Island Hopping!
Island hopping in Coron is unbeatable! Crystal-clear lagoons, majestic limestone cliffs, and countless hidden gems waiting for you!
Book your tour now!
There are plenty of boats, but it’s vital to find the one that fits your expectations.
Nothing beats the fun of island hopping in the Philippines, and there’s no better place for it in the world than Coron.
Whether you’re gliding over vibrant coral reefs or diving into the serene depths of the ocean, freediving is as much about finding inner peace as it is about seeking adventure. Curious about how it’s done in places like Coron or ways to start safely?
Classic Tours
The Ultimate Tour and the Escapade Tour have been the most popular over the years, making them a must when visiting Coron. There are also other tours that will captivate you forever with their stunning beauty, both above and below the surface.
The order of spots visited on an Ultimate Tour can vary slightly depending on the operator, but the standard itinerary typically includes Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake, Twin Lagoon, CYC Beach, Banul Beach, Skeleton Wreck, and Twin Peaks Coral Reef.
The Escapade Tour takes you farther from town to breathtaking island beaches you might have thought couldn’t exist. The destinations include Banana Island, Bulog Dos, Malcapuya Island, and Ditatayan Island. Typically, the tour visits three out of these four stunning spots.
Check out the FAQ at the bottom of this page to find answers to your questions.
Ultimate Tour
Escapade Tour
Private tours vs shared boats, what to choose?
- Budget?
If your group is small, with 1-4 people, opting for a shared boat might be more budget-friendly. On the other hand, if your group is larger, around 5 or more people, a private boat could actually be the more economical choice.
- Confort?
The larger the boat, the more comfortable the trip tends to be. Shared boats are typically big, but if you’re planning a private trip, consider spending a bit more on a bigger bangka to enhance the comfort of your tour.
- Food and fees?
Shared boat prices typically cover food and entrance fees for the tours. Taking a private boat tour, however, usually requires purchasing food and drinks separately and paying the entrance fees for the places we want to visit in cash.
Wondering how to arrange a private bangka for a tour that perfectly matches your preferences or the interests of your group?
First, check the map below and select the spots you’d like to visit, ensuring they follow a logical route. Plan to spend enough time on the islands to fully enjoy them. The bangka is just a vehicle, so avoid spending the entire day traveling. Keep in mind that more spots on the list mean more entrance fees.
Larger bangkas require more fuel and crew, making them more expensive, but they are also more confortable. If you’re in a big group, that’s not an issue as you’ll still need a bangka large enough to accommodate everyone comfortably, and the cost per person will be lower compared to bangkas for couples. For larger groups, prices may reach 1000₱ per person, which is still a great deal for a full day of island hopping away from the office.
Nowhere else in the world can you access these islands at such a cost. Once you’ve made these decisions, start looking for a bangka by contacting tour operator companies or independent tour guides. Set a departure time, discuss the budget, arrange food and drinks, and you’ll be ready to go. Check the FAQ at the bottom of this page for any further questions.
Largest Tour operators in Coron Town
CALAMIAN ISLANDS
Calamian Islands Travel & Tours has built a strong reputation over the years with its amazing team and fantastic bangkas, creating unforgettable memories.
- +63 920 577 1262
NICE IN PARADISE
With decades of experience, Nice in Paradise boasts a diverse fleet of bangkas, perfect for both private and shared tours, ensuring excellent service.
- +63 999 995 6313
- Ultimate Tour (shared boat), food & entrance fees included: 1400₱/Pax
- Private boat (2-4pax): From 3500 ₱
JY TRAVEL & TOURS
JY Travel & Tours is one of the leading agencies in Coron, earning its well-deserved reputation by delighting clients every single day of the year.
- +63 945 765 9722
Top-notch independent Tour Guides in Coron
RICKY MARK
With a vast experience taking groups all around the Calamianes Islands, Ricky is a Top Rated Tour Guide that will make your island hopping tour unforguettable.
- +63 947 324 5176
- +63 947 324 5176 (Whatsapp)
Is it recommended to do an Island Hopping Tour when visiting Coron?
