El Nido is a small town located in the northernmost tip of Palawan, a province in the Philippines known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and amazing natural scenery. El Nido is particularly popular among tourists for its island hopping tours, which take visitors to several beautiful islands and lagoons in Bacuit Bay.
1. What You Get with El Nido Tour A
El Nido Tour A is a full-day excursion that takes you to several of the area’s top attractions. The tour includes visits to Secret Lagoon, a Snorkeling spot (between Shimizu Island and Inatula Island), Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Seven Commando Beach. Depending on which tour operator you use, you may also be able to visit some other small islands and lagoons in between stops. All tours include lunch at one of the island’s stops as well as some snorkeling opportunities throughout your journey.
1. Secret Lagoon
Located on Miniloc Island, the Secret Lagoon is one of the most beautiful natural wonders in El Nido. The lagoon is accessible only through a small opening in a massive rock formation, which adds to the sense of wonder and mystery that surrounds it. Once you enter the lagoon, you’ll be greeted with stunning views of towering cliffs, turquoise waters, and a tranquil and serene atmosphere.
Unfortunately, we got there already few boats and we gotta wait in line to enter the secret lagoon. Once we were inside we didn’t stay that long, it was already packed, and the water was not that crystal clear anymore. We decided to go out to explore the beach and did snorkeling in the area instead.
2. Snorkeling (between Shimizu Island and Inatula Island)
Alrothu tour A is not focusing on snorkeling you will still get the chance to snorkel as our boat took us to the next stop which is around 25 minutes away from the secret lagoon. The location is pretty unique as you will snorkel pretty much in between two islands. At the first glance the water visibility was great and very calm tides.
3. Shimizu Island
Shimizu Island is a beautiful destination located in Bacuit Bay in El Nido, Palawan, Philippines. One of the stops on the popular island hopping tours in the area, and is known for its pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Shimizu Island is a popular spot for snorkeling and swimming.
it’s also our stop for having lunch as well so while the crew preparing our lunch Lukas and I we decided to snorkel a little bit on the side because it gets quite busy with boats and the side where we are snorkeling is quite shallow and some people just walking there not think about whether any corals that could be destroyed :(.
4. Big Lagoon
The Big Lagoon is often considered the highlight of Tour A, with its stunning scenery and peaceful atmosphere leaving a lasting impression on visitors. For anyone traveling to El Nido, the Big Lagoon is a must-visit destination that should not be missed.
The Big Lagoon is a breathtaking natural wonder with crystal-clear turquoise waters, towering limestone cliffs, and lush foliage. Visitors can take a kayak to explore the lagoon and its hidden coves and beaches, or simply swim and snorkel in the calm waters.
5. Seven Commando Beach
Seven Commando Beach is a stunning destination located in El Nido, Palawan, Philippines. It is one of the stops on the popular island hopping tours in the area, and is known for its powdery white sand, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque palm trees. The beach is named after the seven soldiers who reportedly hid on the island during World War II, and is now a popular spot for tourists to relax and soak up the sun. Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and beach volleyball, or simply relax on the soft sand and take in the breathtaking views.
6. Is it Worth the Hype?
The short answer is a resounding yes. One of the highlights of Tour A is the Big Lagoon, a natural wonder with towering limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and hidden beaches and coves. Visitors can take a kayak to explore the lagoon and its hidden wonders, or simply swim and snorkel in the calm waters.
The Pros
The biggest pro about taking an El Nido Tour A is that you get to see some of the best attractions around El Nido without having to worry about getting lost or missing out on something special. This tour only lasts a day and there are plenty of places where you can buy snacks and drinks along the way, it’s a great option if you are short on time or budget but still want to experience some of what El Nido has to offer.
The Cons
El Nido Tours A is not without its drawbacks though. Because they are so popular, they can oftentimes be overcrowded with tourists making it difficult to truly appreciate your surroundings without feeling rushed or overwhelmed by crowds at every stop along your journey. Additionally, some tour operators may not provide enough time for swimming or snorkeling at each spot which could make your trip feel rushed or incomplete if you were hoping for more time in the water.
7. How Much Does it Cost
With many tour companies offering Island excursions, you can explore a paradise at similar costs starting from 1300 Pesos per person which would include towels, water and lunch. Exclude environment fees (If you pay once it will valid for a week), snorkeling mask, and kayak fees (300 pesos).
8. The Best Time to Visit El Nido
The best time to visit El Nido is during the dry season, which runs from November to May. During this time, the weather is sunny and dry, making it the perfect time for island hopping and other outdoor activities. However, it is also the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices. Our much-anticipated trip to El Nido in January 2023 was off to a soggy start when the rain and clouds moved in. With global warming continuing its march, it’s becoming more of a challenge than ever before to accurately anticipate Mother Nature!
Conclusion
While taking an El Nido Tour A may not be perfect—as no activity ever really is—it can still be a great way to experience some of the area’s top attractions without having to worry about getting lost or missing out on something special! Just make sure that you do your research beforehand so that you know what kind of experience awaits you before embarking on your journey! With careful planning and preparation ahead of time though there’s no doubt that taking an el nido tour can be an unforgettable experience!
