El Nido: Big Lagoon Kayaking & Island Adventure

El Nido’s best-known scenes arrive in one busy, beautiful day: Big Lagoon by kayak, Secret Lagoon through a narrow rock opening, and Seven Commandos Beach with its powdery sand. The limestone cliffs and clear water do much of the entertaining, but the crew also helps you on and off the boat and keeps the mood light. Guides such as Arnold, Anderson, and Ken Kyle have been praised for their humor.

I like the good mix of active and easy-going stops. You paddle, snorkel, swim, eat lunch on Shimizu Island, and still get time to stretch out on the beach. I also like the generous Filipino lunch, with fish, chicken, prawns, noodles, rice, vegetables, and fruit. The main drawback is popularity: stops can feel crowded, and the schedule may give you less beach time than you want.

Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, and Seven Commandos in one day

• Big Lagoon kayaking: Paddle between towering limestone walls on calm, clear water. A small cave along the route adds a fun extra detail.
• Secret Lagoon access: Enter through a low opening in the rock, then explore a natural pool ringed by stone walls.
• Seven Commandos Beach: Swim, sunbathe, use the swing, or simply enjoy the sand and palm trees.
• Shimizu Island lunch: Stop for a beach picnic with grilled food, Filipino dishes, rice, vegetables, and fruit.
• Snorkeling options: Shimizu Island is the usual site, but Advance or South Miniloc may be used when sea conditions call for it.
• Useful extra costs: The $23 price does not include kayak rental, environmental and lagoon fees, or optional water shoes and fins.

What the $23 price really covers

At $23 per person, this is an appealing price for a six-hour El Nido boat day. You get a licensed tourist boat, captain, local guide, mask and snorkel, life jacket, picnic lunch, and one 330 ml bottle of purified water served at lunch.

The headline price is not the final cost. Big Lagoon requires a 200 PHP one-time access fee, and El Nido’s environmental fee is 400 PHP per person, valid for five days. Kayak rental costs 300 PHP for a two-seat kayak or 350 PHP for a three-seat kayak. Water shoes cost 100 PHP per pair and fins cost 150 PHP per pair if you rent them.

That still can be good value, especially if you want the classic El Nido sights in a single outing. The important point is to carry enough cash and decide in advance which extras you need. If two people share a kayak, the rental is fairly manageable. If you add shoes, fins, and the required fees, your real spend will be noticeably higher than $23.

The lunch also adds value. You are not just paying for a boat ride and a few photo stops. You receive a substantial island meal, and the food selection can include grilled fish, chicken, prawns, pancit, rice, eggplant, melon, and other Filipino-style dishes. If you are vegetarian, ask about the available food before serving begins. The meal may offer rice and noodles, but a dedicated vegetarian choice is not guaranteed.

Meeting at Marbers and getting onto the boat

The meeting point is Marbers Resto Bar on Calle Hama, directly on the beach front. Enter Marbers and look for Annabelle or any Alexzus staff member.

The tour finishes at Dockyard, so do not assume you will return to your hotel door. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Build in time to reach the meeting point and keep your plans flexible after the tour, since the day can run at a relaxed island pace.

The advertised duration is six hours. That sounds generous, but the route includes several stops, boat transfers, a safety briefing, lunch, kayaking, snorkeling, and time in the water. I would treat it as a full half-day with plenty of sun and physical activity, not as a slow sightseeing cruise.

The boat crew provides life jackets and helps people on and off the boat. That matters at stops where the water is moving or the entry point is rocky. Still, you should be comfortable with boat travel, swimming conditions, and getting in and out of the water. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Seven Commandos Beach gives you the soft start

Seven Commandos Beach is scheduled for about an hour. It is a friendly opening stop because you can ease into the day with a swim, a walk, a little sun, or a turn on the swing.

The beach has white sand, palms, and clear water. You might also find drinks available for purchase on the boat, but bring cash if you want snacks or other small purchases. The hour passes quickly, especially if you want to swim and take photographs.

This is one place where I would prefer more time. You may feel tempted to linger under the palms or simply sit and watch the water, but the schedule has several major stops ahead. Think of Seven Commandos as a scenic introduction rather than a long beach break.

Wear a swimsuit under your clothes and keep a dry change of clothes handy. Sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen are practical choices. The supplied information also recommends insect repellent, snacks, water, and a waterproof camera.

Big Lagoon is the main event

Big Lagoon is the tour’s strongest stop. You leave the main boat and paddle across calm turquoise water surrounded by tall limestone cliffs. From a kayak, the experience becomes quieter and more personal than simply viewing the lagoon from the deck.

The cliffs create the feeling of entering a natural stone corridor. The water is generally the visual star here, and the smooth surface can make excellent photographs. A small cave along the route gives you another feature to look for while kayaking.

Kayak rental is not included, so plan on 300 PHP for a two-seat kayak or 350 PHP for a three-seat kayak. If you have never kayaked before, this is still an approachable activity, but you should expect some paddling effort. The tour guidance describes Big Lagoon as a 105-minute stop, though that time includes moving people between boat and kayak and organizing the activity.

Popularity is the main issue. Big Lagoon is one of El Nido’s best-known stops, and the kayak supply may not match demand at the first attempt. One group had to return three times before kayaks were available, using other stops to fill the wait. That sort of change can happen when the area is crowded.

I would not book this trip expecting an empty lagoon or complete control over the order of stops. I would book it for the chance to kayak in Big Lagoon at a low package price, while accepting that timing may shift.

Shimizu Island combines snorkeling and lunch

Shimizu Island is scheduled for about 105 minutes, making it the longest listed stop. It is where the day’s lunch is served, and it is also a key snorkeling area.

