How to Get from Coron to El Nido: Compare Ferries, Flights & Expeditions
Whether you’re looking for the fastest way to travel, the most budget-friendly option, or an adventure-packed island-hopping expedition, there’s a route for every traveler.
In this guide, we’ll break down all the ways to get from Coron to El Nido, including ferry schedules, costs, travel tips, and what to expect along the way.
Read on to find the best option for your trip!
Traveling between Coron and El Nido can be done in three main ways:
These two island paradises may seem close on the map, but getting between them requires some planning.
Even though Coron and El Nido are both part of the Palawan Province, they are on different islands, separated by a fair distance of open sea.
1. Taking the Ferry from Coron to El Nido 🚢
If you’re traveling between Coron and El Nido, taking the ferry is the most common, affordable, and practical option, even if it was the most expensive ferry we took in the Philippines.
Coron to El Nido Ferry Operators & Schedules 🛳️
There are three ferry companies operating between Coron and El Nido:
Atienza Shipping
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- Travel time: ~4 hours
- Cost: ₱2,800 (~$50 USD)
- Departure time: Daily at 7:00 AM
- Booking options: Online or at their office next to the port.
Montenegro Fast Ferry
-
- Travel time: ~4 hours
- Cost: ₱2,800 (~$50 USD)
- Departure time: Daily at 6:00am
- Booking options: Online or at their office next to the port
Jomalia Shipping
-
- Travel time: ~4 hours
- Cost: ₱2,800 (~$50 USD)
- Departure time: Daily at 7:30 AM
- Booking options: Online or at their office next to the port.
Booking Your Ferry Ticket from Coron to El Nido 🎟️
Where to Buy Tickets
- Online: Websites like 12Go Asia, and the ferry companies’ official websites (tagged above).
- At the local ferry operator offices (tagged above).
- Travel Agencies: You can buy from tour operators and agencies in Coron, but I recommend booking the tickets yourself.
💡 Pro Tip: If booking online or with a travel agency, arrive at the ferry terminal at least 1 hour early to exchange your voucher for a physical ticket.
Search the ferry schedule here:
When to Book
- High Season (Dec–April): Book a few days in advanced to secure a spot.
- Low Season (May–November): Booking a day or two before is usually fine.
I don’t recommend waiting until the morning of to purchase your ticket, as the ferries leave early and may be sold out. Book at least the day before.
The Port of Coron: What to Expect Before Your Ferry to El Nido 🚢
If you’re traveling from Coron to El Nido by ferry, your journey begins at Coron Port (Sea Port Terminal), located near the town center. Upon arrival in El Nido, you’ll dock at the El Nido Ferry Terminal, just a short 5-minute walk from downtown.
The Coron Port Terminal is small and simple, but functional. It’s not a modern ferry terminal like in bigger cities, so expect basic facilities.
📍 Coron Port (Sea Port Terminal) is located at Coron Harbor, Brgy. Poblacion, Coron, Palawan.
- Trikes From Town Proper: A tricycle ride takes 5–10 minutes (~₱100).
- Walking Distance: If you’re staying in the center of town, it’s a short 15- to 20 minute walk.
- Private Van Transfers: Some hotels and resorts offer free or paid shuttle service to the port.
💡 Pro Tip: Arrive at least 1 hour before departure to allow time for ticket validation, baggage checks, and boarding.
Facilities & Amenities
✅ Waiting Area – Indoor, open-air space with chairs and benches.
✅ Small Snack Stalls – Limited options like bottled water, chips, and basic snacks.
✅ Toilets – Basic restrooms available.
✅ Security Checks – Before boarding, your ticket and ID will be checked, and they did have a dog sniffing luggage.
Port Fees
💰 Coron Port Terminal Fee: ₱20 per person (cash only, make sure you have small cash, they won’t give change for big bills).
Ferry Travel Tips 🚢
✔ Arrive at the port at least 1 hour before departure.
✔ Bring snacks & water, as onboard options are limited.
✔ Wear comfortable clothes and bring a jacket (AC onboard the ferries can get cold).
✔ The sea can get rough, especially during the rainy season (June–November).
✔ Weather can delay ferries, so don’t book flights immediately after your ferry ride.
2. Flying from Coron to El Nido ✈️
If you’re looking for the fastest and most convenient way to travel between Coron and El Nido, AirSwift’s direct flight is your best option.
In less than an hour, you can skip the long ferry ride and enjoy a scenic flight between these two island paradises. Though pricier than other options, it’s perfect for travelers who value time and comfort over cost.
