El Nido: Private/Exclusive Island Hopping Tour A BEST PRICE!

Big Lagoon is the main event here, but the real advantage is having a private boat to shape the day around your group. You can ask your guide to change the order of stops, helping you reach popular places before the larger boats arrive. Guides such as Gabi, Jason, Renz, Edward, Joshua, and Cyron have been praised for careful timing, friendly help, and taking excellent photos.

I like the mix of famous sights and quieter pauses, especially the clear water around Big Lagoon and the relaxed lunch stop at Shimizu Island or another beach. I also like the useful personal attention: guides have helped with photography, adjusted plans for allergies, and stayed calm when rain or rough water changed the mood.

The main catch is cost. At $135 per person, this is much more expensive than a shared boat, and environmental and lagoon fees, snorkel gear, fins, and kayak rental are extra. You should also confirm exactly what equipment and drinks are included before paying.

Key points to know before booking

• Big Lagoon is the centerpiece: Black limestone cliffs and bright blue water make this the most dramatic stop.
• Private means flexible: Your guide can change the order of visits to reduce waiting and crowded conditions.
• Shimizu Island includes lunch: Expect a Filipino buffet, swimming, and snorkeling, with the lunch location set by the guide.
• You enter the water to reach the boat: Wear water shoes and bring a dry bag, since your clothes and belongings may get wet.
• The crew gets strong marks for care: Gabi, Jason, Renz, Edward, Joshua, and Cyron are among the guides singled out for service and photos.
• Budget for extras: Lagoon and environmental fees, masks, snorkels, fins, aquashoes, and kayak use are not included.

Why a private Tour A can be worth the higher price

El Nido’s famous Tour A route is popular for a reason. It packs several of the area’s best-known sights into one long day: Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Payong-Payong Beach, and Seven Commandos Beach.

A shared boat can cover the same route for less money. The tradeoff is less control. You follow the boat operator’s timing, share space with other groups, and may spend more time waiting at busy stops.

This private trip changes that rhythm. Your group has exclusive use of the boat, guide, and crew, so you can ask to adjust the sequence. That does not guarantee empty beaches, but it can help. One couple asked to change the order and missed much of the crowd. Another group skipped Seven Commandos and spent time at a quieter beach instead.

For two people, $270 before extra fees is a serious expense. For a larger group splitting the boat cost, the price becomes easier to justify. I would especially consider it for couples, families, or friends who value space, photography, a slower pace, and the ability to adapt the day.

A simple start from Corong-Corong

The day begins with pickup in El Nido. Free tuk-tuk pickup is available within 1 kilometer of Corong-Corong Beach, and the ride to the meeting point takes about five minutes.

Hotel drop-off is not included, so plan your return to your accommodation. The boat is a licensed tourist boat, and a licensed guide and crew accompany you. The guide speaks Tagalog and English.

Bring cash for fees and possible purchases, along with a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, a change of clothes, beachwear, and a camera. A dry bag is a smart addition. You may need to walk or wade through the water to reach the boat, and one person specifically noted that clothes can get wet before the boat even leaves.

Plastic bottles and littering are not allowed. Smoking in the vehicle and intoxication are also prohibited.

Seven Commandos Beach: an easy first stop

Seven Commandos Beach is scheduled as the first main stop, with about 45 minutes for swimming, photos, sightseeing, and a short boat cruise.

The beach is framed by limestone cliffs and has a relaxed, sunny feel. The story behind its name comes from seven soldiers who were stranded there during World War II. You do not come here for a long cultural visit, but the name gives the place a little character beyond its sand and palms.

This is a useful opening stop because it gets you into the water quickly. You can swim, take photos, or simply settle into the boat rhythm before the more enclosed lagoons.

The drawback is that Seven Commandos is one of the recognizable stops on the route, so timing matters. Ask your guide about visiting it early or later in the day. Since this is a private trip, you have a better chance of avoiding the busiest period, but the beach will not always feel secluded.

Big Lagoon and the black cliffs of Miniloc Island

Big Lagoon is the strongest reason to choose this route. The lagoon sits among dark limestone cliffs, with a narrow, strikingly blue waterway leading into the larger basin.

You get about 45 minutes here for photos, sightseeing, swimming, and possibly kayaking. The contrast is the appeal: steep black rock, calm water, and an enclosed setting that feels very different from an open beach.

