Elnido: Private Island Tour A with Picnic Lunch

If you’re dreaming of a day spent floating in crystal-clear waters, lounging on pristine beaches, and marveling at towering limestone formations, then the Elnido Private Island Tour A might just be your ideal escape. Offered by Clark Kent Travel and Tours, this full-day, private adventure promises to unveil some of Palawan’s most stunning sights, with a focus on comfort and personalized experience.

What we love about this tour? First, the privately guided nature means you get a more relaxed, tailored experience — no crowded crowds or rushed schedules. Second, the highlight of the day, Big Lagoon, is renowned for its jaw-dropping limestone cliffs and tranquil waters, giving you plenty of chances for memorable photos and peaceful moments.

One potential consideration is the additional government fees—Php400 per person for environmental fees and Php200 per person for Big Lagoon—on top of the tour price. While these are standard in Palawan, it’s good to budget for them upfront.

This tour is perfect for couples, small groups, or families seeking an intimate, scenic day out, especially those who love snorkeling, swimming, and exploring stunning natural formations without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

Key Points

• Private experience for up to two people offers a more personal touch and flexibility.
• Visiting five distinct sites, including Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Seven Commandos Beach, and Payong Payong Island, provides a comprehensive taste of El Nido’s best.
• Snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming opportunities abound, perfect for water lovers.
• The delicious Filipino picnic lunch on Payong Payong Island adds a local flavor to the day.
• Additional fees for environmental and lagoon access are required, so budgeting for extra costs is wise.
• Pickup options are convenient if you’re staying within El Nido town proper, making the experience hassle-free.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discovering the Wonders of El Nido’s Private Tour A

Introduction

Imagine a day where you glide through calm, azure waters, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and lush islands. That’s the promise of Elnido Tour A, a private island-hopping journey offering an intimate glimpse into Palawan’s most dramatic scenery. While the tour isn’t a secret—it’s quite popular—there’s something special about having a dedicated guide and boat just for your party.

Two things stand out: the magnificent Big Lagoon—famous for its colossal limestone formations—and the chance to snorkel among vibrant marine life at Shimizu Island. These moments are what make this tour memorable.

On the other hand, a possible downside is that weather conditions can alter the itinerary, especially since access to some sites depends on calm seas. So, flexibility is key.

This experience is best suited for travelers craving a luxurious, private adventure with plenty of photo opportunities, authentic local cuisine, and relaxing beach time.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour costs $279 for a private group of up to two people, which is quite reasonable given the exclusivity and the packed itinerary. The price includes pick-up within El Nido town proper, a picnic lunch, bottled water, soft drinks, a life vest, and a licensed boat, guide, and crew.

Not included are optional extras like kayaks, snorkel masks, aqua shoes, and tips for guides and crew, which some travelers might want to bring or budget for. Also, government-mandated fees of Php400 per person for environmental preservation and Php200 per person for Big Lagoon entrance are additional costs to keep in mind.

Daily Itinerary Breakdown – What You Can Expect

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Pickup and Early Start

Your adventure begins with a pickup in El Nido town between 8:30 and 8:45 a.m., either from your accommodation or a designated meeting point at the BPI bank. Early mornings are best for avoiding the crowd and catching the best light on the water.

Secret Lagoon

Your first stop is the Secret Lagoon, a true hidden gem accessible through a small opening in the limestone formation. We’ve read that the photo opportunities here are incredible, with some reports describing it as a “hidden paradise.” The guided tour involves some swimming and exploring, lasting about 75 minutes.

Being a smaller and less crowded site, the Secret Lagoon offers a unique chance for a quiet, almost mystical experience—perfect for capturing memorable photos. Some reviews mention that the lagoon’s secret entrance makes it feel like discovering a private hideaway, though the short duration might leave travelers wishing for more time.

Big Lagoon

Next up is Big Lagoon, arguably the star of the tour. Surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, the lagoon’s calm waters are perfect for swimming and kayaking. You’ll spend about 90 minutes here, allowing ample time for exploration and relaxing on the water.

Reviewers highlight the stunning views of the cliffs towering above, with many describing the scenery as “breathtaking.” If you enjoy kayaking, bring your own or rent locally—they say the gentle paddling here complements the scenery beautifully.

Lunch at Payong Payong Island

After the morning’s adventures, you’ll enjoy a local Filipino-style picnic lunch on Payong Payong Island. The food is generally praised as tasty and hearty, with a nice mix of local flavors. It’s a good chance to relax on the beach and soak in the scenery.

