Big Lagoon: El Nido's Most Magnificent Natural Wonder

Visit Duration

Entrance Fee

El Nido Eco-Tourism Development Fee: ₱200 per person (valid for 10 days, one-time payment). Big Lagoon entrance fee: ₱200 per person. Kayak rental: ₱300 per 2-person kayak (₱150/person). Tour A package: ₱1,200-1,500 per person (includes boat, lunch, multiple island stops - Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Seven Commandos Beach). Fees not included in tour price.

Best Time to Visit

November to May (dry season) for best weather, calm seas, and optimal visibility. Peak season December to April offers consistently sunny days. Visit as the first stop on Tour A (around 9:30 AM) for calmest water and fewest kayaks. Avoid noon-2 PM when multiple tour groups arrive simultaneously. Early morning light creates the most stunning emerald water colors for photography. June to October (monsoon) can have rougher seas and tours may be cancelled.

How to Get There

From El Nido town, book Tour A through any tour operator or hotel (available everywhere). Tours depart from El Nido beach around 8:30-9:00 AM. Big Lagoon is typically the first stop, about 30 minutes by outrigger boat from town. To reach El Nido: fly to Puerto Princesa then van/bus (5-6 hours, ₱600-700), or fly directly to Lio Airport (small planes from Manila/Cebu). Private boat charters available for ₱5,000-8,000 for full day.

What to Expect

Expect to be utterly mesmerized as your boat enters the lagoon through a narrow passage between towering limestone cliffs. The water transitions from deep blue to stunning shades of emerald and turquoise as you enter the sheltered lagoon. Kayaking is the highlight - paddle through the serene waters at your own pace, surrounded by prehistoric-looking karst formations covered in jungle vegetation. Look down to see schools of colorful fish, and occasionally sea turtles, in the crystal-clear shallows. The lagoon narrows in places, creating intimate coves to explore. Tours typically allow 45 minutes to 1 hour here. Expect crowds during peak season - kayaks can get congested at narrow points. Bring waterproof camera/phone case for incredible shots.