El Nido: Private/Exclusive Island Hopping Tour A BEST PRICE!

El Nido’s famous lagoons reward an early start. This eight-hour private Tour A takes you to Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Payong-Payong Beach, and Seven Commandos Beach, with time for swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and photos along the way. I like the exclusive boat, which lets your group adjust the order of stops, and I like the crew’s strong record for friendly, careful service. Guides such as Gabi, Jason, Renz, Cyron, Joshua, and Edward have been praised for safety, photos, and personal attention.

The main catch is that the $135 price per person does not cover every fee. You still pay the environmental charge, lagoon entrance fee, and kayak rental separately. Snorkel gear and fins are also extra, and the lunch received mixed feedback. Still, if you value space, flexible timing, and a quieter day on the water, this private trip can be worth the added cost over a shared boat.

Key Points Before You Book

• Big Lagoon is the main event: Black limestone cliffs frame bright blue water, with swimming and kayaking available once you enter.
• A private boat gives you control: Your guide can change the order of stops to help you avoid the largest crowds.
• The crew gets high marks: Friendly guides often help with photos, watch your safety, and adjust the day to suit the weather.
• Lunch is Filipino-style and buffet-based: Portions can be generous, but food quality and drink arrangements may not match every expectation.
• Bring water shoes and a dry bag: You may need to walk through shallow water to reach the boat, and coral or stones can make bare feet uncomfortable.
• Extra costs matter: Environmental and lagoon fees, kayak rental, and mask and snorkel hire are not included.

What the Private Tour A Experience Is Like

Tour A is El Nido’s classic lagoon route. It links several of the area’s best-known stops around Miniloc Island and nearby beaches. The setting is the reason people come here: towering limestone walls, small beaches, clear water, and sheltered coves.

This is not a quiet boat ride from beginning to end. El Nido is popular, and Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon can draw plenty of boats. The advantage here is that you have your own boat and guide. You can ask to change the order of the stops, and the crew can time your visits around the busiest periods when conditions allow.

The trip starts with pickup in El Nido. Free tuk-tuk pickup is offered within one kilometer of Corong-Corong Beach, and the short ride to the departure point takes about five minutes. Hotel drop-off is not included, so you need to arrange your own return after the boat comes back.

The boat is licensed, and a licensed guide and crew accompany you. English and Tagalog are available. The tour is private for your group, not a shared boat with strangers, which makes a real difference if you are traveling as a couple, family, or small group of friends.

Seven Commandos Beach: A Gentle First Stop

Seven Commandos Beach is usually a pleasant way to begin. The stop lasts about 45 minutes and allows time for photos, swimming, and a short look around. Limestone cliffs give the beach a dramatic backdrop, while the sand and calm water make it a simple place to settle into the rhythm of the day.

The name comes from a group of soldiers who were reportedly stranded here during World War II. The historical detail is brief, but it adds a human touch to an otherwise scenic stop.

You may find this beach livelier than the smaller picnic spots later in the day. That is not a flaw, but it means I would treat Seven Commandos as a quick swim and photo stop rather than expect total solitude. If your guide suggests changing the order, take the advice seriously. One private group skipped this beach and gained more peaceful time at another shore instead.

Big Lagoon: The Reason Tour A Sells Out

Big Lagoon is the centerpiece of the route. A narrow entrance opens into a broad waterway surrounded by dark limestone cliffs. The contrast between the rock walls and the bright blue water creates the famous El Nido view you have likely seen in photographs.

You have around 45 minutes here for sightseeing, photos, swimming, and kayaking. Kayaks are not included in the base price, so check the local rental charge before you go. The kayak is useful if you want to move quietly through the lagoon and get a better view of the cliffs, but swimming from the boat is also part of the experience.

This is the stop where timing matters most. Big Lagoon can feel crowded when several boats arrive together. A private boat gives your guide more freedom to visit at a less busy time, though no operator can promise an empty lagoon. Private tours reported by guests who used guides such as Cyron and Gabi were especially praised for adjusting the sequence to reduce crowding.

The water can look different in changing weather. Sun brings out the strongest color, while clouds can make the cliffs feel more moody and dramatic. Rain does not necessarily ruin the day, but it can soften the famous blue tones and make photos less bright.

Shimizu Island: Lunch, Shade, and Snorkeling

Shimizu Island gets about an hour and serves as the main break for lunch. The stop combines a buffet of local Filipino dishes with swimming and snorkeling, so you are not simply sitting at a table while the boat waits.

The island is surrounded by calm water and large limestone formations. These cliffs provide shade, which is welcome after a morning under the sun. The snorkeling is one of the tour’s better reasons to pack your own equipment if you have it. Masks and snorkels can be rented, but rental gear costs extra, and fit can vary.

Food feedback is not completely consistent. Some people found the lunch delicious and generous, while one person considered the food the only weak point. The safest approach is to see lunch as a practical island meal, not a restaurant experience. The menu is made with local Filipino dishes, and the buffet format works well for groups with different appetites.

Bring cash for drinks and extras. Bottled water is included, but soft drinks were a source of confusion for at least one booking, so do not assume they are part of the package. Plastic bottles are not allowed, and littering is prohibited, which fits the fragile setting.

Secret Lagoon: A Short Passage Into Stone

Secret Lagoon offers a different kind of stop. Instead of a large open body of water, you pass through a narrow opening in the limestone to reach a small lagoon enclosed by rock. The entry can be tight, and the route is more about the unusual setting than a long swim.

The planned stop is about 45 minutes for photos, sightseeing, and swimming. The area can be busy because the opening is narrow and the lagoon itself is compact. You may need patience as people enter and leave through the same passage.

This is also where water shoes help. Rocks and coral can make the shallow approach awkward, and you may be walking in the water rather than stepping directly from the boat onto sand. A dry bag is useful for phones, wallets, and spare clothing.

Payong-Payong Beach: The Easygoing Picnic Stop

Payong-Payong Beach is smaller and more relaxed than Big Lagoon. Its appeal comes from the rock formations, low cliffs, and gentle waves. You get about 45 minutes for photos, swimming, and snorkeling.

I would choose this stop if you want time to paddle near shore or simply sit in the shade. The water is described as modest and calm, making it suitable for casual swimming. It is not the place to expect a long beach walk. The beach is compact, and the rocks are as important to the view as the sand.

Depending on the day, the guide may use this area for a picnic or adjust the lunch location. One private tour found a quieter shore for lunch, while another group spent peaceful time resting at Lapu-Lapu Beach instead of following every listed stop. That flexibility is one of the best practical reasons to pay for a private boat.

Snorkeling, Turtles, and What You May Actually See

The tour promotes the chance to swim with turtles near Shimizu Island. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, so treat turtles as a welcome possibility rather than a promise. The route still gives you several chances to get in the water, including Shimizu Island and Payong-Payong Beach.

Bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins if you already have reliable gear. Rentals are available, but they are not included. Water shoes are more important than fashionable beach footwear because the entry points can contain stones and coral.

A life vest is included. Use it if you are not a confident swimmer, especially when the water is less calm. The crew’s most consistent strength is personal attention. Kim praised the guide’s care with safety, while other guests highlighted the way the crew helped with photos and looked after people who needed extra assistance.

Why the Crew Matters More Than the Route

The islands are beautiful, but the guide can determine how comfortable the day feels. Names praised in the feedback include Gabi, Jason, Renz, Cyron, Joshua, Edward, and others. You should not assume a particular guide will be assigned, but these comments point to the service style you can hope for: cheerful, hands-on, and ready to help.

Several guides were praised for taking good photos and videos. That is useful because your hands are often wet, your phone may be packed away, and the best viewpoints are not always obvious. A private guide can also spend more time helping your group instead of managing a full boat.

The crew has also handled difficult days well. During one rainy trip, the staff kept the mood positive and did their best to make the outing comfortable. In another case, the crew helped a sick participant reach a hospital and checked in afterward. That does not turn the tour into a medical service, but it does show a level of care that matters when you are far from home.

Private Tour Value at $135 Per Person

At $135 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see El Nido. Its value depends heavily on group size. If two people book privately, the cost per person may feel steep. If several friends or family members share the boat, the price becomes easier to justify.

What you are buying is not simply transport between beaches. You are paying for exclusive use of the boat, the ability to adjust the order, more direct help from the guide, and the chance to avoid some shared-boat crowding. A private trip also makes it easier to pause for photos, rest when you need to, or request a different lunch stop.

The price does not cover the environmental fee or lagoon entrance fee. Kayaking at Big Lagoon costs extra, and mask, snorkel, fins, and aqua shoes are not included. These charges can make the final total higher than the advertised rate, so budget for them before booking.

For a couple, the private option is a comfort purchase. For a family or group, it can be a sensible upgrade. If your main goal is the lowest possible price, choose a shared tour. If your main goal is control and personal service, the private format earns its keep.

What to Pack for a Wet Day

You should expect to get wet before the boat even leaves. One person noted that you may need to walk through the water to board, so wear swimwear or quick-drying clothes from the start.

Bring:

• Sun hat and beachwear
• Swimwear and a change of clothes
• Towel
• Water shoes or aqua shoes
• Dry bag for valuables
• Camera or phone protection
• Cash for fees, drinks, and rentals

Plastic bottles, littering, intoxication, and smoking in the vehicle are not allowed. The wheelchair restriction also matters because this is a boat-and-water activity with uneven access points.

The tour lasts about eight hours. That sounds long, but the day includes tuk-tuk pickup, boat travel, loading and unloading, swimming, lunch, and waiting for access at popular sites. Keep your schedule light afterward rather than booking a tight evening connection.

Weather, Crowds, and Flexible Timing

Weather can change the route. Destinations may be altered for safety, and the guide decides where lunch takes place. Rain may reduce the color of the water and make the boat ride less comfortable, but the crew can still help you make the best of the day.

The private format gives you more control, not complete control. It cannot remove other boats from Big Lagoon, guarantee turtles, or promise sunshine. It can, however, let you ask for a different sequence and may help you reach certain stops during quieter windows.

This flexibility was especially valuable to people who wanted solitude. Some private groups missed one listed beach but gained less crowded snorkeling or a longer rest at another shore. That is a good trade if your priority is a calm day rather than collecting every stop.

Cancellation and Booking Details

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now-and-pay-later option helps if your El Nido plans are still shifting.

Pickup is included only within one kilometer of Corong-Corong Beach, and it is by tuk-tuk. There is no hotel drop-off. Confirm your pickup point, extra fees, equipment rentals, and any food concerns before departure, especially if someone in your group has a seafood allergy.

Should You Book This Private El Nido Tour?

Book it if you want the classic El Nido sights without being tied to a large shared group. It is particularly well suited to couples, families, photographers, and small groups that care about quiet time, flexible routing, and direct help from the crew.

I would also choose it if you are willing to pay more for comfort and personal service. The guide can help with photos, safety, timing, and small changes to the plan, and that can turn a standard island day into a much smoother one.

Skip it if your budget is tight, you dislike extra charges, or you want a guaranteed wildlife sighting. The lunch may not impress everyone, kayak rental is separate, and even a private boat cannot control the weather or crowds.

For most small groups, this is a strong way to see Tour A. Just pack water shoes, protect your phone, carry cash, and confirm every extra cost before you go.

FAQ

How long is the private El Nido Tour A?

The tour lasts about eight hours, including pickup, boat travel, island stops, swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and sightseeing.

What places are included on the route?

The planned route includes Seven Commandos Beach, Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Secret Lagoon, and Payong-Payong Beach. Destinations can change because of weather or local conditions.

Is the boat private?

Yes. The boat is reserved for your group, with a licensed guide and crew. The private format allows your group to request changes to the order of stops.

Is pickup included?

Free tuk-tuk pickup is included within one kilometer of Corong-Corong Beach in El Nido. Hotel drop-off is not included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet lunch with local Filipino dishes is included, along with bottled water. Soft drinks are not clearly included, so confirm this before departure.

Are snorkeling equipment and kayaks included?

No. Masks, snorkels, fins, and aqua shoes are not included, although some equipment can be rented. Kayak rental at the lagoon is also extra.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The booking also offers a reserve-now-and-pay-later option.