El Nido Tour A & C: Lagoon, Beach, Helicopter Island

Four island stops in one day, just your group and a guide

A private combination tour of El Nido covering Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Seven Commandos Beach, Hidden Beach, and Helicopter Island over seven hours. The tour includes a private local boat, licensed guide in English or Filipino, lunch, all snorkeling and kayaking gear, entrance fees, and bottled water. You choose pickup from Nacpan or Lio, and the pace is yours to set.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Seven Commandos Beach1h 30m · entry included
2. Hidden Beach1h 30m · entry included

Explore El Nido's lagoons and beaches

• Visit Big Lagoon for kayaking and swimming
• Stop at Shimizu Island for snorkeling and beach time
• Relax at Seven Commandos Beach
• Swim or kayak to Hidden Beach
• Enjoy Helicopter Island's beach and snorkeling

The experience

The tour strings together four distinct stops across Palawan's limestone archipelago. Big Lagoon opens the day with turquoise water ringed by vertical cliffs where you kayak and swim in the calm. Shimizu Island follows: a white-sand beach with a snorkel site where the coral and tropical fish sit in clear water close to shore. Seven Commandos Beach is a palm-lined stretch where you can swim, rest, or grab a fresh coconut from the beach huts. Hidden Beach, tucked behind a narrow limestone gap, reveals itself only when you swim or kayak through the opening. It's the secluded moment most people come for.

Helicopter Island (Dilumacad Island) rounds out the stops with another white-sand beach and limestone backdrop, plus more snorkeling if the water and your energy allow. The boat is yours alone: no strangers, no group schedule, no waiting for other passengers. Your guide speaks English or Filipino and steers the day. You decide how long to linger at each stop. Lunch is included, as are the mask, snorkel, and kayak rental. The seven-hour window gives you time to move between islands without rushing and still return before the heat peaks.

Pickup happens from either Nacpan or Lio depending on which option you choose at checkout. The boat, guide, entrance to Big Lagoon, government fees, and bottled water are all covered. Infants must sit on an adult's lap. The tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers but is suitable for all fitness levels.

What’s included

• Private local boat.
• licensed tour guide in English or Filipino.
• lunch.
• mask, snorkel, and kayak rental.
• Big Lagoon entrance fee.
• government fees.
• bottled water.

Options for this experience

3 options

Private El Nido Tour A and C combination, including lunchGuide in English or Filipino · 08:00

Pickup and drop-off at LioGuide in English or Filipino · 08:00Pickup is included in a private van

Pickup and drop-off at NacpanGuide in English or Filipino · 08:00Pickup is included in a private van

You pick the guide language when booking.

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

AgesAdult (7 to 75 years) · Child (3 to 6 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Filipino

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

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 nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by El Nido Adventure Tours

Is this one for you?Choose this tour if your group wants to move at its own pace without waiting for other travelers or following a fixed timetable. The private boat and guide are what make that possible. Pick Nacpan pickup if you're staying north of El Nido town, or Lio pickup if you're based closer to town.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

2 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Filipino.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 6 years); 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 is Big Lagoon like when we get there?

Big Lagoon is a calm expanse of turquoise water surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. You'll kayak and swim in the lagoon itself. The water is clear and the setting is peaceful, designed for both activity and taking in the view without crowds.

Can we snorkel at more than one stop?

Yes. Shimizu Island is the main snorkel site, with vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish in crystal-clear water close to shore. Helicopter Island also offers snorkeling if you want a second site, depending on how you pace the day.

How does Hidden Beach work if it's behind limestone cliffs?

Hidden Beach is accessible only by swimming or kayaking through a narrow opening in the rock. Your guide will take you through. It opens into a secluded cove with white sand and clear water, sheltered from the main lagoon.

What's included in the tour price?

The private boat, licensed guide, lunch, mask and snorkel, kayak rental, Big Lagoon entrance fee, government fees, and bottled water are all included. You pay one price upfront with no surprises at the stops.

Do we have to follow a fixed schedule, or can we stay longer at stops we like?

The tour is private, so you set the pace. Your guide will work with you on how long to spend at each island. The seven-hour window is designed to let you linger without rushing between stops.