Four stops, one epic Bacuit Bay day. This El Nido island-hopping tour pairs Secret Lagoon with white-sand beach time and (if you catch it) the Big Lagoon kayak run.

I like the way the day is built around real water moments: swim breaks, lagoon time, and snorkeling stops where the scenery is the main event. I also love the included lunch—people consistently praise it as a proper buffet with lots of food, not a sad afterthought.

One thing to keep in mind: the popular lagoon stops can get crowded, and Big Lagoon entry is limited, so if entry isn’t available, you’ll be sent to an alternate spot.

Key things to know before you go

• Secret Lagoon first: You start with the jaw-dropping rock-walled lagoon, then you move on to beach time.
• Big Lagoon kayaking is the headline: It’s optional gear for rent, and it’s often the part people remember most.
• You get up to four stops: You’re not bouncing for days—this is a tight, full-day route.
• Lunch is genuinely worth the hunger: Multiple people call it one of the better boat lunches in the Philippines.
• Snorkeling conditions vary: Some spots are easier than others, and coral can make shore access tricky.
• Fees can add up: The advertised price isn’t the whole cost (the lagoon and environmental fees matter).

Why Tour A Hits Bacuit Bay’s Best Stops

This is a classic El Nido day: you board a boat, head into Bacuit Bay, and spend your time where most people wish they could live—lagoons and beaches with easy, postcard-blue water.

The value angle here is simple. For a low base price, you get the core structure you want: a licensed guide, a boat tour, life vests, and lunch, plus multiple swim-able stops. If you’re the type who hates over-planning and just wants to show up and enjoy water time, this route fits.

It’s also the kind of tour where small details matter. The guide team tends to manage safety calmly and keep the group moving, and the crew often helps with practical stuff like boarding, disembarking, and photos at stops.

Secret Lagoon: Swim Under Jagged Rock Walls

Starting with the Secret Lagoon sets the tone fast. Expect a lagoon feel—quiet water inside dramatic jagged rock walls—like you’ve stepped into a natural pocket hidden by the coastline.

This stop works well even if you’re not a confident swimmer. You’ll be able to enjoy the water visually from the edges, then go in when you feel ready. If you’re prone to getting sore feet from uneven shore entries, it’s smart to have aqua shoes available, since corals can show up around some beaches.

The main “watch-out” is timing and crowds. When popular tours run back-to-back, you’ll feel the shared vibe. If the lagoon is busy when you arrive, keep your expectations flexible and focus on swimming and photos rather than trying to claim solitude.

Shimizu Island: Beach Time with Clear Water

After the lagoon, you head to Shimizu Island, where the beach and the water are the point. People consistently describe the water as clear, and this is the stop that often feels like pure relaxation.

This is where I’d plan to do the simple things well: rinse off sunscreen later, change into dry clothes after your swim, and take breaks between activities. Shimizu isn’t about one intense activity; it’s about giving you that beach reset in the middle of a packed day.

If you rent fins or aqua shoes, this is a great place to try them out. The water conditions here are usually friendlier than the trickier shore entries you can get on some snorkeling stops.

Seven Commandos Beach: White Sand and Coconut Shade

Then comes Seven Commandos Beach, known for white sand and that classic El Nido look—coconut trees, open shoreline, and plenty of room to move around.

This stop is good for photo time and downtime. If you want to sunbathe, do it here. If you want to be active, this is also where it feels natural to hop into the water between resting.

One practical consideration: when you arrive, there are likely other boats and people around. That doesn’t ruin the scenery, but it does affect how long you can linger without feeling like you’re sharing the frame. I’d treat this stop as your “best timing” moment: quick swim, good photos, then move along before the area gets too packed.

Big Lagoon Kayaking and the Entry Fee Reality

This is the big decision point in Tour A: Big Lagoon kayaking. It’s often the highlight because you don’t just look at the lagoon—you move through it at your own pace.

Here’s the key logistics truth: entry to Big Lagoon is limited. If the lagoon can’t take your group that day, you won’t be left out entirely—you’ll visit another spot instead. So yes, the kayaking dream can be affected by availability, but you’re still guaranteed lagoon time in some form.

Also note the extra cost reality. You’ll pay the Big Lagoon entry fee (200 PHP) and you’ll likely want to rent a kayak if you want the full experience. Reviews mention paying around 300 PHP for a kayak, and that gear usually isn’t included in the base price. If you’re the kind of person who wants the lagoon at a slower tempo, plan for that rental budget.

If you’re a non-swimmer, kayaking can still be fun because you stay above the water and the craft does the work. Just listen to the guide instructions closely and keep your movement calm. One safety tip I always give: don’t fight the waves—let the boat and kayak rhythm do the steering.

Snorkeling: Gear Choices and Coral Caution

Tour A includes snorkeling as part of the day. In real life, snorkeling stops in El Nido can range from “wow” to “nice but not life-changing,” depending on where the water is clear and how the shoreline is set up.

One caution from experiences on this route: some snorkeling areas can have sharp coral, and reaching the water can be awkward if you don’t have protection. This is exactly why aqua shoes are such a smart rental. You don’t need them everywhere, but when you need them, you’ll be very glad you have them.

