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A full-day island-hopping boat tour from El Nido that visits Big Lagoon, a secret lagoon, Shimizu Island, Payong-Payong, and Seven Commandos Beach—perfect for kayaking, snorkeling, and beach breaks. Read on for what to expect and how to prepare.
A full-day island-hopping boat tour from El Nido that visits Big Lagoon, a secret lagoon, Shimizu Island, Payong-Payong, and Seven Commandos Beach—perfect for kayaking, snorkeling, and beach breaks. Read on for what to expect and how to prepare.
You push off from a slender banca as the sea opens and limestone cliffs loom—dark karst walls cutting into a band of impossibly clear green water. The Big Lagoon narrows like a throat and then opens into a perfect mirror; paddles whisper and water dares you to swim deeper.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Philippines Divers · El Nido, Palawan
You push off from a slender banca as the sea opens and limestone cliffs loom—dark karst walls cutting into a band of impossibly clear green water. The Big Lagoon narrows like a throat and then opens into a perfect mirror; paddles whisper and water dares you to swim deeper.
The limestone towers here are ancient coral and reef, uplifted and eroded over millennia into the jagged karsts that define Bacuit Bay. Spanish and local histories collide in small villages on nearby islands, and El Nido’s name—“the nest”—hints at habitats once harvested for swiftlet nests and trade. Local guides share that the sea and cliffs are as much cultural resources as scenic ones.
Expect varied stops: a sheltered lagoon entered through a low cave, powder-soft white beaches framed by palms, shallow reefs that host colorful reef fish, and a quiet islet for a picnic. The tour usually includes life jackets, snorkel masks, purified water, and a boxed lunch; private bookings may add kayaks.
Practical notes: this is a full-day, 7-hour boat trip launched from El Nido town; morning departures favor calmer water and better light for photos. Weather governs access—some lagoons require calm seas—and water visibility varies with season. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, secure phone and camera in a dry bag, and dress in quick-dry layers. If you’re prone to seasickness, take precautions before boarding. Respect the reefs: no touching coral, pack out trash, and follow guide instructions. With a bit of preparation, this island-hopping route delivers the tropical geology, bright reef life, and quiet beaches that make El Nido one of the Philippines’ must-see coastal adventures.
easy.
7 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires basic mobility for boarding and shallow swims
The trip lasts about 7 hours with morning departures—private tours typically leave between 8:00–8:30 AM; shared tours 8:15–8:45 AM from downtown El Nido.
Yes—life jackets and snorkel masks are included; private tours may also provide kayaks.
Yes—access to lagoons and beaches is weather-dependent; operators may alter stops for safety and sea conditions.
The tour is rated easy and family-friendly; life jackets are required for non-swimmers and children must be supervised at all times.
The karst islands are uplifted coral and limestone shaped over millennia; local communities historically harvested swiftlet nests and fished the bay.
El Nido’s reefs are sensitive—stick to marked paths, avoid touching coral, use reef‑safe sunscreen, and follow guide instructions to minimize impact.
Philippines Divers operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
You push off from a slender banca as the sea opens and limestone cliffs loom—dark karst walls cutting into a band of impossibly clear green water. The Big Lagoon narrows like a throat and then opens into a perfect mirror; paddles whisper and water dares you to swim deeper.
You push off from a slender banca as the sea opens and limestone cliffs loom—dark karst walls cutting into a band of impossibly clear green water. The Big Lagoon narrows like a throat and then opens into a perfect mirror; paddles whisper and water dares you to swim deeper.
The limestone towers here are ancient coral and reef, uplifted and eroded over millennia into the jagged karsts that define Bacuit Bay. Spanish and local histories collide in small villages on nearby islands, and El Nido’s name—“the nest”—hints at habitats once harvested for swiftlet nests and trade. Local guides share that the sea and cliffs are as much cultural resources as scenic ones.
Expect varied stops: a sheltered lagoon entered through a low cave, powder-soft white beaches framed by palms, shallow reefs that host colorful reef fish, and a quiet islet for a picnic. The tour usually includes life jackets, snorkel masks, purified water, and a boxed lunch; private bookings may add kayaks.
Practical notes: this is a full-day, 7-hour boat trip launched from El Nido town; morning departures favor calmer water and better light for photos. Weather governs access—some lagoons require calm seas—and water visibility varies with season. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, secure phone and camera in a dry bag, and dress in quick-dry layers. If you’re prone to seasickness, take precautions before boarding. Respect the reefs: no touching coral, pack out trash, and follow guide instructions. With a bit of preparation, this island-hopping route delivers the tropical geology, bright reef life, and quiet beaches that make El Nido one of the Philippines’ must-see coastal adventures.