Island trip to El Nido day boat tour

Log of our customer queries

Hello!
Wow this spot looks really nice! Me and my boyfriend are planning to travel to the Philippines, around Christmas/New Year until 1st wek of Jan (exact dates tbd). I was wondering whether you still have 2 person accomodation for that period. I was wondering whether the basis huts are already completed and what we need to bring (I can check bring a kite board for sure 😉 We have 3 kites, 7,8 and 12. Which sizes you suggest to bring? And can we buy the food on the island? And how do we get there? Should we fly to Manilla and then take a boat somewhere? Any other recommendations for our holidays? Other (kite)spots to visit (so we combine 2 places)? Sorry for the may questions, but hope you can ‘guide’ us.
Warm greetings,
Laura

Hi! Awesome site – thanks for so much info.

My girlfriend and I are in El Nido and would like to book a private boat that hits the cool places in El Nido (lagoons and such) then goes to Linapacan to check out whatever adventures you recommend there, then ending in Coron.

I’m guessing this is a 4 day 3 night tour. We’ve asked some tour places here in El Nido and found one customizable tour for 45,000p total for the 4 days, but we are wondering if you have any insight and could help us with booking something – given your knowledge. We want to snorkel, kayak, possibly surfer and do more adventurous things as well. We are adventurous Californians who are up for cool things rather than just swimming with a tourist group at a beach. I’m sure you understand! We’d also like to stay on some empty islands overnight with a tent or whatever.

Please let us know if you are able to help and any details/recommendations would be awesome.  Thanks!

Good morning. I am looking at organizing a trip for at least 4 people to the Philippines. As part of the trip, we wish to do a 5 day island hop experience. Is this something you offer? I would like to receive a bit more information of what a 4 night 5 day island hop would involve.

I’m Carlo I’m from San Marino, me and my girlfriend Lucia we have the following request:  on Jan 1st we want to leave from el nido and we want to go to coron not directly but we want to spend some nights in other islands, i don’t know very well these islands, we love snorkeling please could you help us? On Jan 4th we will come back to home so it’s better being in coron on jan 3rd.

Hi, I am looking to join a group for a 3 day expedition El Nido – Coron on April 20th. Do you know of any please? The only one I can find so far for that date is with l Nido Paradise, but I have one found 1 review so far for this company. Many thanks in advance

We are 4 friends who will be on holidays this month in Philippines and would like to do a boat trip between coron and el nido to see the best of coron and from the islands on the way to el nido (we will stay afte in el nido few more days to visit it too).

we want to depart on the 28th of November to do the 3 days/2 nights boat trip, arriving to El nido on the evening of the 30th.

We would like to know if we could do this with you and which is your best price.

I am interested in your 4 day Island Hopping trip. Can you send me more details ?

Also, I was in touch with Tao and Native Exploration for a similar trip….do you work with them or is this a separate business ?

What kind of boat is it and how many people on the boat usually ?

And what is the schedule for your trips…Are they fixed weekly departures ?

Thank you and look forward to the details.

We are coming to Philippines tomorrow for a month long vacation on Palawan and around. We have our own tent and cooking equipment. We are planning to rent a bike and go on a 2 weeks bike trip around north Palawan. After that we are very interested in visiting Linapacan and do some local island hoping on a small private boat or join a group on a bigger boat. As we are on a very tight budget, please advise us on the following:

1. How much is the public boat from El Nido/Princess to you? (are you on Linapacan?)
   2. Can we camp on Linapacan? How much does it cost?
   3. If there’s no group we can join, what is the most affordable way for a couple to do island hoping near Linapacan(1-3 days tours)? Can you list a few options, please
   4. We would like to stay on your campsite for a few days too. How much is it? To put our own tent? What other charges involved with organizing boat trips (you mention somewhere you charge 25$ for the help contacting local boat owners? Is that one off payment? Or per boat tour?
   5. Can we buy vegies, noodles, rice there? What’s with drinking water? Possible to charge phone/camera?

some friends of mine and I would like to make a 4-day-boat trip around New Year (between 30th december and 7th january). Can you help us with the organisation? Are there boat trips available for this time? Some of us want to dive and some of us just want to do snorkeling. We don’t have any idea which spots would be the best for that.

We are three girl friends arriving to el Nido on December 25th. We would like to book a multiple day tour (el Nido- Coron).
Do you have availability?
Which dates do you offer?
Which itinerary do you do?

