Coron Beaches and Islands Tour to Malcapuya and Ditaytayan

Ditaytayan Island

Ditaytayan is a small island in the waters of Culion, south of Coron, known for its long sandbar that curves out into the sea and for water so clear that the boat seems to float above the bottom. Coconut palms line the beach, and a few fishing families live on the island. It is usually the first stop of the day, reached after about an hour and a half by boat from Coron town.

Here you can swim in the shallow lagoon-like water, snorkel along the edge of the reef and walk out onto the sandbar for photos with the islands of the Calamian group behind you. Expect about an hour and a half. Is Ditaytayan Island worth visiting? For anyone who wants calm water and soft sand without the bigger crowds of the Coron Island lakes, it is a highlight of the region.

Malcapuya Island

Malcapuya Island has one of the most beautiful beaches in northern Palawan: a long, gently curving strip of fine white sand facing clear blue water, with palm trees and a small hill behind. The beach is kept clean, and from a distance its colours look almost unreal. Lunch is served here, with grilled fish or chicken, rice, vegetables and fruit, followed by time to swim, snorkel and walk the shoreline.

Plan on about an hour and a half on Malcapuya. The reef just off the beach has corals and reef fish, so bring your snorkel or rent one before you leave town. If you need halal or vegetarian meals, tell us when booking; halal food is limited in Palawan, but fish and vegetable dishes are easy to arrange with the crew.

Bulog Island and its sandbar

Bulog Island is a tiny islet with a sandbar that appears and changes shape with the tide, linking the island to a ribbon of white sand surrounded by turquoise water. At low tide you can walk along it; at higher tide it becomes a shallow pool perfect for floating. It is a favourite last stop of the day for swimming and photos before the ride back.

Expect about an hour here for a swim, a short snorkel and free time on the sand. Depending on the weather and crowds, the crew may also stop at Coco Beach or Waling-Waling Beach, both quiet beaches with calm water. The order of stops can change on the day according to wind, tide and sea conditions.

Coron town and the Calamian Islands

Coron town sits on Busuanga Island and is the main base for exploring the Calamian Islands. Most visitors fly into Busuanga airport, about 30 to 40 minutes by road from town, with flights from Manila in about an hour; the fast ferry from El Nido takes about four hours. The town is compact, and the waterfront Lualhati Park, where this tour starts, is easy to reach from most hotels.

The best time to visit Coron for beach trips is the dry season from December to May, when the sea is calm and the sky clear. From June to November the monsoon and typhoon season can bring rough seas, and the Coast Guard may suspend boat trips; in that case you can reschedule or receive a refund. Combine this day with a Coron Island tour to Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoon for the full picture.