El Nido, in Palawan, Philippines, is renowned for its jaw-dropping limestone formations, crystal-clear waters, and secluded beaches. This Private Tour A with Lunch offers an intimate way to explore these natural wonders, away from the crowds, with a price tag of $143 per person. Lasting around 7 to 8 hours, it’s perfect for those who want a flexible, personalized experience. Your day includes round-trip transfers, a professional guide, snorkel equipment, and a delicious lunch—what’s not to love?

Two things we really appreciate about this tour are the customized itinerary and the opportunity to visit less touristy spots. It’s a chance to see popular highlights like Big Lagoon and secret beaches without the hustle and bustle of large group tours. Plus, the private guide’s undivided attention creates a relaxed, tailored experience. On the flip side, one consideration is that some stops, like the lagoons, require separate admission fees, which are not included in the tour price. This tour suits travelers who value exclusivity, personalized service, and authentic encounters with Palawan’s natural beauty.

If you’re a traveler who appreciates flexible plans, enjoys snorkeling and beach time, and prefers avoiding large crowds, this private tour is an excellent choice. It’s especially suited for those who want to customize their day and seek out lesser-known gems.

Key Points

Private Experience: Enjoy a customized, intimate tour without sharing your boat with strangers.
Flexible Itinerary: Your guide can adapt the stops based on your interests.
Stunning Scenery: Visit iconic spots like Big Lagoon and secret beaches, along with off-the-beaten-path locations.
Inclusive Lunch: Savor a meal with drinks and fruits, perfect for recharging after snorkeling or swimming.
Additional Costs: Be aware of extra fees for snorkel gear, kayak rentals, and lagoon entrance tickets.
Convenient Pickup: Free hotel pickup within El Nido town ensures a hassle-free start to your day.

A Deep Dive into El Nido Private Tour A

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Starting the Day: From Hotel to Adventure

The tour kicks off with free pickup from your hotel or accommodation within El Nido town proper or within 2km from the public market. This is a real plus — it removes the stress of finding your way to a meeting point. The meeting point is at the El Nido Police Station, a straightforward spot, with your private guide ready to get you excited for the day ahead.

The First Stop: Big Lagoon

Few sights compare to the sheer dramatic beauty of Big Lagoon. Famous as one of the most photographed spots in Asia, this lagoon boasts towering limestone cliffs that seem to rise straight out of the water, creating a natural cathedral of rock. Most visitors explore this area by kayak or stand-up paddleboard, which adds a fun, active element to the visit.

Admission is not included, and while the scenery is breathtaking, be prepared for crowds if you visit during peak hours. The review from Kristi notes, “We weren’t waiting a ton of people to move on to the next stop,” which suggests that a private tour route can help you avoid the busy times, making it a more peaceful experience.

Shimizu Island – A Personal Favorite

The next highlight is Shimizu Island, a spot loved for its turtle-watching opportunities and clear, shallow waters that are perfect for snorkeling. Named after a pioneer explorer, it’s a great place to relax, swim, or enjoy a freshly prepared lunch on the beach. The island is free to visit, which makes the cost of the tour more attractive when balanced against the stunning scenery and food.

Secret Lagoon: A Hidden Gem

One of the most praised stops, the Secret Lagoon, deserves its name. It’s a small, sheltered beach with calm waters, surrounded by limestone formations that create a sense of discovery. Many reviewers, including Mickael, mention how this spot was a highlight — “Marc and his team were top-notch, and we had the best trip thanks to them.” The tour allows time to explore inside the lagoon, relax, and take in the beauty away from crowds.

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Seven Commandos Beach: A Scenic Sunset Spot

This beach is notable for its history, named after the seven commandos who once lived there. It’s a peaceful stretch of white sand with stunning sunset views. Because it’s on the mainland, it’s easily accessible and less crowded, making it an ideal location for a laid-back swim or a quiet moment with your travel companions.

Payong-Payong Beach: Picturesque and Peaceful

The final stop takes you to Payong-Payong Beach, characterized by towering limestone cliffs and crystal waters. The white sand and scenic surroundings are perfect for a last dip or some quiet reflection on your day’s journey. Note that admission is not included here, so make sure to allocate some cash if you want to explore further.

