Small-Group El Nido Island Hopping Tour

Five stops, one limestone-filled day. This El Nido Island Hopping Tour A packs Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Seven Commando Beach, Shimizu Island, and Payong-Payong Beach into about seven hours. I like the low $23.50 price, which includes boat transport, lunch, drinking water, a guide, life vest, and pickup. I also like the simple route: you get famous El Nido scenery without paying for a private boat.

The main drawback is crowding. Everyone runs the same popular Tour A circuit, so the beaches and lagoons can feel busy. You also need to budget for the lagoon fee, environmental fee, optional kayak or snorkeling gear, and your own ride back to the hotel.

Key points at a glance

• Big Lagoon takes the spotlight: Allow about two hours for El Nido’s famous limestone cliffs and green-blue water, but remember the entrance fee is extra.
• Five major stops fill the day: The route mixes lagoons, a snorkeling island, and white-sand beaches rather than repeating one type of scenery.
• The $23.50 price covers the basics: Boat transfer, picnic lunch, drinking water, guide, life vest, and free pickup are included.
• This is a shared boat, not a private tour: The maximum group size is 25, and popular stops can be crowded.
• The return is less convenient: Pickup is offered within town proper, but hotel drop-off is not included after the tour.
• Bring the right extras: Pack a towel, and plan separately for snorkeling equipment, a kayak, lagoon fees, and the environmental fee.

What the $23.50 price really buys you

At $23.50 per person, this is a budget-friendly way to see El Nido’s best-known island route. The price is not just for a boat seat. It includes the boat transfer, picnic-style lunch, drinking water, licensed guide, life vest, and free pickup within El Nido town proper.

That package makes sense if you want the main sights and do not need a private schedule. You can spend the day looking at the cliffs and beaches instead of arranging boats, lunch, and basic safety equipment yourself.

Still, the headline price is not your final cost. The lagoon fee and Eco Tourism Development Fee are extra. Snorkeling gear and a kayak also cost more, and towels are not supplied. Add those items before deciding if this is the best deal for your plans.

The tour is a joiner trip, meaning you share the boat with other people. The maximum group size is 25. That is large enough to create some waiting and loading time, but it is smaller than the very biggest group excursions. If you want to linger at one beach, avoid a certain stop, or leave early, this is not the right format.

The morning meeting point and pickup

The listed meeting point is CafeElena Suites, on the first floor in Barangay Corong-Corong, El Nido. Free pickup is offered within town proper, but the timing needs attention.

The meeting information gives an 8:00 a.m. start, while the pickup window is listed as 8:30 to 9:00 a.m. Because those times do not match perfectly, I would confirm your exact pickup time and location after booking. You are also asked to provide the name of your hotel.

The boat portion runs roughly from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. That is a full day in the sun, with several transfers between islands. Wear swim clothing from the start, keep valuables protected, and carry only what you need. A towel is specifically not included, so bring your own.

The tour ends back at the meeting point. There is no hotel drop-off afterward, which matters if you are staying outside the pickup area or expect an easy return to your room. You will need to arrange your own ride back.

Big Lagoon, the main event for about two hours

Big Lagoon is the star of this route. Tall, dark limestone cliffs surround a broad stretch of water, and the entrance begins shallow before opening into deeper green-blue sections. The contrast between the rock walls and the clear water is the view people usually have in mind when they picture El Nido.

You have about two hours here, the longest stop of the day. That gives you time to take in the cliffs, move through the lagoon, and use a kayak if you choose to rent one. A kayak is optional and not included, so decide ahead of time if paddling is important to you.

The lagoon fee is also separate. This is one of the most important cost details because Big Lagoon is the stop most likely to shape your decision to book the tour. Ask about the current fee when you reserve, since the supplied tour information does not state an amount.

Big Lagoon is also where crowding may matter most. The entrance can feel busy when several boats arrive together. The water and cliffs remain impressive, but this is not a private wilderness outing. Go in expecting a popular natural attraction rather than quiet solitude.

Secret Lagoon and its tight rock entrance

Secret Lagoon changes the mood. Instead of a wide open stretch of water, you reach a small pool concealed by dramatic rock formations. The attraction is the sense of discovery as you pass through the rock and find the water inside.

The scheduled stop lasts about one hour, and there is no separate admission charge listed for it. The space is smaller than Big Lagoon, so the experience depends more on the timing of your visit and how many boats are nearby.

I would treat this as a short, concentrated stop rather than a place to spend half the day. The rock walls are the point. Take your time looking at the formations, but do not expect the same room to move around that you get at Big Lagoon.

Seven Commando Beach for sand, palms, and a swim

Seven Commando Beach gives you the classic beach break. It has white sand, turquoise water, coconut trees, and steep limestone scenery behind the shore. After the confined rock spaces of the lagoons, the open beach feels like a welcome change.

The schedule allows about two hours here, making it one of the longer stops. That is enough time to swim, sit under the palms, eat, and dry off before moving on. Lunch is picnic style and included, along with drinking water.

The beach can also be busy because it is part of the standard Tour A circuit. If you want a quiet, empty shoreline, this shared tour may disappoint. If you want a pleasant beach stop built into a full day of sightseeing, it does the job well.

Seven Commando is a good reminder to pace yourself. The day includes several boat rides and stops, so you do not need to rush into the water the moment you arrive. Eat, drink, and use the time to enjoy the setting.

Shimizu Island, the best stop for snorkeling

Shimizu Island is described as a prime snorkeling spot, with tall black limestone, clear water, and a beautiful beach. It gives the day a more active turn after the sightseeing focus of the lagoons and beach.

