Travel to the Philippines is synonymous with discovering incredible landscapes that will take you past beaches, waterfalls, mountains, reefs, or rice terraces. While beaches are, for many travelers, the main draw on a trip to the pinoy archipelago, island hopping is the most popular way to head out and discover countless ones in a single day. An island hopping, in short, consists of being picked up by the sea early in the morning and letting your guide take you to different islands or beaches, each more beautiful than the last, before you are brought back to the starting point and return to your hotel to rest.
But what if you want something beyond that?, if you want to string one adventure after another without returning to land to rest. Then what you’re looking for are multi‑day expeditions and this one, the Corón to El Nido expedition, is our favorite.
What is a Coron to El Nido expedition (and vice versa)?
As you may have already discovered in our guides to Island hopping in Coron and Island hopping in El Nido, these are the two quintessential island‑hopping destinations in the Philippines, offering, with their enormous karst limestone walls and their different “lost” islands, truly paradise‑like scenery.
A Coron to El Nido expedition, or in the opposite direction, El Nido to Coron, takes you to visit exclusive spots that lie far from these more popular destinations. Which means, among many other things, that you will visit lesser‑known places and, of course, ones that are much less crowded. There is a big beach component to it, but also snorkeling, since, being scarcely exploited areas, the reefs are in good condition. It won’t be unusual to find the odd little turtle and, with luck, even dugongs.
Just to be crystal clear—many of you ask us this: on the Coron–El Nido expedition (and the other way around) YOU DO NOT SEE ANY OF THE EL NIDO ISLAND‑HOPPING TOURS, and in the case of Coron island‑hopping tours YOU ONLY SEE SOME ISLANDS FROM THE ESCAPADE TOUR. In other words, this is not an experience that replaces those tours (which are must‑dos if it’s your first time in the Philippines) but A COMPLEMENT.
Therefore, even if you do the expedition, for us the Coron ULTIMATE Tour and the El Nido A and C tours are essential. You might be able to skip one tour in El Nido but, if it were up to us, we wouldn’t. You have all the info about these island hoppings in the guides we have for those destinations.
But there’s much more! To be able to carry out an epic journey like this, two very important things are needed. On the one hand, accommodation: you’ll sleep in small beach‑front camps where you can enjoy mind‑blowing sunsets. There you’ll live that island vibe we love so much, with relaxed dinners, breakfasts by the sea and, if you feel like it, a bit of the typical Filipino karaoke.
On the other hand, the boat you’ll sail on. As it’s such a long route, which at times runs on the open sea, the typical Filipino bangkas fall short. Therefore, you need to hop aboard a kind of mega‑bangka that will take you throughout the entire Coron to El Nido expedition. If you choose the company well, you’ll go with all the comforts you may need to enjoy an experience like this.
With a bit of luck, you’ll meet other travelers like you, eager for adventure and great conversations. Groups are usually around 20 people. Plus, if you choose a good company, the crew will go much further, getting involved in every part of the journey and acting like true adventure buddies. That is, you’ll have the chance to dig a little deeper into Filipino culture by talking with them.
Now that you more or less know what the epic Coron to El Nido expedition is about, we’re going to tell you in detail what our experiences have been like so you have no doubt that it’s a must‑do in the Philippines if you’re looking for something a level beyond.
Just so you get an idea, we’ve been visiting/living in the archipelago since 2010 and, after many adventures, the Coron to El Nido tour is one of the best things we’ve done.
Although it may sound obvious: if you start the expedition in Coron, you’re dropped off in El Nido. If you start it in El Nido, you’re dropped off in Coron. In other words, the trip is one‑way.
If you’ve made it this far but actually just want transport between the two destinations, we recommend you read our guide How to get from Coron to El Nido.
How long does the Coron to El Nido expedition last?
As we mentioned earlier, each company does it in its own way. We’ve chosen Big Dream Boatman twice, among other things because it’s one of the few that offers the journey in 4 days and 3 nights.
Why do we think 4 is better than 3 days? Mainly because if you opt for a 3‑day expedition in Palawan, you’ll have to cover a lot of kilometers on the high seas to make it from point to point in time, which also translates into far fewer stops at those “lost” paradise islands.
Personally, since we were making the investment to live an adventure like this, we didn’t want to be left with the feeling that we’d only half‑lived it.
