El Nido: Big Lagoon Kayaking & Island Adventure

Big Lagoon is the star here. You paddle across calm turquoise water beneath towering limestone cliffs, then visit Secret Lagoon, snorkel near Shimizu Island, and finish at Seven Commandos Beach. It is a compact tour of El Nido’s most famous scenery.

I like the kayaking time at Big Lagoon and the generous Filipino lunch of fish, chicken, prawns, noodles, rice, vegetables, and fruit. I also like the crew’s practical help, especially when getting on and off the boat. The main drawback is crowding, and one hour at Seven Commandos can feel short.

Key points at a glance

• Big Lagoon by kayak: Kayak rental costs extra, but paddling is the best way to appreciate the quiet water and limestone walls.
• Four famous El Nido stops: The route includes Seven Commandos Beach, Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Secret Lagoon.
• A proper island lunch: Shimizu Island serves a Filipino-style picnic with seafood, chicken, rice, noodles, vegetables, and fruit.
• Good crew support: Guides including Arnold, Anderson, and Ken Kyle are lively, and the boat crew helps passengers in and out of the boat.
• Extra costs matter: The environmental fee, Big Lagoon fee, kayak hire, and optional water shoes are not included in the $23 price.
• Expect a busy route: This is one of El Nido’s most popular outings, so stops and boats may be crowded.

What the $23 price really covers

At $23 per person, this tour offers a lot for a six-hour day. You get a licensed tourist boat, captain, local guide, mask, snorkel, life jacket, picnic lunch, and one 330-milliliter bottle of purified water served with lunch.

That price is attractive because the boat, crew, lunch, and equipment would be costly to arrange separately. You also get a guide who keeps the schedule moving and helps with the practical parts of island hopping. For a first visit to El Nido, this is an efficient way to see several headline sights in one outing.

The advertised price is not the final cost, though. You need to budget for a 400 PHP environmental fee, valid for five days, plus a 200 PHP Big Lagoon access fee. Kayak rental is 300 PHP for a two-seater or 350 PHP for a three-seater. Water shoes cost 100 PHP per pair, and fins cost 150 PHP per pair if you want them.

Bring cash for these charges and for drinks or snacks. The included water is modest, so carry additional drinking water if possible.

Starting at Marbers on Calle Hama

The meeting point is Marbers Resto Bar on the Calle Hama beachfront. Enter the restaurant and look for Annabelle or any Alexzus staff member. The tour finishes at Dockyard, so do not assume you will return to the exact starting point.

The planned duration is six hours, but the day can begin slowly. One outing had about a 45-minute wait before departure. That sort of delay matters if you have a dinner booking, airport transfer, or another activity later in the day. I would leave a generous buffer after the tour.

The boat has a licensed captain and crew, and a licensed local guide leads the sightseeing. English is the stated tour language. A private group is available, but the standard experience can place you among other people, particularly at the popular stops.

Seven Commandos Beach gives you an easy first stop

Seven Commandos Beach is scheduled for about an hour. It is a soft white-sand beach lined with palms, with time for swimming, sunbathing, photos, or a cold drink. A swing and the broad beach views add some simple fun without requiring much effort.

This is a pleasant opening stop because you can settle into the boat day before the more active lagoon visits. You may want to swim right away, but keep an eye on the clock. An hour passes quickly if you want to walk, take photos, use the swing, and sit under the palms.

The beach is one of the places where the schedule may feel rushed. If your ideal island day means lingering in one place, this route will not provide much of that. It is designed to show you several locations rather than give you a long, slow beach afternoon.

Big Lagoon is the main event

The tour allows about 105 minutes at Big Lagoon, including sightseeing and kayaking. This is the part that justifies choosing this trip over a simple beach excursion. You move over still, clear water framed by tall limestone cliffs, with the rock walls giving the place a grand, enclosed feel.

