price can be fair for a private, well-supported day on the water, especially for a couple or small group that values service over the lowest possible fare.