It’s possible that doubts will pop up at first like “won’t it be too many days? Won’t I get bored?”. It’s normal and crosses everyone’s mind at some point. But believe us, the little tears that always came when we saw we were arriving in El Nido weren’t just because of the beauty of its cliffs, but because we knew this unique experience was coming to an end. We would’ve kept sailing more days without hesitation!
That said, there are many other companies like this one (which we’ll talk about later) that do the route in 3 days and 2 nights. If you have less time or simply want to devote less to it, it’s a good option too, of course.
What is the boat like for the Coron or El Nido expedition?
There are different companies that run this kind of expedition (we’ll talk about them later) and each has different types of boats for the Coron to El Nido expedition. Some bigger, some smaller; some with loungers, others with puffs… After weeks analyzing the pros and cons of each company, we chose Big Dream Boatman.
Travelers, for the 2025 season there are already many dates already full for October and November. We recommend that, if you’re interested, you book as soon as possible. You can check the calendar on their website, selecting the expedition you want to do.
We’d seen some photos on their website but, until you see it live, you don’t realize the wonder of the “super bangka” you’re going to spend the next few days on. While we waited to be called to start boarding, from a café near the port, we played at trying to guess from afar which would be our boat. That little one over there? The one farther out to sea? And when, finally, we moved with our luggage and, just a few meters away, were told that this was the boat for our Coron to El Nido expedition, we burst out laughing and had the same look as a child on Christmas Day. Everything was, by far, much better than we could have imagined:
- There is a lot (A LOT in capitals) of space in the main area, so everyone in the group can be there without feeling like sardines in a can.
- On each side of the boat there’s a huge net you can stretch out on at any time and enjoy the journey in a different way.
- There are two huge waterproof mats to lie on comfortably. Plus, they clean them (the whole boat, really) constantly so they’re neither dirty nor wet.
- It has a small toilet, also always clean, where you won’t miss being on land.
- There’s a fresh‑water shower if you want to rinse off the salt after enjoying the different beaches you’ll visit.
- Both at the bow and on the upper deck (you read that right, there is an upper deck) there’s an area for sun and another for shade.
- It has a kitchen where the chef will whip up wonders you wouldn’t even imagine.
- Food, breakfast, dinner (sometimes even a surprise snack), unlimited water and juices, and almost unlimited beer and rum.
And if all that weren’t enough, the boat is equipped with two kayaks, a paddleboard, snorkel masks and fins, books, and balls to play with on the different islands.
In this video we show you live all the corners of the boat that took us during our Coron to El Nido expedition:
Best time to do the Coron to El Nido expedition
Since the European summer months usually coincide with the rainy season in the Palawan area, the most recommendable period to do a Coron to El Nido expedition (or vice versa) and enjoy the best weather is between October and June.
In fact, the main companies that organize these adventures (such as BDBM) close from July to October, mainly because the sea is rougher and the chances of cancellations are frequent.
EXPEDITIONS IN AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER: It’s also possible to sign up for El Nido–Coron expeditions from June to September (as is the case with this company), but if you can, we recommend the period from November to May, when you have a better chance of good weather and, besides enjoying it more, there’s less chance of cancellation.
If you decide to do the expedition between July and September, we very, very strongly recommend choosing a company with a proper boat that complies with regulations and is a good size. We’re not saying this lightly—we’re talking about an open‑sea crossing where conditions can become challenging, and you don’t want problems.
Be that as it may, the weather in the Philippines is not an exact science and you should always be open to a squall or a day with heavy swell showing up. We were lucky not to get any rain and only had a couple of hours of strong swell which, thanks to being on such a large and well‑prepared boat, was easily overcome.
One thing you must be clear about: if the sea is rough, the people in charge of deciding whether you go out or not are the Philippine coast guard. That is, if they cancel, navigation is canceled for everyone for safety. Coast‑guard reports come out around 3–4 a.m., so anything is possible. If they give the OK to go out, it’s because it’s considered safe, even if a downpour is falling at that moment.
Which company should you do the expedition with?
Before choosing who to do the Coron to El Nido expedition with, we took time to study the different options. We read hundreds of reviews, saw articles, photos, YouTube videos and, despite TAO Expedition’s fame for being the oldest, we easily fell for Big Dream Boatman. It’s neither the most expensive nor the cheapest, but both what they offer and the family feeling everyone mentioned in the comments convinced us.
Having done the Coron–El Nido Expedition with them a couple of times, we can say first‑hand that all those compliments are true and even fall short. From second zero to the end, their friendly, smiling crew is attentive to anything you might need and treats you like family. You’ll miss them!