Some reviews note that the lunch is well-organized and offers a break from water activities, making it ideal for recharging. Be sure to bring cash for any extra purchases or tips.

Shimizu Island

Post-lunch, the tour continues to Shimizu Island, famous for its vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life. Visitors often find snorkeling here exciting, with many noting the colorful fish and coral formations.

Expect about 90 minutes of sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling. Some mention that the waters here are clear and the marine life diverse, making it perfect for underwater photography.

Seven Commandos Beach

The next stop is Seven Commandos Beach, named after WWII soldiers stranded here. Today, it’s a pristine, white-sand beach with inviting waters.

You’ll have about 90 minutes to swim, sunbathe, or simply walk along the shoreline. Many appreciate the relaxed vibe and the fact that it’s less crowded than other beaches. It’s a great spot to soak up the sun and enjoy a casual stroll.

Final Stop and Return

The tour wraps up at El Nido Beach, giving you a chance to unwind before heading back. Throughout the day, the guides provide insights and keep the group informed about the sights, adding depth to your experience.

The Experience’s Strengths and Possible Drawbacks

One of the biggest advantages of this tour is the personalized nature—you’re not part of a large group, which means more flexibility and comfort. The stunning scenery at each stop, especially Big Lagoon, consistently earns high praise from travelers who describe it as “breathtaking” and “surreal.”

The picnic lunch offers a taste of Filipino cuisine in a picturesque setting, which many find to be a highlight. The well-maintained boats and guides deepen the experience, offering safety, local knowledge, and a friendly atmosphere.

However, the additional government fees can feel like an unwelcome surprise if you’re unprepared. Some travelers mention that weather can impact some sites, especially the secret lagoon and the lagoon access, which is understandable given Palawan’s tropical climate.

Value and Practical Considerations

At $279, the price for a private, all-day tour that includes multiple island stops, guided snorkeling, and a picnic lunch is quite competitive. Other similar tours in El Nido might be larger and less personalized, so the private aspect adds significant value for those wanting a more exclusive experience.

The tour’s duration of around 8 hours ensures you see the highlights without feeling rushed. Also, the included gear and licensed guides ensure safety and local insights, elevating the overall experience.

It’s worth noting that travelers should bring essentials like sunscreen, a change of clothes, a towel, and cash for optional extras or tips. Also, since the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or those prone to seasickness, plan accordingly.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This private island-hopping experience is ideal for couples, small groups, or families who prioritize intimacy and comfort. If you love stunning scenery, snorkeling, and relaxing on beaches, this trip checks all those boxes. It’s especially good for travelers who appreciate a personalized touch, want to avoid large crowds, and are happy to pay a bit extra for a tailored adventure.

The Sum Up

Elnido Tour A offers a well-rounded, intimate glimpse into Palawan’s breathtaking landscapes. You’ll get to see the famous Big Lagoon, explore secret spots, snorkel vibrant reefs, and enjoy a delicious Filipino picnic—all in a private setting that maximizes comfort and flexibility.

The tour’s focus on stunning views and authentic experiences makes it an excellent choice for travelers seeking a memorable day in El Nido without the chaos of crowded group tours. While additional fees and weather uncertainties are factors to consider, the overall value and quality of the guided experience make this tour a standout.

For those who want a luxurious yet authentic nature escape—with plenty of photo ops, water adventures, and serene beaches—this trip is hard to beat.

FAQ

Is this a full-day tour?
Yes, the tour lasts around 8 hours, starting with a pickup around 8:30-8:45 a.m. and concluding at El Nido Beach.

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers private boat transport, a guided experience, bottled water and soft drinks, a picnic lunch, and safety gear like life vests.

Are there additional costs I should budget for?
Yes, government-mandated environmental fees of Php400 per person and Php200 per person for Big Lagoon entrance are payable on the day of the tour.

Can I bring my own snorkeling gear?
While masks and snorkels are not included, some travelers prefer bringing their own for comfort, though rentals are often available locally.

What should I bring?
Bring sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses), a change of clothes, towel, camera, cash, and any personal items or water shoes you prefer.

Is this tour suitable for people prone to seasickness?
The tour involves boat rides on open water, so those prone to seasickness should consider this before booking.

In summary, if you’re after a private, scenic, water-based adventure with the comfort of knowing it’s tailored to your group, Elnido Tour A delivers. It combines spectacular landscapes, active water fun, and authentic local flavors to create a memorable day in Palawan.

You can check availability for your dates here: