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

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.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets 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

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.