25 Awesome Things To Do In Coron: Ultimate Travel Guide

25 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN CORON

This blog post details all of my favorite things to do in Coron and tips on how to beat the crowds. I’m going to guide you through each of the best island-hopping options (Super Coron Island Hopping Tour) and also detail the best multi-day island hopping experience in Coron (Big Dream Boat Man)

I’ll also share a number of land activities that can be done on days you take a rest from island hopping. At the bottom of the post, you will also find my tips on where to stay in Coron before and after your island hopping tours. I’ll also share details at the bottom of the post about the best time to visit Coron and other Coron travel tips. I hope you are staying for an entire week and not just a few days because there are so many awesome things to do in Coron.

MOST POPULAR ISLAND HOPPING TOURS

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.

• 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. This tour is quite cheap and a great group option for a day trip.
• 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.

BIG DREAM BOAT MAN 4-Day TRIP

The best way to see all of Coron is to join a 3-Night Big Dream Boat Man Island Hopping Trip in Coron. TRUST ME on this one. We did this trip and it was EASILY the best way to see Coron. We visited 15 different locations over the course of four days. It’s the best way skip the crowds and arrive early to visit popular spots like Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake and Twin Lagoon BEFORE the crowds arrive. We visit locations like Lusong Gunboat Wreck and Black Island that regular daytrippers can’t reach.

Each night we stayed overnight at secluded islands in cabins and tents on the beach. Enjoy bonfires, drinks and a fun atmosphere. The best part of a BDBM Trip is that it’s not even that expensive. It includes all your meals, three nights of accommodation, all transport and all entrance fees. It works out only slightly more expensive than doing three days of island hopping day trips but you tick off all the best things to do in Coron.

HIKE UP MT. TAPYAS

Arriving in a new place, it’s sometimes tough to get your bearings to begin with. One of the best ways to figure out the layout of the town or city is to get to the highest viewpoint and take it all in. Coron has a great little trek that leads you up 742 steps to the summit of Mt. Tapyas. Don’t be intimidated, you can make it!

A Hollywood-style ‘CORON’ sign is perched on the hill below a giant cross. The cross is covered in lights and is quite impressive at night. The hike will only take 10-15 minutes and the view is worth the effort. My tip is to walk out the back for 30 minutes exploring the hill trails as it is quite beautiful out there too! From the summit we could spot the port, hundreds of homes built only a few feet above the water and we also had a great view of the ocean and surrounding islands.

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.

View full blog post: HIKE UP MOUNT TAPYAS STAIRS IN CORON, PALAWAN – PHILIPPINES

ISLAND HOPPING IN CORON

Most people who are looking at what to do in 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

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. When looking at what to do in Coron, Kayangan Lake has to be at the top of the list of top things to do in Coron.

Kayangan Lake is part of the ISLAND HOPPING A TOUR you can Click Here to check the availability and book online. When I visited Kayangan Lake, there was no-one else around because we visited first thing in the morning on our Big Dream Boat Man Trip before the tourists arrived.

• It includes Kayangan Lake, Coral Garden Snorkel, Cyc Beach and Lunch

View full blog post: KAYANGAN LAKE IN CORON ISLAND, PALAWAN

TWIN LAGOON

Twin Lagoon is a stunning pool of water hiding amongst the breathtaking cliffs. Through a small gap, you can swim under the cliff and into Twin Lagoon. Once inside the lagoon, you are surrounded in all directions by the towering, dagger-like cliffs as you float away from your worries in a private swimming pool.

Twin Lagoon is part of the ISLAND HOPPING TOUR B you can Click Here to check the availability and book online.

• It includes Barracuda Lake, Banol Beach, Snorkel at Skeleton Wreck, Twin Lagoon

SKELETON WWII SHIPWRECK SNORKEL

Something I was quite excited about was free diving at Skeleton Wreck. It’s one of the most popular things to do in Coron for free-divers. It’s a mostly intact WWII ship that found its resting place in Coron, Palawan. Thousands of fish surrounded the wreck and swarmed us as we swam.

