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El Nido To Coron By Ferry: Everything You Need To Know

El Nido To Coron By Ferry: Everything You Need To Know

El Nido and Coron are two of the most beautiful places in Palawan – in the whole of the Philippines, even. With idyllic white sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons, and towering limestone cliffs, both destinations make for an incredible island holiday. It’s not uncommon for travelers to transfer straight from El Nido to Coron and vice versa, and in this article, I’ll cover the 3 key options for transiting between these gorgeous getaways.

My favorite option is Big Dream Boat Man‘s El Nido to Coron expedition for the incredible private island hopping experience and authentic travel style.

How to Get from El Nido to Coron: Everything You Need to Know

There are 3 key options to get from El Nido to Coron. You can either fly 40 minutes from El Nido to Coron, take a 4-5 hour ferry, or take the 4-day El Nido to Coron expedition with Big Dream Boatman (BDBM). I’ll cover the 3 options in detail below, starting with my personal recommendation. Then, I’ll go into detail about the ferry options, how to complete your transit, and the best times to visit Coron.

a man sitting on a boat in the middle of the ocean.

How to get from El Nido to Coron: Big Dream Boat Man

If you’re traveling in Palawan and want to experience the best of both El Nido and Coron’s island-hopping, I highly recommend booking an expedition with Big Dream Boat Man. They’re a locally operated, bespoke tour company that specializes in off-the-beaten-path destinations and showcasing Palawan’s iconic sites – as privately as possible.

By visiting incredible (but popular) places like Kayangan Lake, Paradise Beach, and Twin Lagoons outside of day trip tour times, they avoid the crowds and create a more magical, private atmosphere. If you want to see the beauty of Palawan without the sea of life jackets – and double your tour time as a transit, this is the best choice. You can read my full review of my BDBM experience with this amazing crew to learn more

  • Time: 4 days/3 nights
  • Price: $600
  • Luggage: 20kg allowance
  • Private island hopping
  • Stay in local accommodations
  • Includes all meals, equipment, & lodging
  • Visit pristine islands, reefs, and sandbars
  • Customizable itinerary

How to Get from El Nido to Coron: By Ferry

If you’re on a budget and want to get from El Nido to Coron quickly without the hassle of checked bags and airport security, taking the ferry from El Nido To Coron is a great choice. Before direct flights from El Nido’s Lio Airport to Coron’s Busuanga Airport started, this was the most common route for those traveling to Coron from El Nido.

The journey from El Nido to Coron by ferry can take from 3 hours and 30 minutes up to 5 hours in travel time, with ticket prices ranging from $45 – $50 USD. I’ve written in-depth about the ferry routes and best options in the second half of the article.

  • Time: 4 to 5 hours
  • Price: $45 – 50
  • Luggage: 15 – 40kg of hand luggage included
  • Depart and arrive in the town centers
  • Can purchase food and drinks on board
  • Several daily ferry departures
  • Easy to book online with 12Go
El Nido To Coron By Ferry

How to Get from El Nido to Coron: By Flying

If you want the fastest commute possible, the best way to get from El Nido to Coron is by flying directly with Airswift. You can take a flight from El Nido’s Lio Airport (15 minutes from El Nido Town) to Coron’s Busuanga Airport (30 – 45 minutes from Coron Town).

The flight from El Nido to Coron takes 40 minutes, with a combined 45 minutes to an hour of driving time between the airports and their respective towns. Adding a buffer to get to the airport early equals about 3 – 4 hours of transit. To be fair, with all the travel time added up, it’s not that much faster than the ferry.

  • Time: 40 minute flight time plus 45 – 60 minutes driving
  • Price: $80 – $100
  • Luggage: 7kg hand luggage included, available to purchase more
  • 2 daily flights
  • Easy to book online with 12Go
A turboprop airplane with AirSWIFT livery is parked on a runway, surrounded by greenery under a clear blue sky, ready for its El Nido to Coron journey.

