An Honest Review of El Nido Tour A
El Nido offers four main island-hopping tours: Tours A, B, C, and D. Among them, Tour A is by far the most popular. After joining it myself, I understand why it’s often called the classic must-do for first-time visitors.
The tour covers El Nido’s most iconic spots: Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Twin Rocks, and Seven Commandos Beach. Imagine towering limestone cliffs, calm emerald water, and white-sand beaches; it truly feels like a movie scene.
However, its popularity means crowds, especially in peak season. To avoid the hassle, I booked the tour through my hotel, S Resort El Nido, with H Hospitality Travel & Tours. One simple call took care of all the arrangements. Overall, I had a great trip and felt well taken care of.
Below, I’ll share my personal experience from tour A, along with local booking tips and a detailed breakdown of each stop.
El Nido Tour A itinerary：Big Lagoon
Big Lagoon, located on Miniloc Island, is the most iconic attraction in El Nido. This protected lagoon is world-renowned for its towering limestone cliffs, calm emerald waters, and breathtaking natural scenery. To preserve its peaceful environment, motorized boats are restricted from entering, ensuring the area remains pristine.
While kayaking through Big Lagoon, I was completely captivated by the views and the serene atmosphere. The water is so crystal clear that I felt as if I were gliding through a postcard. It’s easy to see why this spot is the highlight of everyone’s trip.
Pro-Tip: Renting a kayak is an additional cost(approximately PHP 300 for two people per boat)and is not included in the standard tour fee.
El Nido Tour A itinerary：Secret Lagoon
Secret Lagoon, also known as Hidden Lagoon, is one of the most iconic stops on El Nido’s Tour A, located on the southern coast of Miniloc Island.
True to its name, the lagoon remains tucked away behind a massive limestone wall. To enter this hidden paradise, you usually have to wait in line with your fellow boatmates, wade through shallow water, and squeeze through a narrow, circular opening in the rock. The moment you step inside, you immediately feel like stepping into a hidden world.
Our guide shared interesting stories about the limestone formations inside, including one shaped like a crocodile hanging upside down from the rock face. It’s a sight you have to see for yourself!
As you exit, a small beach awaits nearby. Our guide also mentioned that this spot was used as a filming site for the Filipino movie The Last Resort. Standing there, it’s easy to see why; it truly feels like a scene straight out of a film.
El Nido Tour A itinerary：Payong Payong Beach
Payong-Payong Beach is a hidden paradise on the eastern side of Miniloc Island, known for its soft white sand, towering limestone formations, and gentle waves.
Its name comes from the Filipino word “payong,” meaning umbrella, referring to the unique overhanging rock formations that provide natural shade along the shoreline.
The beach is often used as a picnic and lunch stop due to its calm setting and shaded areas, making it a perfect place to rest between adventure stops.
El Nido Tour A itinerary：Shimizu Island
Shimizu Island was named after a Japanese diver, Shimizu, who tragically lost his life while exploring a nearby underwater tunnel.
Knowing this story made me pause for a moment upon arrival, but the island itself was absolutely breathtaking. The crystal-clear turquoise waters, soft white sand, and colorful coral reefs made it feel like a secluded paradise. We enjoyed our lunch here, sitting on the beach and watching the gentle waves while soaking in the peaceful beauty. It’s truly one of the most stunning spots in El Nido.
El Nido Tour A itinerary：Twin Rocks
Next, we headed to Twin Rocks for snorkeling. Located on the North Side of Miniloc Island near Small Lagoon, Twin Rocks is named after two identical limestone formations that break the water’s surface. This spot is a sanctuary for marine biodiversity.
Beneath the surface, the coral reefs were bursting with colorful fish. Floating above this lively underwater world felt like stepping into another universe. If you love snorkeling or diving, and want to see El Nido’s marine life up close, this is a must-do!
Pro-Tip: Be sure to inform your guide in advance about your swimming ability for safety and comfort.
El Nido Tour A itinerary：Seven Commandos Beach
Seven Commandos Beach is known for its long stretch of soft white sand, clear turquoise water, coconut trees, and dramatic limestone cliffs.
Its name comes from a local legend about seven soldiers stranded here during World War II.
Unlike the narrow lagoons we visited earlier, this beach offers wide open-sea views of the Bacuit Archipelago. I loved sitting on the sand, feeling the gentle sea breeze, and quietly taking in the scenery.It is truly the perfect spot to unwind after a full day of island hopping. Of course, many people didn’t skip the last bit of fun, playing beach volleyball here or swimming in the ocean.
Pro-Tip: At this stop, the boat anchors offshore and returns only at the scheduled pickup time. There are designated swimming and activity areas, so be sure to stay within the marked safe zones when entering the water.
Important Notice: Tour itineraries may be adjusted due to weather conditions or time constraints. The actual schedule is determined by your guide based on the day’s conditions to ensure safety and the best experience.
El Nido Tour A vs Tour C
Aside from Tour A, Tour C is another highly popular island-hopping option. Having experienced both, I can personally say they are both incredible! However, I understand that many travelers may not have the time to do both, so here is a quick overview to help you decide.
Ultimately, your choice depends on your interests, budget, and the amount of time you have in Palawan.
- Choose Tour A if you want to visit El Nido’s most iconic and photogenic lagoons with minimal physical effort.
- Choose Tour C if you love snorkeling and want to explore hidden beaches and more adventurous landscapes.
