Which Coron Island Hopping Tour is The Best?
Coron in Palawan is a tropical heaven with its breathtaking natural beauty. Turquoise waters meet limestone cliffs and white sand beaches, a perfect setting for island hopping. The Island Hopping Tour in Coron is a paradise and a must-visit destination for tourists around the world. From the underwater world to historical dive sites, Coron also has great beaches for sunbathing and relaxation.
Planning Your Island Hopping Tour
Getting to Coron
Getting to Coron is easy, with multiple daily flights to Busuanga Airport from Manila and Cebu. From the airport, it’s just 30 minutes taxi ride to the town proper. If you prefer a scenic route, ferries from El Nido is a beautiful ride, 5 hours across the sea. Ferries depart from El Nido harbor at 6am and 8am, book in advance to reserve your slot.
Choosing the Right Coron Island Hopping Tour
With many tour operators offering island hopping tours in Coron, choosing the right one can be confusing. Start by thinking of what kind of experience you want. Do you want the intimacy of a private tour or the camaraderie of a group tour? Do you want to dive deep into the underwater world with scuba diving or just leisurely explore the islands? Look for tour operators that offer flexible itineraries and knowledgeable guides. Popular options are the Ultimate Island Hopping Tour, Coron Island Escapade Tour and Calauit Safari Tour, each designed for different interests.
Coron’s Island Hopping Tours
There are several island hopping tours in Coron. The four most popular are the Super Ultimate Tour, the Budget Tour, the Culion Island Escapade and the Reef and Wrecks Tour.
What is Coron Island Super Ultimate Tour?
The Super Ultimate Tour is an island hopping adventure that covers some of the most famous and breathtaking destinations in Coron. Therefore it’s a perfect choice for those looking for a full day exploring the highlights of Coron and a must-do.
Kayangan Lake vs. Barracuda Lake
On many tours there is the option of visiting either Kayangan Lake or Barracuda Lake.
Kayangan Lake, considered as one of the cleanest lakes in Asia, boasts crystal-clear waters surrounded by limestone cliffs creating a fascinating sight. Before heading down to the lake for a swim, you can take a short hike to the viewpoint for a panoramic view of the breathtaking scenery.
Barracuda Lake, formed in a collapsed limestone cave, is known for its thermocline phenomenon, where layers of warm and cold water form different temperature zones. Admire the stunning underwater rock formations and observe the marine life in the clear emerald waters of the lake.
We recommend that you visit Barracuda Lake, as we were a little disappointed with Kayangan Lake. To explain, it was very crowded and unfortunately there wasn’t much to see underwater. Barracuda Lake is a little smaller, but it somehow has a more harmonious and peaceful atmosphere.
Twin Lagoon
With its two interconnected bodies of water, the Twin Lagoon offers you a breathtaking natural spectacle. Surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, the lagoons are accessible through a small opening that reveals a breathtaking fusion of warm and cool waters. Snorkelers and kayakers can explore the vibrant underwater world and hidden caves, while swimmers can enjoy the unique sensation of swimming through the different temperature layers.
Snorkeling spots
Siete Pecados enchants travelers with its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. You can explore seven picturesque islets, each teeming with colorful fish and intricate coral formations, making it a paradise for underwater enthusiasts.
The sunken shipwreck known as Skeleton Wreck from the Second World War also offers a great diving experience where you can explore the scary remains and discover marine life that flourish in the wreckage.
Malwawey Reef captivates with its vibrant coral gardens and diverse marine ecosystem. Glide through the crystal clear waters and discover a variety of tropical fish and impressive coral formations that make this reef a paradise for underwater lovers.
What is Coron Budget Tour?
On the other hand, a cheaper alternative is the Coron Budget Island Hopping Tour. The tour usually includes Barracuda Lake, Twin Lagoon, one of the snorkeling spots and Siete Pecados. It is perfect for budget travelers to admire the highlights of Coron. However, the price difference is not that big, so we would still recommend the Super Ultimate Tour.
What is Culion Island Escapade Tour?
The islands of Malcapuya, Bulog Dos and Banana Island are located in the middle of the breathtaking Calamianes archipelago. With their powder-white beaches and crystal-clear waters, these islands are the ultimate tropical getaway.
Malcapuya Island is a true paradise with a palm-fringed beach and turquoise waters. It’s perfect for swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing. Here you can relax in the tranquil atmosphere of the island and explore the breathtaking beauty of nature.
Another small but beautiful island is Bulog Dos. Here you can enjoy the sun on the small stretch of beach or walk along the sandbank. At low tide, you can even go to the island opposite the Two Season Resort.
Another tropical oasis is Banana Island, known for its lush coconut groves, swaying palm trees and pristine beaches. Travelers come here to enjoy the island’s ambience. From snorkeling and kayaking to lazing on the soft sand or eating local specialties at the beach restaurants.
