El Nido Tour A – Group with Buffet Lunch & Island Hopping

El Nido Tour A – Group with Buffet Lunch & Island Hopping

Tour A is El Nido’s most popular island-hopping adventure. Kayak into the stunning Big Lagoon with its dramatic karst limestone walls, relax on Shimizu Island’s white sand, and snorkel at Seven Commando and Payong-Payong Beach. Enjoy crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and a delicious buffet lunch on the boat. Small group, expert guide – a must-do for unforgettable El Nido memories.

4.3
$ 55
8 hours
603 + bookings
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Overview

The dramatic karst limestone walls of the Big Lagoon and the powder-white sands of Shimizu Island serve as the stage for this 7 to 8-hour high-impact island expedition.

Provided by El Nido Tours, this "Badge of Excellence" journey transitions from the vibrant El Nido Town to the most iconic emerald waters in the Philippines.

You move from the educational discovery of hidden cave entrances to an active exploration of pristine reef systems, experiencing an environment where a professional boat crew and a traditional beach buffet define the week's energy.

Because this is a highly popular coastal activity frequently booked by international travelers, you should secure your Tour A slot early to ensure a 2026 seat on the outrigger for your Palawan adventure.

What's Included

  • Buffet Lunch on the Beach
  • Town-area Pickup Service
  • Big Lagoon Entrance Fee
  • Environmental Fee (Valid 14 days)
  • Licensed Tour Guides
  • Mask and Snorkel (P100 rental)
  • Kayak Rental (P400 for 2 persons)
  • Bottled Water or Soda
  • Pickup outside El Nido Town
  • International Travel Insurance

Itinerary

  1. The journey begins at 09:00 AM at Hama Coffee. You’ll perform a transition from the pier to the Big Lagoon, a scenic, narrow waterway. You’ll gain an initial window into the 2026 landscape, navigating striking blue waters surrounded by dark limestone cliffs. This session offers a contrast between the deep quiet of the lagoon and the active energy of travelers kayaking through the narrow entrance.
  2. The core of the expedition involves an immersive discovery of Shimizu Island, a favorite spot for snorkeling with sea turtles. You’ll perform a search for marine life before enjoying a local buffet lunch prepared on the beach. Afterward, the route moves to the Secret Lagoon, accessible only through a small cave opening, and Payong-Payong Beach, known for its towering cliffs and white sand.
  3. The final phase moves to the serene Seven Commando Beach. You’ll have a final opportunity to relax under palm trees, visit the beach bar, or swim in the turquoise water. The session concludes with a return journey to El Nido Town, leaving you back at the meeting point with new 2026 memories by the 8-hour mark.

Expect a "fantastic," well-paced, and highly professional immersion into Palawan’s premier island destination. The transition from the boat to the lagoons is managed by a crew noted for being "all about safety and helpfulness," ensuring that even non-swimmers can experience the beauty of the islands. The environment is one of monumental scenery, where the combination of turquoise water and karst limestone provides a vertical refresh for backpackers and families alike. Note that a moderate level of physical activity is a necessity for entering the Secret Lagoon cave and maneuvering kayaks.

El Nido Tour A Insider Secrets

  • Bring your P400 for the kayak rental; the vertical standard of the 2026 Big Lagoon experience involves paddling into the shallow areas where the outrigger boat cannot reach.

  • Our agency finds that travelers who choose Tour A over Tour B often cite the professional safety standards and superior "great vibes" of the crew as the primary highlight of their 2026 Palawan stay.

  • If you are not a confident swimmer, let guides like Albert or Ramon know; the standard of this 2026 tour involves personalized assistance, often using the small boat to ferry guests directly to the beach.

  • Arrive at Hama Coffee 15 minutes prior to departure; the check-in and gear-fitting process for masks and snorkels is a necessity for a prompt 2026 start to beat the midday crowds.

Best Time to Visit

The water clarity and lagoon accessibility change throughout the 2026 season.

Season Months The Experience The Trade-off
Crystal Peak Jan – March The best probability of glassy, turquoise waters and clear 2026 snorkeling visibility at Shimizu. High interest; since Tour A is a "Popular Pick," we suggest booking at least 1 week in advance.
Summer Surge April – May The longest 2026 daylight hours for beach relaxation and sunbathing at Seven Commando. Peak heat; applying high-SPF reef-safe sunscreen is a 2026 vertical necessity for the exposed boat transits.
Misty Monsoon June – Oct The most dramatic vertical views of the limestone cliffs against the 2026 storm clouds. Higher rainfall; tours may be subject to coast guard cancellation, making a flexible 2026 schedule a survival necessity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do we meet?

At the entrance of Hama Coffee in El Nido Town at 09:00 AM.

Is food included?

Yes, a buffet lunch with local food is served on the beach during the tour.

What if I don't swim?

The tour is suitable for non-swimmers; the staff is patient and will help you get in and out of the boat.

Do I need to pay fees?

The environmental fee (P400) and lagoon fee (P200) are included in this 2026 package price.

Can I rent gear?

Yes, masks and snorkels can be rented for P100 per set before the boat departs.

Book it today with El Nido Tours or simply following this link.

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