If you want the classic El Nido photographs, this is the place to focus on. Guides often help with photos, and several named guides, including Renz, Edward, and Cyron, have been praised for finding good angles and taking pictures for their groups.

Kayaking requires careful planning. The activity information lists kayak rental as not included, so budget for it unless the operator confirms otherwise. One booking also caused confusion about a kayak that was used to carry bags to the boat rather than for use inside the lagoon. I would ask a direct question before departure: Is lagoon kayaking included for our group, and if not, what is the rental price?

The water may look calm, but conditions can change. Life vests are included, and you should use one if instructed by the crew. If you want to swim, pack a waterproof way to protect your phone and camera.

Shimizu Island, snorkeling, and the Filipino lunch

Shimizu Island is scheduled for about an hour, making it the longest listed stop. This is where lunch, swimming, snorkeling, and a break come together.

The island is surrounded by calm water and limestone cliffs, giving you shade as well as a good setting for a meal. The buffet includes local Filipino dishes. Several people found the lunch delicious, while one person felt the food was the only weak part of the day. That is a fair expectation to set: you are getting a practical beach buffet, not a restaurant meal.

The meal is one of the better features for a full-day boat trip. You do not need to leave the route to find lunch, and the guide can decide the best place to stop based on weather and conditions. The lunch location may change, and one group had a secluded shore arranged for the meal. That kind of adjustment is one of the private tour’s real benefits.

If anyone in your group has a seafood allergy, tell the operator before departure. A seafood-free lunch was arranged for one couple after the issue was communicated in advance. Do not wait until food is served.

The water around Shimizu Island is used for snorkeling and swimming. Masks and snorkels are not included, but you can rent them if you do not bring your own. Fins and aquashoes are also excluded. Because the shore and seabed can contain stones and coral, water shoes are a practical choice, even if you plan to spend most of your time swimming.

The advertised highlight includes the chance to swim with turtles. Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, so treat this as a possibility rather than a promise.

Secret Lagoon through the rock opening

Secret Lagoon offers a different kind of stop. Instead of opening onto a wide stretch of water, it is reached through a narrow opening in the limestone rock.

The listed time is about 45 minutes for photos, sightseeing, and swimming. You pass through a grotto of steep cliffs and enter a smaller enclosed area. The short route through the rock is part of the attraction, and the confined entrance gives this stop a more private, enclosed feel than Big Lagoon.

The narrow passage may not suit everyone. This trip is not suitable for wheelchair users, and the need to enter the water and move through uneven areas makes mobility an important consideration. Keep your belongings in a dry bag and follow the guide’s instructions at the entrance.

Secret Lagoon is less about spending a long time on a beach and more about seeing how the rock formations shape the water. If you prefer open sand and easy swimming, you may enjoy Seven Commandos or Payong-Payong more.

Payong-Payong Beach for a quieter pause

Payong-Payong Beach is planned for about 45 minutes and includes swimming, snorkeling, photos, and sightseeing.

It is a small, attractive place with rock formations, cliffs, and gentle waves. The shallow, calmer water makes it suitable for paddling and casual swimming, though you should still pay attention to the conditions on the day.

This is a good stop for a beach picnic or a slower break after the lagoons. It also gives you a chance to enjoy the scenery without treating every stop as a photo rush.

The exact order can change because of weather. If rain or stronger water conditions arrive, the guide may shorten, replace, or rearrange stops. One group had a wet day but still found the crew helpful and upbeat. That is worth keeping in mind when you plan your expectations: the limestone cliffs remain impressive, but blue water and bright photos depend on the sky.

What the crew adds to the day

The most consistently praised part of this experience is the crew’s attitude. Guides were described as friendly, attentive, helpful, and good at keeping groups safe.

Gabi was praised for timing visits around the larger group boats. Jason and captain Jerry were credited with friendly, professional service. Renz was singled out for photos and videos. Edward was described as attentive and helpful with photography. Joshua and his crew kept the day enjoyable despite cloudy weather and rougher water. Cyron adjusted the route, helped with pictures, and arranged a quieter lunch stop.

Those details matter because an island trip involves more than scenery. You need help boarding, advice about water conditions, a safe place to leave bags, and clear guidance at the lagoons. The private format gives the crew more time to respond to your group rather than dividing attention among strangers.