Direct Flight from Coron to El Nido ✈️
- Airline: AirSwift (the only airline offering direct flights)
- Flight Duration: ~40 minutes
- Cost: ₱4,000 – ₱12,000 ($80–$200) per person (prices vary depending on season and booking time)
- Frequency: Limited flights per week (varies by season, usually 2–4 flights per week)
- Booking: Available via AirSwift’s website or through travel sites like Kiwi.com.
💡 Pro Tip: Book your flight 2-4 weeks in advance, especially during peak season (December–April), as seats fill up fast.
Search for flights here:
Flying via Manila or Cebu ✈️
Via Manila (MNL)
- Fly from Coron (Busuanga Airport – USU) → Manila (MNL)→ El Nido (ENI)
- Total travel time: ~5–7 hours, with layover
- Cost: ₱6,000 – ₱12,000 ($100–$200 USD) per person
Via Cebu (CEB)
- Fly from Coron (USU) → Cebu (CEB) → El Nido (ENI)
- Total travel time: ~6–9 hours with layover
- Cost: ₱7,000 – ₱14,000 ($120–$250 USD) per person
Taking domestic flights in the Philippines is quite different from other parts of Southeast Asia, and not in a good way. Here’s why:
Fewer Airlines, Limited Routes
Unlike Thailand, Vietnam, or Indonesia, where budget airlines like AirAsia, VietJet, and Lion Air dominate, the Philippines has fewer airline choices:
- Philippine Airlines (PAL) – the country’s flag carrier, generally reliable but expensive.
- Cebu Pacific – the main budget airline, but often has delays and hidden fees.
- AirAsia Philippines – a more affordable option, but fewer domestic routes.
Because there are only a few carriers, flights fill up fast, especially to tourist hotspots like Coron, Siargao, and El Nido.
Expensive Tickets (Especially Last-Minute)
- Flights in the Philippines tend to be more expensive than in other parts of Southeast Asia, especially when booking late.
- A one-hour flight between Manila and Cebu can cost $100+ USD last-minute, compared to $30-$50 for similar routes in Thailand or Vietnam.
- Booking in advance is essential to get reasonable prices. Even budget airlines jack up their rates closer to departure.
Frequent Delays & Cancellations
- Cebu Pacific and PAL are notorious for delays and schedule changes.
- Weather-related cancellations (especially during typhoon season June–November) are common.
- Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is one of the most congested airports in the world, leading to frequent flight disruptions.
Bottom Line:
Unlike other parts of Southeast Asia, where cheap flights are easy to find, travel in the Philippines requires more advance planning and a bigger budget for flights.
3. Expedition Boat From Coron to El Nido: The Ultimate Island-Hopping Adventure 🚤🏝️
If you want to turn your journey into an unforgettable adventure, an expedition boat tour between Coron and El Nido is an amazing alternative.
These multi-day boat expeditions take you through remote islands, hidden beaches, and pristine snorkeling spots along the way.
This is also a great way to beat the crowds at the most popular spots in Coron, as these tours can arrive before the rest of the day trip tourist boats.
🏝 Best for: Travelers who want an adventure rather than just transportation.
What is an Expedition Boat Tour?
An expedition boat tour is a 3 to 5-day trip between Coron and El Nido (or vice versa) that takes you through some of the most untouched islands in the Philippines.
It’s a slow, scenic journey with stops at beaches, snorkeling sites, and remote villages.
Instead of just transportation, these trips include:
✅ Island-hopping 🏝️
✅ Snorkeling & free diving 🤿
✅ Camping on secluded beaches ⛺
✅ Local-style meals 🍛
✅ Visiting traditional fishing villages 🎣
✅ Swimming in lagoons & hidden caves 🌊
This is not a luxury cruise—it’s an adventure for travelers who love nature, exploring off-the-beaten-path places, and socializing with fellow adventurers.
How Long Do Expeditions Take?
⏳ Duration: 3 to 5 days
- 3D2N (3 Days, 2 Nights) – The shortest option, covering the main islands.
- 4D3N (4 Days, 3 Nights) – A more immersive trip with extra stops.
- 5D4N (5 Days, 4 Nights) – The most complete experience, ideal for those who want to fully disconnect.
How Much Do Expeditions Cost?
💰 Price Range: ₱15,000 – ₱30,000 ($270–$550 USD) per person
What’s included?
✔️ All meals (fresh seafood, grilled meats, fruits, and rice)
✔️ Drinking water, coffee, and tea
✔️ Snorkeling gear & fins
✔️ Island-hopping fees
✔️ Camping or accommodation in huts/bungalows
✔️ English-speaking local guides
What’s NOT included?
