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Welcome to our small article on the Big Lagoon. Visiting the Big Lagoon in El Nido is definitely one of our top highlights of Palawan. So much so that we think the Big Lagoon deserves its own article. So, here it is. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about visiting the Big Lagoon, including how to get there, what to expect when you get there, and how to make the most of your time at the Big Lagoon.
We have some really helpful, unique tips and insights, so please read this article carefully, especially if you are either considering or planning a visit to the Big Lagoon.
GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROW – Book your El Nido BIG LAGOON trip here
Quick facts about the Big Lagoon in El Nido
The Big Lagoon is a saltwater pool situated on the northeast side of Miniloc Island. It is approximately 9 km west of El Nido. The boat journey from El Nido to the Big Lagoon generally takes around 30 minutes. The Big Lagoon is a long, thin lagoon which is approximately 750 m in length. It is around 140 m at its widest point. At the entrance to the Big Lagoon, there is a 300 m narrow corridor of shallow sandy water.
There are no buildings or development in this area, and you can only explore by kayak (it is not possible to walk around the lagoon). At the end of the entrance corridor, there is a deep lagoon which is approximately 30 – 40 m in depth, with a water visibility of around 10 m. There is also a narrow water channel to explore by kayak on the north side of the lagoon. This water channel has a separate entrance and exit, so you can paddle all the way through. The Small Lagoon is situated next to the Big Lagoon (to the north). The Big Lagoon is surrounded by steep jungle-covered peaks (which cannot safely be climbed). This creates a very impressive aesthetic – don’t forget to bring your camera!
DID YOU KNOW? – You can even Stay on Miniloc Island Near the Big Lagoon
How do you get to the Big Lagoon in El Nido?
The best and cheapest way to get to the Big Lagoon in El Nido is to book an island hopping trip. You will need to book Trip A (the letters are standardized, so as long as you book Trip A with any tour operator, the itinerary should include the Big Lagoon).
There are two ways to book your trip: you can either travel to El Nido and book with a local tour operator, or alternatively, you can book your trip online in advance. We recommend booking the island hopping trip through KLOOK. The online prices are very similar to local booking prices. The only situation where it may be cheaper to book locally is if you’re traveling with kids. Many tour operators will be willing to include kids for free in the booking; however, you do not have this flexibility if you book your trip online.
Island hopping Trip A normally costs £13 – £18 or $15 – $20. It is a full-day trip and departs from El Nido Beach. You will need to make your own way there because hotel pick-up and drop-off is not normally included. El Nido is pretty small, so it shouldn’t take long to walk to the beach. The trip timings are typically from 8:30 am – 5 pm, although we always recommend checking with your tour operator when you book your trip.
A good island hopping trip should include boat fees, a guide, snorkel and mask, life jackets, water, fruit, and a hearty buffet lunch. However, there are typically some additional fees:
- Environmental fee: 200 pesos
- Big Lagoon entry fee: 200 pesos
- Kayak rental: 300 pesos (required to explore the Big Lagoon)
NOTE: Entry fees and Environmental fees generally need to be paid to your guide or tour operator.
Can you get to the Big Lagoon independently?
It depends on what you mean by independently. If you mean swimming or even renting a kayak and paddling to the Big Lagoon, then the answer is no. It is not possible to get to the Big Lagoon independently. Recall that the Big Lagoon is situated 9 km from El Nido Beach. This is too far to swim or kayak, so if you want to visit the Big Lagoon, you will either need to take a group tour or a private tour by boat.
Can you take a private trip to the Big Lagoon?
Yes, it is possible to get to the Big Lagoon by private boat. The best way to arrange a private trip to the Big Lagoon is to travel to El Nido and speak to some tour operators in the area. In some cases, you may even be able to find boat drivers waiting on the beach. This means that you can make a deal directly with them. We recommend asking around at least one day in advance if you are hoping to arrange a private trip to the Big Lagoon. Make sure you check exactly what is included in the price. For example, many private boats will be willing to include lunch but will charge extra for this. It is also important to check things like life jackets, kayaks, and environmental fees. It generally costs around 10,000 pesos to do Tour A as a private tour (this is around £140 or $180).
Doing a private trip has several advantages. You can go at your own pace and spend more time at the destinations that interest you more. Private boat drivers can also customize your trip to avoid the crowds, and in many cases, they will be very willing to help you with photography and filming in the water.
Is the Big Lagoon a busy spot?
Yes, the Big Lagoon is a relatively busy spot. Throughout the day, there is a constant influx of boat tours with kayaks exploring the Big Lagoon. However, in our experience, it wasn’t overcrowded. The Big Lagoon is big enough to absorb the crowds, and you can actually find some quite peaceful, quiet spots (even during busy times). The quietest areas are situated at the back of the lagoon in the deeper area.
Can you swim in the Big Lagoon?
Here is a picture of Pete Freediving in the Big Lagoon with the kayak in the background
Yes, you are allowed to swim at the Big Lagoon. Some people get out and paddle in the shallow sandy waters in the entrance corridor to the lagoon. You can also jump in and swim in the water at the deeper section of the lagoon. Be aware that this is very deep water; only attempt this if you are a strong swimmer. There are not any rules that prevent you from swimming in the Big Lagoon.
In fact, Pete even tried freediving in the Big Lagoon. You can swim as deep as 20m – 30m, and the visibility is reasonably good. The underwater cliffs are impressive (although the spot is not as impressive as Barracuda Lake in Coron).
Photography and filming tips
If you go visiting the Big Lagoon, you may want to capture the experience. We recommend using a good waterproof camera (such as a GoPro or Insta360), preferably with a dive case and a buoyant selfie stick. Wide-angle shots work well if you want a panoramic immersive shot.
Is it worth visiting the Big Lagoon?
LEARN MORE – Don’t miss our FULL GUIDE – Island Hopping in El Nido
If you are visiting El Nido, is it worth visiting the Big Lagoon? This is a decision that many people have to make because if you want to visit the Big Lagoon, you will need to choose Island Hopping Trip A. There are, in fact, four different itineraries, and only Itinerary A includes the Big Lagoon.
The Big Lagoon is a nice, prominent, and popular lagoon in the area, and generally, it is quite busy. However, the size of the lagoon means that you can find quiet spots and get some awesome photos and videos. The Big Lagoon is genuinely very panoramic and impressive.
In our opinion, it is definitely worth visiting the Big Lagoon in El Nido. If you only have one opportunity to take an island hopping trip, we generally recommend that you take Trip A. However, if you have a few days in the El Nido area, you may want to take a second island hopping trip to explore the bay more fully. In this case, we recommend taking Island Hopping Trip A first and then selecting one of the other trips.
