Discover the unparalleled beauty of Coron, Palawan with my ultimate itinerary tailored to showcase the best of this island paradise. Whether you’re eager to dive into pristine waters, lounge on sun-kissed beaches, or hike up to beautiful viewpoints, my guide ensures you experience it all. Dive deep into this article to uncover the best spots, hidden gems, and local favorites that every traveler must include in their Coron itinerary.
3-DAY CORON ITINERARY
This blog post details how to make the most of your time in Palawan, Philippines with a detailed Coron itinerary. The main attraction in Coron are the island hopping tours. Before we get into the itinerary, I’m going to share the most popular options below. I hope you actually end up staying for a week because there are so many awesome things to do in Coron.
- From Coron Town, embark on the renowned Coron Island Hopping & Snorkeling Tour, visiting highlights like Pass Island and Lusong Gunboat Shipwreck. Classic tours feature must-visits like Kayangan and Barracuda Lake.
- The 4-day, 3-Night Big Dream Boat Man Island Hopping Trip offers a unique multi-day experience. This tour prioritizes early visits to popular spots like Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoon to beat the crowds, then shifts to lesser-known jewels, allowing for activities like free-diving at WWII shipwrecks and camping on remote beaches.
HOW TO GET TO CORON
Coron has an airport that more or less every single visitor comes in via. However, there is another option these days which is three-night island hopping journey from El Nido with Big Dream Boat Man that combines transit with adventure as you camp at islands along the way and explore during the day while making your way from El Nido. You can visit their website to look at the trips they currently have on offer.
However, most people do fly in with daily flights coming from Manila and Cebu. The airport is about 30-minutes from Coron Town where you will find your accommodation. The transport from the airport is a fixed rate and shared in a van with other tourists at $3 unless you pay for a private taxi. It is quite a fair and well-organized system where you won’t have to barter or get ripped off.
Okay, let’s get into this Coron Itinerary starting with your first day in Coron.
CORON ITINERARY: DAY 1
Most people who visit Coron come for the epic island-hopping, SO it is best to get to that on your first day. Both TOUR A and TOUR B are equally epic with free-diving, snorkeling, and incredible lagoons of Coron Island. Both tours also include a seafood banquet lunch to eat on a beautiful island. I’ll give you a quick overview of what each tour includes. There is no ‘better’ or ‘worse’ tour, they are just simply to different snorkeling spots and beaches.
- Tour A: Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, Barracuda Lake, Coral Garden Snorkel, Cyc Beach, Lunch
- Tour B: Skeleton Wreck, Barracuda Lake, Twin Lagoon, Lunch
- Tour C: Malcapuya Island, Banana Island, Bulog Dos Island, Lunch
- Tour D: Pass Island, Lusong Gunboat Snorkel, Lusong Coral Garden, Lunch
In this 3-day Coron itinerary, I will suggest doing either Tour A or Tour B and then on the other day to do either Tour C or Tour D. Tour A and B are quite similair so don’t do both of them rather choosing C or D for your second day of island hoppping. I’ve done all four and they were all great but I will detail them below.
Here is a brief overview of what you can expect on TOUR A and TOUR B.
KAYANGAN LAKE
Kayangan Lake is by far the most popular spot on Coron Island and for good reason. You cruise into the ‘parking lot’, which in itself is an immaculate reef with crystal clear water.
After parking the boat you take a short hike up the stairs to the viewpoint before clambering down the other side to reach the famous Kayangan Lake. It’s a crystal clear freshwater lake with unbelievable underwater rock formations. It’s easily one of my favorite free-dive spots in the world. Make sure you head over the left side of the lake for the epic free-dive location. Kayangan Lake is part of Tour A.
TWIN LAGOON
Twin Lagoon in Coron, Palawan, stands as one of the most mesmerizing natural wonders in the Philippines. Nestled amidst towering karst cliffs, this pair of tranquil blue-green lagoons is connected by a narrow limestone passage, with one half hidden beneath the rocks, accessible only during low tide or by a short ladder climb. The unique mix of cold freshwater and warm saltwater in the lagoon offers a refreshing experience, making it a must-visit for every traveler seeking the untouched beauty of Coron. Twin Lagoon is part of Tour A.
CORAL GARDEN
The Coral Garden is a beautiful snorkel spot after the lagoons. Expect crystal clear waters, colorful corals, plentiful fish and a beuatifull backdrop of limestone cliffs. Coral Garden is part of Tour A.
BEACH LUNCH
The great part about every tour is that the team always cooks an amazing bbq and seafood lunch for the guests. It’s truly a feast in paradise with a great spread of food on a small bungalow on a white sand beach. The beach lunch is part of Tour A.
After your first day of island-hopping, you will return to the town around 4 pm. If you are up for an adventure head up the steep incline to the best viewpoint in Coron.
