The Big Lagoon is truly an incredible sight from the air, from your kayak and underwater. It has it all. A narrow and shallow entrance channel leads you out into a giant lagoon surrounded by epic limestone cliffs.
BIG LAGOON ON TOUR A
Big and Small Lagoon are part of island hopping Tour A in El Nido. I was lucky enough to experience Tour A, Tour B and Tour C, but have not yet made it on Tour D. However, don’t stress about which ‘letter tour’ will be the best. It’s El Nido, you are going to be visiting lagoons and beaches that will blow your mind no matter what tour you are on.
To book your EL NIDO ISLAND HOPPING A TOUR you can Click Here to check the availability and book online (It’s just $18 USD)
- It includes Big and Small Lagoon at Miniloc Island, Shimizu Island, Snorkel with turtles at Seven Commando Beach, BBQ Lunch
MY EXPERIENCE AT THE BIG LAGOON (Multiple Trips)
I’ve had several experiences at the Big Lagoon and each one has been truly unique. On my first visit in 2016, we did a lap in the boat before moving on to the Small Lagoon. On my second visit, I swam into the Big Lagoon (not that easy in a lifejacket) and on my third and fourth visits, I was part of the Red Bull Cliff Diving organization when they held their private event in the Big Lagoon. It’s safe to say I’ve spent some time inside this epic lagoon.
After all of my visits, I can tell you there is no best way to enjoy the Big Lagoon but when I slowed down and just floated in the entrance channel, I did truly appreciate the natural beauty around me. As everyone was kayaking past and talking about how busy it was or where to grab their next selfie, I just floated in my lifejacket looking up at the limestone cliffs it was bliss.
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So aside from highly suggesting just chilling in the entrance channel, you do need to know some information. Firstly, your tour boat isn’t going to take you inside. It will drop you at the entrance and then you will need to hire a kayak for $6 I think is the going rate and it will be an hour or less for the rental as that is all your tour boat will be staying for.
Without the kayak (unless you are mildly crazy and swim like me) you won’t be able to explore much of the lagoon as it is genuinely BIG. I do suggest paying for the kayak, which you can split between two people.
You will paddle down the narrow and shallow entrance channel for a few minutes in the crystal clear water. You will be above sand here so the water looks almost white or green compared to the dark blue of the lagoon.
After a few minutes, depending on your paddling intensity, you’ll emerge into the Big Lagoon. Now the adventure begins because there are lots of little coves and corners to explore and there can even be turtles hiding in the lagoon. Make the most of your time once you are in here as your tour boat will likely give you an hour limit.
On my final visits into the Big Lagoon with Red Bull cliff diving, it was quite a different scene. They had set up two diving boards on the cliffs, where the divers had to climb with ropes and clips to reach the boards. They jumped from 21m and 27m performing some incredible stunts in the final of the Philippines Red Bull Cliff Diving, which was part of the 7-stop world tour of 2019.
BIG LAGOON DRONE VIDEO
WHERE IS THE BIG LAGOON
Big Lagoon on the east side of Miniloc Island. It isn’t too far from El Nido Town but you will need to be on a tour boat to get out there. I’ve pinned it on the map below in case you want to see what other attractions are nearby.
ISLAND HOPPING IN EL NIDO, PALAWAN
I was lucky enough to experience Tour A, Tour B and Tour C, but have not yet made it on Tour D. However, don’t stress about which ‘letter tour’ will be the best. It’s El Nido, you are going to be visiting lagoons and beaches that will blow your mind no matter what tour you are on.
To book your EL NIDO ISLAND HOPPING A TOUR you can Click Here to check the availability and book online (It’s just $18 USD)
- It includes Big and Small Lagoon at Miniloc Island, Shimizu Island, Snorkel with turtles at Seven Commando Beach, BBQ Lunch
To book your EL NIDO ISLAND HOPPING B TOUR you can Click Here to check the availability and book online (It’s just $18 USD)
- It includes Snake Island, Pinagbuyutan Island, Cudugnon Cave, BBQ Lunch
To book your EL NIDO ISLAND HOPPING C TOUR you can Click Here to check the availability and book online (It’s just $18 USD)
- It includes Helicopter Island, Secret Beach, Matinloc Shrine, Talisay Beach, BBQ Lunch
To book your EL NIDO ISLAND HOPPING D TOUR you can Click Here to check the availability and book online (It’s just $18 USD)
- It includes Cadlao Island, Pasandingan Beach, Small Lagoon, Natnat Beach, BBQ Lunch
WHERE TO STAY IN EL NIDO
(Value) Spin Designer Hostel: Let’s go for Spin! This rad hostel is located at the bustling town of El Nido. This property is highly recommended by many travelers as the service is superb. Spin Designer Hostel also provides a shared kitchen with a barbecue facility. It is value for money and very close to shops and beach.
If you stay here you will make friends with like-minded strangers and be in the prime location for the nightlife, island hopping and hiking Taraw Peak. The beach literally steps away.
(Most Insta-worthy) Panorama Resort: Panorama Resort is an exotic boutique resort tucked between Corong-Corong Beach and Maremigmeg Beach, is a 3-star property that features a panoramic view of the mountains in El Nido. The resort is very insta-worthy and has a lot of amenities including a private beach, outdoor and indoor swimming pool, and free WiFi. It offers an amazing sunset view and chill vibe to guests.
(Luxury Resort) Las Cabanas Beach Resort: This incredible beach resort is situated perfectly on the shore of Las Cabanas beach in El Nido. It offers a peaceful sanctuary from the harsh realities of the outside world. The resort is picturesque and provides easy access to island hopping and other activities. It has rooms with sea and garden views, and the beachfront cottages are single standalone units.
ARE YOU KEEPING UP WITH MY EL NIDO SERIES?
You want to go island-hopping in El Nido but aren’t sure whether TOUR A,B,C or D will be better? Take a look at my El Nido Island Hopping Guide that compares all of the four tours to help you pick the best one for you.
Wondering what there is to do in El Nido? I’ve been twice and spent almost 30 days in El Nido so I’ve got some great recommendations for you in my Travel Guide to El Nido: 20 Awesome Things To Do
Which region will you choose for your accommodation in El Nido? I’ve broken each region down and given you suggestions for budget, value and luxury in El Nido Town, Lio Beach and Las Cabanas Beach in this guide: Where to stay in El Nido
My Review and photos of: Tour A
My Review and photos of: Tour B
My Review and photos of: Tour C
The most epic activity you can do in El Nido on the land is to hike up Taraw Peak and I share the photos and tell you how you can use the same local guide as me in this blog post: Hiking up Taraw Peak – What You Need to Know