I have just review your website  and I wonder if you can help us to organize island hopping in Coron, Palawn. We are couple from Poland and we will spent part of our holiday in Palwan, Coron. We are thinking of doing journey between some islands and we need to book as well as boat and accommodation.
What do you think about our schedule :
First day : starting from Busanga, then sailing to Coron Island to visit high spots like  Siete Picados (snorkeling) – Kayangan Lake –tween peaks- Barakuda Lake – Twin Lagoon -Banul Beach and then sailing to Malcapuya Island – Acomodation on Malcapuya Island (or somewhere in neighborhood)
Second day : Malcapuya – Banan island – Bulog Island – – Acomodation on Malcapuya Island (or somewhere in neighborhood)
Third day : sailing from Malcapuya to Pass Island – Acomodation on Pass Island (or somewhere in neighborhood)
Fourth day : early afternoon sailing from Pass Island to Busanga
Do you think is it a real and comfortable trip for 4 days?
Please let us know if you can arrange a boat for such a trip for us (two persons) and accommodation on Malcapuya Island (or somewhere in neighborhood) and on Pass Island (or somewhere in neighborhood).
We realize that it is quit long journey between Malcapuya and Pass Island so we are open of any interesting proposal where to move after Malcapua Island stay.
We are also wonder if we should use the same boat for whole our trip jumping between islands or we should just get to Malcapuya and then have another one to visit around Malcapuya and then next one to go to Pass Island.
We will be grateful if you are able to help us to arrange such a trip. Please let us know the possibilities and price for arranging boat and accommodation.
We are going to start our island hopping on 01.01.2017

we are a family of 5 (kids from 16 to 22 years old), interested by cruising aroiund Palawan or other Philippines island between the 27 and the 31st of december. Any suggestions, prices, availabilities?

I’m planning a kite surfing trip for early January however I’m not sure how exactly how long it would take to get to dimancal island with other tourist attractions along the way from Manila… so I wondering what the availability for accommodation an kite gear would be like at that time of year?

Is it $22 a day for the hire of all kite surfing gear?

Beginning of December 2016, my girlfriend and I will be visiting Palawan. After having read your blog https://www.islandhoppinginthephilippines.com, I became intrigued by Linipacan and Patoyo, where you live.

What I am looking for is a trip from El Nido to Linapacan and surrounding islands, and back to El Nido. Along the way or at Linapacan, I would like to do some island hopping to the islands with apparently the clearest water in the world. Also an overnight camping on a deserted island would be nice.

I was thinking of a trip of 2 or 3 nights departing from and returning to El Nido. Earliest day to leave is 2 December from El Nido and latest day to be back is 8 December.

I read on your blog that it is possible to take the ferry from El Nido to Linapacan. A boat tour seems possible as well. Based on the info on your blog, I see following options:

1.    Take ferry form El Nido to Linapacan. Visit and camp on Patoyo, if possible? Do an island tour from there to explore the surrounding islands. Maybe do an overnight camping on a deserted island. Finally, take the ferry back to El Nido.
2.    Join a boat tour that goes from El Nido to Linapacan and back. I am however afraid that there are no tours scheduled on a date that would suit me. In addition, most tour go from El Nido to Coron. Is this true or is there an option?
3.    Organize a private boat that goes from El Nido to Linapacan. Make some stops along the way and stay for couple of nights in Linapacan, Patoyo, or surrounding island. Go back to El Nido by private boat. I however believe that a private boat tour will be too expensive as we are only travelling with 2. A small boat might potentially feasible?

Could you provide me some information on the feasibility of the options I gave? Are there more options? Could you give an idea about the costs associated with a certain option?

Hi, my name is Riki. My partner and I are staying in El Nido for a few days and we would like to come to Linapacan for a few days. Could you explain me how we can get there? We have been asking around  here in town, but they do not know for sure if there are boats going from San Fernando to San Miguel. We would like to leave on Sunday from El Nido and come back on Wendsday/thursday.
Could you kindly upgrade the information about how to get to Cuyo Island?

