El Nido Private Tour A with Lunch: Four Islands, Fewer Crowds

Kayak the lagoons and swim at four islands while the tour handles the boat, the timing and the crowds.

A private boat tour of El Nido explores Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Seven Commandos Beach and Payong-Payong Beach in a single day, with a licensed English-speaking guide, fresh lunch and hotel pickup included. The tour runs seven to eight hours and keeps group sizes small to avoid the crowds that fill the popular routes. Pickup is available from accommodations in town or within 2km of the public market. Pickups from Seda Lio, Miniloc Resort or Matinloc Resort are available as separate options with their own pricing.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Big Lagoon1h 30m · entry included
2. Secret Lagoon1h 30m
3. Seven Commandos Beach1h 30m
4. Payong-Payong Beach1h 30m · entry included

Explore El Nido islands and beaches

• Visit Big Lagoon and kayak or SUP
• Go to Shimizu Island for turtle watching and lunch
• Explore and relax at Secret Lagoon
• Visit Seven Commandos Beach and enjoy sunset views
• Relax at Payong-Payong Beach

The experience

You get picked up from your hotel in El Nido town and head out on a private boat with a licensed guide and crew. The day moves through four stops: Big Lagoon first, where the limestone cliffs rise behind the water and you can kayak or paddleboard across the lagoon (gear rental available on the day); then Shimizu Island for lunch and a chance to watch for sea turtles; Secret Lagoon next, a small enclosed cove where you swim and explore the beach; and Seven Commandos Beach last, a long stretch of sand with a gentle slope into the water and views toward the sunset.

The boat carries fewer people than the shared tours that leave from the town pier, which means less time waiting to get into the water and more room to move around. Your guide speaks fluent English and knows the local names and history. The islands have stories, from the seven commandos who gave their name to one beach to the pioneer diver Shimizu, after whom the island is named. Lunch is prepared fresh on the day and includes more than the standard packed meal. Soda, water and fruit come with it.

The tour runs seven to eight hours total. Pickup happens from your accommodation if it's in town proper or within 2km of the public market. If you're staying at Seda Lio, Miniloc Resort or Matinloc Resort, those pickups are available as separate booking options. Snorkelling gear and kayaks are not included in the tour price but can be rented on the day. Infants sit on an adult's lap during the boat ride. The environmental fee and all boat entrance fees are covered.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup from El Nido town or within 2km of the public market.
• a licensed English-speaking guide and crew.
• boat transport to all four islands.
• lagoon and beach entrance fees.
• environmental fees.
• fresh lunch with soda, water and fruit.

Options for this experience

4 options

El Nido Private Tour A with LunchGuide in English · 08:30 and 09:00Includes pickup

Pickup from Matinloc Resort includedGuide in English · 08:30 and 09:00Includes pickup at Matinloc Resort

Pickup from Miniloc Resort includedGuide in English · 08:30 and 09:00Includes pickup at Miniloc Resort

Pickup in the Seda Lio Area includedGuide in English · 08:30 and 09:00Air-conditioned van

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30 and 09:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (3 and older) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupPrivate

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 33 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.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by El Nido Adventure Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you have a free afternoon or full day and want a shared boat tour with fewer passengers per trip, which means shorter waits at each island stop.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (under 3): 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, more famous lagoon in El Nido, known for its dramatic limestone backdrop and best explored by kayak or paddleboard. Secret Lagoon is a smaller, enclosed cove where you swim and walk the beach itself. Both are stops on the same day.

Do I need to bring my own snorkelling gear or kayak?

Snorkelling gear and kayaks are not included in the tour price but are available to rent on the day for an additional fee. You can decide once you're there whether you want to use them.

How does the pickup work if I'm staying outside El Nido town?

Pickup is included from accommodations in town proper or within 2km of the public market. If you're staying at Seda Lio, Miniloc Resort or Matinloc Resort, those are available as separate booking options with their own pricing. Pickups from other resorts outside town incur an extra charge.

What does lunch include on this tour?

Lunch is prepared fresh and includes soda, water and fruit along with the meal itself. The food is prepared in abundance, so there's plenty to eat.

Is this tour suitable if I've never kayaked before?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Kayaking and paddleboarding are optional. You can rent gear if you want to try it, or you can swim and explore the beaches without it.