Obviously, other companies may also have good crews, but as we crossed paths with boats from other companies doing the same route or coming from the El Nido to Coron expedition, we realized we’d chosen well: none of the other companies’ boats is comparable to theirs. They are all much less spacious and have fewer areas to hang out. Some had no place to be in the sun, others had practically no shade; hardly any had kayaks; and only ours had so much space that you could keep totally to yourself if you wanted.
The big Big Dream Boatman boat and others like Tao Expedition
BDBM is always the one we’ll recommend not only for the quality of their boats, their commitment to their workers (we know they’re the best paid) and to other social and animal causes they support on the islands, and the service they provide, but also because they’re among the few who do the Coron–El Nido route over 4 days and 3 nights.
If you’re looking for a shorter (3 days and 2 nights) and/or more affordable option, we recommend THIS OTHER COMPANY. They started operating in 2025 and with huge success. We know they’re putting a lot of effort into offering a very good experience both in service and camps, so we wouldn’t hesitate to book with them (you only have to take a look at their Tripadvisor reviews, in addition to the great feedback thousands of you who write to us have given us).
If you’re up for it, by booking through our link and entering the code TRAVELPHILIPPINES, they’ll give you a 1,000‑peso discount.
Heads up: it looks like they’re having issues with the website. You can message them on WhatsApp (+639525516226) and mention our discount code there so they can apply it.
Price of the Coron to El Nido expedition (or the other way around)
Okay, it all sounds great, but how much does it cost? Well, as you can imagine, prices vary depending on the company. Factors such as duration (obviously, doing the 4-day one isn’t the same as the 3-day one), boat type, service, etc., come into play.
The price of the 4-day, 3-night Coron–El Nido expedition is around 600 US dollars, which comes out to about $125 per day, approximately, including accommodation, meals, drinks (all of them, including alcohol), transport from Coron to El Nido, the “4 island hoppings” the adventure consists of, all the gear included on the boat (kayaks, masks, fins, paddleboard…), the fees for all beaches/islands, and an epic experience that will take you to wonderful places you’ll never forget.
With our link and the code FACEBOOK10 you get a 10% discount on BDBM expeditions.
In the case of the 3 days and 2 nights expedition, prices are around 16.000-18.000 Philippine pesos ($250-300) and they usually don’t include drinks (water only) or fees. It’s necessary to look a little more closely at the inclusions so you don’t get any surprises.
With our link and the code TRAVELPHILIPPINES you get a 1.000-peso discount on Sea Nomads’ expeditions, which cost 17.000 pesos.
You know we like to recommend things we know work because we want you to enjoy the Philippines as much as (or more than) we do, but whether you choose these companies or not, we strongly advise you to check other travelers’ reviews before booking. Keep in mind we’re talking about a multi-day experience with many factors involved (boat, food, camps, crew…). We’ve received terrible feedback about several companies and we don’t want this to get ruined for you.
If the previous options don’t work for you or don’t convince you, you can also book this one from GETYOURGUIDE, which also has lots of positive reviews.
Camps (cabin-arrival-beach-bathroom)
What is the food like during the expedition?
Another question we had was what the food on board would be like during the days of the Coron to El Nido expedition. When you do an island hopping, these usually include food that, while varied, tends to be rather basic. For one day—and knowing that at night you can go to a restaurant and choose whatever you feel like—that’s fine, but 3–4 days like that could be quite boring for the palate.
The times we’ve done the Coron–El Nido expedition, we were lucky that the chefs on our boats delighted us throughout the journey with super tasty, varied, and generous dishes. It was impossible for anyone to be left hungry!
Lunch is usually held at the boat’s huge central table when it’s moored at some beach, while dinner and breakfast take place at the camps where you stop to sleep.
Lunches and dinners usually include a variety of Filipino dishes like adobos, pancits, lumpias, rice, kalderetas, or BBQs; along with international dishes such as, for example, pasta or pancakes. All of it cooked with great skill and giving you the chance to savor really delicious local dishes.
On a couple of occasions, the boat’s crew also fished and served fresh fish to everyone who wanted to try it. It’s also common to find some seafood like shrimp or crab.
If you’re vegan or vegetarian, don’t worry: if you let them know when you book, they’ll take it into account and cook up real delights with vegetables and, heads up, delicious tofu! We always bring a few cans of chickpeas and beans just in case, and it wasn’t necessary to use them at any time.