By air from Manila to Cuyo Island via Puerto Princesa or via Boracay
There are daily flights from Manila airport to Puerto Princesa in Palawan and to Boracay
Air Juan: Puerto Princesa to Cuyo 10.00 am–11.00 am days  3 / 4 / 6 / 7
Air Juan: Cuyo to Puerto Princesa 11.30 am–12.30 am days  3 / 4 / 6 / 7

Air Juan: Cuyo to Boracay (Caticlan) 11.30 am–12.10 am days  3 / 7 (16 Oct to 31 May)
Air Juan: Boracay (Caticlan) to Cuyo 12.45 am–13.25 am days  3 / 7 (16 Oct to 31 May)
Air Juan Bookings info@airjuan.com
By ferry to Cuyo Island: three times a week from Iloilo and Puerto Princesa

a friend of mine and I are coming to Philippines in February for three weeks.

We would love to do a boat trip in period of 5-6 days among the islands. We would like to join a group tour since our budget is not big and we love to meet new people.

Could you please advise if there are some group tours already available, if so, could we possibly join and how much would be the costs?

my boyfriend and I will be in Palawan from 30th Dec 2016 to 6th Jan 2017. We would like to hire a private boat for island hopping during this period. Are there still boats available?
We are ok to join with a small group, or to have the boat all to ourselves. Can you let us know the rough cost? We will like to finalise bookings by next week.

I’ve booked your place by Airbnb today. We’re arriving to Linapacan from San Fernando tomorrow at 13:00 hs. Then we would rey to take a fisherman boat to your place.
Pelase send me details of your location if you have.

I would like to inquire for the tour services you offer. Me and my girl is planning to visit Palawan this June. Ive been searching for some services that could help us with the tour and other stuffs.. Was able to find your page from a blog.

The plan date is June 15-18, 2017. This is our first time in Palawan together and hoping to get the most out of it. We also dont have that much of budget to spare so were looking for most affordable yet quality tours.

Can you please send us recommendation for tours? Would also love to try wind surfing. Hope to hear from you soon.

If you decide to check out Palawan, our small family operation organizes private custom boat tours through the Palawan area, voted the best island in the world, with its 52 pristine white sand beaches and some of the clearest waters in the world.

Experience the thrill of island hopping in the Philippines

Island Hopping in the Philippines

5.0

Based on 22 reviews

review us on

C R

05:51 03 Apr 24

I give 5 stars because they actually helped me to arrange the tour to Balabac in last minute. However, because the money wired through the local bank in my country took time to be processed, so i missed the boat due to peak season as many people paid before my money was received by the tour guide.As most of people usually feel, once your money has been transferred out to someone you do not know, you probably frustrated that your money would not be able to be refunded.But not in my experience. I dont need to be worry, the owner refunded me the money he has received (minus the bank fees). He promised to refund me and he did it. It was around 18.700 Pesos.So, eventhough i didn't manage to go with the tour, but i am really satisfied with their legitimate and great business practice. Hopefully, people will try their services and not worry about their legit business!Thanks a lot!

Chloe Blanchard

13:38 27 Mar 24

The most wonderful experience from booking to beach! Karel and Mel were so fast and responsive to my very last minute trip over the holidays. We booked a private boat for two and could not have been happier with our four day trip! We didn’t think about anything other than snorkeling the entire time. Linda, our captain, cooked wonderful meals and took us to totally empty beautiful beaches. We loved staying the night in Pical especially! Wonderful to experience the Philippines this way! Will come back again and would recommend to anyone!

hotel luci del faro

08:13 31 Jan 24

We booked the 3 day 2 night expedition, from Coron to Sibaltan.First of all the booking part was really simple. I organized this trip to the Philippines last minute for my family (my parents and my uncles) but Karel answered all my questions very quickly and really made everything easier for me. It was an incredible experience. Albert, our tour leader, is a wonderful guy, always smiling and ready to help us. They assisted us in everything and really took care of making everything go smoothly. The accommodation on the islands is as spartan as you expect but the location of each hut alone is worth the trip. The wonder of nature was then added to the goodness of cuisine. It's really difficult to argue how you can cook all that goodness on a boat.If you are looking for an authentic experience, in contact with nature, off the beaten track, this company's private expedition is certainly for you.

Kate Brown

00:22 27 Oct 23

What an unforgettable experience! We did a two night (3 day) island hopping tour from Sibaltan to Coron. Everything was so well organized and the boat crew were amazing and really made sure we had a great time. The accommodation was rustic, but added to the authentic experience of the Philippines. Karel always responded to any queries we had promptly. Our boatman, Albert, was the most amazing chef and we enjoyed every meal. The crew taught the kids how to fish with a line which was their highlight of the trip. They took us to the most unbelievable snorkelling spots along the way. Would highly recommend this trip.

