Tour A is the one that started it all. It’s the original El Nido island hopping route, the most popular by a long stretch, and the one that produced every iconic photo you’ve seen of El Nido online. Big Lagoon. Secret Lagoon. The limestone cliffs rising straight from the water. If you’re only doing one island hopping tour in El Nido, this is the one.
But knowing what to expect makes the difference between an average day and an unforgettable one. This guide covers every stop on El Nido Tour A, what each one actually looks like, how much it costs, and the timing tricks that mean you arrive somewhere beautiful instead of somewhere crowded.
What Is El Nido Tour A?
El Nido Tour A is a full-day island hopping route covering the western side of Bacuit Bay. It’s operated by local bangka boats (traditional outrigger boats) and visits four to five stops depending on your operator. The route takes you through some of the most dramatic limestone karst scenery in Southeast Asia.
Tour A is designed for everyone — you don’t need to be a strong swimmer, you don’t need to dive, and the pace is relaxed enough that families and older travelers do it comfortably. The stops range from calm lagoons with clear shallow water to a hidden beach that requires swimming through a narrow crack in the rock.
Most tours depart from Corong-Corong Beach in El Nido town, usually between 8:30 and 9:00 AM. You’re back by around 4:00 to 5:00 PM.
El Nido Tour A Stops
Big Lagoon
Big Lagoon is the centrepiece of Tour A and the most recognisable spot in all of El Nido. You arrive by bangka, jump into water that’s somewhere between teal and electric blue, and kayak or swim through a lagoon surrounded on all sides by limestone cliffs that seem to go straight up forever.
The lagoon is big enough that even on a busy day you can paddle your kayak to a quiet corner and have the cliffs to yourself. Kayaks are included in the tour fee at most operators. Bring an underwater camera — the water is clear enough that you’ll see fish beneath you even without snorkeling.
Entrance fee: ₱200 per person. Arrive first thing in the morning if possible — ask your operator to go to Big Lagoon early.
Small Lagoon
Small Lagoon is a short swim or kayak from Big Lagoon and completely different in character. It’s smaller and more enclosed, which means the water is even calmer and the cliffs feel closer. At certain times of day the light hits the lagoon walls at an angle that turns the whole scene a deep gold.
There’s a narrow entrance channel you kayak through to reach the interior. Entrance fee: ₱200 per person (shared with Big Lagoon on most tickets).
Insider tip: Small Lagoon gets more crowded than Big Lagoon in the late morning. If your tour goes to Small Lagoon first, you’ll likely have it to yourself.
Secret Lagoon
Secret Lagoon is the stop everyone talks about. Getting there requires swimming through a narrow gap in the limestone cliffside — just wide enough for one person at a time, only accessible at low to mid tide. On the other side is a small, completely hidden white sand beach ringed by limestone walls.
You can’t see it from outside. There’s no boat entrance. The only way in is through that crack in the rock. And when you come out the other side into the sunlight and see the beach and the clear water, it’s one of the best surprises in Palawan.
The swim through the gap takes about 30 seconds and is shallow enough to stand in most of it. Life jackets are available from the boat. No separate entrance fee — included in the Tour A route.
Shimizu Island
Shimizu Island is the snorkeling stop on Tour A. The reef around the island is healthy, colorful, and accessible right from the beach. You’ll see parrotfish, clownfish, sea turtles if you’re lucky, and some impressive coral formations in shallow water. This is also where most operators stop for lunch — usually grilled fish, rice, and side dishes. Entrance fee: ₱200 per person.
7 Commandos Beach
Many Tour A operators add 7 Commandos Beach as the final stop before heading back to El Nido town. It’s a long, sweeping white sand beach with clear water, swaying palms, and beach bars serving cold drinks. After a full day of swimming and kayaking through lagoons, it’s the perfect place to dry off and watch the light change over Bacuit Bay.
El Nido Tour A Price 2026
Here’s what you can expect to pay:
| Item | Cost (PHP) |
|---|---|
| Group Tour A (shared bangka) | ₱1,200 – ₱1,500/person |
| Private Tour A (boat for your group) | ₱4,500 – ₱6,000/boat |
| Entrance fees (all stops combined) | ₱800 – ₱1,000/person |
| Snorkeling gear (if not included) | ₱150 – ₱200 |
| Lunch (if not included) | ₱200 – ₱400 |
The entrance fees are a separate government charge — they are not set by tour operators and are non-negotiable. Our El Nido island hopping Tour A package includes entrance fees, lunch, snorkeling gear, and a life jacket — no hidden charges.
El Nido Tour A vs Private Tour: Which to Book?
Group tours work perfectly well and you’ll share the bangka with usually 8-12 other travelers. A private tour gives you the boat to yourselves — you control the pace, can spend longer at stops you love, and can request a specific order to avoid crowds. Our private El Nido island hopping tours start from ₱4,500 for the boat — split between 4 people, that’s ₱1,125 each.
What to Bring on El Nido Tour A
- Reef-safe sunscreen — Bacuit Bay is a marine protected area. Chemical sunscreens are not allowed at most lagoon stops.
- Underwater camera or GoPro — Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon are both worth capturing above and below water.
- ₱1,000 in cash — for entrance fees if not pre-included, plus drinks at 7 Commandos.
- Change of clothes and a dry bag — you’ll be wet most of the day.
- Water shoes or reef shoes — some stops have rocky shorelines.
- Motion sickness tablets — take them before boarding if you’re prone to seasickness.
Best Time to Do El Nido Tour A
November through May is the best window — calm seas, clear water, and reliable visibility in the lagoons. January and February tend to have the clearest conditions. For timing within the day: depart as early as your operator allows. Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon get increasingly crowded as the morning progresses. Ask us about early departure times when booking.
How to Book El Nido Tour A
You can book Tour A through your hotel, at the El Nido tourism office at the town wharf, or directly with us. Things to confirm when booking: Is lunch included? Are entrance fees included? Is snorkeling gear provided? What is the boat capacity? Our El Nido Tour A package covers all of the above in one upfront price with no surprise charges.
FAQ: El Nido Tour A
How long is El Nido Tour A? Most full-day Tour A trips run from around 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM — roughly 7 to 8 hours.
How much does El Nido Tour A cost? Group tours run from ₱1,200 to ₱1,500 per person, plus entrance fees of around ₱800 to ₱1,000. Private boat charters start from ₱4,500 for the whole boat.
What stops are on El Nido Tour A? Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and 7 Commandos Beach. Exact order and inclusions can vary slightly by operator.
Is El Nido Tour A suitable for non-swimmers? Yes. Most stops are shallow enough to enjoy with a life jacket. Secret Lagoon requires a short swim — guides assist non-swimmers.
Can I do Tour A in the rain? Tours run in light rain. In strong winds or rough seas, operators may skip some stops. This is rare in the dry season (November to May).
What is the best El Nido tour for first-timers? Tour A is the best starting point. Check out our comparison of all El Nido tours to see how A, B, C, and D differ.
Is Big Lagoon or Small Lagoon better? Both are worth doing. Big Lagoon has more space and better kayaking. Small Lagoon is more enclosed and intimate. Tour A includes both.
Book El Nido Tour A with CMT
Tour A is where most El Nido trips begin and — for a lot of travelers — where the best memories happen. Our El Nido Tour A package includes everything: entrance fees, lunch, snorkeling gear, small group size, and flexible departure times.
Book El Nido Tour A here or message us on Facebook Messenger to check availability and ask about private tour options.