Breakfasts include the typical things you’d find in a Filipino hotel, such as coffee, tea, jam, eggs, fruit, rice… And the afternoon snacks are always a surprise in which the chef will prepare you something tasty—like, for example, some deliciously sweet camote cue or fried plantain, Filipinos’ favorite snack.
On the last night there’s a finger-licking farewell dinner which, so as not to spoil the big moment for you, we won’t reveal. Just get ready to enjoy a tasty Filipino tradition.
What the camps are like on Coron to El Nido tours
Where am I going to sleep? Will I be comfortable? Will I have a mosquito net? It’s normal to ask yourself these questions, but don’t worry—we’re here to answer them.
The camps on El Nido–Coron tours are basic. They’re not hotels (there aren’t any, and we hope there won’t be soon) and consist of a set of cabins usually located on an uninhabited island, but attended by a family that takes care to keep everything maintained and spotless. In addition to the cabins, it’s normal to find a table or chill‑out area (hammocks are common) where dinners and karaoke nights take place.
As for the cabins, they’re usually for two people and quite Spartan. That is, a bed with a mosquito net and little else. In some cases there’s a tiny balcony with a hammock and, with luck, a fan or two, but the truth is it’s rarely hot. Since they’re right by the sea, it’s common to even need to pull up the sheet they leave you or a light layer to keep warm.
Are there mosquitoes, spiders, or other bugs? Yes. You have to keep in mind that you’ll be in nature and it’s normal to run into them; but while you’re outside the cabin, use repellent and, when you’re inside, you’ll be protected by your intimate and romantic mosquito net. It’s really nothing so extreme, and don’t think it’s the jungle either.
Finally, the camps on the Coron–El Nido expedition have one or several toilets and one or several showers. Note: don’t expect a standard bathroom, but something more modest. Generally there’s no hot water, and in some cases not even running water, so you’ll have to bathe with buckets from a tank of fresh water. Is this a problem? Considering the type of experience it is, that it’s only a few days, and that the water will hardly be cold, we don’t think so—and, in fact, we consider it part of the experience.
Obviously, some camps are better than others (more cared-for, better facilities, on prettier beaches…), so the service of the company you choose also comes into play here.
What to pack: recommended luggage
Another big question that can come up when deciding to do a Coron to El Nido expedition concerns luggage. The first time we did it, the same thing happened to us, and that’s why here we’re going to give you the most interesting info.
Will my luggage be safe?
When we wondered whether our luggage would be safe during the Coron to El Nido expedition, our doubts weren’t about fears of theft by the crew. You only have to look at the reviews of Big Dream Boatman’s crew to see that everyone leaves in love with them, with zero complaints and endless praise.
Our concern was that our valuables might get wet in the swell or during a storm, as we read had happened to other travelers who did the El Nido–Coron expedition with TAO Expedition.
We had zero problems, even on the day we had a couple of hours of heavy swell. In the central part of the boat there’s a large compartment covered by waterproof mats themselves and a large wooden board that serves as a lid. All the “large luggage” that won’t be used during the journey is stored there and then covered with another large waterproof tarpaulin.
We also always travel with a couple of laptops, a drone, and a camera. Given the shape of the boat, few waves manage to wet the interior, but during the roughest moments we stored laptops and cameras in the captain’s wheelhouse, a place that’s even more secure since not a drop ever gets in there.
What should I take to the Coron to El Nido tour
Generally, if it’s a serious company, once you sign up for an El Nido to Coron or Coron to El Nido expedition, they’ll send you a document with everything you need to know. There they ask you to split your luggage in two.
On the one hand, a standard backpack (or dry bag) where you put everything you’ll need during the expedition; on the other, the large luggage that will be stored in the compartment we mentioned in the previous point. They tell you that everything you put there you won’t be able to touch until the expedition ends but—between us—it’s possible to ask them to open it to grab something if you forgot something important. Even so, try to have with you from the beginning everything you’re going to need. We recommend carrying in the backpack you’ll have on hand during the trip:
- Sunscreen: essential, since you’ll want to sunbathe and enjoy the different areas of the boat. If it’s also a sunscreen like this one that doesn’t harm the environment or the corals you’ll visit, even better. It’s also a good idea to bring a sun‑protective shirt, since you’ll spend a lot of time snorkeling and, in general, under the sun. This is healthier and cheaper, too.
- Towel: you can bring a microfiber one, but in reality you’ll have a clean, great‑quality towel to dry off after your swims in the sea and the camp showers.