For the ultimate El Nido experience, I highly recommend booking both. Most travelers agree that these two itineraries offer the best island-hopping experiences in the Philippines.
| El Nido Tour Type | El Nido Tour A | Tour C |
| Feature | Iconic Lagoons | Hidden Beaches& Snorkeling Adventure |
| Duration(Approx.) | 6-8 hours | 6-8 hours |
| Price(Approx.) | PHP 1,200 ($20 USD) | PHP 1,400 ($27 USD) |
| Main Stops | Big LagoonSecret LagoonPayong-Payong BeachShimizu IslandSeven Commandos Beach | Hidden BeachSecret BeachHelicopter IslandTalisay BeachMatinloc Shrine |
| Pros | El Nido’s most iconic sceneryCalmer waters | Excellent snorkeling experienceDramatic landscapesFewer crowds |
| Cons | Very crowdedExtra lagoon fees apply | Cancellation due to weather conditionThe most expensive tourMore physically demanding |
| The Vibe | Relaxed and scenic | Rugged and adventurous |
| Best For | First-timers, families, and photographers | Strong swimmers, snorkelers, and adventure seekers |
Where to Book El Nido Tour A: Local Booking Tips
This was my first time visiting El Nido, and I chose not to pre-book my island-hopping tour through online platforms. I had heard negative feedback from friends and other travelers regarding issues like late pickups, long wait times on boats, and delays at the harbor. Because of these concerns, I chose to book locally instead.
While walking around El Nido town, I saw countless advertisements, signboards, and tour agencies. Even tricycle drivers were selling tour packages, which made the decision quite overwhelming.
After checking Google reviews and consulting with my hotel concierge, I decided to book through my hotel with their local vendor, H Hospitality Travel & Tours, and the overall experience was excellent.
The hotel handled everything for me: the tour prices were consistent with other agencies in town, and all details were clearly explained from the start, with no hidden costs or last-minute add-ons. Dietary requests, such as vegetarian meals, could also be arranged in advance. They even coordinated private pickup and snorkeling equipment for me. So, on the day of the tour, all I had to do was show up in the lobby on time.
The entire process was effortless and stress-free. If you prefer to book locally but don’t want to spend time negotiating or dealing with logistics, this is a great option.
Where to Book
Online Platforms
Platforms like Klook or GetYourGuide offer guaranteed slots, clear cancellation policies, and often all-inclusive pricing. This is ideal for travelers who prefer to plan their trips in advance. However, as mentioned earlier: after reading many reviews about late pickups and long wait times, I hesitated to book through these platforms.
Based on my on-site observations, some waiting is actually unavoidable. After arriving at the beach, boats take turns picking up guests before heading back out to sea, so a rotation and waiting process is part of how the system works.
In my experience, what truly affects the overall experience is the boat company’s level of experience, operational efficiency, and the attitude of the staff. These factors often determine how you feel during the wait and how enjoyable the entire trip turns out to be.
Local Agency
Tour agencies are everywhere in town. Prices are generally standardized, with most tours typically costing around PHP 1,200–1,400, though inclusions may vary by agency. While prices can be negotiated in some cases, it is important to be mindful of the service quality and consistency when booking with smaller street vendors.
Hotel/Hostel
For me, this was the most convenient and reliable option. The tour price was the same as elsewhere in town, and with just one call to the hotel front desk, all arrangements were taken care of. On the day of departure, the hotel staff even helped coordinate directly with my local guide. I highly recommend H Hospitality Travel & Tours; the entire experience was smooth, well-organized, and completely stress-free.
Local Pro-Tips
Shared boat tours
This is the most common option, ideal for travelers who enjoy meeting new people, prefer a budget-friendly choice, and love a lively, social atmosphere on the boat.
From my experience, a good guide makes a huge difference. I was lucky to have a guide who was humorous and great at setting the mood. Even though the tour was shared with several groups, the overall atmosphere remained relaxed and enjoyable.
Notes: season, boats have maximum capacity limits, so booking in advance is highly recommended. Tour paperwork is usually finalized the night before departure.
Private Tours
Private boat tours are also available, with prices varying based on group size and whether you choose a speedboat or a traditional outrigger boat (typically around PHP 9,000–12,000). If your budget allows, private tours offer more flexibility and better control over timing, making it easier to avoid crowds.
Check Inclusions & Exclusions
Most base prices exclude the PHP 400 Eco-Tourism Fee and PHP 200 Lagoon Fee. Additionally, many companies exclude the cost of kayak rentals, snorkeling gear, and water shoes.
If you plan to participate in water activities, it’s essential to confirm what is included when booking. Otherwise, you will need to pay rental fees directly to the guide onboard or to beach vendors. Fortunately, the package I booked with H Hospitality Travel & Tours included snorkeling equipment, saving me both time and hassle.
Dietary requirements
El Nido is surprisingly vegetarian-friendly. If you have specific dietary needs, it is highly recommended to inform the boat company in advance, as they are usually happy to accommodate requests. (My travel companion is vegetarian, and she received a dedicated vegetarian lunch set prepared especially for her.)
Keep Your Receipt
The Eco-Tourism Fee is valid for 5 days. If you plan to join multiple island-hopping tours, keep your receipt so you don’t have to pay the fee again.
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Conclusion
El Nido Tour A truly lives up to its reputation as a classic island-hopping experience. While the tour can feel crowded during peak season, good planning, such as booking early or arranging it through a reliable hotel or agency, can make a big difference.
If you want to see El Nido’s most famous sights in a limited time, Tour A is absolutely worth doing and remains a highlight of any trip to Palawan.
Lastly, remember to show your appreciation with a small tip for your guide and boat crew; their hard work is what makes the journey truly memorable!
