What to expect when visiting Coron
Coron is one of the Philippines’ most popular destinations. Part of the Palawan group of islands, Coron boasts white-sand beaches surrounded by crystal clear waters. But the best part about it is not on the surface, it’s underwater. Its vibrant marine life is home to beautiful coral gardens and impressive shipwrecks.
The main island is where most accommodations are. There are a few attractions here, but you’d want to go on a boat tour to the nearby smaller islands to really uncover the beauty of Coron. Some of the must-visit spots include Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake and Twin Lagoon.
3 ways to get from El Nido to Coron
There are 3 ways to travel the distance of 277 kilometers (172 miles) from El Nido to Coron by flight (1 hour 45 minutes), Fast ferry (3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours 30 minutes) and Slow Boat or ‘Bangka’* (6 to 9 hours). The journey duration ranges between 1 hour 45 minutes to 9 hours and the quickest way is by flight. The lowest priced tickets start from 2,420 PHP (€39) for the slow boat or ‘bangka’*.Where to stay in Coron?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Coron at the bottom of this page.
El Nido to Coron by Slow Boat or ‘Bangka’*
Slow boats or ‘bangka’ are local boats usually utilized for island crossings. The slow boats used for the El Nido to Coron route are bigger than the ones that locals often use since it’s a longer trip.
Bunso Transport used to operate slow ferries from El Nido to Coron. The ferry departed El Nido every other Thursday at 07:00. Ferry tickets were 2,420 PHP (€39) and this fee included a free lunch.
These slow boats can accommodate only 80 passengers, so you need to buy your tickets early if you want to take this ferry. Since there online booking isn’t available for slow boats, you need to visit a travel agency in El Nido to buy tickets. You may also ask your hotel for assistance.
These boats only have small engines, so they take around 6 to 9 hours to reach El Nido to Coron. The length of the trip mainly depends on the weather conditions. During heavy rain, these boats may not operate at all. It’s an interesting travel experience, but strong currents can affect the journey.
We don’t really recommend taking a slow ferry from El Nido to Coron. The 6 to 9 hours travel is time-consuming, so it’s better to spend a few more dollars on a 5-hour fast ferry.
Passenger-cargo ship from El Nido to Coron
Passenger-cargo ships also used to operate from El Nido to Coron. One of these ships was MV May Lilies, operated by Atienza Interisland Ferries.
There was only one trip in a week, with the ship departing El Nido Port every Wednesday at 07:30. An economy ticket used to cost 1,500 PHP (€24) per person. Meanwhile, tickets for the air-conditioned passenger lounge were about 1,650 PHP (€26) for the 8-hour ferry trip from El Nido to Coron.
The last time we checked (February 2023), Atienza Interisland Ferries now plies the Manila to Coron route as a cargo ship. This means they no longer offer passenger-cargo ships from El Nido to Coron. We couldn’t confirm if there are other passenger-cargo ships operating on this route.
El Nido to Coron by Fast Ferry
The El Nido to Coron ferry ride is not just a mode of transport, but also a great experience. The ferries on this route pass a few well-known islands, such as Linapacan and San Miguel, all with beautiful beaches and landscapes.
The fastest way to travel by boat from El Nido to Coron is by fast ferry. You can choose between Montenegro Shipping Lines, Atienza Interisland Ferries and Jomalia Shipping. Phimal and Jomalia also used to operate on this route, but they haven’t resumed their operations since the pandemic.
From daily trips pre-pandemic, ferry companies are now operating on alternate days. Make sure to check the ferry company available on the day of your trip before buying your tickets. Ticket prices start from €44 per person for the 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours 30 minutes ferry ride to Coron.
Fast ferry schedule from El Nido to Coron
We recommend booking your tickets online in advance. Especially during peak season (December-April), ferry tickets for El Nido to Coron often sell out several days in advance.
Atienza Shipping and Judy Ferry Travel tickets can be booked with BookAway. If you prefer the cheaper Montenegro ferry, you’ll need to buy your tickets at the Montenegro Lines office in El Nido town. Note that the line can get long outside the office.
On the day of your trip, arrive at the port at least an hour before the scheduled departure to secure seats on the fast ferry. If you don’t arrive early, you would be forfeiting your ticket, and they would give your seat to a passenger on the waiting list.
Departure port in El Nido
All ferries from El Nido bound for Coron depart from El Nido Ferry Terminal. From the town centre, it’s only a 10-minute walk to the ferry terminal, or you can ride a tricycle for a low price.
Upon entering El Nido Ferry Terminal, you need to pay a port fee of 20 PHP (€0.30).
Arrival port in Coron
The ferries arrive at Coron Port, about 2 km away from the town centre. Upon arrival, expect to pay 200 PHP (€3.20) for the environmental fee.
At the port’s gate, tricycle drivers would offer you a ride to Coron town centre. Rates start from 20 PHP (€0.30).
It’s best to arrange a ride with your hotel before arriving to avoid any hassle. Other options would be taking a 15-minute walk to the town centre or riding a 5-minute habal-habal (motorbike taxi).
El Nido to Coron by Flight
The fastest way to travel from El Nido to Coron is by flight. The flight itself takes 40 minutes, and with the transfers to and from the airport, total travel time is just around 2 hours.
The total cost of 3,950 PHP (€63) includes the tricycle ride to El Nido Aiport, as well as a minivan transfer upon arrival in Coron.
Note that short-haul flights like this have a negative effect on the environment due to the high emissions caused by taking off and landing. If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: El Nido town to El Nido Airport by Tuk-tuk
There are two airports in the northern part of mainland Palawan. Flights to Coron depart from El Nido Airport, located about 5 km from El Nido town centre.