What is Coron Reefs and Wrecks Tour?
Coron Reefs and Wrecks Tour is a must for all divers. Here’s what to expect:
On Pass Island snorkelers and divers will see an underwater paradise with coral formations, tropical fish and other marine life. Off the coast of the island, explore the reefs and see Coron’s marine life.
The Lusong Gunboat is a great and historic dive site for divers and snorkelers. It’s a World War II Japanese shipwreck. It’s in relatively shallow waters so it’s perfect for novice and experienced divers. Corals have grown on the ship’s surface providing habitat and food for fish, crustaceans and other marine life.
Coral Garden has a lot of corals in different shapes, sizes and colors. Snorkelers and divers will see a lot of marine life, colorful reef fish, sea turtles, rays and even occasional reef sharks.
East Tangat Wreck is a Japanese cargo ship that sank during World War II. Divers can see the well preserved hull, holds and artifacts with corals and a piece of history. Guided dive tour to ensure a safe and educational experience. Divers can also take underwater photos.
Coron Island Hopping Tour Tips
When planning your tour, consider these essentials:
- Book in advance: Especially during peak season to beat the crowds and availability.
- Choose Wisely: Go with a tour operator that does sustainable tourism and puts guest safety first.
- Packing list: Don’t forget a dry bag, sunscreen, a hat and a pair of reef shoes.
- Snorkeling Gear: To explore the hidden lagoons and vibrant coral reefs, snorkeling equipment is a must. Often, snorkeling equipment is included or can be rented for ₱150 (USD3).
- Private Boat: For a more personalized and flexible experience, renting a private boat is a great option.
- Keep an eye on costs: Regardless of whether it is a private tour or a group tour, there may be additional costs for entrance fees, snorkel rental and food.
- Have cash ready for tips.
By considering these factors, you’ll be well on your way to planning the perfect island hopping tour in Coron.
Group vs. Private Island Hopping Tour in Coron
On most island hopping tours in Coron, you have the option of choosing between a private and a group tour. For this reason, we show you the advantages and disadvantages of both options:
Group Tour
Group tours in Coron offer a great and affordable way to explore the breathtaking landscapes and pristine waters of this tropical paradise in the Philippines. On these tours, you’ll usually join a small group led by experienced guides.
With most tour operators, you will be picked up from your accommodation between 8 and 8:30 am and then depart from the harbor in Coron Town at around 9 am. The tours last around eight hours, so you will arrive back there at around 5 pm.
Read: Where to stay in Coron.
In a group of 15 to 30 people, you can then explore the fantastic landscape of Coron. A tour guide usually speaking good English will lead you through the individual spots.
There is also a delicious, warm lunch, usually in the form of a picnic on one of the beautiful beaches. Local delicacies are prepared, including chicken, fish, pork, rice, noodles and fruit.
Depending on the tour and the operator, a group tour in Coron costs around 1500 to 2500 PHP per person (25 to 45 USD).
Private Tour
A more flexible, but also more expensive option is a private tour.
Most private tours start earlier than the group tours and you can often arrange the start time individually. You can also decide the order of the stops and how long you want to stay at the spots. This allows you to avoid the tourist crowds in many places.
You will also have a private tour guide who will tell you all about the famous spots in Coron and give you a wonderful insight into Filipino life and the landscape around Coron.
Finally, you can also enjoy a lovingly prepared lunch privately on the beach or on the boat. Fresh fruit, meat, side dishes such as rice and noodles with a wonderful view of the archipelago.
The price for a private island hopping tour in Coron is between 6000 and 8500 PHP per person (100 and 150 USD).
Should I choose a private or a group tour?
Both the private tours and the group tours in Coron have advantages and disadvantages. Depending on your preferences and budget, you can choose what suits best for you.
If you enjoy interacting with other travelers and don’t mind if a lot is going on at the stops, then the group tour is the right one for you. In addition, the group tours in Coron are a lot (!) cheaper than the private tours. Nevertheless, you will get a warm, great buffet and a nice tour guide who will lead you through Bacuit Bay.
However, if you don’t mind the price difference so much or would like to be on your own, then the private tour is highly recommended. The fact that you can start earlier and can also determine the duration at the individual locations allows you to avoid crowds throughout the day. Above all, in many places you are completely alone and it feels like you are in a deserted paradise.
Please note: Coron is very popular for tourists and therefore also very crowded. That means you can hardly avoid the crowds even with a private tour.
Which Coron island hopping tour should you do?
All in all, we definitely recommend the Super Ultimate Tour and the Culion Island Escapade if you have time for two tours. This gives you the perfect mix of the highlights of Coron, diving in the underwater world and a paradisiacal getaway to beautiful islands. Perfect for adventurers, but also for the more relaxed.
