Big Lagoon is the most famous stop on El Nido Tour A and quite possibly the single most photographed seascape in the Philippines — a half-kilometre-long fjord-like inlet on Miniloc Island, walled on both sides by 200-metre limestone cliffs and floored with shallow turquoise water. Banca outriggers anchor at the entrance and you continue in by kayak.
The lagoon is now subject to a daily visitor cap and limited engine entry, both belatedly imposed after years of damage. Come early — by mid-morning the kayak fleet is dense — and bring water shoes for the small fringing reefs.