The water around Shimizu is described as a snorkeling haven with colorful coral and many fish. Masks and snorkels are included, along with life jackets. Depending on sea conditions, the crew may use Advance or South Miniloc instead. That flexibility is useful because the best site can depend on the water on that particular day.

You should not touch coral, fish, other marine life, plants, or animals. That is good practice in any reef area, and it also keeps you from damaging a place you came to see. If you need more support in the water, tell the crew before entering.

Lunch is served on the beach. Expect a Filipino-style spread that can include grilled fish, chicken, prawns, pancit, rice, vegetables, and fruit. The food can be plentiful, but serving order matters. If you are slow to reach the meal, popular dishes may be gone by the time you get there.

I would move toward lunch when the crew begins serving, especially if you are traveling with children or have dietary needs. Vegetarian choices may be limited to rice and noodles, so this is not the ideal tour for someone requiring a substantial meat-free meal unless the operator confirms alternatives ahead of time.

The included drinking water is only one 330 ml bottle per person, served at lunch. That is not much for six hours in the sun. Bring additional water and snacks. The instructions specifically advise bringing both, and I consider that essential rather than optional.

Secret Lagoon requires careful footing

Secret Lagoon is scheduled for about 45 minutes. Reaching it means passing through a small opening in the rock into a natural pool enclosed by limestone.

The entrance is part of the fun, but it also requires care. The rocky sea floor can make the approach awkward, particularly if you are not a confident swimmer. Crew members can help pull you toward the opening, but water shoes or sandals with straps are a much better choice than loose flip-flops.

Water shoes can be rented for 100 PHP per pair, and fins are available for 150 PHP per pair. I would prioritize water shoes over fins for this tour because the rocky footing at Secret Lagoon is the more immediate concern. Loose slippers can float away, leaving you to walk over sharp or uneven ground barefoot.

Forty-five minutes is enough to see the place, but not enough for a leisurely stop if the entrance is crowded. Follow the guide’s instructions, move carefully, and do not touch the rock formations, plants, or marine life.

The crew is part of the value

This is a guided tour in English with a licensed local guide, licensed captain, and professional boat crew. The guide does more than point out stops. The better guides keep people organized, offer jokes and island trivia, and help make loading and unloading less stressful.

Arnold is known for keeping the mood funny, while Anderson and Ken Kyle have also been praised for making the day feel lively. The tone seems suited to people who enjoy a social boat trip rather than a quiet, private charter.

You can request a private group, which may be worth considering if you want more control over the pace. The standard experience can be crowded, especially at Big Lagoon and other well-known stops. A private option may change the feel of the day, but you should confirm its exact cost and arrangements before booking.

The crew’s help is especially useful at Secret Lagoon and during kayak transfers. Even so, I would not mistake a friendly crew for a personal assistant. Keep track of your own shoes, camera, phone, towel, and cash.

How to prepare for six hours in the sun

Pack light, but pack smart. I would bring:

• Water beyond the included 330 ml bottle
• Snacks
• Sun hat and sunglasses
• Swimsuit and a dry change of clothes
• Waterproof camera or phone protection
• Water shoes or secure sandals
• Insect repellent
• Cash for rentals, drinks, and fees

Smoking, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed. Do not touch marine life, animals, or plants. These rules are simple, but they matter in a reef and lagoon setting.

The tour includes lots of movement. You will get on and off the boat, paddle, snorkel, walk over uneven surfaces, and spend time in strong sun. If you want a very slow beach day, this is not the right plan. If you like a full schedule with several different settings, the six hours are used well.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available starting time when booking. The tour is conducted in English.

Who will enjoy this El Nido day most

I would recommend this trip to a first-time El Nido visitor who wants the famous sights without arranging separate boat trips. It is also a good match for couples, families with active older children, and friends who enjoy a social day with plenty of water time.

Kayaking is the central activity, so you should be willing to paddle or share that work with someone else. Snorkeling is included, but confidence in the water will make the day easier. Secret Lagoon can be difficult to reach if you cannot swim, even with crew assistance.

You may want another option if your priority is quiet beaches, long stops, or a tailored food plan. The route is popular, and the standard schedule cannot give every beach as much time as you might want. Vegetarians should also check the lunch arrangements before committing.

Should you book this Big Lagoon tour?

I would book it if you have limited time in El Nido and want the classic combination of kayaking, snorkeling, beaches, lagoons, and a beach lunch. At $23 before the required fees and optional rentals, it offers a lot for the money.

Go in with realistic expectations. Big Lagoon may be crowded, kayaks may take time to become available, and the beach stops can feel short. Bring extra water, wear secure footwear, move toward lunch promptly, and keep your schedule flexible.

If those conditions suit you, this is a strong introduction to El Nido. The scenery does the heavy lifting, while the crew adds practical help and humor. If you want a relaxed private day with long stretches at one beach, choose a different format.

FAQ

How long does the El Nido Big Lagoon tour last?

The tour lasts six hours. The schedule includes Seven Commandos Beach, Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Secret Lagoon before finishing at Dockyard.

Where does the tour meet?

Meet at Marbers Resto Bar, Calle Hama Beach Front. Enter Marbers and look for Annabelle or any Alexzus staff member.

Where does the tour finish?

The tour finishes at Dockyard. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is kayaking included in the price?

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

Are the entrance fees included?

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

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. A mask and snorkel, plus a life jacket, are included.

Where does snorkeling take place?

Snorkeling is planned for Shimizu Island. Depending on sea conditions, the crew may use Advance or South Miniloc instead.

What food is served for lunch?

Lunch is served at Shimizu Island and can include grilled fish, chicken, prawns, pancit, rice, vegetables, and fruit. Dedicated vegetarian choices are not guaranteed.

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 booking?

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