Things to do in El Nido Beach

the start to the tour was a little chaotic as many people were confused at the meeting point (it’s actually a booth across from calamari resto) and a lot of waiting to get everyone organized. once we got on the boat it was awesome! it was a really wavey day so we didn’t get to go to a couple of the stops but we went other places and it was great :) overall great day!

It says on the notice. Departure at 8 a.m. Please wait 15 minutes before. No one kept their promise. I thought it would be hard to leave on time because it was a group tour, but it was so hard to wait for over an hour. The ship departed at 9 a.m. with 20 people on board. Silly to keep the promise??? I took a tricycle to arrive 15 minutes before the tour. I felt bad even before the tour. The staff on board was kind. They were considerate of the guests and took good care of the elderly. Whenever we toured, they explained it to everyone and made jokes. The meal was good, too. If my friend asks me if I recommend this place, I will recommend it if I am used to waiting and have a big heart. thanks on board staff. p.s. The kayak went up to 400 pesos for two people.

I took the El Nido Tour A and overall, it’s one of those classic island-hopping experiences that leaves you both exhausted and exhilarated by the end of the day. Our first highlight was Big Lagoon. To really make the most of it, we paid the 500-peso surcharge for a kayak. It’s worth it. Paddling through that serene turquoise water, gliding between soaring limestone cliffs, was just as picturesque as all the postcards and Instagram shots promised. The only downside is that you can’t just swim in and out—you really do need the kayak to explore it properly. Our next major stop was Shimizu Island, where we had a buffet lunch right on the beach. Expect a spread of fresh grilled fish, meats, salads, rice, and plenty of fruit. While it’s a solid meal, don’t go in expecting gourmet—it’s more about fueling up and enjoying the island vibes. After lunch, there’s some snorkeling, but honestly, the marine life at Shimizu wasn’t that impressive. Lots of small fish, but not the vibrant coral gardens you might hope for. The real treat here is the Secret Lagoon, tucked behind a narrow opening in the cliff. You literally have to crouch down and pass through a small hole while waves crash around you, which is part thrilling and part nerve-wracking. Once inside, it’s more of a novelty—a hidden, enclosed pool that’s fun to say you’ve been to, even if it can get crowded. Later on, we headed to a snorkeling spot near Paglugaban Island, which absolutely put the earlier snorkeling to shame. The coral and fish diversity here were way better. If underwater photos matter to you, don’t just rely on a cheap plastic phone pouch—invest in a proper waterproof housing or rent a GoPro before joining your tour. The visibility and marine life are good enough that you’ll want some decent shots. Also, bring a dry bag. At pretty much every stop, you’ll be wading through chest-high water to get to shore, so if you value your electronics or a dry change of clothes, a dry bag is non-negotiable. We also swung by Payong-Payong Beach, which is a nice spot to relax and take in those limestone backdrops—just remember, the novelty here is more about chilling than any must-see activity. Our final stop before heading back was Seven Commando Beach, a wide, white-sand stretch perfect for winding down. The sun was setting, giving the place a warm, golden glow. There’s a small shack selling coconuts and ice cream, and if you time it right, sunset here can feel pretty magical. All in all, Tour A is classic El Nido for a reason. Just do a bit of prep: read up on each stop so you know what to expect, bring a proper waterproof camera setup, and definitely bring a dry bag. Compared to some other island-hopping tours in Palawan, Tour A hits a lot of the iconic spots. It may not be perfect—some snorkeling areas disappoint, and crowds are inevitable—but the combination of kayaking in the Big Lagoon and ending the day at Seven Commando Beach makes it well worth the trip.

The tour was exceptional! The guide and ship crew had so much energy it was palpable!! The Lagoons were my favorite even though I had never kayaked before, it was like riding a bike. Linchnwas provided which was very nice! my only problem is places with lack of restrooms—so if you don’t mind roughing it in the jungle of some island I’d advice you to empty before leaving!!

Super recommended when you visit palawan. It’s just a short hike of 10-15 minutes. You should go 8am the earliest to avoid too much people so that you can take pictures.

The boat tour was really amazing, they make you feel welcomed, the guides were amazing and I made a lot of friends as a solo traveler. I had such a nice time!

5 out of 5 stars - Absolutely fantastic! Tour guide even helped with some great photos. Book now, you won’t be disappointed!

Tour C its good but too much swimming to visit the secret beach or lagoon for us, its beautiful but also tired. Also we will suggest each tour have different lunch selection, because we joined Tour A&B&C in a row, every day lunch its same 😂😂😂😂