Explore the Beauty of Palawan
Island Hopping Coron
Coron Island Hopping
basic informations and options
An overview of available tour types. This section details the different tour structures, such as half-day versus full-day excursions and the types of vessels used (e.g., speedboats, traditional boats). Review this section for a quick description of the packages and what they typically include.
our recommendations
Selecting the best tour for your specific needs. This curated list provides recommendations designed to match different traveler profiles and requirements. Access the recommendations here to determine which itinerary is most likely to deliver the best overall experience for your trip.
not on the regular map but worth it
Less crowded island hopping options. This section introduces several lesser-known boat itineraries and islands that are typically excluded from standard tour routes. These destinations offer comparable natural beauty with significantly fewer crowds. View these alternative options for a unique experience.
beaches to reach by land
Coastal options without a boat trip. For travelers seeking alternatives to island hopping, this section focuses on beautiful beaches reachable by car or motorbike. These locations are ideal for a relaxing day trip, an overnight stay in a coastal village, or simple land-based island exploration. Explore land-accessible beach destinations here.
overnight stays
Beach trips with accommodation options. This section presents selected coastal villages and beach accommodations for travelers seeking extended stays. These options allow visitors to wake up near the ocean and enjoy dining experiences right on the sand. Discover recommended overnight beach stays here.
explore the island
Discovering land-based activities and hidden gems. Beyond boat tours, Busuanga offers numerous opportunities for independent or organized land exploration. Activities include kayaking through mangroves, visiting waterfalls, snorkeling with dugongs, or engaging in mountain hikes. Learn about options for exploring Busuanga Island here.
the most complete travel guide for Coron :
Coron-Busuanga.Com
basic information
The Classic Tours (A, B, C) are designed to cover different geographical areas and attractions, allowing you to mix and match based on your interests.
Tour A
Lagoons & Lakes
Kayangan Lake (known as the cleanest lake in Asia), Twin Lagoon, Coral Garden/Siete Pecados (snorkeling), CYC Beach.
Tour B
Shipwrecks & Beach
Skeleton Wreck (shallow wreck snorkeling), Barracuda Lake (unique thermocline for diving/snorkeling), Twin Peaks Reef, Banol Beach/Beach 91.
Tour C
Beaches Escapade Tour
Malcapuya Island, Banana Island, Bulog Dos Island. Focuses on pristine, white-sand beaches perfect for relaxing and swimming. Longer boat tour to more distant islands.
The Super Ultimate Tour
If you only have one day for island hopping, the Ultimate Tour is widely considered the gold standard. It merges the highlights of the standard “Tour A” and “Tour B” so you don’t have to choose between them.
You find detailed descriptions of all tours and attractiond on Coron-Island-Hopping from the Coron-Busuanga website.
Group vs. Private Island Hopping in Coron
Choosing between a group (joiner) tour and a private boat tour is one of the biggest decisions for island hopping in Coron. Both offer access to the same stunning destinations, but they provide very different experiences.
| Feature | Group (Joiner) Tour | Private Boat Tour |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Cheaper per person (e.g., $20–$30 USD). | More expensive overall, but often cost-effective for larger groups (4+ people). |
| Itinerary | Fixed schedule (Tours A, B, C, Ultimate). | Fully Customizable route and stops. |
| Flexibility | Low. Stops and duration are preset. | High. You decide where to go and how long to stay. |
| Crowds | High. Sites are visited during peak times. | Low. Allows for early departure to **beat the crowds** at main attractions. |
| Lunch | Typically a **buffet** lunch prepared by the tour operator. | Crew often prepares a **freshly cooked meal** using local market ingredients, customizable to your preferences. |
our recommendation
To truly maximize your experience in Coron’s stunning natural landscapes, we strongly recommend opting for a private boat tour.
Why Go Private?
Beat the Crowds: Going private allows you to skip the masses by setting your own schedule, ensuring you get the best experience at iconic spots like Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoon before the large group tours arrive.
Affordability: If you share the cost with a few people, a private boat becomes surprisingly affordable, and the benefits over a crowded group tour are substantial.
Highly Recommended Operator: For the best-organized tours with exceptional service, we recommend making an inquiry with Mermaid-Club-Coron.
The Exception: Tour C (Beaches)
If you are interested in a longer tour heading to the large white-sand beaches south of Culion (often part of Tour C), a budget-friendly group tour is a great option.
The beaches on these islands, such as Malcapuya, are wider and offer plenty of space even for large groups.
You can often buy extra food and drinks directly on Malcapuya Island.
Find well-reviewed and competitively priced group tours on platforms like GetYourGuide, Klook, and Viator.
For the Luxury Traveler: Cinco Ninos
If you prefer a more luxurious and relaxing day at sea, Cinco Ninos might be the perfect choice.
This tri-maran boat offers every comfort imaginable, including comfortable deck chairs, a nice bar serving cocktails and drinks, amazing food, and kayaks for paddling.
While other island-hopping trips feel more like an adventure, the Cinco Ninos offers the flair of a relaxed cruise..
connect to nature at barracuda lake
Barracuda Lake is one of Coron’s most unique natural wonders, famous for its dramatic underwater cliffs and the striking thermal layering (thermocline) of its waters.
The Tourist Restriction:
While the lake’s beauty is undeniable, standard island-hopping tours only allow tourists to swim in a small, restricted area near the entrance platform. Although still beautiful, this small zone can become crowded.