Ian Pascual

02:43 10 Aug 23

One of the most amazing, unforgettable things you can do in your life

Lou Pratali

11:04 25 Jul 23

This is a must to do!!Super ultimate tour is the best with Kayangan and barracuda lake, twin lagoons (my favorite), coral garden (blue fabulous coral) were the best. It’s really worth it to pay for private tour (3500 to 4000 PHP). You will also have to pay for entrance fees (150 to 200PHP by location) and eventually shopping at the market - must do (count 300 for 2 for fish, pork, fruits and vegetables, water).

Gérard BENOIT

16:11 07 Feb 23

I was looking for a personalized excursion to the stunning Bacuit Gulf.Based on the comments, I contacted Mel.Very responsive, very efficient and perfect organization.The on-board staff were very friendly and very helpful.And I'm not even talking about the meal on board...a marvel.In all fairness, this excursion will remain an excellent memory and I cannot recommend Mel and his team highly enough.A big thank-you.

Alyse Tarbotton

23:48 30 Aug 22

This tour went well above all our expectations! I couldn't recommend this enough! The boat crew, captain and tour guide were nothing but amazing, everyone was so kind, helpful and friendly. The crew knew the best spots to visit that weren't overcrowded with tourists, 3 times we were lucky enough to have whole islands to ourselves! It was my partner's birthday while away and everything went above and beyond, bonfire, cake, birthday card, singing and celebrating with us.If you love camping this is definitely a tout you should do, it has been the highlight of our trip!!

Danish Kayani

10:24 31 Oct 19

Coron is the best place i have ever seen.. picturesque. Beautiful. Peaceful

LAURA MARIAROSA BAECHLER

10:24 14 Mar 18

We booked a 4 days/3 nights private boat trip from Coron to Sibaltan. The organization went very well from the beginning, the owner answered to all my questions, and we were able to choose which islands to visit and where to sleep. The first night we slept in a bungalow in Banana Island, the second we camped in Araw beach and the last we slept in a seafront bungalow builded on a tree in Pical on Iloc Island.The islands in that area are the most beautiful islands I have ever seen, with clear water, lots of coral reef and fishes to see, white sand and almost deserted. The crew was very friendly and polite and they organize every single meal and for camping they give you a tent which was just perfect! This was our highlight in our 2 weeks in the Philippines and I wish I had booked a longer trip. A private trip gives you the freedom to decide where and when to go.

 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Island Hopping in the Philippines
  
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 Gérard Benoit 
 
2023-02-08
 
 
 recommends 
I was looking for a personalized excursion to the beautiful bay of Bacuit.
 Seeing the comments, I contacted Mel.
 Very responsive, very efficient and perfect organization.
 The crew were very friendly and very helpful.
 And I'm not even talking about the meal on board...a marvel.
 In all fairness, this excursion will remain an excellent memory and I can recommend Mel and his team highly enough.
 A big thank-you.
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 André Mardoñal 
 
2019-10-22
 
 
 recommends 
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The island world of Linapacan between Coron and El Nido with the clearest waters in the world is truly a dream for itself! Without a boat you won't be able to see it! But what this boat trips makes so amazing is the crew! Once you come on board they might be shy in the beginning but will make you feel welcome and home from the first moment. Not only that they are looking that you sit comfortable all the time, they will prepare fresh and delicious food what the buy from local markets. 
They know the best spots and most beautiful islands and will bring you to places where you get this "Robinson Cruisoe feeling". Every day you visit 3 to 5 spots for snorkeling, enjoying a beach or exploring a little island. 
The accommodation we had was good and simple. We slept in bungalows and tents right at the beach. Sheets and towels were always provided and sometimes towels. 
After a while you feel like a family on board. We loved living the boat life didn't wanna leave! If you doubt take a longer than shorter trip! 
For any questions please message me.
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Sarah Uhan 
 
