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

So you have spent a glorious few days island hopping in El Nido and now you want to head north to Coron for the wreck diving, Kayangan Lake, and the Calauit giraffes. There is just one challenge: El Nido and Coron are separated by about 230 kilometers of the Sulu Sea and there is no direct road. Your options are boat, speedboat, or a long loop through Manila. This guide breaks down every route so you can choose the one that fits your time, budget, and seasickness tolerance.

Route 1: El Nido to Coron by Bangka Ferry (2 Days)

The most famous and most adventurous option is the Palawan Passage — a multi-day slow boat that island-hops its way from El Nido north to Coron, stopping at remote beaches and tiny fishing villages along the way. The journey typically takes 2 days with an overnight on Linapacan Island, a collection of pristine sandbank islands midway between the two destinations.

This is a genuine adventure rather than a transport option — you sleep on the boat or in basic nipa huts, swim at deserted beaches, and eat fish caught that morning. The passenger boats that run this route are basic (bring a sleeping bag and snacks), but the scenery is extraordinary. Cost: around PHP 2,000-3,000 per person including basic meals. Departs El Nido Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

Route 2: El Nido to Coron by Speedboat (8-10 Hours)

Several operators run direct speedboats from El Nido to Coron that make the journey in one day with a few stops along the way. The speedboats are faster than the slow ferry but the open sea crossing can be rough — if you are prone to seasickness, medicate in advance. Cost: around PHP 2,500-3,500 per person. Departs daily during peak season, less frequently during wet season. The journey passes through the Linapacan Strait and typically stops at one or two beaches along the way.

Route 3: El Nido to Coron via Manila (By Air)

The fastest way — but also the most expensive and counterintuitive — is to fly from El Nido back to Manila, then catch a connecting flight to Busuanga Airport (USU) which serves Coron. Total flight time is about 3 hours, but airport waiting time and transit means a full day of travel. Cost: PHP 5,000-12,000 depending on availability. This option makes sense if you have a strict departure schedule or are traveling during rough weather when boat services are suspended.

Route 4: Puerto Princesa to Coron by Ferry (Via Boat)

If you are already in Puerto Princesa and want to reach Coron, a regular RORO ferry operates the route overnight (12-14 hours). Cost: PHP 600-1,200 depending on class. This is a budget option but requires an additional transfer from El Nido to Puerto Princesa first (5-6 hours by van).

Which Route Should You Choose?

• Time-rich, experience-focused travelers — take the 2-day Palawan Passage. It is one of the most spectacular journeys in Southeast Asia and deserves to be treated as a destination in itself.
• Travelers with moderate time — take the direct speedboat. It is long but manageable, and the scenery along the Linapacan Strait is exceptional.
• Business travelers or those with connecting flights — fly via Manila. Expensive but guaranteed to get you there on schedule.
• Budget travelers with maximum time — van to Puerto Princesa, then overnight RORO to Coron. Cheapest option but longest journey.

Booking Tips

All boat services between El Nido and Coron are weather-dependent. During typhoon season (June-September), sailings are frequently cancelled. Always confirm your booking 24 hours in advance and have a contingency plan. Your guesthouse in El Nido can help book seats on the Palawan Passage or speedboat services — most tour operators handle ticketing.

What to See Between El Nido and Coron

If you take the Palawan Passage or speedboat, you will pass through or near the Linapacan Islands — one of the most pristine and least-visited island groups in the Philippines. The water clarity here is said to exceed even El Nido on the best days. Some speedboat tours stop for snorkeling and swimming. The Palawan Passage typically overnights at Linapacan, giving you a full afternoon to explore the sandbanks and reefs.

Planning Your Palawan Trip

A well-planned Palawan itinerary typically looks like: fly Manila-El Nido, spend 4-5 days doing Tour A through Tour D, then take the Palawan Passage to Coron, spend 3-4 days on wreck diving and the Coron island tour, then fly Busuanga-Manila. Total trip: 10-12 days, two of the most beautiful destinations in Southeast Asia, and a sea journey that belongs on every traveler bucket list.