To get down deep enough at the level of the wreck you will need to dive about 15ft but you can still get a great view from the surface. One of the guides managed to free-dive into the cabin of the ship and out of the window.

Skeleton Wreck is part of the ISLAND HOPPING TOUR B you can Click Here to check the availability and book online. It’s also part of the Big Dream Boat Man itinerary.

• It includes Barracuda Lake, Banol Beach, Snorkel at Skeleton Wreck, Twin Lagoon

View full blog post: EXPLORING SKELETON WRECK IN CORON, PALAWAN

LUSONG GUNBOAT SHIPWRECK SNORKEL 

From the surface, it doesn’t look like much but as soon as you dip your head underwater, the Lusong Gun Boat from WWII will blow you away. This huge ship is angled perfectly for freedivers because the rear of the ship is only about 2-feet deep while the nose of the ship is more than 20-feet deep. This means all levels of free-divers and snorkelers can get an up-close look of this sunken WWII ship. Barnacles, corals, and fish have taken over the ship as their home and if you are game you can dive through the panels of the ship!

Lusong Gun boat is part of  ISLAND HOPPING D TOUR you can Click Here to check the availability and book online. This was another spot we visited as part of the Big Dream Boat Man itinerary and enjoyed the entire wreck to ourselves.

• It includes Snorkeling Lusong Gun Boat, Coral Garden Snorkel, Snorkeling, Visit Pass Island

BANANA ISLAND

Banana Island is an incredibly chill spot with coconut trees lining the white sand beach. This island is hammock central and the perfect place to unwind in the shade for a siesta. This is a great island for a kayak, snorkel and swims in the beautiful warm water the Philippines if so famous for.

Banana Island is on the itinerary of Tour C along with Malcapuya Island, Bulog Dos Island, Island Lunch.

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.

NORTH CAY CAMPING

We arrived at the North Cay on our Big Dream Boat Man Trip for the last light of the day and it was some of the best conditions I have ever had for aerial photography. I headed off to check out our ‘glamping situation’, which was a tent with a mattress, sheet, and pillow. It was one of the best nights sleep I’ve had in a while as a soft breeze came through the top of the tent. There are toilet and shower facilities on the island.

Just before sunset, we took on our guides in a 2v2 basketball match and somehow squared with them at one game apiece in a game we won’t forget soon. Great fun with great people. Sunset was spent at the viewpoint on a small hill before we ventured back to the camping area, lit a bonfire and shared some drinks under the stars.

Breakfast was served by the crew on a table and chairs on our private stretch of beach during the first light. It’s moments like these where you pinch yourself and wonder if it’s a dream. Our time on the North Cay was incredibly relaxing and a great time with the crew!

This location was visited as part of our 3-day/4-night Coron Island hopping experience with Big Dream Boat Man. To visit the website to check the tour itineraries, costs and availability of dates you can click here: Big Dream Boat Man Website.

BLACK ISLAND 

When we arrived to Black Island there was only one other boat there with two people chilling in a hut. We docked the boat and I went for a flight with the drone in another unforgettable aerial session.

Looking directly down from the top of the cliff was an angle that just blew my mind as I saw the scale of the cliffs compared to our boat. We snorkeled here with some epic conditions for free-diving, amazing clarity and a wide variety of corals. 

This location was visited as part of our 3-day/4-night Coron Island hopping experience with Big Dream Boat Man. 

View full blog post: EXPLORING BLACK ISLAND (MALAJON ISLAND) IN CORON, PHILIPPINES

BLACK ISLAND CAVING

After our snorkel, we headed inland onto Black Island to check out the caves. The first cave was huge with at least 40-feet between floor and ceiling. Two crystal-clear pools shone as the morning light flooded into the cave. You can swim and even cliff jump into both or simply admire the stalactites and rock formations from within the depths of the cave.

We then headed down to the other end of the beach and climbed up through another cave this time emerging onto a private beach around the corner where our guides met us with snorkel guy and the SUP. We explored this area and laid out on the beach. These were dream moments, isolated in paradise.

