Kayaking El Nido: Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island & Secret Lagoon

Paddle through five lagoons and beaches in one morning, ending with lunch on the sand

Tour A is a full-day kayaking trip through El Nido's most visited lagoons and beaches, with a live English-speaking guide, hotel pickup from town, lunch on the beach and all lagoon entry fees included. You paddle your own kayak (or share one) to Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Payong-Payong Beach, Secret Lagoon and Seven Commandos Beach, with time to snorkel. The tour runs 7 to 8 hours and suits all fitness levels. Pickup is free from El Nido town, and kayak rental is optional at checkout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

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

Explore El Nido's lagoons and beaches

• Visit Big Lagoon
• Stop at Shimizu Island for lunch and snorkeling
• Relax at Payong-Payong Beach
• Explore Secret Lagoon
• Enjoy Seven Commandos Beach

The experience

You get picked up from your hotel in El Nido town and head to the departure point, where the guide briefs the group before you push off into Big Lagoon. The narrow waterway opens between dark limestone cliffs and bright blue water. The kayak lets you move at your own pace through it. From there you paddle to Shimizu Island, where the group stops for lunch on the beach and time to snorkel with the turtles in the shallows if you want to.

The afternoon takes you to three more stops: Payong-Payong Beach, a white-sand stretch backed by limestone cliffs where you can swim or rest; Secret Lagoon, which you reach by paddling through a small cave entrance to a hidden cove; and Seven Commandos Beach, a palm-fringed bay with a beach bar. The guide navigates the route and points out the geology and wildlife, but the kayak is yours to paddle. Snorkeling gear is not included, so bring your own or rent a mask and snorkel set for P100 before you go.

Kayaks are optional at checkout: you can rent one for P400 (seats two people) or paddle with the group using the operator's boats. If your hotel is outside El Nido town, pickup costs extra. The environmental fee (P400 per person) and lagoon entry (P200 per person) are built into the price, and lunch is on the beach at Shimizu Island. Bring water and any drinks you want. They are not included.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup from El Nido town.
• a live English-speaking guide.
• lunch on Shimizu Island beach.
• entry to all five lagoons and beaches.
• the environmental fee.
• snorkeling time at Shimizu Island (bring your own mask and snorkel, or rent one for P100).
• and time to swim and rest at each stop.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (6 and older) · Child (3 to 5 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 50

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go 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 nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by El Nido Adventure Tours

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you have a full morning or afternoon free and want to paddle your own kayak through multiple lagoons in one trip. Kayak rental is optional at checkout, so you can bring your own or use one of the operator's boats. Either way, you do the paddling yourself, not watching from a larger vessel. If you're staying outside El Nido town, add pickup at checkout for an extra charge.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 5 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 you paddle into it?

Big Lagoon is a scenic, narrow waterway with striking blue water surrounded by dark limestone cliffs on both sides. You paddle through it at the start of the day, and the kayak lets you move at your own pace through the channel.

Can I snorkel at Shimizu Island, and will I see turtles?

Shimizu Island is the lunch stop and a popular snorkeling spot where turtles are often present in the shallows. Bring your own mask and snorkel, or rent a set for P100 before the tour starts. Neither is included in the price.

Do I need my own kayak, or is one provided?

Kayaks are optional at checkout. The operator provides boats for the group, or you can rent your own kayak for P400 (seats two people). Either way, you paddle yourself through the lagoons and beaches.

How long is the full day, and what time does it end?

The tour runs 7 to 8 hours from pickup at your hotel. You paddle five stops (Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Payong-Payong Beach, Secret Lagoon and Seven Commandos Beach) with lunch included at Shimizu Island.

Is pickup from my hotel included, and does it cost extra if I'm outside town?

Free pickup is included if your hotel is in El Nido town. If you're staying outside town, pickup costs extra. You can add it at checkout.

What happens at Secret Lagoon?

Secret Lagoon is only accessible by paddling through a small cave entrance, which opens into a hideaway lagoon popular for sightseeing. You kayak in, explore the cove and paddle back out.