❌ Alcoholic drinks (but you can bring your own)
❌ Environmental fee (₱200)
❌ Personal expenses & tips
💡 Pro Tip: Some budget tours provide only basic meals (mostly fish, rice, and veggies), while mid-range/luxury tours offer more variety, including grilled meats, seafood, and vegetarian options.
Top Expedition Companies & How to Book
There are several tour operators running expeditions between Coron and El Nido, each with slightly different itineraries and experiences.
🚤 Best Expedition Operators
-
- 💰 ₱25,000 – ₱30,000 ($450–$550)
- ⛺ Camping + beach huts accommodation
- 🏝️ More off-grid experiences (no WiFi, no luxury)
Big Dream Boat Man (Highly Rated, Social Vibes)
-
- 💰 ₱22,000 – ₱26,000 ($400–$500)
- 🏕️ Mix of camping & local-style huts
- 🎶 More of a fun, social experience (great for solo travelers)
- 🍻 Allows BYOB (bring your own alcohol)
El Nido Paradise Expeditions (More Comfort)
-
- 💰 ₱18,000 – ₱22,000 ($320–$400)
- ⛺ Beach huts & tents – Rustic but comfortable accommodations on remote islands
- 🔥 Great for social travelers – Small group vibe, bonfires, and stargazing nights
- 👌 Ideal for: Those who want an adventure but with some comfort—a mix of raw island life and organized experiences.
When to Book?
- Peak season (Dec–April): Book at least 1 month in advance
- Low season (June–Nov): Can book a few days in advance
What to Expect & What to Bring
🏝️ What You’ll See & Do
✔️ Pass through the Linapacan Islands – known for having the clearest waters in the world
✔️ Swim in secret lagoons & caves
✔️ Meet locals in small island villages
✔️ Bonfires, storytelling, and stargazing
✔️ Snorkel coral reefs, shipwrecks, and sea turtles
🎒 Packing List
🔹 Dry bag (to keep your electronics safe)
🔹 Reef-safe sunscreen (to protect the coral reefs)
🔹 Swimsuits & quick-dry clothes
🔹 Power bank (no electricity in some areas)
🔹 Flip-flops & water shoes (rocky beaches)
🔹 Cash (no ATMs on remote islands)
🚨 Important: Most expeditions do not have WiFi or signal. Be ready to fully disconnect for a few days.
While it’s more expensive than the ferry, it turns your journey into an unforgettable adventure!
Environmental Fee in El Nido 🌿💰
When you arrive in El Nido, you are required to pay an Eco-Tourism Development Fee (ETDF). This fee helps fund environmental conservation and sustainable tourism projects in the area.
1. How Much Is the Fee?
- ₱200 per person (~$3.50 USD)
- Valid for 10 days (If you stay longer, you’ll need to pay again after 10 days.)
2. Where & When Do You Pay It?
- Upon arrival in El Nido, at the El Nido Ferry Terminal (if coming by ferry).
- If you’re arriving by plane, you might be asked to pay at Lio Airport or at your hotel/tour provider.
Trip Resources:
Here’s some resources I used to book and coordinate my itinerary through the Philippines along with some recommendations:
Hostels
If you’re a budget traveler or looking for an easy way to meet others, Hostelworld is the best place to search.
Hotels
We pretty much exclusively used Booking.com to book all of our hotels in the Philippines. It has the most options and usually the best price.
On occasion we also used Agoda.com to book a few hotels, as they sometimes had different availability or better pricing.
Flights
International flights to The Philippines are typically cheapest into Manila and Cebu City. Both of these cities in my opinion should only be a stop over before flying domestically or taking a bus or ferry to another destination.
Personally, I like to use Google Flights to find options, then I always try to book my flights directly on the airlines website. This saves a lot of hassle should you need assistance with your flight later on.
BUSES/Ferries/& more
The easiest ways to search for ways to get around the Philippines are with 12GoAsia and Klook.
Both platforms show various options (ferries, buses, flights, etc.) so you can compare option and prices in English.
Check 12GoAsia out here and check out Klook here.
Insurance
Travel insurance is a must for every trip to ensure you’re covered in unexpected situations.
My recommendations are WorldNomads or Safety Wing, which are made for backpackers and digital nomads.
Tours & Experiences
Tours can be booked online through GetYourGuide or Klook, or through your local accommodations or travel agencies.
Blog Posts
Check out my other Philippines blog posts for helpful trip planning!
Disclosure: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links that I may receive a small commission from. This is at no additional cost to you. By clicking and/or booking through affiliate links found on this site you are helping to support this website and helping make it even better.
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