Tour A is the route most first-time visitors book, and it is the one that shows off the signature scenery of Bacuit Bay: steep limestone walls rising straight out of turquoise water. The boat takes you to the lagoons on Miniloc Island, where you can swim or paddle through the limestone gateways, and on to a few of the bay's beaches for snorkelling and lunch. The national tourism site describes Tour A as the route covering the Big and Small Lagoons, and notes that El Nido is where the lettered tour system started. The Big Lagoon is described as the crown jewel of El Nido, while the Small Lagoon is reached through a narrow opening and feels more enclosed. The tour is a full day, and the boats are the traditional outrigger bangkas used across the bay.
The key rule to know is the lagoon quota. Visitors can enter only one of the Big or Small Lagoons on a given day, so the guide will usually ask which you prefer. Small Lagoon is the one to choose if you want to kayak through a tight gap into a hidden pool, while Big Lagoon is wider and better for a long paddle beneath the cliffs. Kayak hire is normally an extra charge, paid on the day, so carry some cash.
Operators run near-identical routes at similar prices, so the choice is mostly about group size and boat comfort. The product linked here is a shared group tour with lunch, which has the largest number of traveller reviews among the Tour A options. Pickup normally covers central El Nido, and the day starts early so the boats reach the lagoons before the biggest crowds. Peak season runs from December to April, when the national tourism site advises booking two to three weeks ahead. November is a shoulder month with fewer boats and mostly sunny weather.
Bring a rash vest or sun shirt, reef-safe sun cream, a waterproof phone pouch and a towel. Snorkel masks are cheap to hire if you do not own one. Boat trips can be cancelled when the sea is rough, and departures can be halted by the authorities, so keep your afternoon flexible and check whether the operator offers a reschedule or refund before you pay. Environmental and entrance fees vary by operator, so ask what the ticket covers.
What to expect
The experience
A full day by outrigger boat through Bacuit Bay, with a lagoon visit, snorkelling stops and a lunch on the beach.
Best time
Book the morning departure in the dry season from November to May, when the sea is calmest and the water is clearest.
How long
About seven hours on the water, plus pickup and drop-off in town.
Tips
Choose Big or Small Lagoon with your guide, carry cash for kayaks and fees, and wear a rash vest for the sun.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-time visitors who want El Nido's signature lagoons in a single day.
- Families
- Good for children who swim confidently, since life jackets are provided but the boat days are long.
- Couples
- A strong choice, especially if you pick the Small Lagoon and paddle in together.
- Pair with
- Pair it with a late afternoon at Nacpan Beach or the Taraw Cliff canopy walk on another day.
- Time needed
- One full day, with an early start.
Good questions
Can I visit both the Big and Small Lagoon on Tour A?+
No, only one of the two lagoons can be visited on a given day under the quota. Your guide will normally ask which one you want.
What does Tour A include?+
The linked product is a shared boat tour with lunch, and the guide handles the stops. Kayak hire, snorkel gear and some fees are usually extra, so check the inclusions on the day.
Is Tour A suitable for non-swimmers?+
Yes, life jackets are provided and most stops have shallow water. Tell your guide, and stay close to the boat in deeper areas.
Is Tour A better than B, C or D?+
Tour A is the usual first pick because of the lagoons, while the other routes suit different tastes such as caves, hidden beaches or quieter coves. If you have several days, doing two or three routes gives a fuller picture of the bay.
Can the tour be cancelled for weather?+
Yes, boat departures can be halted when the sea is rough. Ask about the rescheduling or refund policy before you book.
