El Nido Private Tour: Adventure with Highlights from A & C

Arrive early, see more. This private El Nido boat trip combines the best-known stops from Tours A and C, giving you Big Lagoon kayaking and a string of beaches and coves in one seven-hour outing. I like the private format, which lets you adjust the route for wind, weather, and your group’s mood. I also like the early start option, since Big Lagoon can go from peaceful to packed in a hurry.

The main drawback is cost. At $198 per person, this is far more expensive than a standard shared island tour, and you still pay the mandatory environmental and Big Lagoon fees. Food portions can also be large, while dietary needs are not clearly gathered before departure.

The six details that shape your day

• Big Lagoon is the star stop: Your boat includes use of a two- to three-person kayak for the lagoon, where limestone walls rise around clear water.
• A private group means a flexible route: The crew can reverse the usual order or adjust stops when wind and waves make one area less pleasant.
• The meeting point is central: You start at Mabuhay Sports Bar on Calle Hama Beach Front and finish at Dockyard.
• Lunch is included, but ask about food: A picnic meal and drinking water are provided, though you should raise dietary needs in advance.
• The extra fees add up: The environmental fee is Php 400 per person, and Big Lagoon access costs Php 200 per person.
• This is an active day: You will swim, snorkel, climb through a narrow rocky entry, and board a boat several times. It is not suited to people with mobility impairments or heart problems.

Why combining Tours A and C makes sense

El Nido’s famous boat routes are often split into separate products. Tour A usually brings the lagoons, while Tour C focuses on coves and beaches. This private version joins the two, so you do not have to choose between kayaking at Big Lagoon and swimming at Secret Beach.

That combination is the central reason to consider it. You get a varied day rather than six versions of the same beach stop. The scenery changes from a broad lagoon to narrow rock passages, then to open water around Helicopter Island.

The private boat matters most when you want control. You can spend more time swimming at a favorite stop, move on sooner if the water is rough, or ask to reverse the usual route. The crew cannot change the sea, of course, but they can make sensible adjustments. On a windy day, the captain and guides have tried to shape the route around conditions and the group’s wishes.

This is also a good choice for couples, families, or friends who want their own space. A private group feels less rushed than a large shared boat, and you do not have to negotiate every stop with strangers. The tradeoff is value: a shared tour will likely cost less, while this package charges a premium for privacy and flexibility.

Starting at Seven Commandos Beach

The meeting point is Mabuhay Sports Bar on Calle Hama Beach Front. Go inside and look for Annabelle or any Alexzus staff member. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to reach this point yourself.

Seven Commandos Beach is the first stop, with about 45 minutes for photos, swimming, and a guided visit. It is an easy opening to the day: white sand, clear water, and a chance to settle into the boat rhythm before the more enclosed lagoons.

I would treat this stop as a warm-up rather than the main event. The beach gives you room to stretch, swim, and take photos, but the tour’s most memorable scenery comes later. If you start early, this first stop can also help you get ahead of the larger boats.

Bring sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, and a towel. You will use them immediately, and there is little point saving your dry clothes for a trip that is built around water.

Kayaking inside Big Lagoon

Big Lagoon receives one hour, including a kayak ride. This is the part of the day many people will build their plans around. Towering limestone cliffs frame clear water, and the kayak lets you move at a slower pace than the motorboat.

The included kayak is described as suitable for two to three people. That is useful for couples or a small family, though you should confirm the arrangement with the crew before setting off. One important cost warning: the tour details say kayak use is included, but a recent booking account described paying an additional fee for a kayak. Ask Alexzus Travel and Tours to confirm the current policy before you book.

Big Lagoon is also where an early start pays off. One recent outing reached the lagoon before the queues grew, then found the area much busier on departure. You may not have the place to yourself, but arriving early can give you a quieter first look and a better chance at calm photos.

The lagoon access fee is separate from the tour price, at Php 200 per person for one-time entry. The environmental fee is another Php 400 per person and remains valid for five days. Those charges are not minor details when you are comparing the total cost with a cheaper group excursion.

The narrow entrance to Secret Lagoon

Secret Lagoon comes next, with about 45 minutes for photos, a guided visit, and sightseeing. The entrance is a narrow rocky passage. You need to pass through it to reach the small lagoon beyond, which gives this stop a sense of discovery without requiring a long walk.

This is one of the more distinctive stops because the entry itself is part of the experience. It is not simply a beach where you step from the boat onto sand. You move through rock and arrive at a more enclosed pool surrounded by limestone.

The passage may feel awkward if the sea is unsettled or if you are not steady on your feet. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and that warning matters here. Wear the provided water shoes if they fit you well. They are included and should be useful around wet rock and shallow water.

The 45-minute window is enough for a look and some photos, but it is not an invitation to linger all afternoon. If you prefer swimming over photography, tell the guide early so your time is used well.

Swimming at Hidden Beach

Hidden Beach is scheduled for another 45 minutes, with time for photos, swimming, and snorkeling. Dramatic limestone formations frame the quiet shore, giving you a calmer setting after the enclosed Secret Lagoon.

This stop works well for a swim because the focus is less on squeezing through an entrance and more on getting into the water. Masks, snorkels, fins, and life jackets are provided, so you do not need to pack your own equipment unless you have a preferred fit.

Water visibility and snorkeling conditions depend on the sea. One outing had strong wind and rough water, which made snorkeling impossible. That is a useful reminder not to judge the whole day by the equipment list. The gear is supplied, but the ocean still makes the rules.

I would use this stop flexibly. If the water is calm, snorkel. If it is choppy, enjoy the beach and save your energy for a later stop. A private group gives you more room to make that choice than a fixed shared boat.

Finding the entrance to Secret Beach

Secret Beach also receives 45 minutes. It is a quiet cove tucked behind cliffs, with swimming and snorkeling on the plan. Like Secret Lagoon, the approach is part of the appeal, but the mood is more open and beach-focused.

The cove is a good place for photos because the cliffs make a natural frame. You will want a camera, but protect it from splashes and keep your hands free when moving through the water.

Do not expect every stop to feel equally calm. Wind direction can make one cove pleasant and another uncomfortable on the same day. The captain and guide can adjust the order, which is one of the strongest practical reasons to pay for a private trip.

The crew’s local experience is valuable here, but the quality of explanations may vary. English is the tour language, and the guides can explain the stops, yet one recent outing would have liked more information about the environment and what to expect while snorkeling. If you want more context, ask direct questions rather than waiting for a formal talk.

Ending with snorkeling around Helicopter Island

Helicopter Island is the final stop, with about an hour for photos, swimming, snorkeling, and a guided visit. Its unusual shape makes it an easy final landmark, while the surrounding water gives you a last chance to use the mask and snorkel.

Ending here has a practical advantage. You can finish with a longer water stop instead of rushing from the beach straight back to town. If the earlier lagoons have been rough, this may also be your best chance to swim, though conditions remain weather-dependent.

The island’s name comes from its outline, which resembles a helicopter from certain angles. That shape gives you a memorable photo subject, but the real value is the combination of shoreline views and time in the water.

After this stop, the boat returns to Dockyard. The full experience lasts about seven hours, but the actual time in each place is divided among six stops. You will also spend part of the day moving between islands, so think of this as a full sampler of El Nido rather than a slow stay at one beach.

Lunch, water, and the food question

A picnic lunch and drinking water are included. The food has been praised for being plentiful, and one group described having more than enough to eat. That is welcome on a hot day when swimming and boat travel work up an appetite.

The food setup needs a little more attention, however. A private tour should ask about dietary restrictions before departure, but that may not happen automatically. If you do not eat pork, have allergies, or follow a specific diet, message the company in advance and get a clear answer.

One recent booking included pork that was not suitable for the group, and a stomach illness followed for one person the next day. That account does not prove the lunch caused the illness, but it is sensible to be careful with food in any hot coastal setting. Ask what will be served and bring snacks you trust.

Drinking water is included, but do not expect a full range of soft drinks. Bring extra water if you prefer more than the provided supply. A few snacks are also listed among the recommended items.

