El Nido: Island Hopping Tour A Lagoons and Beaches
About This Experience
El Nido's Tour A is the most booked island experience in the Philippines, famous for the Big and Small Lagoons carved into the Bacuit Archipelago's ancient limestone cliffs. Starting from El Nido town port, your outrigger banca navigates to Miniloc Island, where the Big Lagoon's electric-blue channel opens into a cathedral of karst walls rising 50 meters above the water.
The Small Lagoon is accessible by kayak through a narrow crevice in the rock — guides carry kayaks on the boat for those who want to paddle in. Secret Lagoon, a hidden oval pool reached through a hip-height tunnel in the rock wall, is usually the crowd favorite. The afternoon loop includes 7 Commandos Beach (named for Second World War soldiers who sheltered here) and Shimizu Island's reef.
All boats carry snorkeling gear, a crew of two, and a packed buffet lunch served on the beach or aboard. Tour A runs daily, rain or shine, though high swells occasionally redirect the boat — guides swap for equivalent stops without notice.
Highlights
- Kayak or swim through the Big Lagoon's towering limestone corridor
- Squeeze through a rock crevice into the hidden Small Lagoon by kayak
- Discover Secret Lagoon via a hip-height tunnel carved in the cliff face
- Relax on 7 Commandos Beach — one of El Nido's finest sand stretches
- Snorkel the coral reef at Shimizu Island with provided gear
What's Included
- ✓ Shared outrigger banca with crew
- ✓ Snorkeling equipment and life vest
- ✓ Buffet beach lunch
- ✓ Kayak access at Small Lagoon
- ✓ Environmental fees and lagoon entrance charges
Not Included
- El Nido town terminal fee (PHP 200, collected at port)
- Drinks and personal snacks
- Tips for boat crew and guide
- Travel insurance
What to Bring
- Reef-safe sunscreen (required — marine sanctuary)
- Waterproof bag or dry sack
- Swimwear and rash guard
- Sandals (rocky landings at some stops)
- Cash for terminal fee and tips
Good to Know & Caveats
- Terminal fee of PHP 200 (~$3.50) paid separately at El Nido port before boarding
- Departs 8:00–9:00 AM; returns 4:00–5:00 PM
- Shared tour: expect 10–15 other guests on the same banca
- Kayaks at Small Lagoon are shared — brief queues in peak season (Dec–Mar)
- 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 the Big and Small Lagoons; Tour B goes to Snake Island and caves; Tour C explores hidden beaches and Matinloc Shrine; Tour D heads to Cadlao and Bukal Islands. Most visitors do Tour A first.
Is snorkeling equipment included?
Yes — mask, fins, and a life vest are provided. Kayaks are also on board for the Small Lagoon section.
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.