From your hotel, you can take a tricycle or tuk-tuk ride that lasts around 20 minutes and costs around 300 PHP (€4.80) for two people and luggage.
Step 2: El Nido Airport to Coron Airport by Flight
AirSwift is the sole company offering direct flights between El Nido and Coron. Flights are usually every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, but in summer months (April and May), they start offering flights daily.
Flight prices from El Nido to Coron start from 3,500 PHP (€56) for a one-way ticket. It takes only 40 minutes to reach Coron.
Check Skyscanner for the latest updates.
Step 3: Coron Airport to Coron Town by Minivan
Flights arrive at Franscisco B. Reyes Airport on the island of Coron. This airport is also known as Busuanga Airport.
Outside Busuanga Airport, there are shared and private vans, as well as tuk-tuks, to take you to your hotel in Coron. Travel time between the airport and Coron town centre is about 45 minutes.
Both the shared van and the tuk-tuk costs 300 PHP (€4.80) per person. Note that the minivan leaves only when it’s full. The waiting might not take a long time, though, as passengers from the flights would likely take a shared van to the town.
If you’re travelling in a big group, you can book a private van for around 1,800 PHP (€29) with 10 passengers max. Alternatively, you can ask your hotel prior to your trip if they offer airport pick-up so that you wouldn’t have to worry about the ride to Coron town.
Best places to stay in Coron
With plenty of adventure and day trips available from Coron, you want your accommodation to be somewhere clean, comfortable and relaxing to lay your head at the end of the day.
The main area to stay, which is where all of our favourite stays are located, is within Coron Town Proper. This is where you’ll find the most action — plenty of restaurants, bars, shops and tour agencies.
With so much to plan for your time in Coron, we’ve sorted one thing for you — accommodation. Here are our favourite stays in Coron:
The Funny Lion - Treating Yourself
Area: Next to Coron town proper — approx. 10-minute drive to the centre
Relaxing in a hot tub whilst the sun sets right in front of you. Can life get any better than that? Maybe it can at The Funny Lion. They also have an infinity-style pool that looks out over endless treetops.
You’ll never want to leave this place, and maybe you won’t have to, with their on-site restaurant and rooftop bar ticking off all the boxes of a relaxing retreat.
- Hot tub
- Infinity pool
- Amazing views
- Delicious breakfast included
Double rooms start from $50 per night
The Bay Area Lodge - Mid Range
Area: Next to Coron town proper — approx. 5-minute drive to the centre
Only a 5-minute drive from the port, and close to the centre, you can’t ask for a better location than here. Even better, The Bay Area Lodge is hidden behind thriving gardens, which helps you to forget about the hustle and bustle outside. The lush gardens are the perfect place to relax.
All of the rooms have their own balcony area, meaning that you can take full advantage of the gardens. Inside, the rooms are comfortable, spacious and nicely designed.
- Beautiful gardens
- Great location
- Friendly and helpful staff
- Comfortable and spacious rooms
Double rooms cost $30-$50 per night
Hop Hostel - Budget Friendly
Area: Next to Coron town proper — approx. 5-minute drive to the centre
Offering both dorms and private rooms, Hop Hostel is the perfect option if you’re looking for budget accommodation and a sociable atmosphere. The refreshing swimming pool, on-site restaurant and rooftop make it super easy to meet other travellers.
The hostel also often runs a free sunset dinner on the rooftop. Can you ask for much more than that? Even if you’re staying in the dorm rooms, the privacy curtains and comfy mattresses guarantee a good night’s sleep.
- Swimming pool
- Rooftop
- On-site restaurant
- Dorms and private rooms available
Double rooms cost $30-$50 per night
Aquilah Homestay - Budget Friendly
Area: Next to Coron town proper — approx. 5-minute drive to the centre and a minute walk to Mount Tapyas
Aquilah Homestay is a great place to lay your head for a few nights. It’s away from the city centre, and it’s noise, but close enough that you’re only a short walk away. The staff here are the star of the show, offering to help you book tours and plan your days in Coron.
The rooms are basic, but offer everything you need — a clean space, a comfortable bed and much-needed air conditioning.
- Great location
- Helpful staff
- Clean and comfortable rooms
- Breakfast available
Double rooms cost $15-$30 per night
Frequently Asked Questions about El Nido to Coron
What are the most popular things to do in Coron?
The most popular thing to do in Coron is island hopping. This is the best way to explore its limestone cliffs, clear blue lagoon, white-sand beaches, and secluded islands. You will also have the opportunity to dive or snorkel. Enjoy its coral reef gardens and shipwrecks that are teeming with fish.
Also include in your itinerary a DIY adventure on the mainland. Take a dip at the salt water hot spring of Maquinit, visit the Calauit Safari, or take a morning hike to Mt. Tapyas.
What are the best beaches in Coron?
Coron Island is nature at its finest — a paradise surrounded by turquoise water and a number of beautiful beaches. Some of the best beaches are Malcapuya Island, Bulog Dos Island and Smith Point Beach. These are generally included in island hopping tours, but they are not always grouped together.
Most travellers pick a number of different tours to visit as many beaches as they can, while others choose to get a private tour so that they can handpick the beaches they want and skip the islands that they do not prefer.
What is the weather like in El Nido and Coron?
The weather in El Nido and Coron is usually hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 25-32°C throughout the year. The best time to visit is from December to April — generally the driest and sunniest.
We recommend against visiting in the rainy season from May to November. During these months, the waters can get really rough and island hopping tours can be suspended on some days.
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from El Nido to Coron. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
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Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Abby is a writer who finds joy in mountains, beaches, and road trips. She considers her solo backpacking trip to the rice terraces of Bontoc one of the most fulfilling moments in her life. She’s loyal to the islands of her home country, the Philippines, but Thailand’s beaches also have a special place in her heart.