Snorkeling equipment is not included. You can rent gear separately, so ask about the arrangement before leaving the boat. The tour also supplies life vests, but a vest is not a replacement for a mask and snorkel if you want to see marine life below the surface.

The planned visit lasts about one hour. That is enough for a focused swim and a look around, though it may feel brief if snorkeling is your main reason for booking. You will get more variety from this tour than from a beach-only trip, but the schedule does not allow unlimited time in the water.

Shimizu is likely to be one of your favorite stops if you want a mix of limestone scenery and swimming. Bring sunscreen and keep your gear secure during boat transfers.

Payong-Payong Beach and the quieter final change of pace

Payong-Payong Beach is a small white-sand beach on Miniloc Island. Rock formations surround it, creating a more enclosed setting than Seven Commando Beach. The stop lasts about one hour.

Its smaller scale is part of the appeal. You get another beach view without simply repeating the broad shoreline at Seven Commando. The rock walls frame the water and give you a final scenic pause before the return trip.

There is no admission charge listed for Payong-Payong Beach. As with every stop, conditions can affect how long you can comfortably stay. Weather is important for this tour, and poor conditions can lead to a cancellation or a change of date.

Lunch, gear, and what to pack

The included picnic lunch keeps the day practical. Drinking water is included too, which is useful during a long boat outing in the sun. The information does not specify the exact menu, so do not book this expecting a particular meal.

The tour provides a life vest for each participant. You need to bring your own towel. Aqua shoes are optional rentals, as are snorkeling gear and kayaks.

I would pack:

• A towel
• Swimwear and a dry change of clothes
• Sunscreen
• A waterproof pouch for essentials
• Cash for extra fees and rentals
• Any personal snacks you may want beyond the picnic lunch

Keep your bag small. You will move between boat, beach, and water several times, and a light day bag is easier to manage than a large suitcase-style pack.

The shared-boat trade-off

The strongest practical choice here is also the main compromise. A shared tour keeps the price low and gives you a fixed route with a licensed guide. You do not need to negotiate a private boat or plan five separate stops.

The cost is flexibility. The boat follows a common El Nido route, and many operators visit the same destinations. Popular places can fill quickly, especially at Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon. You may need patience when boats arrive at the same time.

Past feedback also points to occasional early disorganization, followed by hard work from the crew during the day. That is useful context. I would arrive with your pickup details confirmed and allow some patience during the morning meeting process. Once the boat is moving, the route itself is clearly laid out.

The tour earns a very strong 4.9 rating from nine reviews, with praise focused on the friendly guides and the quality of the destinations. One piece of feedback rated it four stars because of the initial organization and the crowded nature of the shared stops, not because the islands lacked appeal.

Who should book this El Nido tour

I would recommend it to a first-time El Nido visitor who wants the famous sights at a modest price. You get the major lagoon, two beach stops, a snorkeling island, lunch, and basic equipment in one day.

It is also a good fit if you are traveling alone or as a couple and do not want to pay for a private boat. The group format makes the cost manageable, and pickup within town proper removes some morning hassle.

Families may find the fixed schedule useful, though the long day and repeated boat transfers require energy. Most people can participate, according to the supplied activity information, but you should be comfortable spending much of the day around water and moving between stops.

I would not choose it if you want silence, a custom route, or long uninterrupted snorkeling time. A private trip would give you more control, though this tour does not offer that format.

Booking, cancellation, and weather notes

Confirmation is provided at booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made inside that 24-hour window are not refunded.

Weather can affect the schedule. The tour requires good conditions, and if poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. This policy makes it sensible to avoid placing the tour on the final day of your trip if your schedule allows.

Because the information gives both an 8:00 a.m. meeting time and an 8:30 to 9:00 a.m. pickup window, confirm the exact details with Sia Travels. Also give the provider your hotel name, even if you plan to meet at CafeElena Suites.

Should you book the $23.50 Tour A?

Book it if you want the standard El Nido highlights, a low upfront price, included lunch, and a shared boat that handles the day’s transport. Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Seven Commando Beach, Shimizu Island, and Payong-Payong Beach give you a well-rounded introduction to the area.

Skip it if crowds quickly ruin a beach day for you or if you want complete control over timing. Before paying, add the lagoon and environmental fees, possible kayak or snorkeling rental, and your return ride to the real budget.

For most first visits, the value is strong. Just arrive prepared for a busy popular route, bring a towel, confirm your pickup time, and treat the $23.50 price as the starting point rather than the full bill.

FAQ

How long does the El Nido Island Hopping Tour A last?

The island hopping portion runs approximately from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., for about seven hours. Pickup is scheduled between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m., while the meeting information lists an 8:00 a.m. start.

Where does the tour begin?

The listed meeting point is CafeElena Suites, 1st Floor, Barangay Corong-Corong, El Nido, Palawan. Free pickup is also offered within town proper.

Is this a private boat tour?

No. This is a shared joiner tour, not a private tour. The maximum group size is 25 participants.

What is included in the price?

The price includes boat transfer, a picnic-style lunch, drinking water, a licensed tour guide, a life vest, and free pickup.

Are the lagoon and environmental fees included?

No. The lagoon fee and Eco Tourism Development Fee are not included in the listed price.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkeling gear is optional and available as a separate rental. Aqua shoes and kayaks are also optional rentals.

Is hotel drop-off included after the tour?

No. The tour ends back at the meeting point, and hotel drop-off afterward is not included. You need to arrange your own return transportation.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund.