If you love water views, this day hits hard. El Nido’s Big Lagoon is the headline, and the route layers in classic stops like Secret Lagoon and Seven Commando Beach for a full, photo-worthy circuit.

I like how the day is built around swimming and snorkeling time, not just a bus-and-look session. I also like that the tour includes a picnic lunch with fruits, plus basic comfort items like life jackets and purified water.

One thing to think about: the overall experience can shift with pickup distance, boat comfort, and weather timing—so you’ll want to ask a couple questions before you lock in your day.

Key Things I’d Focus On

• Big Lagoon first gives you the best shot at the most stunning water and cliff scenery
• Shimizu Island snorkeling includes beach time and a calmer swim in shallow, clear water
• Secret Lagoon access through a cave means more time for sightseeing than a quick swim
• Payong-Payong is weather dependent, with a plan B snorkeling stop if conditions are off
• Guide support matters, and Jerry is specifically called out for being helpful and organized

Big Lagoon Premium Tour: What the Day Really Feels Like

El Nido Tour A centers on a single idea: spend the morning and early afternoon on the lagoons and beaches that made the area famous. The day runs about 7 hours, with multiple swimming-friendly stops and a picnic lunch along the way.

Even the included items set the tone. You get hotel pickup, boat transfer, a licensed tour guide/experienced crew, life jackets, and purified water. That reduces friction so you can focus on the water, the cliffs, and the small details of getting from one cove to the next.

This is also a private / shared style experience, so the “feel” can depend on how your boat is configured that day. One downside that pops up in real-world experiences: some people felt that even when they paid for a “premium” option, the boat experience was still cramped or effectively shared.

Big Lagoon: The Main Event With Swimming, Snorkeling, and Kayaks

Start here, and you’ll understand why Big Lagoon is the Big Lagoon. It’s described as a narrow waterway with striking blue water, dark limestone cliffs, and those craggy karst formations that look unreal until you’re staring at them.

You’ll have about 1 hour 30 minutes for the highlight activities: swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. That combination is what I like most about this stop. Snorkeling shows you the marine life, while kayaking helps you slow down and see how the cliffs shape the water.

Practical note: snorkeling masks aren’t included. The tour lists a mask rental/price of ₱150 per person, so if you’re picky about fit, bring your own mask. Also, admission for Big Lagoon is PHP 200 per head, paid separately from the $40 base price.

If you’re choosing between a “faster” and “slower” day, this timing is a good middle. You get enough time to actually do water time, not just a quick dip before moving on.

Shimizu Island: Beach Time and Snorkeling in Shallow Clear Water

After Big Lagoon, the route moves to Shimizu Island, where you’re set up for a more relaxed break. This stop is about 1 hour 30 minutes, and it’s built around a beach-style experience with time to snorkel.

What makes Shimizu work well is the way it’s described: white sand, lush greenery, and crystal clear water that’s friendly for swimming. In places like this, shallow water often means you can see more without wrestling with strong currents.

You’ll get a clear window to do a calm swim, then head back to the boat without rushing. And since this is a longer stop, you can take your time with photos on the sand—then switch back to water time.

Payong-Payong Beach: A Weather-Dependent Stop That Still Fits the Route

Next is Payong-Payong Beach, and here’s the key detail: this stop is weather dependent. The tour notes that you’ll be taken there or to another spot where you can still enjoy snorkeling.

You get about 1 hour here, which is enough for a beach reset and a snorkeling session if conditions cooperate. If the water is choppy or visibility drops, the staff will adapt with a backup snorkeling location—but the exact replacement spot isn’t specified in the info you have.

My advice: treat Payong-Payong as a bonus stop. If it’s running as planned, you’ll likely get that classic El Nido beach-and-swim feeling. If not, you’ll still get snorkeling time, but the look of the cove may differ.

Secret Lagoon: Worth It, But It’s a Sightseeing Stop First

Secret Lagoon is listed as accessible only through a small cave, which immediately changes how you should think about the visit. Yes, it’s a water stop, but it’s also a “walk in and look around” stop.

You’ll have about 1 hour there, which fits the rhythm of cave access and sightseeing without turning it into a long slog. This is the kind of place where you’ll want to take your time with the angle of the cliffs and the way the lagoon opens up once you’re inside.

If you get even a little seasick, tell your guide early. The route relies on boat transfer between stops, and cave access means you’ll be moving slowly and carefully once you’re off the water.

Seven Commando Beach: The Calm Finale With Clear Water and Rock Formations

To close out the day, the itinerary includes Seven Commando Beach. You’ll get about 1 hour, and it’s described as a serene white-sand beach with clear turquoise water, palm trees, rock formations, and a beach bar.

This is the best kind of last stop: scenic, unhurried, and built for relaxing after lagoon time. You can do one more swim or just sit and enjoy the photos you already took—because the light here can be great.

If you’re the type who wants a final moment that doesn’t feel like homework, Seven Commando does that. It’s a good end cap before the boat drops you back at the El Nido floating dock area.

Pickup, Private vs Shared, and Boat Comfort Reality Checks

Pickup is included, and the tour notes it’s near public transportation. In practice, that helps most hotels in town. But there’s a real-world caution: one experience described pickup being declined because the hotel was too far from downtown El Nido, even though it looked like it was listed.

That’s why I suggest this simple move: confirm your pickup point clearly before the day. Ask whether pickup is guaranteed for your exact hotel and where the meeting point will be if it isn’t.

Now about the “private / shared” wording. Some people felt it was misleading and experienced a boat that felt cramped compared to expectations. If you’re paying for private features, clarify what truly changes—especially because kayak is included for private tours only.

And yes, timing can shift. There’s also mention that the start time may change due to weather, even if you were aiming to arrive early. If your plan is tightly scheduled around dining or flights, build in flexibility.

The Crew Factor: Jerry and the Value of Good Guidance

One of the strongest praise points connected to this tour is the guide experience. Jerry is specifically mentioned as helpful in making sure everyone had a good day.

That matters more than you’d think. On lagoon days, you’re juggling swim time, snorkeling readiness, entry/exit pacing, and group organization. A good guide keeps the flow smooth and helps people feel confident in the water.

Also, there’s praise for attentiveness from the driver and boat crew. That’s a practical win because small delays can stack up fast when you’re moving between five stops in one day.

Lunch on the Water: Picnic Style and What It Adds

This tour includes a picnic lunch with fruits. It’s not a fancy restaurant lunch, and it doesn’t pretend to be. The value is that you don’t have to hunt for food in between lagoons, and you get fuel that works for swimming.

One highlighted lunch description includes variety like seafood plus pork/chicken, paired with fruit. If you’re someone who gets cranky when hungry (hi, that’s me too), having lunch handled is a real quality-of-life upgrade.

The big tradeoff: since it’s picnic-style, don’t expect lots of options beyond what’s packed for the group.

Price and Fees: Why the $40 Base Price Isn’t the Whole Story

The published price is $40 per person, and that’s attractive for a classic El Nido multi-stop day. But you should budget for the listed add-ons.

Here are the fees that aren’t included:

• Big Lagoon entrance fee: PHP 200 per head
• Environmental fee: PHP 400 per head (valid for 5 days)
• Snorkeling mask: ₱150 per person (if you need one)

You still get a lot included for the base price: pickup, boat transfer, licensed crew, life jacket, purified water, picnic lunch with fruits, and—if you book a private setup—a kayak.

The most important “value” lesson: the base price is only the start. If you compare tours, compare the full cost including the lagoon and environmental fees.

Also, be careful with reseller markups. One experience described the tour as overcharged when booked through a third party compared to booking through operators when in town. If you’re flexible, ask around locally on pricing for the same itinerary and inclusions.

What to Pack for 7 Hours on El Nido’s Lagoons

You can make this day easier just by prepping like it’s a water day, because it is.

Bring:

• Your own snorkeling mask if you already have one (it saves the ₱150 option)
• Sunscreen and a rash guard if you burn easily
• A dry bag or waterproof phone pouch
• A towel or quick-dry clothes for after swims

Also plan for sun and wind. Boat time between stops can cool you down, then the sun brings the heat right back.

Should You Book El Nido Tour A (Big Lagoon Premium)?

I’d book this tour if you want a classic El Nido day built around Big Lagoon, plus multiple iconic stops without the hassle of planning transportation and timing yourself. The included lunch, life jacket, and guide support make it a solid convenience play.

I’d hesitate only if your main goal is a perfectly spacious private boat experience. Some people felt the boat comfort and the private/shared label didn’t match expectations, and pickup issues can happen if your hotel is farther from downtown.

If you’re booking, do two things that pay off:

1. Confirm pickup for your exact hotel and exact meeting point.
2. Ask whether kayak is included for your booking type and whether the boat will be truly private.

For most people, the chance to spend quality time on Big Lagoon—and the added stops that keep the scenery changing every hour—makes it a strong choice for an El Nido first or second visit.

FAQ

How long is El Nido Tour A – Big Lagoon Premium Tour?

It runs about 7 hours (approx.), with multiple stops totaling around 6 hours 30 minutes plus transfer time.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup is included in the tour.

Are Big Lagoon entrance fees included?

No. The Big Lagoon entrance fee is PHP 200 per head and is not included.

Is there an environmental fee?

Yes. There is an environmental fee of PHP 400 per head, and it’s valid for 5 days.

Do I need to bring snorkeling gear?

A snorkeling mask is not included. The info lists snorkeling mask availability at ₱150 per person.

Is kayaking included?

Kayak inclusion depends on the tour type. Kayak is included for private tours only.

Is Payong-Payong Beach guaranteed?

No. Payong-Payong is weather dependent. If it’s not possible, you’ll be taken to another spot where you can still enjoy snorkeling.

What happens if the tour is canceled due to poor weather?

If the experience is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.