El Nido: Island Hopping Tour A Lagoons and Beaches
About This Experience
El Nido's Tour A is the classic first-time island-hopping route, built around the lagoons of Miniloc Island in Bacuit Bay. The headline stop is Big Lagoon, where you leave the boat and paddle a kayak through a narrow channel into a wide lagoon walled by limestone cliffs. Entry to Big Lagoon is limited; if no slots are left, the operator visits a different spot or refunds you.
Secret Lagoon is a small enclosed pool reached through an opening in the rock. The rest of the day is beaches and water time: snorkelling and swimming at Shimizu Island and the palm-backed sand of Seven Commandos Beach, with lunch along the way.
The El Nido Eco-Tourism Development Fee (PHP 400, valid for 10 days), the Big Lagoon entry fee (PHP 200) and kayak rental are paid on top of the tour price. Weather and sea conditions can change the order of stops or replace one.
Highlights
- Kayak through the Big Lagoon's limestone corridor (kayak rental paid on the day)
- Slip through a small rock opening into the enclosed Secret Lagoon
- Relax on 7 Commandos Beach, one of El Nido's best-known stretches of sand
- Snorkel and swim at Shimizu Island
- Buffet lunch served during the day
What's Included
- ✓ Licensed tour guide
- ✓ Shared boat tour of the islands
- ✓ Life vests
- ✓ Lunch
Not Included
- El Nido Eco-Tourism Development Fee (PHP 400 per person, valid 10 days)
- Big Lagoon entry fee (PHP 200 per person)
- Kayak, aqua shoes and fins (available to rent)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Tips
What to Bring
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Waterproof bag or dry sack
- Swimwear and rash guard
- Passport or ID card
- Cash for the ETDF, Big Lagoon fee, kayak rental and tips
Good to Know & Caveats
- Pay the PHP 400 Eco-Tourism Development Fee before boarding; keep the receipt for later tours within 10 days
- Big Lagoon entry (PHP 200) and kayak rental are paid separately
- Duration 6 to 8 hours
- Entry to Big Lagoon is limited; if slots run out you visit a different spot or get a refund
- Wildlife sightings (sea turtles, reef fish) are possible but not guaranteed
Not Suitable For
- Guests who get seasick easily (open water between islands can be choppy)
- Non-swimmers uncomfortable in deep open water (life vests provided)
Meeting Point
El Nido Main Pier / Poblacion Port — meet your boatman holding the tour sign at 8:00 AM
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Tour A, B, C, and D?
Tour A covers Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island and Seven Commandos Beach; Tour B goes to Snake Island and the caves; Tour C explores Hidden Beach, Secret Beach and Matinloc Shrine; Tour D heads to Cadlao Lagoon, Small Lagoon and the beaches near town. Most visitors do Tour A first.
Is snorkeling equipment included?
Life vests are included. Kayaks for Big Lagoon, plus aqua shoes and fins, are available to rent; check whether your booking option includes kayak rental.
Can I combine Tour A with another tour?
Tours typically run one per day. To do multiple tours, book them on separate days — operators run morning departures only.
What if weather causes cancellation?
Heavy weather cancellations are issued the evening before. Operators typically reschedule or refund per their policy; GYG offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.
