Summary
El Nido is famous for having some of the finest island scenery in the Philippines, and the best way to see it is on a shared boat tour. The island hopping tours in El Nido are divided into four different areas of coverage: A, B, C, and D. All tours are wonderful, offering unique experiences!
This article focuses on El Nido Tour A, showcasing highlights such as the El Nido Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Secret Lagoon, and Seven Commandos Beach.
El Nido Tour A – What To Expect
El Nido Tour A includes 4-5 scenic island stops, with each stop lasting about 45-60 minutes. Although the tour guide may initially suggest 30-45 minutes, it often extends closer to an hour due to tourists enjoying the locations. The tour typically runs from 9 AM to 4 PM, transitioning between islands while providing beautiful views and excellent photo opportunities.
Lunch
Enjoy a complimentary lunch aboard the boat, featuring grilled fish, pork, chicken, vegetables, rice, and fresh fruits like pineapple and watermelon. The food is generally great, and past experiences show that food hygiene is well-managed, ensuring a safe dining experience!
Rules
Before starting the tour, your guide will brief you on important island hopping rules. One essential rule is to avoid collecting coral, sand, or marine life like starfish, which helps protect these natural environments from tourist impact. Life jackets are required during boat travel, particularly when leaving the harbor. Although plastic water bottles are technically not allowed, they are often overlooked, so it’s crucial to dispose of them responsibly upon returning to El Nido town.
Conservation Fee
There is a mandatory conservation fee/tourist tax of 200 pesos ($4 USD) per person for island hopping in El Nido. This fee is separate from your tour costs but is valid for ten days, making it likely that you’ll only need to pay it once.
Lagoon Fee
Since November 2018, an additional fee of 200 pesos per person applies to visitors of the El Nido Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon. This means extra costs for Tour A or Tour D, regardless of whether you enter the lagoons. The purpose of this fee is to manage the growing number of visitors and align fees with demand.
Things To See – Tour A
• El Nido Big Lagoon
This stunning emerald lagoon is a major attraction, yet it has become somewhat crowded due to its popularity. Boats are prohibited from entering for environmental protection, so swimming in or kayaking into the lagoon are options for exploring its beauty.
• Shimizu Island
Shimizu Island, located south of the Miniloc Lagoon, offers excellent opportunities for swimming and snorkeling, with vibrant corals and fish around.
• Secret Lagoon
This hidden gem features a concealed entrance that leads to a remarkable area surrounded by towering cliffs. It’s also a favored spot for lunch breaks during the tour.
• Seven Commandos Beach
A large, developed stretch of beach facing the mountains near El Nido town provides amenities such as drink shacks, tree swings, and hammocks, making it an ideal location to unwind after a day of exploration.
Best El Nido Tour Package
Klook offers highly-rated El Nido boat tours at competitive prices. Their Tour A package, priced at 1,200 pesos ($23 USD), includes visits to the Big Lagoon, Shimizu, Secret Lagoon, and Seven Commandos Beach, along with a free lunch and hotel pickup.
Where We Stayed
During our visit, we opted for David’s Guesthouse in El Nido town, which cost around 1,600 pesos ($31 USD) per night. This budget-friendly option provided us with a clean double bed, cold A/C, and a private bathroom, all conveniently located just a short walk from the beach and top restaurants.
