Coron to El Nido 3-Day Off-Grid Island Expedition

Overview

This Coron to El Nido expedition turns the crossing between Palawan's two island hubs into three days of real adventure. Instead of the fast ferry, you sail by traditional outrigger boat through the Calamian Islands and the remote Linapacan group, snorkelling coral reefs, swimming off empty beaches and sleeping two nights in simple native huts at island basecamps. A licensed captain, local guides and an on-board cook look after you, with breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and drinking water included. Life is deliberately simple: minimal electricity, no Wi-Fi and shared bathrooms. The trip is shared with other travellers, starts with a briefing in Coron town and ends in El Nido town. It suits adventurous couples, friends and solo travellers aged 16 and over.

Highlights

• Sail from Coron to El Nido by traditional outrigger boat over three days
• Snorkel remote coral reefs far from the usual island-hopping routes
• Swim off quiet beaches and uninhabited islands in the Linapacan waters
• Two nights in native beach huts with mattress, linen and mosquito net
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner freshly cooked on board, plus snacks and water
• Licensed captain and local guides who know these islands well
• Off-grid evenings with sunsets, starry skies and the sound of the sea
• One-way transfer from San Fernando port to El Nido town included

Itinerary

1. Evening briefing in Coron townThe evening before departure, a pre-departure briefing at about 17:00 at the expedition office in Coron town covers the route, safety and packing.
2. Day 1: departure from CoronBoard the outrigger boat in Coron town at about 8:30 and sail through the Calamian Islands, with snorkelling and beach stops and lunch on board.
3. Day 1 evening: first basecampArrive at an island basecamp in the late afternoon for a swim, sunset, dinner and a night in a native hut.
4. Day 2: Linapacan watersA full day among remote islands with clear water, reef snorkelling, empty beaches and meals cooked by the crew.
5. Day 2 evening: second basecampSecond night at a beachfront camp with dinner under the stars.
6. Day 3: towards El NidoFinal snorkelling and beach stops, then the crossing to San Fernando port in northern El Nido.
7. Transfer to El Nido townRoad transfer from San Fernando port to El Nido town, where the expedition ends in the afternoon.

What's included

• Pre-departure briefing the evening before in Coron town
• Licensed traditional boat with licensed captain and local guides
• On-board cook with breakfast, lunch and dinner, snacks and drinking water
• Two nights in simple native huts with mattress, linen and mosquito net (shared bathrooms)
• Mask, snorkel and life jacket
• All entrance fees
• One-way transfer from San Fernando port to El Nido town

Not suitable for

• Children under 16 years
• Pregnant women
• Wheelchair users

Meeting point

The expedition starts in Coron town. A pre-departure briefing takes place the evening before at about 17:00 at the expedition office in Poblacion 1 along the National Highway, and the boat leaves the next morning at about 8:30. The trip ends in El Nido town after the transfer from San Fernando port. Transfers to Coron town and onward travel from El Nido are not included; we can arrange them on request.

Important information

• Minimum age is 16 years
• Off-grid trip: minimal electricity, no Wi-Fi, no fan or air conditioning in the huts
• Toilets and showers at the camps are shared
• Environmental tickets for Coron, Culion, Linapacan and El Nido are required and paid locally if you do not have them
• Pack a small dry bag for three days; main luggage is stowed
• Bring a hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, toiletries, a towel, a power bank and a reusable water bottle
• Bring cash; there are no cash machines on the islands
• Departures depend on sea conditions and can be rescheduled for safety
• Littering is not allowed; take all your rubbish with you