Everything You Need to Know About El Nido to Coron by Ferry

In the section below, I’ll explain everything you need to know about getting from El Nido to Coron by Ferry. I’ll start with how to book your ferry tickets, the different ferry options, and key points about traveling via ferry, and how to reach your end destination. I still recommend Big Dream Boat Man’s El Nido to Coron Expedition as the best way to travel between the two destinations though.

The Best Way to Book a Ferry from El Nido to Coron Online

The best way to book a ferry ticket from El Nido to Coron is online through 12Go. Their booking platforms allows you to view all ferry (and flight) options on any given day, alongside their departure times, ferry port locations, travel time, and cost per ticket. They also provide alternative transit options for the route you’ve entered.

Another benefit of using 12Go is having a point of contact should you need to update any details, or for them to get in touch with you if there are any changes to your pre-booked itinerary. When living and backpacking in the Philippines, I always used 12Go to prebook my ferry tickets and enjoyed my transits, even while bikepacking!

a man sitting on the back of a boat in the water

El Nido to Coron Ferry Options

At present, there are 6 different ferry options to get from El Nido to Coron, all departing from El Nido Ferry Terminal and arriving in either Coron Port or Coron Pier, which are just over 300m away from each other. These are:

Option 1
The first ferry of the day departs from El Nido at 7am and arrives into Coron Pier at 12pm after a 5 hour commute meaning you get to the island in good time to spend the second half of your day settling in and going for a short explore. When choosing this option you can then decide between booking to travel in tourist class for $47 or business class for $51 with the tour operator Island Water. The main difference between these two is that the business class seats are a lot more comfortable. To book your ticket online for this journey from El Nido to Coron head over to 12Go.

Option 2
The second ferry of the day that will take you from El Nido to Coron departs at 12pm and arrives at Coron Port at 4.30 pm after a commute time of 4 hours and 30 minutes with a high-speed ferry operated by Montenegro Shipping Lines. To pre-book this ticket online from El Nidi to Coron it will cost you $47, making it an affordable route to choose. This ferry also boasts free W-Fi on board.

Option 3
This is the cheapest ferry that you can pre-book online from El Nido to Coron costing just $41 per person. You will depart El Nido at 12.30 pm and arrive at Coron Port at 5.30 pm making the travel time 5 hours and one of the longest options, however,r that just gives you more time to soak up the beautiful views. The journey is operated by Atienza Shipping and is a tourist-class ferry. To book your ticket online check out 12Go.

Option 4
Tour operator Atienza Shipping also operates this ferry which leaves El Nido at 12pm, arriving at Coron Port at 4.30 pm, making it a 4 hours and 30 minute commute. This hosts a tourist ferry which also only costs $41 per person but is that extra bit earlier than the previous option due to the design of the boat. If you are interested in pre-booking this journey then you will want to visit 12Go.

Option 5 and 6
There are two ferries going from El Nido to Coron which both depart from El Nido at 12.30 pm and arrive at Coron Pier at 4 pm after a 3 hours and 30 minutes travel time, making them the quickest option to book. These ferries are operated by Jomalia Shipping and give the option of booking an aircon seat or an open-air seat. The main difference between these two commutes is the price, as one costs $47 while the other costs $48. To find out more details and pre-book this ticket online go to 12Go.

El Nido To Coron By Ferry

Key Points about the El Nido to Coron Ferry

While I still recommend traveling from El Nido to Coron through Big Dream Boat Man’s Expedition, if you’re set on taking the ferry, here are some key points about the El Nido to Coron Ferry.

Most affordable ferry option from El Nido to Coron
The cheapest ferry you can pre-book online from El Nido to Coron is one of the two departure options around noon, operated by Atienza Shipping Lines and Montenegro Shipping Lines. Both cost under $50 per person.

Quickest ferry option from El Nido to Coron
The fastest ferry that you can take from El Nido to Coron is one during calm seas! Each of the ferries are scheduled for a 3 and a half hour transit, which increases with rougher seas and wind conditions. Traveling in the calm months between the monsoons can mean faster transits.