The crew has also helped when a serious problem arose. One person became ill near the end of the trip, and the boat team took them to hospital and followed up afterward. That does not replace travel insurance or medical preparation, but it shows the kind of personal care you can reasonably value in a small private outing.

Price, inclusions, and the extras to budget

The advertised price is $135 per person. It includes the private boat, licensed guide and crew, pickup within the stated Corong-Corong area, buffet lunch, bottled water, and life vests.

It does not include the environmental fee or lagoon entrance fee. These are government-mandated charges, so they are separate from the tour price rather than optional add-ons created by the crew.

You also need to budget for:

• Mask and snorkel rental
• Fins or aquashoes
• Kayak rental at the lagoon
• Hotel drop-off
• Any food or drinks beyond the included lunch and bottled water

The information lists bottled water, not a guaranteed supply of soft drinks. One booking created a disagreement over soft drinks, so do not assume they are included. Ask before the boat leaves and bring cash if you want to buy anything along the route.

For value, compare this with the size of your group. Two people pay a premium for privacy. A family or group of friends can spread the price across more people and gain the same private boat, flexible order, and personal attention.

Weather, crowds, and the best way to use your flexibility

Your guide can change the order of stops, but weather still controls the day. Destinations may change, and the lunch stop is decided by the guide.

Use the private format actively. Tell the guide if you care most about Big Lagoon, quiet beaches, snorkeling, photography, or avoiding crowds. A private tour works best when you communicate your priorities instead of waiting for the crew to guess.

Start with a simple plan, then accept changes. A rainy day can soften the colors and reduce the picture-perfect feel, while stronger water can make swimming less pleasant. The crew can help you make the most of poor conditions, but they cannot control the sea.

For photography, bring a camera or phone in a waterproof case and ask your guide for help. Several guides have taken photos and videos for their groups, which is useful when you want pictures of everyone together.

Who should book this private El Nido tour?

I would choose this tour if you want the famous Tour A sights but do not want to share your boat with a large group. It is especially suitable for couples, families, and friends who want more control over timing.

It also suits you if personal help matters. The crew can assist with photos, adjust the route, help with food requirements, and offer more direct safety guidance than you normally get on a crowded boat.

I would hesitate if you are traveling alone on a tight budget. One solo person enjoyed the care and attention, but the per-person price is harder to justify when no one else is sharing the cost.

I would also reconsider if you need wheelchair access or dislike getting wet before boarding. Bring water shoes, a towel, dry clothes, and cash. Those small preparations will make the day much easier.

Should you book it?

Book it if privacy, flexible timing, and Big Lagoon are worth paying extra for. The strongest value is not simply the list of beaches. It is the chance to change the order, avoid some crowding, receive one-on-one help, and enjoy the boat with your own group.

Choose a shared Tour A instead if price matters more than space. At $135 per person before several fees and rentals, this private outing is not the cheapest way to see El Nido.

For the best result, confirm the kayak arrangement, ask about all fees, mention food allergies, and tell the guide what you want from the day. With those details settled, this is a well-rounded eight-hour introduction to El Nido’s most famous water and limestone scenery.

FAQ

How long is the private island-hopping tour?

The tour lasts about eight hours, including the boat trip, stops, swimming, snorkeling, and lunch.

What places does the tour visit?

The planned route includes Seven Commandos Beach, Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Secret Lagoon, and Payong-Payong Beach. Stops can change because of weather and sea conditions.

Is the boat private?

Yes. You receive exclusive use of the boat for your group, with a licensed guide and crew.

Is pickup included?

Free tuk-tuk pickup is included within 1 kilometer of Corong-Corong Beach in El Nido. Hotel drop-off is not included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet lunch with local Filipino dishes is included. The guide decides the lunch stop based on the day’s conditions.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Masks and snorkels are not included, but they can be rented if you do not bring your own. Fins and aquashoes are also not included.

Is kayaking at Big Lagoon included?

Kayak rental at the lagoon is listed as an extra. Confirm the current arrangement with the operator before departure, since one booking had confusion about kayak use.

Are entrance fees included?

No. The environmental fee and lagoon entrance fee are government-mandated charges paid separately.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, beachwear, a towel, a change of clothes, a camera, and cash. Water shoes and a dry bag are also useful because you may get wet while reaching the boat.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. It also involves entering the water and moving through areas with rocks and coral.