Big lagoon doesn't have any accomodations near it. It's like in the middle of the sea. Part of miniloc. You can only reach it by group/private tours. Places to stay in El Nido would be in town and surrounding areas. But there are high end resorts in miniloc island which is nearer the lagoons. Traveling from Puerto princesa to El nido is around 5-6 hours by van.

You should fly direct Manila to El Nido via Air-Swift. If you fly through Puerto Princesa, you can arrange for a private van or a 4x4 (+100USD one way for 4-5 people). We always recommend guests of Terra Nova - El Nido to fly direct as the road from Puerto can feel a bit long (5-6hrs to El Nido).

Palawan is absolutely save if you stay in the north (meaning Puerto Princesa and up) ... GO THERE, it's soooo beautiful!!! :-) ... we travelled there in February and would go back within a heartbeat. We took a flight from Manila directly to El Nido which is awesome! From El Nido you can go Island Hopping (there a 4 different tours) where you will be visiting the most beautiful places you have ever seen. We also visited Boracay but to be completely honest Boracay doesn't stand a chance against Palawan and it's beauty.

It seems that the more expensive one includes snorkel gears + kayak. It is rented separately (if you opted for the cheaper package) at 200-400 Php, depending on your haggling skills.

I booke 2 tours, 1 was the Tour A, pushed the price down to 1600 Pesos for both tours including the environment fees. We were in both your in total 4 people. You don't need to rent a Kayak as the boat is just going inside the Blue Lagon ;) that's how my boat did (the water is not deep and they stay in front to check if there is any rock...) So You don't need any Kayak to rent! ;)

Yes, but it is the peak season for most international visitors. My recommendation is to go to Miniloc Island if you don't have a lot of time.

Just for safety. When you go to Palawan deep water level is clear if you are not good swimmer like me you can see underwater even if you will not dive or swim under the sea. But if you are not afraid because you are good swimmer you can swim without life vest and enjoy the colorful underwater. There are also low water level where you can enjoy snorkeling.

No idea

Depending on tour/travel agency you choose. We used Creative Travel & Tours International which put the entire package together with their affiliated companies in El Nido. The package included the pick up from airport, Puerto Princesa hotel, city tours, crocodile farm, 8 hour van ride to El Nido, hotel in El Nido, Island hopping tours and many more. We chose the Tour A and C because it appealed to us to most and it was without regrets. The CTTI has a website in FB. I can send your photos to give you a better idea if you wish.