Arrival and check in times at El Nido Ferry Terminal
When taking a ferry from El Nido to Coron you need to arrive at the ferry terminal at least 60 minutes prior to departure time stated on your ticket, and check in 30 minutes before the ferry leaves at the latest. I would suggest being 15 minutes earlier for both of these times to avoid any queues and the chance of being denied boarding.

Luggage allowance on the ferry from El Nido to Coron
There are slight differences to what you’re allowed to bring onboard a ferry from El Nido to Coron depending on which company you book with.

Island Water allows you to take two pieces of hand luggage with a combined weight of between 15 kg to 40 kg, if this exceeds you will be asked to pay extra. Montenegro Shipping Line has an allowance of two pieces of luggage. Atienza Shipping lets its guests take 25kg with them each. Jomalia Shipping doesn’t state how much you can take with you, however I would stick with a rough guess of it being the same as the other three operating lines.

El Nido To Coron By Ferry

How to Get to Your Departure Station in El Nido

Before boarding the ferry from El Nido to Coron, you will first need to head to your departure station. Ferries arrive and depart from the El Nido Ferry Terminal, located at El Nido Town dock. This is the dock at the end of Serena Street, and any mode of transport you take will know where it is.

The most accessible way to get to El Nido Ferry Terminal is by taking a tricycle or jeepney. These are both very popular and affordable options. Additionally, they’re an authentic way to commute about the island.

How to Get to your Final Destination in Coron

Once you’ve arrived by ferry from El Nido to Coron, you must make the last part of your journey to your final destination on the island. Even though this is a small island destination, you have a few options to use for commuting around, which are:

  • Motorbike
  • Private or shared van
  • Tricycle (an authentic form of transport)
  • By foot (the most affordable form of transport)

Before departing for Coron, I would suggest discovering how far away your accommodation is from the port to determine which transport is best for you. Some accommodations appear close but are located up a steep hill from the dock.

For travelers staying outside of Coron Town proper, you’ll need to hire motorized transport to your homestay or hotel. The Coron region is quite spread out, so make sure you do your research and inquire about hotel transfer options.

El Nido To Coron By Ferry

Tips on Visiting Coron from El Nido

In this final section, I’ll provide helpful tips on visiting Coron from El Nido, or from anywhere else for that matter. I’ll start with the best times to visit, then cover the ideal Coron itinerary & things to do. This part takes care of itself if you book an El Nido to Coron expedition with Big Dream Boat Man!

Best Time to Visit Coron from El Nido

If you are looking to have a memorable vacation with picture-perfect weather, the best time to visit Coron is during the months of December through April, their dry season. This is when rainfall is at its lowest with temperatures hitting between 27 to 31 degrees high and having full sunny days. However, if you want to visit Coron during a quiet period, I recommend May or November as the low season offers discounted prices and fewer crowds.

How Long to Spend in Coron

The ideal amount of time to spend on the beautiful island of Coron is 3 to 4 days. This gives you a chance to soak up the breathtaking views, explore the white sand beaches, check out some water sports, and even discover the underwater world without having to do everything in a rush. You can go at your own pace and fall into tropical island life.

Must-Do Activities in Coron

Here are a handful of bucket list adventures to check out when you visit Coron:

Discover the Coron Lagoon
Here you will be welcomed through a small gap in between cliffs, that you will need to swim along, to the most beautiful turquoise water lagoon surrounded by simply stunning landscapes. You will want to make sure you take a snorkel with you so you can admire the gorgeous underwater world. The best way to experience this is in private! With Big Dream Boatman.

Go island hopping
This is a great day out on the ocean and exploring around some famous landmarks situated throughout the surrounding islands. You will be mesmerized by the incredible sights you will see whilst floating along the crystal clear waters that is home to an array of interesting sea creatures. I recommend The Coron Ultimate Island Hopping Tour as a great way to see the best of Coron.

Dive into history
Below the ocean surface is a whole new world filled with magical historic features from wrecks that were found years back. You have the opportunity to take a deep dive to check it all out and see how in great condition they have kept whilst also appreciating how unique they are. My favorite of these was Skeleton Wreck!

