El Nido Tour A: Itinerary, Big Lagoon, Prices & Is It Worth It?

If you only book one island-hopping trip in El Nido, Tour A is the obvious place to start.

It is the route built around the scenery most people associate with El Nido: towering limestone cliffs, turquoise lagoons, kayaking, beaches and a full day exploring Bacuit Bay. The headline attraction is Big Lagoon, and that alone makes Tour A the strongest first choice for most first-time visitors.

But Tour A is also El Nido’s most famous standard route, which creates the main downside: crowds. So the useful question is not simply whether Tour A is worth doing. It is:

Is Tour A still worth it when so many other visitors are doing exactly the same thing?

For most first-time travellers, yes. The scenery justifies the popularity, but choosing the right tour format and knowing what the day involves makes a big difference.

The shared Tour A below is the most-reviewed version on GetYourGuide. Check dates and current prices for your travel day.

Tour A at a glance

Our pick on GetYourGuide is El Nido: Island Hopping Tour A Lagoons and Beaches, from $25 per person and rated 4.4 from 1,996 reviews (checked October 2026). Its price covers the boat, a licensed guide, life vests and lunch; the environmental fee, the Big Lagoon fee and kayak rental are paid on top.

Other experiences you might enjoy

Tour A is only one day in Bacuit Bay. From El Nido town you can also reach Secret Beach and Hidden Beach on Tour C, Snake Island and Cudugnon Cave on Tour B, and Cadlao Lagoon and Small Lagoon on Tour D. Farther north, Coron has Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon and Barracuda Lake, and multi-day boat expeditions link the two. Browse more Palawan tours below.

What is El Nido Tour A?

El Nido’s standard island-hopping tours are traditionally divided into four main routes:

• Tour A
• Tour B
• Tour C
• Tour D

They are not quality levels. They are different itineraries.

Tour A is the lagoon-focused route. It concentrates on the Miniloc Island area and combines famous limestone landscapes with beaches and swimming stops.

If you have seen photos of people kayaking between enormous cliffs in El Nido, there is a good chance you are looking at somewhere on or around Tour A. Our Tour A, B, C and D comparison sets the four routes side by side.

What stops are on Tour A?

Exact stops can vary by operator and current access conditions. A typical Tour A includes some combination of:

• Big Lagoon
• Secret Lagoon
• Shimizu Island
• Seven Commandos Beach
• another Miniloc-area beach or snorkelling stop, such as Payong-Payong Beach

Older itineraries also list Small Lagoon. El Nido moved it to Tour D in November 2018 to spread out the crowds, and current Tour A listings no longer include it.

Do not assume every operator follows exactly the same route in exactly the same order. What matters is that Big Lagoon is the defining Tour A stop, and the rest of the itinerary adds beaches, swimming and snorkelling around it.

Big Lagoon: the main reason to book Tour A

Big Lagoon is one of El Nido’s signature experiences. Your tour boat approaches the lagoon, then visitors normally transfer into kayaks to explore the narrow waterway and the wider interior.

This is the part of the day that tends to justify Tour A even for travellers worried that it might be too touristy. You paddle through water enclosed by enormous limestone cliffs, and the scale of the rock becomes much more obvious from water level.

It is not just a viewpoint. You move through the scenery, which makes Big Lagoon feel more immersive than many tropical attractions where you arrive, take a photograph and leave.

Entry to Big Lagoon is limited. The Tour A listing we recommend warns that if no entry is left, you visit a different spot or get a full refund.

For a detailed breakdown of kayaking, fees and timing at the lagoon itself, see our Big Lagoon El Nido guide.

Secret Lagoon

Secret Lagoon is a much smaller stop than Big Lagoon, and it is easy to misunderstand because the names sound similar.

Big Lagoon is:

• expansive;
• open;
• kayaking-focused.

Secret Lagoon is:

• smaller;
• enclosed, reached through a small opening in the rock;
• more like a hidden limestone chamber.

It works best as a supporting part of the Tour A day, not as a reason to book the route by itself.

If you’re comparing Secret Lagoon with Secret Beach or Hidden Beach, remember:

• Secret Lagoon = Tour A
• Secret Beach = Tour C
• Hidden Beach = Tour C

See our Secret Lagoon vs Secret Beach vs Hidden Beach guide.

Shimizu Island

Shimizu Island is often used as a swimming, snorkelling or lunch stop. Compared with Big Lagoon, it is less about one dramatic headline attraction and more about giving the day a change of pace.

Depending on conditions and the operator, this part of the itinerary may be where you:

• snorkel;
• swim;
• eat lunch;
• relax near the beach.

These quieter supporting stops matter. A good Tour A should not feel like:

rush to Big Lagoon → rush to the next famous attraction → rush home

The beaches and snorkelling breaks are what make it a complete day, not a single-attraction excursion.

Seven Commandos Beach

Seven Commandos Beach gives Tour A a conventional tropical-beach finish. Expect:

• white sand;
• swimming;
• palm-backed scenery;
• more open space than the lagoons.

It is often one of the easiest stops to relax at, which is welcome after kayaking, boat transfers and swimming elsewhere.

What does Tour A feel like?

A normal day involves much more movement than sitting on a boat. Expect a rhythm something like:

boat → kayak → swim → boat → beach → snorkel → lunch → boat → swim → return

You will repeatedly:

• get on and off the boat;
• get wet;
• move between shallow and deeper water;
• transfer into a kayak;
• spend time in direct sun.

That is why Tour A feels like a full excursion, not a sightseeing cruise.

Is Tour A worth it?

For a first visit to El Nido, yes. Tour A deserves its popularity. The strongest reasons are:

• Big Lagoon;
• dramatic limestone scenery;
• variety;
• easy booking;
• suitability for first-time visitors.

There are quieter routes, there are better snorkelling routes, and there are beaches elsewhere that you may like more. But Tour A combines enough of El Nido’s defining scenery into one day that skipping it on a first trip would be unusual.

Who should book Tour A?

Tour A is particularly good for:

• first-time El Nido visitors;
• couples;
• families comfortable around water;
• travellers with only one island-hopping day;
• people who want Big Lagoon;
• photographers;
• travellers who prefer scenery and kayaking to serious snorkelling.

Who might prefer another tour?

Tour A may not be your best first choice if:

• you’ve already visited Big Lagoon;
• snorkelling is your absolute priority;
• you strongly dislike crowds;
• you prefer remote beaches to famous landmarks;
• you’re returning to El Nido for a second trip.

In that case, Tour C or Tour B may suit you better.

Tour A vs Tour C

This is the most common comparison.

Tour A

Best for:

• Big Lagoon;
• kayaking;
• limestone lagoons;
• first-time sightseeing.

Tour C

Best for:

• beaches;
• snorkelling;
• outer-island scenery;
• a second island-hopping day.

If you only have one day, Tour A. If you have two, Tour A + Tour C.

See our full El Nido Tour A, B, C & D comparison.

Tour A vs Tour B

Tour B is usually quieter and focuses more on:

• caves;
• sandbars;
• unusual island landscapes.

Tour A is much more iconic. For a first-time visitor, A first, B later.

For a repeat visitor, Tour B can become more appealing because you have already seen the famous lagoon route.

Tour A vs Tour D

Tour D is the quieter option. Its appeal includes Cadlao Lagoon, Small Lagoon and less hectic island hopping.

If your main concern is crowds, Tour D deserves a look. But if this is your only El Nido tour, I would still choose Tour A unless avoiding popular places matters more to you than seeing them.

How crowded is Tour A?

Very. This is the route almost every first-time visitor considers. The crowding is most obvious at:

• the Big Lagoon entrance;
• kayak transfer points;
• Secret Lagoon;
• popular beach stops.

But crowding is not constant. A large lagoon can absorb visitors surprisingly well. The worst moments come when several groups arrive at the same narrow access point at once.

That is why timing matters almost as much as overall visitor numbers. Big Lagoon admits visitors in batches: when El Nido introduced limits in 2018, the municipality set the cap at 60 guests at a time.

Can you avoid the crowds?

Not completely. This is one of El Nido’s headline attractions. But you can improve the experience.

Choose a smaller group

Fewer people means:

• faster boarding;
• less waiting;
• easier kayak organisation;
• less time spent rounding everyone up.

Consider a private boat

A private boat may give your captain more flexibility over stop order. It does not guarantee empty attractions, but it can reduce your dependence on the standard large-group rhythm.

Ask about route sequencing

A useful question is:

Do you try to visit Big Lagoon at a quieter time?

That tells you more than asking whether the tour is “premium.”

Shared Tour A or private Tour A?

This depends on budget and group size.