HIKE THE STAIRS TO MT TAPYAS FOR SUNSET
Mount Tapyas is the most popular viewpoint in Coron Town, Busuanga, with sweeping views over the rolling hills and a direct look towards the epic Coron Island in Palawan. The view doesn’t come easy though, to reach the giant cross at the summit, you need to climb 721 steps. In the piercing sun of Coron, this is a challenge that leaves many drenched in sweat and gasping for breath once they reach the top.
For some, the 721 steps will be a walk in the park. However, for those who aren’t very active, you may battle through the incline and the sun.
Coron Land Tour: Get to know Coron! Visit Mt Tapyas viewing deck, Maquinit Hot Spring and important sites around town. Great for a day off from snorkeling and island hopping.
3 BEST PLACES TO STAY IN CORON
- Best Location: Two Seasons Coron Island Resort – Incredible Island Bungalows
- Where I stayed: Outpost Hostel – Central location, great hostel vibes.
- All-Round Resort: Sunlight Eco Resort – Great beachfront location & activities.
CORON ITINERARY: DAY 2
On day two you will head out for some epic snorkeling at some of the shipwrecks and at Barracuda Lake, one of my favorite free-diving spots in Coron. All of this will be done for a cheap price on Tour B.
Tour B: Includes Barracuda Lake, Banol Beach, Snorkel at Skeleton Wreck
SKELETON WRECK
Skeleton Wreck is a 25m long Japanese supply ship that was hit by an airstrike during WWII by US airforce. The ship now rests at a depth of 5m ranging to 22m at the deepest. It is an awesome spot for free-diving or scuba diving as well as snorkeling on the surface. Skeleton Wreck is part of Tour B.
BARRACUDA LAKE
Barracuda Lake feels like a dream world. The entrance to the lake leads you along a path that winds through jagged rocks that look straight out of a movie before they reveal the beautiful, expansive Barracuda Lake. The lake is huge but swimmers enjoy an enclosed area of free-diving paradise in the deep waters. Underwater cliffs will blow your mind as you snorkel or free dive in this fresh-water lake in Coron Island. Barracuda Lake is part of Tour B.
On the second night in Coron you again have another optional adventure depending on your energy levels. This one isn’t as hard as the Mt Tapyas hike.
RELAX AT THE MAQUINIT HOT SPRINGS
Only a 20-minute drive from Coron town in a tricycle is a hot spring oasis in the mountains. Amazingly the hot spring also has a view of the ocean and it is a salt-water hot spring. The sunset was beautiful and lit the sky up with deep pinks and purples.
I enjoyed it too much to get my camera out quick enough but this is what the hot springs look like. It is busy but there is enough space for everyone to chill around the edge. Sometimes I prefer places to be empty but the Maquinit Hot Spring had a really chill vibe with everyone enjoying their bath under the stars.
Coron Land Tour: Get to know Coron! Visit Mt Tapyas viewing deck, Maquinit Hot Spring and important sites around town. Great for a day off from snorkeling and island hopping.
CORON ITINERARY: DAY 3
It’s your third day on Coron and now I suggest getting a little adventurous because by now, you have seen most of Coron Island on the regular tours A and B. Pick either Tour C or D and go on a bit of a boat journey to some more off-beat locations. There will still be tourists around but it will definitely be more low key. Tour D, in particular, is very low key with shipwrecks, freediving, and snorkeling while Tour C is all about beaches and sandbars.
- Tour C: Malcapuya Island, Banana Island, Bulog Dos Island, Lunch
- Tour D: Pass Island, Lusong Gunboat Snorkel, Lusong Coral Garden, Lunch
That wraps up the best way to spend a 3-day Itinerary in Coron. I hope you found that breakdown of all the popular spots helpful. Remember, if you do have three to our days, I highly recommend looking into the 4-day, 3-Night Big Dream Boat Man Island Hopping Trip.
BIG DREAM BOAT MAN ISLAND HOPPING TRIP
Big Dream Boat Man is a locally owned tour company that offers THE BEST island-hopping experience in Coron on their private 3-day, 4-night trip throughout the islands nearby Coron.
Reasons to book with Big Dream Boat Man
- Skip the crowds: Visit popular spots like Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake and Lusong gunboat BEFORE the crowds arrive.
- Secluded Spots: Visit islands that the daytrippers can’t reach.
- Sunrise & Sunset: Stay overnight at secluded islands in cabins and tents on the beach. Enjoy bonfires, drinks and a fun atmosphere.