What the Tour Includes — and What It Doesn’t

Your lunch is covered, with soda, water, and fruit to keep you energized. The crew provides snorkel equipment, but if you want to rent a kayak or snorkeling gear, there’s an extra fee — P400 for a kayak and P100 per set for snorkel gear.

The tour also covers environmental fees and lagoon entrance tickets, which are essential for access but can add to your expenses. That said, the personalized attention from a professional licensed guide makes the extra costs worthwhile, especially as many reviews highlight how guides like Marc and his team go above and beyond.

Time Considerations and Flexibility

The itinerary is designed for a full day of exploring, with each stop lasting around 1.5 hours. This allows enough time to swim, snorkel, relax, and enjoy each location without feeling rushed. Since it’s a private tour, your guide can tailor the timing based on your interests — staying longer at a favorite spot or moving quickly through others.

Review Highlights: Authentic Experiences

Kristi’s glowing review, “Everything was based on our preferences, great crew and guide,” underscores the customized nature of this experience. Conversely, one reviewer points out a discrepancy with transport costs, emphasizing the importance of clarifying what’s included upfront to avoid surprises.

The Value of a Private Tour

Compared to group excursions, this private experience offers the chance for more personal interaction and timing flexibility. You won’t be waiting for other travelers, and you can decide how much time to spend at each stop. This alone can turn a good day into an unforgettable one.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This private tour is perfect for travelers seeking exclusivity and personalized service. If you’re someone who prefers customized itineraries and avoiding crowds, you’ll appreciate the flexibility and quiet beauty of the less-visited spots. It’s also great if you’re traveling with a small group or family and want a more intimate bonding experience.

Those who enjoy snorkeling, beach lounging, and photo opportunities will find plenty to love here. Just be aware that some additional fees for kayak and snorkel gear apply, so budget accordingly.

Travelers who want a full day of sightseeing with great food and expert guides will find this tour a worthwhile way to see El Nido’s highlights in comfort and style.

The Sum Up

This El Nido Private Tour A offers a thoughtful, flexible way to experience Palawan’s stunning coastlines, lagoons, and beaches. It’s ideal for those who value personalized service, want to escape the crowds, and are happy to pay a bit extra for a tailored adventure. The inclusion of lunch, snorkel gear, and hotel pickup simplifies the day, allowing you to focus on soaking up the scenery and making memories.

While the tour does have some additional costs, the overall value lies in the comfort of private guides and the chance to visit less-visited, authentic spots. If you’re looking to explore El Nido in a relaxed, customized way that balances iconic sights with hidden treasures, this tour will serve you well.

This experience suits travelers who want a more intimate, less rushed, and more personalized island-hopping adventure — perfect for capturing the true essence of Palawan’s natural beauty.

FAQ

What is included in this tour?
You get a private guide, snorkel equipment, lunch with drinks and fruits, environmental fees, and lagoon entrance tickets. Pickup within El Nido town is free.

Are there additional costs I should be aware of?
Yes, snorkeling gear costs P100 per set, kayak rentals are P400, and some stops like lagoons or Payong-Payong Beach may have entrance fees you need to pay separately.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Absolutely. This private tour allows your guide to tailor stops based on your interests, whether you want more snorkeling, beach time, or exploring hidden spots.

How long does the tour last?
Typically 7 to 8 hours, giving you plenty of time at each stop without feeling rushed.

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, free pickup is offered within El Nido town proper and within 2km of the public market. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

What’s the best time to book?
Most travelers book about 32 days in advance, but it’s wise to confirm availability early, especially during peak season.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but those with mobility issues or very young children should consider the physical aspects of boat transfers and walking on uneven beaches.

In the end, this private El Nido tour offers a personalized, scenic, and comfortable way to see some of the Philippines’ most breathtaking spots. It’s a fantastic choice for those who want to avoid crowds, enjoy flexible planning, and indulge in a bit of luxury amidst nature’s finest offerings.