Shared Tour A

Best for:

• solo travellers;
• couples;
• budget-conscious travellers;
• people who like meeting others;
• anyone happy with a fixed itinerary.

For most travellers, this is perfectly adequate. Our pick is the shared El Nido Island Hopping Tour A (from $25, 4.4 from 1,996 reviews). A slightly cheaper alternative is the Sharing/Joiner Tour A with buffet lunch, from $22 and rated 4.3 from 141 reviews.

Private Tour A

Worth considering for:

• families;
• groups;
• honeymooners;
• photographers;
• travellers who hate waiting for others;
• anyone who wants more flexibility.

The biggest benefit is not luxury. It is control: you can spend more time at the stops that interest you and less at the ones that do not.

Our pick for a private boat is El Nido: Private Island Hopping Tour A with Buffet Lunch, from $130 and rated 4.7 from 15 reviews, a small sample. It includes pickup in town, one kayak and snorkel gear; the ₱200 lagoon fee and the ₱400 environmental fee are extra. If you would rather mix Tour A’s lagoons with Tour C’s beaches on your own boat, the El Nido Private Combo Tour is rated 4.8 from 1,529 reviews and lists Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Hidden Beach, Helicopter Island and Cadlao Lagoon, with fees included.

Is a private Tour A worth it?

If you are travelling alone, probably not purely on price.

If you are a group of four, five or six people, the calculation becomes more interesting. Once a private-boat price is divided across several people, the upgrade may be smaller than expected.

The value increases if:

• Big Lagoon is a major trip highlight;
• photography matters;
• you have children;
• you dislike fixed group schedules.

Do you need to kayak at Big Lagoon?

For the full experience, yes. Kayaking is the main way visitors explore the lagoon interior; your tour boat generally stays outside or near the entrance.

The kayak lets you move through the narrow sections and explore the interior. Skip it and you miss much of what makes Big Lagoon worth visiting.

Is kayak rental included?

Not always, and this is one of the most important things to check before comparing Tour A prices.

Two tours may advertise different headline rates, but one may include:

• the kayak;
• lagoon fees;
• snorkelling equipment;

while another adds them separately. On the shared listing we recommend, kayaks are rented on top; current listings put kayak rental at roughly ₱300–₱500 per kayak, depending on the operator and the kayak size.

Ask:

What is my final total price for the full Tour A day, including Big Lagoon?

That is far more useful than: How much is the tour?

What other fees should you expect?

Depending on current local arrangements and the operator, extra costs can include:

• the El Nido Eco-Tourism Development Fee: ₱400 per person, valid for 10 days;
• the Big Lagoon entry fee: ₱200 per person;
• kayak rental;
• equipment rental (aqua shoes, fins, snorkel set);
• hotel transfer.

On the Tour A listing we recommend, all of these are paid on top of the tour price. Shared Tour A prices themselves currently run from roughly ₱950 to ₱1,500 per person, depending on the operator.

These rules and fees can change, so do not rely on an old screenshot or a years-old blog post when budgeting. The safest approach is to ask the operator for the total payable amount before booking.

Is lunch included?

Usually on standard full-day tours, yes, but check. Lunch on El Nido island tours is commonly a simple shared spread such as:

• rice;
• fish;
• chicken;
• vegetables;
• fruit.

Mention vegetarian and other dietary requirements in advance. Do not assume operators can improvise specialised meals once you are already on the boat.

Is Tour A good for snorkelling?

It includes snorkelling opportunities, but I would not choose Tour A specifically for snorkelling. Tour A is mainly about:

• lagoons;
• kayaking;
• limestone scenery.

If snorkelling is your priority, Tour C is generally a stronger choice. This is why A + C makes such a good two-day combination.

Is Tour A good for swimming?

Yes. There are several chances to get into the water, but the day is varied, not one continuous swimming session. You may alternate between:

• kayak;
• swimming;
• snorkelling;
• beach time.

For travellers who like variety, that is one of Tour A’s strengths.

Do you need to be a strong swimmer?

No. Life vests are included on the listings we recommend, and Big Lagoon itself is explored mostly by kayak. But being comfortable around water helps, because you will repeatedly transfer between:

• boat;
• beach;
• kayak;
• shallow water.

If you are nervous around deep water, tell your guide. You can still enjoy the tour.

Is Tour A suitable for children?

Often, yes. Children who enjoy boats, swimming, kayaking and beaches may love Tour A.