3 POPULAR CORON TOURS
- Coron Island Hopping Trip: The iconic boat trip to amazing Kayangan Lake & Barracuda Lake. Best value and most popular
- Snorkeling, Shipwrecks, Private Islands (Island Hopping D): Pass Island, Lusong Gunboat Shipwreck Snorkel & Coral Gardens. This is my favorite island hopping in Coron and is the snorkeling paradise & active tour.
- Coron Land Tour: Get to know Coron! Visit Mt Tapyas viewing deck, Maquinit Hot Spring and important sites around town. Great for a day off from snorkeling and island hopping.
I only recommend tours with Guide To The Philippines, who are a locally owned company and the most RELIABLE & PROFESSIONAL in Coron with small group sizes.
PLANNING A CORON ITINERARY: BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best time to visit Coron, Palawan, hinges largely on the region’s tropical climate, which features a pronounced dry season and a rainy season. Typically, the months between November and May are considered ideal, with December to March being the peak tourist season due to cooler temperatures and minimal rainfall. This period witnesses clear blue skies and calm seas, perfect for island hopping, snorkeling, and diving excursions.
Conversely, the rainy season, spanning from June to October, brings with it heavier rainfalls and a higher chance of typhoons. However, travelers who prefer a less crowded ambiance and are willing to navigate occasional showers might still find this off-peak season appealing, especially with accommodations often being more affordable.
3 BEST PLACES TO STAY IN CORON
- Best Location: Two Seasons Coron Island Resort – Incredible Island Bungalows
- Where I stayed: Outpost Hostel – Central location, great hostel vibes.
- All-Round Resort: Sunlight Eco Resort – Great beachfront location & activities.
ARE YOU KEEPING UP WITH MY CORON SERIES?
- Best Island Hopping Experience: (4 Days & 3 Nights) Big Dream Boat Man Coron Tour Review.
- My Ultimate Travel Guide: Coron Travel Guide: 22 Awesome Things To Do
- A detailed activity schedule for you: Ultimate Coron Itinerary for 3-4 Days
- A comprehensive accommodation guide: 20 Best Places to Stay in Coron
- Best activity that is not in the water: Mt. Tapyas Hike for the best view in Coron.
Or you might want to jump to a few of my favorite spots in Coron:
- Read my blog post about Kayangan Lake
- Read my blog about Black Island
- Read my blog about Barracuda Lake
- Read my blog about Lusong Gunboat
Wednesday 11th of March 2020
What's night life like in Coron? Are there bars/clubs around town similar to that of Siargao?
Jackson
Thursday 12th of March 2020
It's not anything like Siargao. There are some bars and a few places you can dance to a DJ but nothing to write home about.
RedPsycho
Tuesday 28th of January 2020
HELLO, ANY RESTAURANTS YOU WANT TO SUGGEST IN CORON?
Jackson
Thursday 12th of March 2020
Not really. I just eat for adventure fuel. Not a good person to ask for food reccomendations haha
Oscar
Friday 24th of January 2020
Hello. Thanks for the Guide! I got a Q. Are A B C etc tours the same as the ones in El Nido? Do they take you to the same places? Or completely different?
Thanks
Oscar
Jackson
Friday 24th of January 2020
It is yes like El Nido. Each letter is a new day of different adventures.
Roz O'Shea
Saturday 23rd of November 2019
Hi Jackson I really enjoyed reading some of your blogs tonight and would love your advise. We fly in and out of Coron 25 Jan , back 7 feb, family of 4 with a 12 and 10 year old who love water. My 12 year old and her Dad are padi certified and i prefer relaxing on the beach getting some Mum time, after some good exercise! Can you recommend the bits we MUST see as we need some down time but obviously want to see islands, stay on them, have an amazing experience, BUT not be surrounded by hundreds of people doing the same and big party boats (sadly those days have gone!) I originally had a provisional booking for glamping on Nacpan island 27-31 jan (that was our big treat as its not cheap), but wondered if we need to see much more of El Nido, or just boat back towards Coron from there with maybe 5-6 nights left to really see some sight on a tours. I have been recommended a tour guide a friend used, but as you seem to know the area so well, i would value your opinion. Or do we base ourselves in Coron and have more than enough to see in 2 weeks- is Nacpan really that incredible etc? I'd like my daughter and husband to scuba dive a good 2-3 times really so want to now where best to head or stay. Any advise would be awesome. Thanks so much. Your photos look amazing.
Sunday 24th of November 2019
Thanks so much. Coron is great for diving with lots of dive shops and many shipwrecks and plane wrecks to explore. There are lots of people at the main attractions in coron but not at all the dive sites . so its not too crazy. Nacpan is a beautiful beach but four days there is a long time. Not too much to do out there other than relax. I'd stay in El Nido or Lio Beach and do a day trip or just 1-2 nights at Nacpan.
Celena
Tuesday 27th of August 2019
Very helpful information. Looking forward to digging through your other posts.