If you’re new to snorkeling, keep your expectations simple. Your best results usually come from staying calm, using fins if you rent them, and focusing on steady swimming rather than sprinting around. If the first spot feels tough, the day often improves after that.

Lunch on the Boat: What You Actually Get

The included lunch is a standout. People repeatedly describe it as a real buffet—not just a plate of carbs. There are mentions of fresh meat and fish, plus lots of vegetables and fruits.

This matters more than it sounds. On long island-hopping days, food quality affects your energy and mood for the rest of the tour. If lunch is good, you’ll enjoy the later beach stops more and you won’t feel like you’re running on empty.

There’s also a practical upside: because it’s served during the cruise day, you don’t have to hunt for a restaurant between stops. You’re already in the middle of paradise, so the schedule stays smooth.

Price and Fees: Getting to True Out-the-Door Cost

The base price you’ll see is around $23 per person, and that’s why Tour A is such good value on paper. You’re paying for a guided boat day with life vests and lunch included, which is already a solid bundle for El Nido.

But here’s what you should budget beyond the base price:

• El Nido eco-tourism development fee: 400 PHP (required before boarding)
• Big Lagoon entry fee: 200 PHP (if Big Lagoon is part of your day)
• Optional rentals like aqua shoes, fins, and kayaks (available to rent)

So the “real cost” depends on whether you want kayaking and whether you choose to rent foot protection or fins. If you’re content with swims and beach time, you can keep rentals minimal. If you want the full lagoon experience, plan for kayak rental as well.

One more money tip: bring cash, because you may need it for fees and rentals. The tour also requires passport or an ID card, so don’t leave that pouch at your hotel.

Timing, Crowds, and Getting the Most Time in the Water

Tour A runs about 8 hours, with up to four stops total. That “up to” matters because lagoon entry and availability can shift the schedule—especially with Big Lagoon.

Crowds are real in El Nido. You’ll likely share the beaches and lagoon areas with other boats, even when everything is organized well. The trick is to use the guide’s pacing: get in the water early at each stop, take photos fast, and then spend your time where you feel most comfortable.

A few people mention delays caused by passengers who didn’t show up on time. That’s not something you can control, but you can protect yourself by arriving at the meeting point a bit early and keeping your phone free of distractions.

If you get motion sickness easily, bring medicine. Some days the boat ride feels smooth; other days you’ll feel the chop. Planning for that makes the whole day more enjoyable.

What to Pack and Boat Rules That Matter

This is where you make your day easier instead of harder. Bring:

• Passport or ID
• Swimwear
• A change of clothes
• Sunscreen
• Cash

And plan for boat realities:

• Life vests are provided, so you don’t need to bring one.
• No plastic bottles on board.
• No luggage or large bags—travel light so the boat stays easy to move around on.
• No smoking during the tour.

If your feet are sensitive, strongly consider renting aqua shoes. Even if snorkeling equipment isn’t required by everyone, shore access can be where your day gets better or worse.

Who This Tour A Works Best For

Tour A is a great match if you want:

• A full-day taste of Bacuit Bay without arranging everything yourself
• A mix of lagoon scenery, beach relaxation, and snorkeling
• The option to add kayaking in Big Lagoon

It’s also a good pick for non-experts in water activities. Reviews include people who weren’t strong swimmers but still enjoyed kayaking and beach time with patient help from the crew.

That said, this tour isn’t set up for everyone. It’s listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. The stops require getting on and off the boat and moving around in uneven coastal areas.

Should You Book This El Nido Island Hopping Tour?

If your goal is a classic El Nido day—Secret Lagoon, beaches, snorkeling, and a shot at Big Lagoon—this tour is a strong bet. The value is real because you’re getting licensed guidance, a boat day, life vests, and lunch for a low base price.

Book it if:

• You want kayaking in Big Lagoon and you’re willing to handle the extra entry fee and kayak rental
• You care about water time more than long land activities
• You want a smooth, guided day with minimal decision-making

Skip it or choose another plan if:

• Big Lagoon is your only motivation and you’re not okay with limited entry
• You need step-free access around the coast and boat

If you do book Tour A with Corazon Travel & Tours, I’d go in with the right mindset: the day is shared, sometimes busy, and often chaotic in small human ways—yet the scenery and lagoon time are exactly why El Nido is worth it.

FAQ

What is included in El Nido Island Hopping Tour A?

The tour includes a licensed tour guide, a boat tour of the islands, life vests, and lunch.

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as 8 hours.

Are there any extra fees besides the $23 price?

Yes. You must pay the El Nido eco-tourism development fee of 400 PHP before boarding, and there is also a Big Lagoon entry fee of 200 PHP.

How many stops does the tour include?

Your day includes up to four stops in total.

Is Big Lagoon kayaking included?

Kayaking in Big Lagoon is not included in the base price. You can rent a kayak on site, and the Big Lagoon entry fee applies.

Can I rent snorkeling or water gear?

Yes. Aqua shoes, fins, and kayaks are available to rent.

Is lunch included, and what is it like?

Lunch is included. People describe it as a good buffet with plenty of food.

Where do I meet the tour?

The meeting point may vary depending on the option booked.

What should I bring for the tour?

Bring a passport or ID card, swimwear, a change of clothes, sunscreen, and cash.

Can I cancel for free?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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