What the $198 price really buys

At $198 per person, this is a premium excursion. You are paying for a private group, a licensed tourist boat, a licensed captain, a licensed local guide, snorkeling equipment, life jackets, water shoes, lunch, drinking water, and kayak use as described.

The value improves if you are traveling with people who care about privacy. A couple who wants a boat to itself may see the cost as reasonable for a special day. A family or group of friends can also spread the private-boat cost across several people, though the exact total depends on the booking size.

The value is weaker if your main goal is simply to see the islands at the lowest price. You still pay the Php 400 environmental fee and Php 200 Big Lagoon access fee per person. Those are mandatory, and the environmental fee is valid for five days only.

There is also a possible kayak charge to clarify. The supplied tour information says one kayak is free, but a recent account complained about paying roughly eight euros for it. Get the current inclusions in writing before committing, especially since the price is already high.

The booking terms are flexible: you can reserve and pay later, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Those policies help if your El Nido plans depend on weather, but they do not remove the need to check the sea forecast.

The crew and the quality of guiding

The crew receives some of the strongest praise. Names mentioned from one outing include Prince as guide, Ebu as captain, and Tom and Jerry as helpful crew members. Another group had a guide named John, who was described as kind and adaptable during rough conditions.

That personal care seems to be one of the better parts of the experience. The crew helps with the boat, adjusts the route, and makes sure the day keeps moving when weather gets difficult. On a private trip, that attention can make a real difference.

Guiding depth is less consistent. You will have an English-speaking guide, but do not assume every stop will come with a detailed nature talk. Ask about the limestone formations, reef conditions, and safe snorkeling areas if those subjects matter to you.

The best approach is to be clear at the start. Tell the guide if you want more swimming, more photos, more snorkeling, or a faster pace. Private touring works best when you speak up.

Who should book this private El Nido day?

I would recommend it to couples celebrating something, families that value private space, and friends who want to combine the headline sights without joining a large boat. It is also a good fit if you are willing to start early and want the best chance of reaching Big Lagoon before the crowds build.

You should think twice if you have limited mobility, heart problems, or dislike boarding boats and moving through rocky water. The day includes several wet entries and exits, and the narrow passage at Secret Lagoon may be uncomfortable.

It is also not ideal for a strict budget. A shared tour may offer the same broad areas for less money, though with less control over timing and company. Here, the premium buys privacy and flexibility, not guaranteed solitude or perfect snorkeling.

Weather is another deciding factor. Wind can make the ride rough and stop snorkeling altogether. The crew may change the route, but no private boat can promise glassy water.

FAQ

How long does the El Nido private tour last?

The tour lasts about seven hours. Starting times vary, so you need to check availability when booking.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Mabuhay Sports Bar on Calle Hama Beach Front. Go inside and look for Annabelle or any Alexzus staff member.

Where does the tour finish?

The tour finishes at Dockyard.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to make your own way to the meeting point.

Is Big Lagoon kayaking included?

The tour information includes free use of one two- to three-person kayak at Big Lagoon. Because one recent booking account described paying an extra kayak fee, confirm the current policy before departure.

What equipment is provided?

The tour provides masks, snorkels, fins, life jackets, water shoes, and one kayak for Big Lagoon as described.

Are the environmental and Big Lagoon fees included?

No. The environmental fee is Php 400 per person and the Big Lagoon access fee is Php 200 per person for one-time entry.

Can I cancel the booking?

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

Should you book it?

Book this tour if privacy, an early start, and route flexibility matter more to you than finding the lowest price. The combination of Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Hidden Beach, Secret Beach, Seven Commandos Beach, and Helicopter Island gives you a satisfying sweep of El Nido’s best-known scenery.

I would confirm the kayak fee, lunch choices, and dietary requirements before paying. If the sea forecast looks rough, keep expectations realistic about snorkeling. For the right group, this is a well-paced private day with excellent scenery and a crew that appears willing to adjust the plan. For budget-minded visitors, the extra fees and premium price may make a shared tour the better buy.