El Nido Big Lagoon & Island Hopping Tour A — Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Shimizu & Seven Commando Guide
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
8–8.5 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness—comfortable with repeated short swims, climbing in/out of boats, and some standing on uneven sand.
Overview
Board a traditional banca at dawn and carve through emerald water to Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Beach and Seven Commando Beach. This full‑day Group Tour A is a fast, scenic primer on El Nido’s dramatic karst islands—perfect for first‑time visitors who want a concentrated dose of Palawan’s best.
El Nido Big Lagoon & Island Hopping Tour A — Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Shimizu & Seven Commando Guide
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The wooden banca slips away from El Nido Dock at first light, the town’s low roofs shrinking behind you while limestone walls rise like vertical maps of an older ocean. Water turns from turquoise to a green so deep it looks alive; sunlight sketches ripples under a keel. This is Tour A: an eight‑hour loop that threads Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Beach, Shimizu Island and Seven Commando Beach—short, intense chapters of Palawan’s most photographed coast.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring cash for island entrance fees
Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon each charge an entrance fee (≈PHP200) payable on site; have small bills ready.
Wear water shoes
Beaches and reef edges can be sharp—lightwater shoes protect feet during short hikes and when entering boats.
Use reef‑safe sunscreen
To protect coral life bring sunscreen labeled reef‑safe and reapply sparingly; a rash guard reduces need for lotion.
Pack a small dry bag
Keep phones, passports and cash dry during transfers and quick swims—waterproof pouches are lightweight and fuse with a daypack.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Blacktip reef shark (occasionally in shallow bays)
- Brown booby and other seabirds hunting around cliffs
History
El Nido’s karst islands are uplifted coral and limestone shaped over millennia; local coastal communities, including Tagbanwa people, have long depended on these waters for fishing.
Conservation
Tour operators and local authorities limit visitor numbers in sensitive lagoons—use reef‑safe products, avoid touching coral, and dispose of waste responsibly.
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Adventure Hotspots in El Nido
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Reef‑safe sunscreen
Protects skin and coral; tropical sun is strong even on overcast days.
Water shoes
Grip and protection for rocky shorelines and coral approaches.
Dry bag (5–10L)
Keeps electronics, documents and extra layers dry in boat transfers.
Light snorkeling set
Masks and fins help you explore nearshore reefs at Shimizu and Seven Commando.
summer specific