El Nido Private Tour A: Best Island Hopping

Exploring El Nido’s famous lagoons and pristine beaches is often at the top of travelers’ wish lists when visiting the Philippines. This Private Tour A offers an excellent way to experience the highlights of this stunning region with comfort and flexibility. It’s designed for those who love natural beauty, underwater adventures, and a peaceful escape from busy crowds.

Two things we particularly appreciate about this tour are its well-planned itinerary that hits all the highlights, and the personalized private group setting that allows for a more relaxed, tailored experience. Of course, with a full eight-hour day on the water, the tour can be quite packed — so it’s best for those comfortable with a busy schedule and eager to see a lot in one day.

If you’re seeking a quieter, more leisurely pace or want to explore beyond the standard spots, you might find the tour a bit rushed.

This tour suits travelers who want a comprehensive, well-organized introduction to El Nido’s most famous sights, especially if visiting for the first time. Families, couples, or small groups looking for a private, all-in-one experience will find it particularly appealing.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covers major lagoons, beaches, and underwater sites.
• Private group ensures a personalized experience with a flexible pace.
• All-in price includes guide, boat, life vests, and a packed lunch — good value for a full day’s adventure.
• Additional fees for lagoons and environmental charges are separate but manageable.
• Snorkeling gear and kayaks optional extras, allowing customization of activities.
• Ideal for first-time visitors wanting a balanced mix of sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Full-Day Adventure in El Nido’s Natural Wonders

This private tour is designed to give you a thorough taste of what makes El Nido so special. From towering limestone formations to crystal-clear waters, the experience takes you to seven of the most iconic spots on the map. We’ll walk you through what each of these stops entails, based on what travelers have shared and what the tour promises.

Starting Your Day: Pickup and First Lagoon

The tour begins with a pickup in El Nido town — convenient and stress-free. Once aboard your boat, the day kicks off with a visit to the Big and Small Lagoons. These are the star attractions, known for their towering limestone cliffs and extraordinarily clear waters. Expect to spend about an hour swimming and taking photos here. Travelers love the impressive limestone cliffs that seem to rise straight out of the water and the peaceful ambiance that makes you feel like you’re in a natural cathedral.

Shimizu Island: Snorkeling Heaven

Next up is Shimizu Island, renowned for its vibrant marine life. Here, you’ll get about an hour to snorkel in the transparent waters. The island’s coral reefs teem with colorful fish and other marine creatures, making it a favorite for underwater enthusiasts. As one reviewer put it, “The snorkeling was fantastic — we saw so many fish, and the coral was in great shape.”

Relaxation at Payong-Payong Beach

After the underwater excitement, you’ll have some free time at Payong-Payong Beach. It’s described as peaceful with white sands and calm waters — a perfect spot for some downtime, sunbathing, or gentle swimming. It’s a quiet, less crowded stretch of coastline that offers a break from the more popular spots.

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The Hidden Treasure: Secret Lagoon

The Secret Lagoon adds a sense of mystery to the day. Hidden behind rocks and only accessible through a small opening, it’s a quiet spot that rewards curiosity with a peaceful swim in clear, sheltered waters. Several reviews mention how unique and enchanting this location feels, though some note it’s small, so don’t expect a sprawling lagoon.

Final Stop: Seven Commandos Beach

The day wraps up at Seven Commandos Beach, one of El Nido’s most famous and scenic beaches. It’s the perfect place to relax, swim, or enjoy a walk along the shoreline. Many travelers comment on its beautiful setting and the opportunity to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing. It’s a great spot for a final splash before heading back to El Nido town.

What to Expect and Practical Tips

Itinerary Breakdown

The tour is carefully structured to balance activity and rest, with about an hour at each major stop. This allows you enough time to soak in the scenery without feeling rushed. The boat rides between stops are relatively short, but since the full day lasts around 8 hours, you’ll want to prepare for a full day on the water.

What’s Included and What You’ll Need

The cost of $337 per group (up to three people) includes a guide, boat, life vests, and a packed lunch — making it quite a good value considering the full day of activities. You’ll want to bring cash for the additional fees: PHP 400 per person for the environmental fee, PHP 200 for lagoon entrance fees, and optional rentals for snorkeling gear or kayaks.

Comfort and Convenience

The tour features pickup within El Nido town, so it’s easy to start your day without transport hassles. The guide is in English, and the experience is tailored for small, private groups, which means fewer crowds and more personalized attention.

Considerations

While the tour covers the region’s highlights, it’s worth noting that bad weather could lead to cancellations — the Philippine Coast Guard has the final say in safety. Also, some travelers mentioned that the pace can be quite full, so those seeking a more leisurely experience might find it a bit rushed.

What to Bring

Essential items include a sun hat, sunscreen, swimwear, water, towel, insect repellent, and cash for extras. Pack light but be prepared for lots of swimming and sun exposure.

Authentic Feedback from Travelers

One reviewer noted, “We loved the way each spot was different — from the stunning lagoons to the quiet beaches.” Another added, “The boat was comfortable, and our guide was very knowledgeable about the area.” These comments highlight how well-organized and enjoyable the experience can be, especially for first-timers eager to see the region’s best sights.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

This private island-hopping adventure is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, hassle-free experience. It offers good value for those eager to see the main attractions without the stress of planning every detail themselves. Families, couples, or small groups seeking a personalized day on the water will find this tour ideal.

If you’re after stunning views, peaceful beaches, and vibrant underwater life, this tour delivers. It balances active snorkeling and swimming with relaxation, providing a well-rounded taste of El Nido’s natural beauty.

However, if you prefer a more leisurely pace or want to explore beyond the standard highlights, you might feel the day is a bit packed. Also, keep in mind the extra costs for lagoon fees and gear rentals, which are typical for tours in this region.

In the end, this tour offers a beautiful, memorable day in one of the Philippines’ most breathtaking settings — perfect for those who want a high-value, authentic experience that captures the essence of El Nido.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 8 hours, starting from your pickup in El Nido and ending back in town.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers a guide, boat, life vests, and a packed lunch. It does not include lagoon entrance fees or snorkeling gear rental, which are paid separately.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, expect to pay PHP 400 per person for the environmental fee, PHP 200 for lagoon fees, and optional rentals for snorkeling gear or kayaks.

Can I rent snorkeling gear or kayaks?
Yes, snorkeling gear is available for rent at 100 PHP, and kayaks cost 300 PHP for two people.

What should I bring?
Bring a sun hat, sunscreen, swimwear, towel, water, insect repellent, and cash for extras.

Is the tour suitable for children or elderly?
Yes, small groups and manageable activity levels make it accessible for most ages, but always consider individual mobility.

What happens in bad weather?
Cancellations are at the discretion of the Philippine Coast Guard, so check weather forecasts and be flexible with plans.

How far in advance should I book?
Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred date and understand the cancellation policy.

Is this a private tour?
Yes, it’s designed for private groups up to three people, offering a more personalized experience.

What makes this tour stand out?
Its carefully curated itinerary, personalized service, and the chance to see El Nido’s most iconic sights in one full day make it a top choice for island-hopping fans.

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