Parents should consider:

• full-day sun exposure;
• repeated boat transfers;
• life jackets;
• whether the child can sit comfortably in a kayak;
• how they cope with crowds.

For younger children, a private tour can be particularly useful because you can move at your own pace.

Is Tour A suitable for older travellers?

Potentially, yes. The main questions are mobility and comfort getting on and off boats. There is no hike comparable with the climb at Kayangan Lake in Coron.

But you may need to:

• step into shallow water;
• climb boat ladders;
• get into a kayak;
• walk over uneven beach surfaces.

The shared Tour A listing says it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. If mobility is limited, ask the operator exactly how transfers work.

What should you bring?

For Tour A:

• swimwear;
• rash guard;
• reef-safe sunscreen;
• hat;
• sunglasses;
• secure sandals or water shoes;
• waterproof phone pouch;
• dry bag;
• towel;
• passport or ID card;
• cash for fees, kayak rental and tips;
• drinking water if needed;
• motion-sickness medication if relevant.

Do you need water shoes?

They are useful. You may meet:

• rocky shorelines;
• wet boat decks;
• shallow-water landings;
• uneven beach surfaces.

Flip-flops work for many people, but secure water sandals are easier when you are repeatedly moving between boat and water.

Do you need a waterproof phone case?

Yes, if you intend to use your phone at Big Lagoon. This is one of those rare travel accessories that solves a real problem.

You will be sitting in a kayak, surrounded by water and probably splashed. A normal phone held above your head while trying to paddle is not an elegant system.

Should you bring a GoPro?

If you already own one, Tour A is an excellent place to use it. The best footage tends to come from:

• Big Lagoon kayaking;
• swimming;
• underwater sections;
• boat approaches.

But you do not need to buy an action camera for the trip. A waterproof phone case is enough for most people.

What if it rains?

Light rain does not automatically cancel Tour A. Island-hopping operations depend more on:

• wind;
• waves;
• thunderstorms;
• official marine conditions.

A tropical day can move from sun to cloud to a shower and back to sun. If conditions become unsafe, the operator may:

• change the route;
• skip a stop;
• postpone;
• cancel.

That can be frustrating, but safety takes priority.

What is the best time of year for Tour A?

The drier part of the year gives you better odds of comfortable boat and kayaking conditions. For most first-time travellers, December through April is the easiest broad period to target, and January through March is particularly attractive for a boat-heavy Palawan itinerary.

See our best time to visit Coron and El Nido guide.

Should you book Tour A in advance?

If your dates are fixed, yes, especially if:

• you are visiting during a busy period;
• you want a private boat;
• you want a smaller group;
• you only have one usable day;
• you are travelling straight on to Coron.

If you have four flexible days in El Nido, last-minute booking is less risky.

Is Tour A better in the morning?

Earlier access can help with crowding, but the practical route is shaped by:

• the operator;
• site access;
• marine conditions;
• timing rules;
• other boats.

A good operator matters more than chasing one theoretical perfect arrival time.

How long does Tour A take?

Treat it as a full-day activity; the listing we recommend runs 6 to 8 hours. Do not plan:

• another major excursion;
• a long-distance transfer;
• a ferry departure;

immediately afterwards. You will probably come back tired, wet and sun-exposed, so give yourself an easy evening.

Can you do Tour A and travel to Coron the same day?

Not realistically if you’re doing a normal full-day Tour A. A better sequence:

Day 1

Tour A.

Day 2

Travel to Coron.

Trying to combine both creates unnecessary pressure.

Should you take the ferry to Coron after Tour A?

If you are short on time, yes. The ferry gets you there much faster than a multi-day expedition, which makes sense if you want to keep days for:

• Kayangan Lake;
• Twin Lagoon;
• Barracuda Lake;
• wreck diving.

See our El Nido to Coron ferry guide.

Should you take an expedition after Tour A?

If Tour A leaves you thinking:

I want more of this, but with fewer standard tour stops,

then a multi-day El Nido-to-Coron expedition becomes very interesting. Instead of moving directly to Coron, you spend several days travelling through the islands between the two destinations.

The experience usually includes:

• remote beaches;
• snorkelling;
• island stops;
• meals;
• simple overnight accommodation.

It is much more expensive than the ferry, but it turns transport into part of the trip.

Tour A before an expedition: too much island hopping?

