Combining El Nido and Coron in one Palawan trip is one of the best itineraries in the Philippines. Getting between them is mostly done by ferry — a spectacular 8 to 10 hour boat crossing through some of the most beautiful island scenery in Southeast Asia. Here is everything you need to know for 2026.
El Nido to Coron — Your Options
| Option | Time | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public ferry (slow boat) | 8–10 hours | ₱1,500–2,000 | Budget travelers, scenic experience |
| Speedboat (tourist boat) | 7–8 hours | ₱2,500–3,500 | Travelers wanting more comfort |
| Multi-day expedition (Tao Expedition) | 4–5 days | ₱35,000+ | Adventure travelers, group trips |
| Flight via Manila | 3–4 hours total | ₱3,000–8,000 | Travelers with limited time |
The Ferry — What It’s Really Like
The ferry from El Nido to Coron is not a standard ferry crossing. The route passes through the remote Linapacan islands — over 50 tiny, largely uninhabited islands strung between the two destinations. On a clear day the water is an almost unbelievable shade of blue and the islands rising from it are postcard-perfect.
The boat makes several stops along the way. Depending on the operator, the crossing includes a lunch stop on a beach and sometimes a brief swimming or snorkeling stop. It is not a fast or particularly comfortable crossing but the scenery makes it one of the most memorable boat rides in the Philippines.
Departure: Most ferries depart El Nido early morning, around 7 to 8 AM from El Nido town port.
Arrival in Coron: Late afternoon, approximately 3 to 6 PM depending on stops and sea conditions.
Frequency: Daily during peak season, reduced or suspended during rough weather months (June to September).
What to Bring on the Ferry
- Motion sickness tablets — the open sea crossing can be choppy, especially in the afternoon when wind picks up
- Waterproof bag — spray from the sea comes over the sides on some sections
- Snacks and water — ferry food is limited and may not suit all tastes
- Sunscreen and hat — you are in direct sun for most of the crossing
- Warm layer — air conditioning inside the cabin can be aggressive and the breeze on deck gets cold at speed
The Tao Expedition — Worth It?
The Tao Expedition is a multi-day sailing trip between El Nido and Coron operated by Tao Philippines. It runs in both directions and takes 4 to 5 days, stopping at remote islands, camping on beaches, and snorkeling in areas that no standard tour visits. Prices start at around ₱35,000 per person and it is widely considered one of the best travel experiences in the Philippines.
It departs on set days and must be booked well in advance — often months ahead during peak season. If this is on your bucket list, book before you book your flights.
Flying Between El Nido and Coron
There is no direct flight between El Nido and Coron. Both destinations have small airports (Lio Airport and Busuanga Airport respectively) but no airline currently operates a direct route between them. The only option is to fly Manila–Busuanga directly from Manila, which means you cannot easily combine both destinations in a loop without retracing your steps or taking the ferry.
Reaching El Nido First — Getting There from Puerto Princesa
Most travelers reach El Nido from Puerto Princesa by van before connecting to Coron by ferry. The van from Puerto Princesa to El Nido takes 5 to 6 hours and runs daily with multiple departure times.
Book your Puerto Princesa to El Nido van transfer here — shared vans from ₱750 per person, private vans from ₱7,500. Book before you arrive so your seat is confirmed for your preferred departure time.