- Clothes: you’ll spend practically the whole day in a swimsuit, so you won’t need much clothing beyond sleepwear and comfortable outfits for the camps after your well‑deserved shower. Bring the minimum underwear, shirts, and pants so it all fits in your “carry‑on.” As for footwear, flip‑flops will be more than enough. On an expedition like this you won’t need hiking shoes or water shoes.
- Toiletry kit: a basic toiletry kit that doesn’t take up much space in your backpack and has the essentials. Toothbrush, toothpaste, a bar of soap, and, if you want, shampoo for your hair.
- Camera and phone: You’re going to see wonderful places that you’ll want to capture, so don’t hesitate to bring your camera—and don’t worry about its safety. If you don’t have one or prefer not to fuss, your phone might do. If you want to get online during the expedition, keep in mind that part of the trip takes place far from communication antennas and you’ll have no signal. Enjoy the journey and leave the digital world for later!
- Other extras: for example, we always travel with our own snorkel mask (you can check one here) since we like to use a good one that doesn’t fog up and to have our own mouthpiece that nobody else uses. Others brought their e‑readers. Whatever it is, remember not to bring too many extras so you’re more comfortable with your luggage.
- Dry bag: an ally that will save you on more than one occasion on your trip to the Philippines. We each have one, but on this expedition we only brought one to share. It’s ideal, for example, for when you want to go by kayak from the boat to the shore at a beach where it’s not possible to moor nearby due to the tide level. We use one like this—take a look.
- Electricity: each camp has a charging point for electronic devices that usually operates at specific hours. The vast majority of charging points don’t fit European plugs, so we recommend bringing an international power adapter like this. In addition, we travel with a power strip like this, which was great for charging all our devices at once without having to wait. Another useful thing is a portable battery to charge phones or a GoPro without having to wait until you reach the camp.
Coron to El Nido expedition itinerary, our experience
Now that you’ve got an idea of what an adventure like the Coron–El Nido expedition is like, you’re probably wondering what the itinerary is or which islands and beaches are visited. We’re going to tell you everything! But first, don’t miss this video where we show some of the best moments from our expedition:
Keep in mind that although Coron–El Nido tour itineraries are fairly standard, they are always subject to change for basically three reasons: 1) sea conditions (there may be heavy swell in an area and you can’t reach/moor at a point); 2) the camps the company in question has arranged; and 3) whether the expedition is 3 or 4 days (obviously, with 4 you go to more places and spend more time at the ones you visit).
Because of this, it’s normal that if you ask a company, they won’t tell you the exact route they’ll take. You can rest completely easy: everything you’ll see is going to be super beautiful and, if you can’t go to a specific spot, you won’t feel like you’re missing out. In reality, the best part of doing an El Nido–Coron tour is the overall experience.
The route is usually the same whether the expedition is from Coron to El Nido or from El Nido to Coron. Only the order changes.
On the other hand, it’s common for you to receive departure instructions and some relevant information the day before. Don’t stress—if you book with a serious company, you won’t be left stranded. Just be patient; in the Philippines not everything runs like clockwork, as you’ve probably realized by now.
Finally, in general, El Nido–Coron tours allow you to do activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and volleyball, as well as cooking classes, visits to a local community, bonfires, and karaoke. In short, you won’t be bored.
Day 1:
The Coron to El Nido expedition begins with all participants meeting at a restaurant by the port where (if applicable) any pending payments are completed and there’s a first meet-and-greet with the crew. Then, without much delay, you head to the boat and the looks of amazement begin when you see how huge and well prepared it is.
After a welcome juice, an explanation of how everything works on board, and the one-by-one introductions of both crew and participants, the adventure begins!
Atwayan Coral Garden
Generally, over the course of this day you’ll visit some corners of Coron’s Escapade Tour and, depending on the company, some from the Ultimate Tour. In some cases Twin Lagoon or Kayangan Lake are included, but it’s not common, which is why we always recommend adding an extra day before or after the expedition to do the Ultimate Tour from Coron. You have all the details in Island hopping in Coron.
During the Coron–El Nido Expedition (and vice versa) you’ll make several snorkeling stops and, generally, one of the first (or last, depending on direction) will be Atwayan Coral Garden, located close to Atwayan Beach and very rarely visited by the tours, so it’s usually very quiet. It’s one of our favorite coral gardens in the Philippines. Believe us—it’s incredible!
CYC
One of the little islands near Coron Town, with a lovely stretch of golden sand and perfect for a swim. Sometimes it’s included on the Ultimate Tour, but it’s not usual.
