El Nido: Tour A (Big & Secret Lagoon, Shimizu, 7 Commando)

El Nido Tour A packs some of Palawan’s best-known scenery into one long morning and afternoon: Big Lagoon, a narrow entrance to Secret Lagoon, a beach stop at 7 Commando, and coral snorkeling near Shimizu Island. I like the mix of active stops and downtime, and the buffet lunch and bottled water keep the $23 base price practical. You should budget extra for the environmental fee, lagoon entrance, kayak, and gear.

I also like that the guide stays with the group in English and that the operator has been helpful with practical questions and even ferry tickets to Coron. The main concern is boat reliability. One recent outing had a broken boat, a long wait, and a replacement boat in poor condition, while communication from the crew was weak. Weather can also cancel or change the day.

Key points to know before booking

• Big Lagoon is the main event: Expect striking limestone scenery, clear water, and the option to explore by kayak.
• Secret Lagoon requires a narrow entrance: The approach adds a small sense of adventure, but the stop may feel busy during popular departure times.
• Shimizu Island allows 105 minutes: This is your best stretch of time for lunch, swimming, and optional snorkeling.
• Extra fees raise the real cost: Add P400 for the environmental fee, P200 for Big Lagoon, and optional charges for kayak and equipment.
• The tour is shared: You will spend the day with other people unless you arrange a private option.
• Check the meeting time: The information gives both 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM at Grounded 100% Arabica Coffee, so confirm before you go.

Why Tour A remains El Nido’s classic day out

If you have only one full day for an island excursion in El Nido, Tour A gives you a sensible spread of scenery. You get towering limestone cliffs, sheltered lagoons, a sandy beach, and time in the water rather than spending every minute moving between photo stops.

The tour costs $23 per person before local charges. That is a low starting price for a day that includes transport by boat, an English-speaking guide, a buffet lunch, and 300 milliliters of bottled water. The final bill is higher once you add the P400 environmental fee and P200 Big Lagoon entrance fee. Kayak rental costs P300, while snorkeling gear and aqua shoes are P100 each if you need them.

For me, the value is strongest if you already have a mask or are happy to enjoy the water without extra equipment. The tour gives you access to several of El Nido’s signature locations without arranging separate boat transfers. The tradeoff is a shared group, fixed timing, and less control over how long you stay at each place.

Starting at Grounded Arabica Coffee

The stated meeting point is Grounded 100% Arabica Coffee, El Nido Branch. The information gives 8:30 AM in one place and 9:00 AM in another, so this is not a detail to guess about. Confirm the exact reporting time with Akingventures Travel & Tours before the morning of departure.

The meeting point is in El Nido town, and the route information includes a 15-minute walk before reaching the boat area. Wear footwear that can handle both pavement and a wet boat deck. You will eventually finish at Bacuit Bay Floating Dock 1, rather than returning to the coffee shop.

Plan for an approximately seven-hour outing, with the stated return time around 4:30 PM. Another description gives the full duration as 7.5 hours. In practical terms, keep the rest of your afternoon light. Boat delays, weather, loading, and local harbor procedures can all affect the clock.

Seven Commando Beach gives you an easy first stop

Seven Commando Beach is scheduled for about 45 minutes. This is a useful opening stop because you can settle into the pace of the day before the more dramatic lagoon visits.

You can expect time for photos, swimming, and relaxing beside the water. The appeal is simple: after gathering at the meeting point and walking to the boat, you get a chance to stretch out on a beach instead of immediately moving into another activity.

Forty-five minutes passes quickly. I would treat this as a short introduction, not a full beach day. If your priority is long, quiet time on sand, the schedule may feel rushed. If you want variety, the brief visit works well because it leaves room for the lagoons and Shimizu Island.

Big Lagoon is the visual centerpiece

Big Lagoon is the stop most likely to define your day. Its enclosed water, high limestone walls, and striking scenery create the classic El Nido view. The setting is also suited to slow exploration by kayak, which is why many people choose to pay the additional P300 rental fee.