Kayaking lets you set your own pace. From a boat, you see the lagoon. From a kayak, you become part of the scene, with time to paddle quietly, look into the water, and turn around for wider views of the cliffs. There is also a small cave you may be able to pass through while kayaking.

The kayak itself is not included. A two-seat kayak costs 300 PHP, while a three-seat kayak costs 350 PHP. Sharing one can keep the extra charge reasonable, especially for families or friends. If you have never kayaked before, the guide and crew can help you get organized, but you should still be ready for some paddling.

Big Lagoon can become congested. On one particularly busy day, the group had to return three times because kayaks were not available at first. The crew adjusted the order by visiting other places while waiting. That shows useful flexibility, but it also means the exact rhythm of your day can change.

The Big Lagoon access fee is separate from the tour price and allows one-time entry. Keep that in mind when comparing this outing with other El Nido packages. The extra cost is worthwhile if kayaking through the lagoon is high on your list, but it is less appealing if you mainly want a quiet, uncrowded morning.

Shimizu Island combines snorkeling and lunch

Shimizu Island receives about 105 minutes, making it the longest scheduled stop. This is where the day shifts from scenery to food and time in the water.

The snorkeling area has coral and plenty of tropical fish. The exact snorkeling site can change with sea conditions. It may be near Shimizu Island, Advance, or South Miniloc. You receive a mask, snorkel, and life jacket, while fins are optional for an added rental fee.

You should not touch coral, fish, other marine life, or plants. That rule protects the place and also keeps you from damaging fragile underwater areas. If you are not a strong swimmer, tell the crew before entering the water and follow their instructions closely.

The lunch is a real strength. Expect grilled fish, chicken, prawns, pancit, rice, eggplant, other vegetables, and fruit such as melon. The quantity can be generous, but the serving order matters. If you are among the last people to eat, popular dishes may be gone. I would join the lunch line promptly rather than waiting until everyone else has filled a plate.

Vegetarian choices appear limited. Rice and noodles may be available, but you should not expect a separate vegetarian menu from the information provided. If you have dietary restrictions, bring suitable snacks and ask the operator in advance.

The island setting makes lunch memorable, but the meal is still served in a shared group setting rather than as a private beach picnic. That distinction matters if you are seeking a quiet, polished dining experience.

Secret Lagoon requires care underfoot

Secret Lagoon is scheduled for about 45 minutes. You pass through a small opening in the limestone to reach a natural pool enclosed by rock. The entrance is part of the attraction, but it can also be the most awkward section of the day.

At the entrance, the water and rocks can make access difficult if you cannot swim confidently. The crew may help pull you toward the opening, but you still need to handle uneven surfaces and moving water. Water shoes or secure sandals are a smart choice. Loose flip-flops can float away, and bare feet are uncomfortable around rocks on the sea floor.

The 100 PHP water-shoe rental is a practical expense here. If you already own reef shoes, pack them. Shoes with a strap are better than loose slippers.

Forty-five minutes is enough to see the lagoon and take photographs, but not enough for a leisurely stay if the entrance is busy. You may spend part of the stop waiting your turn. Follow the crew’s instructions and avoid touching the rock, plants, or marine life.

The crew adds energy, but information can be brief

A fun guide can make a crowded boat day much easier. Arnold is remembered for keeping the mood light, while Anderson and Ken Kyle are also named as guides who brought humor to the trip. The crew regularly helps people board and leave the boat, which is especially useful when the water is moving or the landing is rocky.

This is a social, upbeat style of guiding. You can expect jokes, help with the route, and practical assistance. You should not expect a long lecture at every stop. The amount of explanation about each place may be limited, so if geology, local stories, and detailed interpretation are important to you, ask questions as you go.

The staff’s attention to safety is a plus. Life jackets are included, and the boat has a licensed captain. Still, you are responsible for bringing enough energy, protecting yourself from the sun, and following the rules around wildlife and plants.

Crowds are part of the Big Lagoon experience

El Nido’s famous route is popular for good reason, but that popularity changes the mood. Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, and the beaches can all feel busy, and the boat itself may be full. Kayak availability can also affect the schedule.

