El Nido Island Hopping Tour A with Lunch

El Nido rewards early risers. This island-hopping trip packs white-sand beaches, clear water, limestone scenery, lunch, boat transfers, and a local guide into six to eight hours. I like the generous meal, which can include fruit, vegetables, fish, chicken, pork, and plenty of rice. I also like the choice of tour themes, including lagoons and beaches or caves and coves.

The main caution is cost clarity. The advertised price is only $24 per person, but you may also need to pay the ₱400 environmental fee, a ₱200 Big Lagoon fee, and extra charges for kayaking, snorkeling gear, or aqua shoes. The schedule can also feel busy, especially when a lagoon stop fills with boats.

Five things to know before you book

• Lunch is a real strength: The meal may include fruit, vegetables, fish, chicken, pork, and rice, with vegan options arranged when requested.
• The meeting point is central: You meet at Mabuhay Sports Bar in downtown El Nido at 9:00 a.m. and return there after the tour.
• The group can reach 30 people: That keeps the price low, but expect a shared boat rather than a quiet private outing.
• The lagoon may cost extra: A ₱200 Big Lagoon user fee applies, and kayak rental is listed at ₱350 per person.
• Boarding may involve water: One account describes wading through chest-high water to reach the boat ladder, so wear clothing and footwear suited to getting wet.
• The tour runs on weather: Poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund, while cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not refundable.

What the $24 price really covers

At $24, this is an inexpensive way to see El Nido’s famous island scenery. Your basic package includes boat transfers, a local guide, and lunch. That is a useful bundle, since arranging a boat and meal separately can take more time and planning.

Still, treat the headline price as the starting point, not the final bill. The El Nido Eco-Tourism Development Fee is listed as ₱400 per person. A separate Big Lagoon user fee is ₱200 per person, and a kayak for the lagoon costs ₱350 per person. Snorkeling equipment is listed at ₱150, while aqua shoes cost ₱150 to rent.

These charges are not necessarily unusual for El Nido, but they can catch you off guard if you arrive with only the advertised price in mind. I would budget for the environmental fee and lagoon fee first, then decide on kayaking and equipment once you know what you need.

The price is strongest for people who want a full day on the water without paying for a private boat. If you want a flexible schedule, extra time at each beach, or quiet stops away from other boats, a private arrangement may suit you better.

Meeting at Mabuhay Sports Bar at 9:00 a.m.

The tour begins at Mabuhay Sports Bar in El Nido, Palawan. Round-trip transport from downtown El Nido is included, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Plan to arrive with enough time to find the meeting place and sort out any fees before departure. The tour lasts about six to eight hours, so you should expect to spend most of the day outside, on beaches, in the boat, or in the water.

Boat boarding deserves practical attention. Conditions can vary, and one account describes getting into the boat by wading through chest-high water before reaching the ladder. That may not happen every day, but it is sensible to wear swimwear under light clothing and use a waterproof bag for phones, cash, and passports.

The maximum group size is 30 people. That is manageable for a popular shared excursion, though movement at beaches and lagoons may take longer when everyone gets off the boat at once.

Secret Lagoon, a small opening with a big payoff

Secret Lagoon is listed as the first stop, with about 30 minutes allowed. The attraction is tucked inside an island behind a small opening, with a white-sand beach and clear water outside.

This stop gives you two different settings in a short space. You can enjoy the beach, look across the surrounding limestone, and enter the lagoon itself. The approach and entrance are part of the appeal, though the narrow access can feel crowded when several boats arrive together.

Thirty minutes is enough to see the site and take photographs, but it is not a leisurely beach visit. If you want long swims or plenty of time inside the lagoon, the schedule may feel tight.

You should also note that the listed schedule includes a Big Lagoon fee and kayak rental information. The exact stops can vary by the selected tour option and the day’s arrangements, so confirm whether your route includes Big Lagoon before you pay for a kayak. A kayak is listed at ₱350 per person, and it is not included in the base price.

Shimizu Island, shade and easy swimming

Shimizu Island follows with another 30-minute stop. Its white-sand beach is backed by green trees, giving you some welcome shade after time on the boat.

The water is clear and suitable for swimming, and the beach offers a simple place to cool off. This is not a stop built around a long walk or a major attraction. Its value is the easy combination of sand, shade, and water.

The short time limit matters here. You may need to choose between sitting under the trees, swimming, taking photos, and using any available snorkeling equipment. If your main goal is to swim, head for the water soon rather than spending the whole stop on the beach.

Snorkeling equipment is listed separately at ₱150 per person. Free snorkel equipment is also mentioned in the general tour description, so this is one detail I would clarify before departure. The information gives two different indications about the cost, and you do not want to pay twice for the same item.

Seven Commando Beach, the longest beach stop

Seven Commando Beach receives about one hour, making it the longest named stop in the schedule. Limestone cliffs and thick greenery frame the beach, creating a good setting for a longer swim, rest, or casual walk.

This stop feels less rushed than the two 30-minute visits. You have time to dry off, enjoy the scenery, and let the day slow down before returning to the boat.