The Big Lagoon entrance fee is P200 and is separate from the tour price. That charge is easy to overlook when comparing cheap boat tours, so include it in your budget. The environmental fee is another P400, and if you have already paid it for an earlier excursion, the issued copy remains valid for five days. Bring that proof with you.

The supplied information mentions the Small Lagoon in the overview, but the detailed route specifically names Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon. Because the stop list is not perfectly consistent, ask the operator before departure if Small Lagoon is included on your particular departure. Do not assume you will see all three.

Big Lagoon is also where kayaking can change the experience. From a kayak, you can move at your own pace and get closer to the water. If you prefer not to paddle, you can still take in the scenery from the boat and enjoy the stop without adding the rental fee. The exact arrangement depends on the day’s conditions and group operation.

Shimizu Island allows time to slow down

Shimizu Island receives the longest scheduled stop, about 105 minutes. That matters. You are not simply stepping ashore for a quick photograph before being called back to the boat.

The island combines beach time, lunch, and optional snorkeling. The buffet lunch is included, along with a 300-milliliter bottle of water. You should still bring more water and a few snacks, especially if you spend much of the stop swimming or snorkeling.

The snorkeling area is described as having colorful coral reefs and plenty of marine life. Bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them, or rent equipment for P100. Aqua shoes are also available for P100. The rules are clear: do not touch marine life or plants, and do not litter. Those instructions are not decoration. Coral and shallow-water habitats are easily damaged by careless hands and feet.

Weather affects how rewarding this stop feels. On a calm day, snorkeling and swimming should be central to your plans. During rougher conditions, you may spend more time on the beach or eating lunch. One recent outing took place during stormy weather, and the guides were praised for keeping close watch on the group and putting safety first. That is reassuring, but it also shows why the weather notice matters.

Secret Lagoon uses a narrow entrance

Secret Lagoon is reached through a narrow opening, which gives the stop its character. You leave the open bay and pass through a tight entrance into a smaller, enclosed area. The setting feels more tucked away than Big Lagoon, though it is still part of a popular shared route.

The planned visit lasts about an hour. You can expect time to look around, take photographs, and enjoy the water if conditions allow. The stop is less about covering distance and more about seeing how a small opening leads to a sheltered place.

If you dislike squeezing through narrow spaces or find busy access points uncomfortable, keep that in mind. The attraction is the passage itself, and the route may require patience when several groups arrive at once. Still, it adds a different kind of experience to the day. Big Lagoon gives you scale, while Secret Lagoon gives you a more enclosed setting.

The boat matters more than the brochure suggests

A boat tour is only as enjoyable as the boat and crew running it. Most of the supplied feedback is favorable about the human side of the operation, particularly the guide’s friendly and attentive approach. One person also received useful help from Mark at the company office, including answers to pre-tour questions, assistance with registration and snorkeling gear, and help buying ferry tickets to Coron afterward.

That practical support is worth noting if you are connecting El Nido with another Palawan destination. It does not replace checking your own ferry plans, but it suggests the company can help with questions beyond the boat trip.

There is also a serious caution. One January 2026 departure began with a broken boat, followed by a 1.5-hour wait for a replacement. The replacement was described as being in poor condition, with uncertainty at each stop about whether it would continue running. Communication from the crew was also limited.

That account may not represent every departure, but it is important enough to affect your decision. If your schedule is tight, avoid booking this tour on the same day as a flight or ferry. Ask about the boat and departure status before setting out, and keep your expectations flexible.

What to pack for a more comfortable day

The official advice is sensible: bring a hat, swimwear, camera, sunscreen, snacks, and water. I would wear swimwear under light clothing so you are not trying to change in an awkward place. A dry bag or waterproof pouch is useful for phones and money, though one is not listed as provided.

Bring a copy of your environmental-fee receipt if you paid it earlier. The receipt is valid for five days, which can save you from paying again. If you have snorkeling gear or aqua shoes, packing your own may save the separate rental costs.

