How to Get from El Nido to Coron: All Routes Compared

Traveling between El Nido and Coron is one of the great journeys of Philippine tourism - two of the country's most spectacular destinations connected by options ranging from a quick hop to a multi-day adventure. The journey covers roughly 160 kilometers of the Sulu Sea, threading through limestone islands and blue-water channels. Here are all the routes compared honestly.

Option 1: Fast Ferry (Most Popular)

The fast ferry between El Nido and Coron runs daily during peak season and takes 3 to 4 hours depending on sea conditions. Operators include Atienza Shipping and several other local companies. Boats are covered passenger vessels with open-air viewing from the upper deck. The journey is scenic, reasonably comfortable, and the most sensible choice for most travelers.

Key Details

• Duration: 3 to 4 hours
• Cost: 1,500 to 2,500 pesos depending on operator and season
• Departure: Usually 7 to 8 AM from El Nido pier
• Arrives: Coron town pier by midday
• Booking: Through your guesthouse or at the pier ticket office - book a day ahead in peak season

Note: The fast ferry can be cancelled in rough weather. June to September is typhoon season - build a buffer day into your itinerary if traveling during these months.

Option 2: Slow Boat Island Hopping (Most Adventurous)

Several operators offer a multi-day island-hopping journey between El Nido and Coron, typically stopping at Linapacan Island, Culion Island, and several remote beaches along the way. This journey takes 2 to 3 days sleeping in basic guesthouses or on the boat deck. The Linapacan area has some of the most remote and pristine beaches in the Philippines - places that see only a handful of visitors per week.

Key Details

• Duration: 2 to 3 days
• Cost: 4,000 to 7,000 pesos all-inclusive including accommodation, meals, and boat
• Runs: November to May only (weather dependent)

Option 3: Van to Puerto Princesa then Flight

Take the 5-hour van south from El Nido to Puerto Princesa, then fly to Coron Airport on Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, or AirAsia. Total journey: approximately 7 to 8 hours, cost 2,000 to 4,000 pesos depending on flight price. This makes sense only if you want to spend time in Puerto Princesa - the Underground River alone is worth a day.

Direction of Travel: El Nido First or Coron First?

Most travelers flying from Manila start with El Nido via Puerto Princesa and end with Coron on a direct flight back to Manila. This works well because the ferry from El Nido to Coron is generally smoother going northward with prevailing winds in dry season. If you are flying internationally out of Manila, ending in Coron gives you a direct connection home without backtracking.

Booking Tips

• Book the ferry 1 to 2 days ahead in peak season from November to April - boats fill quickly
• Bring seasickness medication even if you think you do not need it - the open sea can be choppy
• Store luggage in waterproof bags inside your backpack - spray comes over the bow regularly
• The upper deck is the best place for views and breeze - the lower cabin is stuffy

What to Do When You Arrive in Coron

The two must-do activities are Kayangan Lake and WW2 wreck diving. Non-divers will love the island-hopping tour that covers Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, and CYC Beach. Divers should plan at least 2 to 3 days on the wrecks. See our El Nido vs Coron guide for a full comparison of both destinations.