2019-01-31
 
 
 recommends 
All in all it was a really great experience. It's a once in a lifetime thing to do and you won't get more authentic and basic Philippino experiences anywhere else.
We were not so lucky with the wind and waves so we couldn't do all the stops we wanted to unfortunately. So be aware that especially the months from January to May can be very rough on water. But we still saw some great places Benji took us. 
Benji and his family was very nice and they did everything they could. The food was amazing - always freshly made in authentic Philippino style and way too much for the 2 of us.
Make sure to bring enough cash - many of the islands cost extra (entrance fee) and be aware that any kind of accommodation and food (200php per meal) is not included in the boat fee. Also the deposit and commission fee for the agency are a little over the top, especially since the crew does not get any of it. The costs all in all are rather high for phillipino circumstances especially given the basicness of it all. However if you think about that all 5 boat people (in our case) live off of the boat fee alone, you spent the money willingly. 
Be aware though that accommodation and sanataries are very basic if even existant. So you gotta have the right mindset. Bring tissue, sanatiszer and earplugs to get some better sleep. 
Another feedback I have concerning the size of the boat. I don't think it is sufficient for more than 4 people. If the weather is like it was these days, you always have to sit on top and it was already a little squeezy with us 2 and 5 boat people. So I guess 4 guests can be fine but more than that won't have the space. There is different boat sizes but make sure to talk about that with Karel in advance. 
Other than that it was really worth it and we got to see so many great beaches and reefs which we could have never been able to visit without the tour.
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Eric Liu 
 
2018-03-15
 
 
 recommends 
It was scary to book a 5 day trip with no places to stay confirmed or a strong itinerary.  And in the Philippines, communication is difficult.  But that is part of changing mindsets to a rural island mindset.  In the end, everything worked out.  We had some tough moments with bugs.  But we also had some amazingly beautiful secluded beaches, the best snorkeling in the world, relaxing on the beach, and freshly made food on the boat while docked at beautiful places (better than being on land).  Note, we went with Benji.

Recommendations:
- you must get a local SIM when you arrive to make sure pickup and everything works out
- some islands have bugs - use bug spray!

Pros: 
- a fraction of the cost
- away from the crowds
- can customize what you want - just ask!
- a truly local experience - saw a REAL rural town

Cons:
- locals aren't really polished tour guides
- if you don't ask for it, you won't get it, need to be pretty proactive
- pretty simple "activities" - no frills like bathrooms or kayaks etc.
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Ángela Deand 
 
2017-04-26
 
 
 recommends 
We can't be more grateful to have had the opportunity of experience the peace in Patoyo Kitesurfing Camping!
Spending two weeks in Dimancal Island, gave us the chance to experiment the rural and traditional way of life, in touch with the nature and people.
We have learnt how to cook with fire, how to open a coconut and how to survive in an environment where for a time we forget about unnecessary needs, just to focus on enjoy the small details and pleasures of life.
Mentioning too the amazing snorkeling and beautiful islands around this place, which make it unique​ and special.
It is a lovely option if you are running away from tourists and overcrowded places in the Philippines. You will find yourself in the middle of virgin beaches and nature, surrounding​ by charming people.
We will definitely come back!
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Caroline Danielle 
 
2017-02-13
 
 
 recommends 
We haven't done a Tao tour, but I would suspect that this is a cheaper version of the same thing. Our boat operator (Benji) and the entire crew were were fun, friendly and made an effort to ensure we had a good time. If you get a large group of people together it can be a really inexpensive alternative to other Coron-El Nino and vice versa island hopping tours. 

The food was good, but more expensive than as advertised by Karl. The price quote we got was 100 php a meal, but the boat charged us 200. Since the food was good we didn't mind the extra expense, but it is important to keep in mind if you're on a budget. Definitely plan for some incidental spending. 

Our boat did have some mechanical issues and as a result we ended up being stuck in the same place for longer than we wanted to be. That being said, little could have been done about it and the trip was fun nonetheless.
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Hauk Are Fjeld 
 
2017-01-01
 
 
 recommends 
If you believe that doing the touristic tours in El Nido and going to "The hidden beach" takes you off the beaten path, you are wrong. There are lots of beautiful places in Palawan, but few of these places are without any other tourists. If you want to spend some extra effort on getting away from the tourist places, and don't mind a little "primitive" living, Island Hopping in the Philippines is definitely something you should check out
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Arnold Cabiguen 
 
2015-05-08
 
 
 recommends 
The snorkeling in this area is phenomenal. Clearest waters in the world. I guess it's because there is relatively such lower tourist traffic through here, and the locals really protect the reefs!
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Karel Kosman 
 
2015-05-08
 
 
 recommends 
Love it so much, just had to say it twice!
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 

Espinosa Kosmans

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We are a family operation managing private custom boat tours in the beautiful Palawan area, and are happy to help travelers with their plans through the country, having traveled a lot of it ourselves and planning to visit it all.