Coron and Busuanga are undoubtedly among the best places in the world for island hopping. With countless spots to explore, including beaches, reefs, lagoons, lakes, islands, and shipwrecks, adding at least one or two island hopping tour to your itinerary is a real must when visiting Coron.
What is better? Ultimate Tour or Escapade Tour?
The Ultimate Tour mainly explores the nearby attractions of Coron Island, offering visits to stunning lakes, lagoons, reefs, and even shipwrecks, including the iconic Kayangan Lake, the most famous spot in the Philippines. The Escapade Tour ventures a bit farther from town, though not into open seas, and takes you to tropical paradise islands like Malcapuya and Banana Islands.
Which is recommended: a private tour or shared boat?
Each option has its own pros and cons. The main difference is that on a private tour, you have your own schedule, go wherever you want, and stay as long as you like, while a shared tour follows a strict itinerary. If you’re open to meeting new people, a shared tour might be the better choice. Budget-wise, a shared tour is often the best option for solo travelers or small groups.
What is the price range?
There are various options available, whether private or shared, ranging from visiting a few spots near Coron Island to tours involving hours of navigation. The cheapest option, which includes entrance fees and food on a shared boat, would be around 1350₱ (19€/22$) per person, covering both food and entrance fees. Refer to the following tables for an exact breakdown of the cost of a private tour.
Is it possible to get a discount?
You can always give it a try, especially if you’re traveling in a big group, as you might get a small discount on the regular trip fares. As a friendly piece of advice, please avoid being one of those tourists who argue over a few pesos. Salaries in the Philippines aren’t comparable to those in Western countries; while a few pesos might not make much difference to you, they can have a significant impact on a Filipino family’s economy.
Is it necessary to tip the crew?
It is not mandatory neither necesary but tipping is highly appreciated in the Philippines. When going on an island-hopping tour, you’re paying for a service that includes taking you to the scheduled spots, serving food, assisting you if needed, and ensuring your safety, these are the crew’s responsibilities. However, you’ll find that their warmth and friendliness go far beyond these duties. They don’t act this way expecting a tip; it’s simply their nature, and it’s wonderful. If you felt well-assisted, comfortable, and that the crew enriched your experience through their interactions, it’s a thoughtful gesture to tip them. The amount doesn’t matter, any tip will be greatly appreciated.
Where are the tours departing from?
With few exceptions, tours leave from the Coron Public Pier near the Coast Guard Station. It’s easy to spot, as many tourists will be gathered there, waiting for the call to board their boats.
Do I need to take sun cream?
Yes, especially if you’re planning to stay under the sun during the peak hours of the day. The sun can be harsh on your skin if you’re exposed for too long, even while swimming or snorkeling, as its radiation can seriously affect your skin. IMPORTANT ADVICE: Avoid buying sunscreen from vendors near the departure area, as in many cases, they aren’t selling real sunscreen and won’t protect your skin. It’s better to bring sunscreen from home or buy it at one of the certified pharmacies in town that sell authentic products.
Are the independent Tour Guides trustable?
We are not aware of any issues with the tour guides in the past. The tour guides listed on this website are experienced, trustworthy, and have our full confidence. If you ever have a negative experience with any of them, please let us know through the contact form. Thank you.
What else is recommended to bring for the tour?
Whatever you choose, whether a private or shared tour in Coron Island or further from town, you’ll be taken to pristine waters where snorkeling is an absolute must. Make sure the bangka you hired includes snorkeling gear, or consider buying or renting a set in town. Bring your camera, underwater camera, drone, or any gear to capture the unforgettable moments. Also, carry some cash, as there are spots where you can grab a beer, soft drinks, or some pica-pica. Don’t forget to bring your medicines if you’re under treatment, and ensure your smartphone is fully charged. Although it’s not common, rough seas can cause the bangka to splash water onto the deck. A simple and affordable way to protect your smartphone, wallet, and other belongings is by using a waterproof bag, which can be easily found in many stores around town.