El Nido Island Hopping Tour: Lagoons & 5 Stops

Five island stops, two hidden lagoons, and a full day on the water

A shared-boat island hopping tour in El Nido that visits Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Payong-Payong Beach, and Seven Commandos Beach in a single full day. The boat holds a maximum of 25 people. Pickup runs from 8:30 to 9:00 AM within town proper, and the tour ends around 4:00 PM with no hotel drop-off included. A licensed English-speaking guide, picnic lunch, life vest, and boat transfer are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Big Lagoon2h
2. Secret Lagoon1h
3. Seven Commandos Beach2h
4. Payong-Payong Beach1h

El Nido Island Hopping Tour

• Pick up from hotel
• Visit Big Lagoon
• Explore Secret Lagoon
• Snorkel at Shimizu Island
• Relax at Payong-Payong Beach
• Enjoy Seven Commandos Beach
• Return to shore

The experience

The tour starts with a pickup from your hotel or accommodation between 8:30 and 9:00 AM, then heads out by boat to Big Lagoon first. The highlight stop where dark limestone cliffs frame emerald water that shifts from shallow at the entrance to deep blue farther in. From there the boat moves to Secret Lagoon, a small pool tucked inside dramatic rock formations, before stopping at Shimizu Island, which has tall black limestone and a snorkeling spot with crystal-clear water. The day also includes Payong-Payong Beach on Miniloc Island, a small white-sand beach ringed by mountain rock, and Seven Commandos Beach, which has turquoise water and coconut trees beneath the cliffs.

The boat carries a maximum of 25 people, so the group stays small enough to move between stops without long waits. A licensed guide in English leads the day and explains what you're seeing. Boarding can require a short swim to the boat depending on sea conditions, tides and waves on the day you go, so the operator asks that you mention your accommodation in advance so they can coordinate the pickup properly. Lunch is picnic-style with drinking water included. You'll need to bring your own towel.

The tour runs from around 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Drop-off after the tour is not included, so you'll need to arrange your own way back to your hotel or accommodation from the meeting point. Snorkeling gear and kayak use are optional add-ons at checkout.

What’s included

• Free hotel pickup within town proper between 8:30 and 9:00 AM.
• boat transfer to all five stops.
• licensed English-speaking guide.
• picnic-style lunch with drinking water.
• life vest.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

AgesAdult (6 to 85 years) · Child (2 to 5 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupUp to 25

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 26 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 15.71

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Sia Travels

Is this one for you?Book this if you're joining a group of up to 25 and want to visit all five stops in one full day. You'll meet at a central pickup point and return there rather than your hotel.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 5 years); Infant (under 2): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the difference between Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon on this tour?

Big Lagoon is the larger highlight stop, dotted with dark limestone cliffs and featuring shallow water at the entrance that deepens into emerald color farther out. Secret Lagoon is a smaller pool of water hidden within rock formations, a separate and more enclosed stop.

Do I need to know how to swim to join this island hopping tour?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Boarding the boat may require a short swim depending on sea conditions, tides and waves on the day, so you should be comfortable in water. Infants can sit on an adult's lap, but the tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries.

What time does the boat leave and when do I get back?

Pickup happens between 8:30 and 9:00 AM from your hotel or accommodation within town proper. The tour runs until approximately 4:00 PM. Drop-off to your hotel is not included, so you'll arrange your own return from the meeting point.

Is snorkeling included, and what gear do I need?

Shimizu Island is the snorkeling stop with crystal-clear water. Snorkeling gear is optional and can be added at checkout. A life vest is included with the tour. Bring your own towel.

How many people go on the boat, and is this a private tour?

This is a shared joiner tour with a maximum boat capacity of 25 people. It is not a private tour, so you'll be grouped with other travelers for the day.