The Big Lagoon is truly one of the most breathtaking places to see in El Nido. The majestic deep blue and bright turquoise waters are surrounded by massive tree-covered limestone cliffs. It’s a slice of paradise, unlike any other place you’ll see in the Philippines – or even the world.
Whether you’re coming for a few hours or spending the entire day, you’ll want to immerse yourself in the pristine natural beauty of the Big Lagoon.
How to get to Big Lagoon
The Big Lagoon is located on the eastern side of Miniloc Island, which is just a short 45-minute boat ride from El Nido Town. To reach the island, you’ll need to hire a boat or go on an island-hopping tour from El Nido.
Keep in mind that the boat will not take you directly inside the Big Lagoon. Instead, it will dock near the entrance, and you’ll need to either rent a kayak or swim to get inside. It’s highly recommended that you pay the few bucks for the kayak because the lagoon is massive. Even the most experienced swimmers will have a difficult time exploring everything they want to see in just a few short hours by swimming.
What tours go to Big Lagoon
One of the easiest ways to visit the Big Lagoon is with an island-hopping tour. There are different tours available, each one leaving El Nido town and taking you to the most exciting islands in the area.
El Nido Island Hopping Tour A
If you want to visit the Big Lagoon with a tour, then book the island hopping Tour A. On this tour, you’ll have roughly 1 hour to explore the Big Lagoon before heading to your next destination.
After the Big Lagoon, your tour guide will take you to a few other picturesque destinations around Bacuit Bay. You’ll also visit the Small Lagoon or Secret Lagoon, which are both located on Miniloc Island (the same place where you’ll find the Big Lagoon).
Once you leave Miniloc, you’ll head to Shimizu Island for snorkeling, where you’ll discover an abundance of marine life, like lionfish, nudibranchs, and even sea turtles. A delicious beachside BBQ lunch on Shimizu Island is also included with your El Nido Tour A.
Finally, you’ll make your way to Commando Beach, where you can unwind with a drink on the beach. You can spend your final hours swimming, playing in the sand, or simply relaxing and soaking in the tropical atmosphere.
Things to do at Big Lagoon
The first thing you’ll want to do at the Big Lagoon is to admire the spectacular landscape. Even from afar, it’s one of the most beautiful things to see in Bacuit Bay. However, you can get a closer look by heading through the long passageway that leads straight to the giant body of water.
Kayaking
A relaxing kayak trip through the Big Lagoon is one of the most popular activities for tourists. For only a few dollars, you can rent a kayak by the entrance for a few hours. Kayaking is a great option for people who aren’t great swimmers or for those who want to see everything the Big Lagoon has to offer in just a short amount of time.
Most rented kayaks can hold two people, which makes the rental price even cheaper if you’re splitting the cost.
Exploring the narrow canals and caves of Big Lagoon
Inside the expansive lagoon area, there are many small hidden gems. One of the best is a tiny little passage just wide enough in some spots to paddle a kayak down. You might need the help of a guide to find these little nooks and crannies of this magnificent lagoon.
Swimming
If you’re up for the challenge, swimming through the Big Lagoon is another option. The water is so warm and inviting that you can’t say no to a dip! Although you probably won’t get to see everything in the Big Lagoon, you’ll still be able to spend a few hours floating and relaxing.
Some parts of the lagoon can be very deep, so be careful if you’re venturing out on your own. It’s also advised to bring a life jacket, snorkel mask, and fins to help you swim and explore more of the Big Lagoon.
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Recommended Hotel in El Nido – Cuna Hotel
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