Bulog Dos
Now we’re fully into sailing, the scenery changes and we start to see the gorgeous islands you usually find on the Escapade Tour. Such is the case of Bulog Dos, which has two spectacular sandbars bathed in turquoise water and sits right next to Waling Waling, with another epic sandbar that you can reach by swimming.
Coco Beach
A truly postcard-perfect beach, also with white sand, coconut trees, and some picturesque cabins with an elevated floor and a hammock below. With a bit of luck (especially if it’s one of the top El Nido–Coron expedition companies), this will be the base camp where you’ll spend the night, which will let you enjoy it a lot once everyone else leaves.
At Coco Beach there are several types of cabins (some more closed than others), tables for meals, bathrooms… In short, it’s a cool camp for this adventure.
If Coco Beach isn’t available, many Coron–El Nido expeditions stop at Banana Island, which is equally wonderful.
Bulog Dos (left) – Coco Beach (center and right)
Day 2
Given the great distance between Coron and El Nido, day 2 of the expedition will be largely dedicated to sailing (which is why we mentioned earlier that 3-day expeditions leave you hanging). Wake up, take a stroll around the island, have breakfast, and get back on the boat to continue the adventure.
Ditaytayan Island
The first stop of the day is Ditaytayan Island. This paradisiacal place stands out for its huge, beautiful stretch of fine white sand where you can enjoy sunbathing. We recommend not leaving this island without putting on your snorkel mask and enjoying the lush biodiversity that lives there.
Araw Beach
Located on Culion Island itself, it’s another jaw-dropping white-sand beach lapped by crystal-clear waters. It’s also full of palm trees, and expeditions usually spend a good while here.
Inapupuan Island or Inapupuan Reef
We already warned you that on the expedition you’ll also have many opportunities to do great snorkeling, and such is the case with the reef next to Inapupuan Island, which remains intact. If the weather is good and timing works, sometimes there’s a stop on the island itself as well.
Linapacan Cliff
This stop is only for the brave and adrenaline lovers. Before arriving at the next point, the boat stops by a cliff and the crew jumps into the water and climbs the wall to set up safety ropes. Then those who dare can climb up and jump into the water to go cliff jumping. We happened to have a strong tide and preferred to watch from the boat, but we’re sure it must be an awesome experience.
Belemben Guest House
We fell in love with the second night’s camp as soon as we spotted it from the expedition boat. Don’t imagine a place with luxuries and amenities, but those cabins literally on the shoreline with views of an epic sunset were everything we were looking for in a trip like this. In fact, we can say that sleeping here has been one of the coolest experiences in so many years traveling around the Philippines.
If you arrive in time, don’t hesitate to take a stroll along the nearby beaches before sitting down with all the trip members to have dinner and share stories.
Day 3
On the third day, thanks to the proximity to the final destination, you can fit in a lot. Get up early, enjoy the silence on the beach at dawn, and have a good breakfast to fuel up for what’s to come.
Cagdanao Island
The first stop is a stone’s throw from where you spent the previous night. Cagdanao Island is a gorgeous postcard-perfect island, with fine sand and turquoise waters that will win you over before you even step on it. Here you can spend a fun time playing volleyball with the other travelers on the expedition, enjoy very varied snorkeling, go kayaking or paddleboarding, or, obviously, just lie on the sand and take a dip in these idyllic waters.
Snorkeling spot with the possibility of kayaking to Ginto Island
This stop was “odd.” The boat stopped in the middle of the sea and they told us it was an interesting snorkeling point. What happens is that just a few meters from there was Ginto Island a magnificent island we were really eager to visit. So taking one of the available kayaks and paddling to Ginto is a more than recommendable option.
Ginto Island is a fantastic island with a long beach flanked by huge palm trees, ideal for a relaxing stroll and a swim when you reach its eastern end. 100% recommended!
Turtle Point (Bulawit Turtle Spot) and Bulawit Village
A little further west they’ll take you to a small bay where there is one of those so-called Turtle Points, a place where you can supposedly see turtles easily. After waiting a few minutes for the signal of the first sighting, we jumped into the water and saw a couple of huge turtles that didn’t even flinch at our presence and kept calmly eating the seagrass they love so much.
Responsible traveler: Please, when you have the honor of swimming alongside one of these beautiful animals, always respect safety distances. Don’t get closer than 3 meters, don’t chase them and, above all, never touch them.
For those who want to, before or after snorkeling, you can go visit the neighboring village of Bulawit, located on Linapacan Island. It’s the chance to see the way of life of people in such an isolated area. If you feel like it, you can take the opportunity to buy some snacks or drinks and contribute to the local economy.
Kala Kala Island
You’ll also find it as Cala Cala Island or Lacalaca Island, and for many who do the Coron to El Nido tour it’s one of their favorites. Besides a cool beach, it has interesting rock formations.
Cobra Island (Manlihan Island)
The last stop of the third day of the Coron–El Nido expedition (though sometimes it’s the first of the fourth, depending on how the previous day went; as we said, it can change) is on par with the rest of the day and takes you this time to Cobra Island. This elongated island of fine white sand is ideal for a relaxing walk, sunbathing, or swimming on the side where the wind isn’t blowing at that moment. Keep in mind that it’s an island with little shade, so we recommend covering up well with eco-friendly sunscreen.
If you bring your drone (in this guide we tell you about the best drones for travel), you’ll really enjoy seeing the island from above. It’s called Cobra Island because they say it looks like a cobra, but doesn’t it look more like a seal to you?
Linapacan Tourist Camp
The last night takes place at a camp consisting of cabins with a small terrace and an area with chairs and hammocks that’s ideal for watching the sunset. Once you’ve showered and gotten comfortable, the farewell dinner will take place. We won’t say much about it because we want it to surprise you just like it surprised us, but we assure you that you’ll never forget this “traditional” dinner.
Not to repeat ourselves, these camps may vary depending on the company or availability, so consider that you might not get this one.
Day 4
Sadly, the last day begins and the expedition sets course for El Nido. Make the most of enjoying the wonders this boat offers, as the adventure is drawing to a close.
Takling Island
Another uninhabited island where a Survivors-type show could easily be filmed. It’s relatively close to the camp where you slept, so the sail won’t be long. It’s also perfect for snorkeling.
Darocotan Island
The finishing touch comes from this little island located east of Palawan. It didn’t used to be visited during the El Nido–Coron expedition, but since it’s on the way, has wonderful beaches, and very good snorkeling in the area of the sunken boat (you can easily make it out in the photo) and its popularity has increased a lot in recent years, it’s common for it to be the last or first stop of the Coron–El Nido tour now.
If you feel like extending your stay—or, in the end, you’re not going to do the expedition and want to have a special experience—you already know there are 3–4 little cabin hotels to stay here for a few days. We talk about it in our Darocotan Guide.
El Nido (San Fernando)
Expeditions used to end in El Nido Town, but with the increase in boats and the small size of the port, they now finish at the San Fernando port, which, if you look, is north of Palawan. In general, transport to El Nido Town is included, since there’s no regular transport from this point.
Don’t worry, once you arrive at the port, the expedition crew will take care of offloading your luggage. Give them a big hug, take your last photos and—sorry—this journey will be over.
Remember, these stops may vary depending on the company and the state of the sea. Due to the swell, it may not be possible to moor somewhere because of the boat’s draft and traveler safety. Don’t obsess over not having gone to this or that island; they’ve likely taken you to others just as beautiful or more. What really matters here is the experience.
Remember that with our link and the code FACEBOOK10 you get 10% off BDBM expeditions.
With our link and the code TRAVELPHILIPPINES you get a 1,000-peso discount on Sea Nomads’ expeditions, which cost 17,000 pesos.
If you prefer, you can also book this one from GETYOURGUIDE, which also has lots of positive reviews.
Frequently asked questions and tips for the expedition between Coron and El Nido
To almost wrap up this feature on the El Nido–Coron tour, we want to answer the most common questions travelers usually ask us. That said, if you have any extra ones, you can leave them in the comments and we’ll reply as soon as possible.
You say there’s almost unlimited beer and rum—does that mean it’s a party boat where people are partying and drunk?
Not at all. Someone who signs up for an adventure like this does it to live it 100%. Although (with BDBM—note this depends on the others) there’s the possibility of accessing alcohol all day, people only drank at dinnertime and in moderation. On the last day at the farewell dinner some had a few drinks, but nothing out of the ordinary.
One of the couples came to celebrate their honeymoon on the expedition, so the vibe has nothing to do with a party boat. It’s also worth considering that the BDBM expedition is a bit more expensive than the others (higher quality and longer), so the type of travelers is more diverse as well.
Besides the Coron–El Nido and El Nido–Coron expeditions, are there more?
Yes. There’s the so-called Coron to Coron Expedition which, starting and ending in Coron, takes you to stunning islands like Black Island. It’s a 100% recommended expedition! It’s a little cheaper and the experience is awesome. — FOR NOW, BDBM WILL NO LONGER RUN IT. YOU CAN BOOK IT PRIVATELY WITH SEA NOMADS (you can also use our discount code).
Do I have to pay anything else? Do I need to carry cash during the expedition?
With BDBM, zero. Everything is included. You don’t need to worry about paying island and beach access fees—they’re already included. On the last day, once moored in El Nido, you can buy one of their T-shirts if you want and tip the crew, but beyond that you won’t need money. If you go with another company, it’s best to ask in advance to avoid surprises.
How many people go on these expeditions?
On the one we went on there were 14 travelers and 10 crew members. There was always room for quite a few more people. In general, the maximum is 20 people, and whether it’s full or not depends on the dates.
What age range is an expedition like this recommended for?
The average age on our expedition was about 25/30 years. We were all couples except for a mother of around 60 who came with her daughter and enjoyed it as much as everyone else. In our case there weren’t any, but it can be a totally suitable experience for teenagers.
Will I have hot water and electricity at all the camps where you stop to sleep?
We can speak from our experience. Of the three camps we visited, only one had hot water as such. At the other two the water wasn’t hot, but it came from a tank that, being in the sun all day, didn’t get cold either. Honestly, it wasn’t something we missed.
About electricity: all the camps had a charging point in the common area. Don’t worry, there’s zero risk of theft. At all three camps the electricity is available within a specific time window, but it’s more than enough to charge cameras, phones, power banks, drones, and whatever else you need.
Coron to El Nido expedition or El Nido to Coron tour, which should I do?
The differences are nil—go with whichever fits your route through the Philippines better. That said, if in El Nido or Coron you’re going to want to do island hoppings (which we recommend(, keep in mind the places where the expedition stops and choose tours that don’t repeat places you already know you’re going to pass by. In short, avoid the Coron Escapade Tour, since you’ve seen that some of its stops are on the Coron–El Nido expedition.
Does the Coron to El Nido expedition replace the traditional island hoppings?
In our opinion, so you don’t get tired of so many tours, we’d do El Nido Tour A and/or C (if possible, both) and a private Ultimate Tour in Coron. That said, sometimes BDBM includes Twin Lagoon, Kayangan Lake, or 7 Pecados, but it’s not common. The Coron–El Nido tour doesn’t replace island hoppings; it’s a complement.
Where to sleep before and after the expedition: recommended accommodation
Whether you do the El Nido to Coron expedition or the other way around, you’ll most likely need to spend at least one night in each of these destinations. To make it easy and have this whole adventure prepared from start to finish, here are some of the places we recommend.
Accommodation in Coron
If you click on the Guide to Where to stay in Coron, you’ll find super-detailed info to find the accommodation that best suits your needs. Plus, here are three different options so you can start getting a feel for things:
- Bay Area Lodge: a highly recommended mid-priced hotel where we stay almost every time we go to Coron. Right in the center, with clean, well-equipped rooms and one of the best restaurants in the area. A great choice! Click here to see more info about the hotel here.
- Hop Hostel: Coron’s quintessential hostel. With nearby restaurants, good prices, lockers, and a super cool rooftop for socializing, from which you can see wonderful sunsets. You can check it out by clicking here.
- The Funny Lion: a highly recommended resort in Coron with a hot tub, an infinity pool with amazing views, and spectacular rooms. Take a look at availability here.
Accommodation in El Nido
Likewise, in our Guide to Where to stay in El Nido, we’ve prepared everything you need to know to find a room. Take a look or maybe try these three suggestions:
- BaleCabugaoCottagesRental: if you’re looking for a cheap option, don’t take too long to book here because it sells out fast. Take a look and book here.
- Frendz Hostel El Nido: a hostel that opened recently (2019) with very well-kept facilities, a great vibe, and an infinity pool with awesome views of Bacuit Bay. You can see prices here.
- Sea Cocoon Hotel: located in the heart of El Nido with all the amenities you might need and close to everything. Well-kept rooms, fast Wi‑Fi, pool, breakfast buffet included… Always a great choice! Here you can see more about this hotel.
What do you think of this adventure? Convinced to do the Coron to El Nido expedition yet? If you have any questions, write to us in the comments and we’ll help you sort them out.