Not necessarily. I would keep Tour A even if an expedition is already booked.

Why? Because Big Lagoon belongs to El Nido’s classic Tour A experience, while the expedition explores a different stretch between El Nido and Coron.

If you only have time for one standard El Nido tour before the expedition, Tour A is the one I would keep.

What should you do after Tour A?

If you have another full day in El Nido:

Option 1: Tour C

Tour C is best for:

• beaches;
• snorkelling;
• Secret Beach;
• Hidden Beach.

Option 2: Tour B

Tour B is best for:

• fewer crowds;
• caves;
• sandbars.

Option 3: Rest

Perfectly sensible. You do not need to spend every El Nido day on a boat.

Option 4: Start travelling toward Coron

Especially sensible if you have already had enough standard island hopping.

A good El Nido itinerary

Day 1

Arrive and settle in.

Day 2

Tour A:

• Big Lagoon;
• Secret Lagoon;
• beaches.

Day 3

Tour C or a free day.

Day 4

Travel toward Coron by ferry or expedition.

That gives you the essential El Nido experience without spending the whole trip collecting Tour A/B/C/D letters.

Common Tour A mistakes

1. Booking it purely because it is the most famous

Understand what the day involves.

2. Expecting an empty Big Lagoon

It is famous for a reason.

3. Comparing only headline prices

Check the fees and kayak rental.

4. Forgetting waterproof protection

Big Lagoon is not a dry experience.

5. Booking Tour A and Tour C thinking they are nearly identical

They are different enough to justify doing both.

6. Trying to do Tour A and travel to Coron the same day

Give the tour a full day.

7. Doing all four El Nido tours simply because they exist

Your trip may gain more variety by moving on to Coron.

Frequently asked questions

What is El Nido Tour A?

Tour A is the classic lagoon-focused island-hopping route in El Nido.

What is the main attraction on Tour A?

Big Lagoon, the headline stop on Tour A.

Does Tour A include Secret Lagoon?

Usually, yes, on the standard Tour A route.

Does Tour A include Small Lagoon?

Not any more. Small Lagoon moved to Tour D in 2018, and current Tour A listings do not include it.

Does Tour A include Secret Beach?

No. Secret Beach is normally part of Tour C.

Does Tour A include Hidden Beach?

No. Hidden Beach is normally visited on Tour C.

Is Tour A worth it?

Yes, particularly for first-time visitors. Tour A gives you Big Lagoon and the classic limestone scenery in one day.

Is Tour A crowded?

Usually, yes. Tour A is the most famous standard El Nido route.

Is Tour A better than Tour C?

For a first visit, Tour A is usually the stronger first choice. Tour C is an excellent second tour.

Do you need a kayak on Tour A?

For Big Lagoon, kayaking is a major part of the Tour A experience.

Is kayak rental included?

Not always. On the shared Tour A listing we recommend it is extra, at roughly ₱300–₱500 per kayak. Check before booking.

How much are the fees on Tour A?

Expect the ₱400 Eco-Tourism Development Fee (valid for 10 days) and the ₱200 Big Lagoon entry fee, plus kayak rental, unless your Tour A booking says they are included.

Is Tour A suitable for non-swimmers?

Yes, although being comfortable around water will make the Tour A day easier.

Is Tour A suitable for children?

Often, yes, particularly children who are comfortable with boats and water on Tour A.

Can Tour A be cancelled?

Yes. Weather and marine conditions can affect Tour A departures and individual stops.

Should I book Tour A before arriving?

If your schedule is tight or you want a private or small-group Tour A, booking ahead is sensible.

Final verdict: is El Nido Tour A worth it?

Yes. Tour A is still the best starting point for most first-time El Nido visitors.

It is crowded. It is famous. And you will probably share Big Lagoon with plenty of other kayaks. None of that changes the fact that the landscape is impressive.

Tour A gives you the clearest introduction to what makes El Nido different:

• enormous limestone cliffs;
• lagoons;
• kayaking;
• beaches;
• tropical water;
• a full day moving around Bacuit Bay.

If you have one island-hopping day, choose Tour A. If you have two, add Tour C.

And if Coron is next, don’t assume the only sensible move is another El Nido lettered tour. You have two very different ways to continue: take the ferry to Coron, or turn the journey itself into a multi-day island expedition.

Tour A shows you the famous side of El Nido. The islands between El Nido and Coron can show you the quieter one.