MALCAPUYA ISLAND CORON

Our last island to visit on our adventure was Malcapuya. A stunning stretch of sand, lined with coconut trees made the perfect spot for our afternoon chill session. There is a little viewpoint on the left side of the beach and caves to explore on the right. Coconuts are harvested by locals who free-climb the trees and cut the coconut. It doesn’t get any fresher.

Malcapuya Island is part of  ISLAND HOPPING C TOUR you can Click Here to check the availability and book online.

• It includes Malcapuya Island, Bulog Dos Island, Snorkeling, Private, Banana Island Lunch

IGHT STAY

Pass Island was another camping spot on our Big Dream Boat Man Coron Island hopping tour. Like with North Cay, we arrived just in time for the golden hour and I enjoyed the aerial view will chilling under a coconut tree. On the island, there are a few huts where you sleep and bathroom facilities. A basketball court and sunset viewpoint are the other highlights on this tiny private island for you and the crew to enjoy.

This location was visited as part of our 3-day/4-night Coron Island hopping experience with Big Dream Boat Man. To visit the website to check the tour itineraries, costs and availability of dates you can click here: Big Dream Boat Man Website. 

View full blog post: PASS ISLAND IN CORON PALAWAN (OVERNIGHT STAY)

DIBUTONAY ISLAND

Dibutonay Island was another secluded island with a great reef for snorkeling. It had one section of reef that was separated from the island and bursting with fish, marine life and unique coral. After a long morning of snorkeling, we ended up almost passing out on the beach only to be revived with a fresh coconut from the crew legends.

MALTATAYOC ISLAND

Maltatayoc Island is beautiful sandbar but we had come for the underwater world. Here we searched for and found multiple stingrays and the crew told us small black-tip sharks (not dangerous) are often spotted in this area. The snorkeling was amazing again and by this point, I was in awe at the level of reef and snorkeling spots in the region famous for its cliffs and lagoons.

This location was visited as part of our 3-day/4-night Coron Island hopping experience with Big Dream Boat Man.

VIVIAN BEACH 

Vivian Beach in Coron is a slice of tropical heaven, renowned for its pristine white sand that contrasts beautifully with the vibrant blue waters of the sea. Tucked away from the usual tourist hustle, this relatively hidden gem offers visitors a tranquil escape. The calm waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling, revealing an underwater world teeming with marine life. Surrounded by limestone cliffs and lush greenery, Vivian Beach is the ideal spot for those looking to experience Coron’s natural beauty in a more secluded setting.

LUSONG CORAL GARDEN REEF SNORKEL

Just around the corner from the Lusong Gunboat shipwreck is a phenomenal snorkeling spot. Our guide Anthony described told us it would be one of the best snorkeling spots we had ever seen and we weren’t let down. Huge corals of all different colors blanketed the ocean floor before a dark drop-off invited free-divers to explore further!

Lusong Coral Garden is part of  ISLAND HOPPING D TOUR you can Click Here to check the availability and book online. This was another spot we visited as part of the Big Dream Boat Man itinerary and enjoyed the entire wreck to ourselves.

DITAYTAYAN ISLAND

On the final morning of our Coron island hopping tour expedition with Big Dream Boat Man, we headed off to Ditaytayan Island. While most boats stop at the beautiful sand bar we headed around the back side to explore the beach and what we found was a lot (I mean A LOT!) of trash.

Together with the crew, we collected three huge garbage bags of trash to take back to Coron Town. It was great to see the crew pushing for this and it’s something they try and do on every trip. We also snorkeled here in another amazing reef location before exploring the sand bar and the beaches on Ditaytayan Island.

SUNSET LAGOON AND CAVE

Our final stop was to the Sunset Lagoon and Cave. Once again we magically arrived with the perfect lighting just like the entire trip. The aerial photography here blew my mind again as I pushed the distance limits on the drone.

The lagoon is a small inlet, with towering cliffs closing in around you. We went for a paddle on the SUP before snorkeling into the incredible cave that is like a private room within the cliff once you swim inside!