Smoking and littering are not allowed. Touching plants and marine life is also prohibited. Keep those rules in mind when you are tempted to steady yourself on coral or reach toward fish for a photograph.

The route includes beach and water activities, so sunscreen is essential. Reapply it during the day, especially after swimming. A hat helps during the boat ride and at the beach, while snacks give you a backup if you need food between scheduled stops.

Weather can change the whole day

Tours are subject to cancellation because of weather. This is a sensible safety rule in an area where the boat connects every stop, but it means you should build flexibility into your El Nido plans.

Stormy weather does not always mean the day is ruined. On one recent outing, the guides were careful and attentive despite poor conditions. Still, rain, wind, or rough water can reduce snorkeling time, affect comfort on the boat, and change how long you spend at a stop.

I would schedule Tour A early in your El Nido stay if possible. That gives you a chance to move the tour if weather cancels it. If you book it for your final day before a ferry or flight, the weather risk becomes more serious.

The cancellation policy allows a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours ahead. You can also reserve and pay later, which helps if your plans are still shifting. Those options are useful, but they do not solve a same-day weather change or boat delay, so keep spare time in your schedule.

Who will like this tour most

This trip suits you if you want to see several famous El Nido sites in one day and do not mind sharing the boat. It works particularly well for first-time visitors who want a broad introduction rather than a slow, private day at one beach.

You will get the most from it if you enjoy a mix of activities: short beach visits, lagoon scenery, snorkeling, lunch, and boat travel. The 105-minute Shimizu Island stop is helpful if you want time to eat and swim without rushing through every location.

It may be less suitable if you want a private boat, guaranteed boat comfort, or complete control over the schedule. The low starting price also requires careful budgeting because entrance and environmental fees come later. People with a very tight onward schedule should choose a tour day that leaves a generous buffer.

The English guide is another plus for visitors who want directions and safety information in English. No guide name is supplied in the booking details, so ask for the name and group instructions when you check in. The guide’s attitude can make a shared tour feel much easier, especially during water activities and weather changes.

Should you book El Nido Tour A?

Book it if you want a reasonably priced introduction to El Nido’s most famous scenery, with Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and 7 Commando Beach in one day. I especially like the balance between major views and real time for lunch, snorkeling, and rest.

Before paying, calculate the likely extras: P400 environmental fee, P200 Big Lagoon fee, and up to P300 for a kayak. Confirm the meeting time, ask whether Small Lagoon is included, and leave room for weather or mechanical delays.

My advice is a qualified yes. The scenery and itinerary offer good value, and the company has shown strong personal assistance in at least one booking experience. But ask about the boat before departure and avoid tying the tour to an important same-day connection. If you can accept a shared schedule and some operational uncertainty, Tour A is a solid way to meet El Nido’s famous lagoons.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet?

Meet at Grounded 100% Arabica Coffee, El Nido Branch.

What time should I arrive?

The provided information gives both 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM. Confirm the exact meeting time with Akingventures Travel & Tours before departure.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts about seven to 7.5 hours and is expected to return around 4:30 PM.

Which places are included?

The stated stops include Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and 7 Commando Beach. The overview also mentions Small Lagoon, so confirm if it is included on your departure.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet lunch and 300 milliliters of bottled water are included.

Is the environmental fee included?

No. The environmental fee costs P400. If you already paid it, the receipt is valid for five days and should be presented at checking.

Is the Big Lagoon entrance fee included?

No. The Big Lagoon entrance fee is P200.

Can I rent a kayak?

Yes. Kayak rental costs P300.

Are snorkeling equipment and aqua shoes included?

No. Snorkeling gear costs P100, and aqua shoes cost P100. Both are optional.

Is the tour private?

It is a shared group tour unless you book a private option.

What language does the guide speak?

The live tour guide speaks English.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.

Can weather cancel the tour?

Yes. Tours may be canceled because of weather conditions.