The beach is exposed to the elements, so bring sun protection and water. The tour includes lunch, but the exact serving time may vary with the route. A strong appetite is no problem here, since the meal is reported to include a large spread of fruit, vegetables, fish, chicken, pork, and rice.

Food is one of the strongest parts of this trip. The meal is more substantial than a quick packed snack, and the crew has arranged vegan food when requested. If you have dietary needs, state them clearly when booking and remind the crew before lunch.

Three tour themes, not just one route

The experience offers three tour options, each built around five island stops with a different focus. The themes are described as hidden beaches and shrines, lagoons and beaches, and caves and coves.

Tour A is commonly associated with lagoon and beach sightseeing, and the named schedule includes Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Seven Commando Beach. However, the supplied timing lists only those three stops, while the overall description says each option visits five islands. Ask the operator to confirm the complete stop list for your chosen date.

That small check can improve your expectations. If you imagine five long beach visits, the actual day may feel rushed. If you understand that some stops are brief photo and swim breaks, the pace will make more sense.

The different themes are useful for repeat visits to El Nido. You can select a lagoon-focused day for dramatic rock formations and clear water, or choose caves, coves, beaches, and shrines if you prefer more variety. The best choice depends on what you value most, since no shared tour can give every site equal time.

The guide and crew make the difference

The guide is not just there to point at islands. A helpful crew keeps boarding orderly, assists with swimming and kayaking, and helps you make the most of short stops.

A guide named Ariel receives specific praise for being attentive and helpful. The crew is also described as friendly and service-minded, including help with a vegan lunch request. Another account notes that the boat went in the reverse direction from many other tours, which reduced crowding and made the day more pleasant.

That route choice can matter more than an extra few minutes at one beach. El Nido’s best-known sites can become crowded, so visiting in a different order may give you a calmer experience. The operator cannot guarantee an empty lagoon, but a flexible route is a worthwhile advantage.

Not every part is perfectly organized. One account describes the day as disorganized but still enjoyable because the guide and crew were kind and helpful. I would book this with a relaxed attitude. Shared island tours involve tide levels, boat traffic, weather, and changing site conditions.

Lunch, snorkeling, and the useful extras

The included lunch adds real value. The meal may contain several main dishes, vegetables, fruit, and rice, rather than just one basic serving. For a long day in the sun, that matters.

Ask about special meals in advance. Vegan food has been arranged before, but dietary requests should never be left to chance at the dock.

The tour information mentions snorkel equipment, while the cost section lists snorkeling equipment at ₱150 per person. Bring your own mask if you have one and prefer a known fit. If not, confirm the rental charge before using equipment.

Aqua shoes are available for ₱150. They may be useful around rocky entries, but you do not have to rent them unless you want extra foot protection. Comfortable sandals or water-friendly shoes are practical, especially given the possibility of wet boarding.

Kayaking is especially relevant if Big Lagoon is included. The rental fee is ₱350 per person, and one account describes kayaking as a highlight. If paddling is not your thing, ask how much of the stop requires a kayak and what alternatives are available.

Who will enjoy this shared boat day?

I would recommend the tour to you if you want a straightforward introduction to El Nido’s beaches, lagoons, and limestone islands. It suits couples, friends, solo visitors, and families who value a low price and a full day outdoors.

It is also a good fit if lunch and downtown transport matter to you. You do not need to arrange a separate boat, guide, or meal, and the 30-person limit prevents the group from becoming unlimited in size.

You may want another option if you dislike fixed schedules, crowded sites, or additional fees. The 30-minute stops leave little room for lingering, and the lagoon-related charges can raise the total cost.

People with limited comfort around water should also plan carefully. Most people can participate, but boarding may involve wading, and several activities center on swimming, kayaking, or beach access. The weather can also cancel the tour, with a choice of a different date or a full refund in that case.

Cancellation and final booking advice

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the 9:00 a.m. start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund, and the cut-off follows local time.

The tour receives a 4.2 rating from 86 ratings, which fits the overall picture: strong scenery, good food, and helpful staff, balanced by occasional organization issues and confusion about extra fees.

Book it if you want the classic El Nido island day at a modest starting price and you are happy to share the boat. Before paying, confirm the complete five-stop route, ask how the lagoon fees apply, and clarify snorkeling equipment. Those three questions remove most of the uncertainty.

Skip it if you want a private, slow-paced day with no add-on costs. For everyone else, the beaches, attentive crew, generous lunch, and chance of a less crowded route make this a sensible first island-hopping choice.

FAQ

Where does the El Nido Island Hopping Tour A begin?

The meeting point is Mabuhay Sports Bar in El Nido, Palawan.

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 9:00 a.m.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point at Mabuhay Sports Bar.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately six to eight hours.

What is included in the tour?

Lunch, a local guide, and boat transfers are included.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 30 people.

Is the El Nido environmental fee included?

No. The El Nido Eco-Tourism Development Fee of ₱400 per person is listed as an extra charge.

Is the Big Lagoon fee included?

No. The Big Lagoon user fee of ₱200 per person is listed separately.

How much does kayak rental cost?

Kayak rental for access to Big Lagoon is listed at ₱350 per person.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not refundable.