This location was visited as part of our 3-day/4-night Coron Island hopping experience with Big Dream Boat Man.

SIETE PECADOS MARINE PARK

Next stop was a snorkel at Siete Pecados. The coral was like an underwater fossilized forest. Each snorkel is always different and this was no exception. Starfish, hundreds of different fish and fluorescent coral.

Siete Pecados is part of the ISLAND HOPPING A TOUR you can Click Here to check the availability and book online.

• It includes Kayangan Lake, Coral Garden Snorkel, Cyc Beach and Lunch

ATWAYAN BEACH

Atwayan Beach is one of the designated lunch spots on the island-hopping tours. Honestly, the island lunches are one of my favorite things to do in Coron. We ate in a small hut on Atwayan Beach while looking out over the glistening bay.

CYC BEACH

We threw down the kayak and paddled a whole hundred yards to Cyc Beach. A reggae crew drank, sang and played music on the shore. We chatted for a while before exploring the mangroves and rocky coastline.

Cyc Beach is part of the ISLAND HOPPING A TOUR you can Click Here to check the availability and book online.

• It includes Kayangan Lake, Coral Garden Snorkel, Cyc Beach and Lunch

BULOG DOS ISLAND

Depending on the time of day you visit will depend if the sandbars connect. I climbed to the top of the hill and almost destroyed my camera in a tumble down the rock face after my handhold crumbled. I knew I wanted a better vantage point of the whole scene and in the end, I think it was worth it.

A higher-end resort lays claim to most of the land on the island but it is a great place to visit. I have a thing for sandbars too so I was in heaven.

Bulog Dos Island is part of ISLAND HOPPING C TOUR you can Click Here to check the availability and book online.

• It includes Malcapuya Island, Bulog Dos Island, Snorkeling, Private, Banana Island Lunch

BANANA ISLAND CORON

Lunch was at Banana Island which might need to be renamed ‘The Hammock Island’. We enjoyed another amazing spread for lunch including oysters, squid, grilled pork, salads, and fruit. After lunch, everyone got into the hammocks and had a mini siesta in the shade.

I am terrible at relaxing and switching off but even I hung out in the hammock for twenty minutes. The awesome part of touring with Casa Fidelis was the lax schedule. If we wanted to a hammock for an hour it would have been fine.

Bulog Dos Island is part of ISLAND HOPPING C TOUR you can Click Here to check the availability and book online.

• It includes Malcapuya Island, Bulog Dos Island, Snorkeling, Private, Banana Island Lunch

SOUTH CAY

The South and North Cays are both prime camping spots. We camped on the north but we could see another small group with a bonfire camping on the South Cay just across the way on their own little private island. Take the kayak over from the North Cay if you are up for an exploration adventure.

WHERE IS CORON

Coron is a stunning gem located in the Palawan archipelago in the western Philippines. It is part of the Calamian Group of Islands, positioned roughly 100 kilometers (60 miles) north of the main island of Palawan.

While Coron itself is a sought-after destination for its pristine lakes, vibrant marine ecosystems, and historic World War II shipwrecks, it’s also strategically located in proximity to other notable Philippine spots. South of Coron is the celebrated El Nido, known for its dramatic limestone cliffs and turquoise lagoons. Further south lies Puerto Princesa, Palawan’s capital, home to the UNESCO-listed Underground River. Coron’s location, combined with its intrinsic beauty, makes it a pivotal point for travelers eager to explore the wonders of Palawan and the broader Philippines.

BEST TIME TO VISIT CORON

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.

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 

HOW TO GET TO CORON

You can access Coron town via plane or sea. The town hosts Busuanga Airport (USU), which doesn’t cater to international flights. Hence, you’ll initially need to land in major Philippine cities like Manila or Cebu and then catch a connecting flight.

For those aiming to explore both El Nido and Coron, a convenient option is the ferry service linking the two destinations. This journey is reasonably priced at 1,800 Peso and lasts just a few hours.

Alternatively, for a unique experience, embark on a 4-day Boat Trip from El Nido to Coron, treating yourself to views of the stunning, lesser-known islands en route.

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