The Breathtaking Experience:
If you truly want to immerse yourself in the lake’s awe-inspiring beauty—and we assure you, it is breathtaking—we highly recommend going with one of the licensed freediving schools.
These schools have special permission to go beyond the restricted line and guide you deeper into the main body of the lake, completely away from the usual tourist crowds. This offers a more profound and tranquil experience, allowing you to fully appreciate the lake’s incredible rock formations and geological features.
The best freediving school in Coron and probably one of the best in the whole Philippines is the The Barracuda Club for Freedivers – Freediving Coron.
away from the crowds
While the standard Coron Town tours cover the iconic spots, the region offers spectacular, less-crowded destinations that require a little extra effort but reward you with pristine, uncrowded beaches and fantastic snorkeling.
The Western Gems
These tours are ideal for travelers seeking tranquility and a genuine sense of discovery:
Pass Island (from Concepcion Town): Easily accessible from Concepcion Town, this tour can be combined with a visit to a local waterfall or a relaxing kayak trip through the mangroves. Book a boat for Pass Island directly at the Concepcion harbor.
Black Island and Dibutunay (from Ocam Ocam): Departing from the remote Ocam Ocam Beach Village, the trips to Black Island and Dibutunay offer some of the most beautiful and uncrowded beaches in the entire region. The coral reefs here also provide excellent snorkeling opportunities.
Planning Your Trip (Transportation & Booking)
Reaching these destinations requires a bit of planning and travel by motorbike or hired van, but the payoff is worth the journey.
DIY & Self-Drive: If you are comfortable driving a motorbike, you can organize the tours yourself:
Black Island: Reserve a spot on a boat through Black-Island-Tours.
Pass Island: Book transportation at the harbor in Concepcion (the small shop next to the West-Atlantic Hotel can also arrange a boat).
Convenience & Comfort: For those seeking an easier option, needing a van with a driver, or wanting to book accommodation in Ocam Ocam, you can contact the agents at the Mermaid-Club-Agency in Coron Town for full arrangements.
beaches to reach by land
If you’ve already experienced a few island-hopping tours and are simply looking to relax by the water, you don’t necessarily need to book another boat trip. Coron offers several stunning beaches accessible directly by motorbike, taxi, or car, allowing you to enjoy a peaceful, full day at your leisure.
Lakdayan Beach (Northern Coron)
Lakdayan Beach is the perfect spot for relaxation:
Vibe: Known for its shallow entry into the sea and a beautiful small sandbar connecting it to the offshore island. It is ideal for simply chilling out.
Best Spot: The most scenic section is marked on Google Maps as Adelas Beach Camp, which offers delicious BBQ food and drinks.
Reservations: You can reserve a shaded hut with a picnic table using their provided WhatsApp number.
Organized Trip: For a hassle-free day trip with a driver, food, and everything arranged, contact the Mermaid-Club in Coron. They can also add amenities like a swimming instructor, nanny, or massage service.
Ocam Ocam Beach Village (Western Coron)
Located on the far west side of the island, Ocam Ocam is a charming beach village that makes for an excellent destination or overnight stay.
Vibe & Amenities: This delightful little place is right on the beach, featuring small restaurants and accommodation options. You can explore the bay by kayak or arrange a crossing to Black Island.
Travel Time: It takes about 1.5 hours by car or approximately 2 hours by motorbike from Coron Town.
Transportation: The Mermaid Club regularly organizes shared taxis or small buses that you can split with other guests.
Accommodation: Simple, charming huts for overnight stays can be booked starting from around PHP 600. Discounts are often available for renting a motorbike for more than one day.
overnighs
For travelers who dream of falling asleep to the sound of the ocean, having dinner with their feet in the sand, and truly immersing themselves in island life, Coron offers charming overnight options beyond the main town.
Sleep on the Sand
You can arrange to stay directly on the beach at several locations:
Ocam Ocam Village: This charming settlement offers simple huts right near the shore.
Pass Island: Offers rustic, direct-beach accommodation.
Lakdayan Beach: You can rent a tent here and camp right on the beautiful sand.
Unique Jungle Stays
For those who prefer a solid roof with a view, the south coast features beautiful tree houses and cozy hotels nestled in the greenery, all offering stunning sea views.
Planning Assistance
For help with planning and organizing these unique stays, simply reach out to the ladies at the Mermaid-Club. You can find them conveniently located inside the Barracuda-Club Freediving School in the center of Coron Town.
exploring the island
If you are planning to stay in Coron for more than just a few days, we highly recommend taking the time to explore the main island of Busuanga itself. The island offers unique features and attractions that go far beyond the typical island-hopping itineraries.
To find a comprehensive overview of the island’s many hidden attractions, which are rarely mentioned in standard guidebooks, check out the dedicated websites: Coron but Different or Coron-Busuanga.com.
Unique Island Attractions
Busuanga is full of surprising experiences for the adventurous traveler:
Dugong Snorkeling: In the northwestern part of the island, you have the incredible and rare opportunity to snorkel alongside gentle Dugongs (sea cows).
Mangrove Kayaking: The mangroves along the southern coast are perfect for kayaking, where you can even discover a hidden airplane wreck near Concepcion.
Mountain Trails & Food: Explore beautiful mountains and hiking trails, or enjoy a meal at one of the unique floating restaurants.
Mermaid School: For a truly unique activity, you can even find a mermaid school where you can learn to swim and dive while wearing a mermaid tail!
Those who stay longer and are open to new experiences will discover the incredible diversity of the island and undoubtedly have an unforgettable time.