You will get better photographs and a calmer paddle when the area is less crowded, but this tour does not promise an early or private departure. If you need quiet water and long stretches alone, a private group may be worth considering. Even then, the environmental and site fees still apply.

The schedule does provide variety. If one stop is crowded, you are not stuck in the same place all day. You move between beach time, kayaking, snorkeling, lunch, and a natural pool. That variety is the reason this tour works well for a first visit.

What to pack for six hours on the water

Use a waterproof bag or case for your phone, camera, money, and spare clothing. A waterproof camera is especially useful at Big Lagoon and the snorkeling stop, but bring only equipment you can protect from salt water.

Pack sunglasses, a sun hat, beachwear, a change of clothes, snacks, extra water, insect repellent, and cash. Sunscreen is a sensible addition, even though it is not listed in the supplied packing advice. Wear a swimsuit under your clothes if you want to use every minute at the beaches.

Water shoes are the most useful optional item. They help at Secret Lagoon and make rocky entries less unpleasant. Fins are optional, and snorkel gear is included.

Smoking, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed. Do not touch marine life, animals, or plants. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, and the rocky entrances, boat boarding, swimming, and kayaking make it physically active.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would choose this outing if you have limited time in El Nido and want the major sights in one day. It suits people who like switching between activities and do not mind sharing a boat with other groups.

Families can enjoy it, though younger children should be comfortable around water and follow instructions. The two-seat and three-seat kayak options may help groups paddle together. People who want a relaxed beach day should know that the stops are timed and the route covers a lot of ground.

This tour also suits first-time visitors who want a broad introduction to the Bacuit Archipelago. It is less suitable for someone seeking a private, slow-paced outing, a dedicated vegetarian lunch, or extensive commentary at every location.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the starting time when booking, since the activity runs for six hours and availability affects the departure schedule.

Should you book the Big Lagoon and island adventure?

Book it if you want Big Lagoon kayaking, coral snorkeling, Secret Lagoon, and Seven Commandos Beach in one organized day. The $23 starting price is strong value once you understand the added environmental, lagoon, and equipment fees. The lunch, safety gear, boat, captain, and guide make the package practical.

Skip it if you dislike crowds, need a long beach stay, or want a quiet private boat from start to finish. Pack water shoes, carry extra drinking water and snacks, get into the lunch line early, and keep your schedule open after the stated six hours.

For most first-time visitors with limited time, I would book it. The day is busy and not perfectly leisurely, but the mix of kayaking, snorkeling, beaches, limestone cliffs, and a good meal gives you a clear taste of what makes El Nido special.

FAQ

How long does the El Nido island tour last?

The tour lasts six hours. The listed stops include Seven Commandos Beach, Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Secret Lagoon.

Where does the tour start?

Meet at Marbers Resto Bar on the Calle Hama beachfront. Enter Marbers and look for Annabelle or any Alexzus staff member.

Where does the tour finish?

The tour finishes at Dockyard.

Is kayaking included in the tour price?

No. Kayak rental costs 300 PHP for a two-seat kayak or 350 PHP for a three-seat kayak.

What equipment is included?

The tour includes a mask, snorkel, life jacket, licensed tourist boat, licensed captain, local guide, picnic lunch, and one 330-milliliter bottle of purified water served at lunch.

Are the environmental and Big Lagoon fees included?

No. The environmental fee is 400 PHP per person and is valid for five days. The Big Lagoon users fee is 200 PHP per person for one-time access.

What food is served at lunch?

Lunch is Filipino-style and may include grilled fish, chicken, prawns, pancit, rice, vegetables, and fruit. Vegetarian choices are not specified beyond items such as rice and noodles.

Can I rent water shoes and fins?

Yes. Water shoes cost 100 PHP per pair, and fins cost 150 PHP per pair.

Can I cancel the tour or pay later?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.