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Take part in watersports
There is so much to do to get your adrenaline pumping when it comes to watersports in Coron. You can have a go at activities such as parasailing, jet skiing, the banana boat, clear kayaking, and more. You are in for an absolute treat and a memorable time.

Check out the local town
It wouldn’t be a true island trip to Coron if you didn’t go to see the local town. Here you will be able to wander around the markets, be immersed within the culture, and get a true feel for this beautiful island. You can even take a hike up to the top of Mt. Tapyas and go to see the stunning saltwater hot springs.

El Nido To Coron By Ferry

Conclusion: How to Get from El Nido to Coron

That’s it for my complete guide on getting from El Nido to Coron! If you have enjoyed reading this article, found it informative, and are ready to explore more islands throughout the Philippines, you should check out these other blogs. Here you’ll discover information on getting from one island to another, the best accommodation to stay at, and some fun activities to add to your bucket list… Happy travels!

3 POPULAR CORON TOURS

  • Coron Island Hopping Trip: The iconic boat trip to amazing Kayangan Lake & Barracuda Lake. Best value and most popular
  • Coron Tour B: Barracuda Lake Snorkel, Banol Beach, Twin Lagoon & Skeleton Wreck. This is my favorite island hopping in Coron and is the snorkeling paradise & active tour.
  • Coron Tour C : Malcapuya Beach, Ditaytayan Sandbar and more. This tour is about beaches, sandbars and chilling out!

WHERE TO STAY IN CORON TOWN

Coron Town is the base for all of your adventures in Coron. In Coron Town you have the bars, restaurants, transport, places to book tours and you are close to Mt. Tapyas and Maquinit Hot Spring. It is also just a $3 shuttle to the airport. Below are my three picks plus one all-inclusive resort (I’ve stayed multiple times) that includes private island hopping.

  • The Funny Lion (Good Atmosphere): The Funny Lion is a boutique resort in Coron that I visited several years ago. Let’s just say that beer from the hot tub with one of the best sunset views in Coron is about as good as it gets. It’s ultra-modern and has a spa, pool, and immaculate rooms. The rooftop bar and dining is an awesome place to be after a long day of island-hopping in Coron.
  • Two Seasons Coron Bayside Hotel (Value): Located by the bay in Coron Town, this upscale hotel features an infinity pool which makes for a picture-perfect sunset view (Possibly the best sunset hotel view in Coron). If you want comfort and luxury at the same time this place is for you. It has its own private dock so you just leave straight to the island-hopping tours from your hotel room!
  • Casa Fidelis Resort All-inclusive (Includes private island hopping): I had the most amazing stay at Casa Fidelis. The villa had a large patio area that looked out over the garden. Stepping stones led you from the room to the dining area, where we had decadent spreads of gourmet food for every meal. Casa 
a large swimming pool lit up at night

ARE YOU KEEPING UP WITH MY CORON SERIES?

Or you might want to jump to a few of my favorite spots in Coron:

a man is swimming in the water near rocks.

Sophia

Wednesday 29th of January 2025

Everyone may wants to wear the Slow Horses S03 Sean Donovan Jacket comfortable Polyeste and fashionable blue appearance thanks to its unisex design. Excellent for comfortably and stylishly exhibiting team pride.

Trevor

Friday 24th of January 2025

I want to do the Big Dream Boat trip. Which is better and cheaper. To fly into El Nido and then fly out of Coron or vice versa. Or does it even matter.

Jackson

Sunday 26th of January 2025

Both are the same price :) Depends where you want to stay longer after the trip or the logistics of your plan.

Emi Harnianti

Wednesday 21st of February 2024

Hi do you know if theres morning schedule for the ferry from el nido to coron

Patrick Sullivan

Wednesday 31st of January 2024

Hi ! I have a 125 motorcycle, will they allow it on the boat between Coron

Rohit

Thursday 8th of February 2024

@Patrick Sullivan, I have the same question. Hopefully they will.If you an update please let me know :)

Ty Howard

Monday 18th of December 2023

I was wondering if I could get to Quran today from El Nido?