El Nido To Coron by Ferry – What to Expect in 2023

Post Summary: Everything you need to know traveling from El Nido to Coron by ferry!

Knowing what to expect when traveling from El Nido to Coron by Ferry is essential for those planning a trip to Palawan.

Compared to other destinations in Southeast Asia, one should expect that traveling in and around the Philippines indeed takes a little bit more time because of the country’s archipelago.  

But traveling from El Nido to Coron by ferry is a lot easier than you may think. Ferries between El Nido to Coron operate daily and are a cheap and easy way to get from one island to another.

My El Nido to Coron Ferry Journey Experience

I visited the Palawan islands for the first time in 2013, where I went island hopping in El Nido and Coron for the first time. 

It was also the first time I took the ferry between El Nido and Coron. Back then, there weren’t many transportation options between islands as they do now. To travel to Coron from El Nido, I thought I would have to fly back to Manila again.

Fortunately, I was happy to learn that there is a ferry between El Nido and Coron that I can take without making reservations in advance. 

The journey between El Nido and Coron was reasonably straightforward. I showed up at the port in advance, paid for the ticket, and boarded the ferry. 

The Ferry From El Nido to Coron

There are two types of ferries operating daily between El Nido and Coron. A fast ferry from El Nido to Coron takes three to four hours, and a “regular” ferry takes about a little over six hours. 

I took both ferries on my several trips to El Nido. The ferry that took six hours, although long, was a comfortable ride. There is an area on the ferry where you can sit out by the deck and get some sun and fresh air. The faster ferry was also a comfortable ride, although the air conditioning was in full-blast, which is something I find common all over the Philippines. There are some snacks and drinks available on the ferry, but I recommend getting lunch before departing. 

Where is the El Nido Ferry Terminal?

The ferry terminal in El Nido is not that far from the town proper. It’s roughly a thirty-minute ride on a tricycle, but I recommend leaving a lot earlier to ensure you have enough time to buy your tickets and check-in. 

The terminal in El Nido is nothing special. It’s just a waiting area where you can sit and wait, so don’t expect much of a lounge.

Below is a map of the El Nido ferry terminal. 

How much is the ferry from El Nido to Coron in 2022?

The fast ferry from El Nido to Coron is 1800PHP, or $35USD.

The passenger (slow) ferry from El Nido to Coron is 1400PHP, or $25USD.

Several companies serve this route:

Montenegro Fast Ferry

The Montenegro Fast Ferry has two departures daily from El Nido to Coron, leaving at 6 a.m. and 12 p.m.

You can check their schedule here. 

Jomalia Shipping

Jomalia Shipping has standard seating with air conditioning rooms. They have daily departures from El Nido to Coron, departing at 12:30 p.m.

Check out this video to have a better idea of how their ferry looks:

How far is El Nido From Coron?

El Nido is about 127 kilometers from Coron. We mentioned that the fast ferry could take roughly three to four hours, or a regular passenger ferry can take approximately six hours. 

The length of your journey between El Nido and Coron is dependent on the wind and the choppiness of the water. 

Location of the Port in Coron

The ferry terminal (or the port) in Coron is a short ride away from the Coron town proper. You can see from the map below:

Where to Stay in Coron

I made a list of hotels and other accommodations on my article Where to Stay in Coron. But below are our quick picks for you. 

The Funny Lion (Value)

The Funny Lion is a charming boutique hotel in Coron near the Public market, the town proper Mount Tapyas, and short boat distance from the famous Kayangan Lake. It’s the perfect hotel for those looking for an excellent value for a comfortable and relaxing stay while on the islands. 

It’s one of the few four-star resorts on the island, and you can immediately see why with the elegantly designed rooms. Each room is furnished with natural earth tone colors and is equipped with a flat-screen television with cable, a work desk, and a safety deposit box. 

The Funny Lion also provides other luxury amenities in the hotel, such as an open-air outdoor bath and an outdoor swimming pool. Both of these are located on the upper deck of the hotel, where you can relax with a drink in hand while enjoying the stunning views of the famous Coron bay. There is also a restaurant on-site, Pride Rock Deck, which serves daily continental breakfast and Filipino cuisine. 

This beautiful hotel also provides island hopping tour arrangements and other activities in the area and can help you further with your itinerary in Coron. 

>> Click here to check the best rates and availability

Hop Hostel (Budget)

I stayed in Hop Hostel a few years ago with a group of friends from Europe, and I must say I was taken by surprise on how much I like this place – A LOT. 

Hop Hostel is undoubtedly one of the top ten hostels I’ve stayed in since I started backpacking Europe and Asia during and after my college years. Upon arriving, you’ll be immediately impressed by the facade and exterior of the hostel. It’s all painted in white with a touch of blue hues, resembling many buildings you see in Greece!

The rooms itself were immaculate. The interiors have plenty of space to store your luggage without feeling like you are on top of your other roommates. All of the beds in the room are very comfortable, as well. They are wide and cushy and will ensure you get a good night’s sleep after a day of island hopping. Also, the rooms are well-kept and cleaned religiously by the staff. 

But the hostel’s main selling point is their rooftop bar, where you can catch Coron’s legendary sunsets with a drink in your hand. The overall atmosphere is excellent, with a DJ and the social vibe of the bar!

>> Click here to check the best rates and availability

Club Paradise Resort (luxury)

Club Paradise Resort Palawan is the perfect hotel for those wondering where to stay in Coron that offers exclusive and private accommodations.

This resort’s location is stunning, featuring an island rimmed with 700 meters of soft white beaches. Considering its secluded location, guests will feel isolated from the rest of the main island. But even with the remote location of Club Paradise Resort, everything is completely taken care of, with all the amenities you possibly need available at the resort. 

A live performance band awaits your arrival at Club Paradise Resort, with welcome live music, a personal introduction from the manager, and a relaxing foot bath while you are checked-in. The resort also features a beautiful 24 hours outdoor pool, water sports, and an on-site restaurant serving delicious traditional and western cuisine. 

The rooms at Club Paradise are as exotic as they get. They are modeled after traditional wooden huts that are famous in the Philippines. Each air-conditioned room is fitted with a fridge and electric kettle. Rooms also have a balcony and a living area.

>> Click here to check the best rates and availability

What to Do in Coron

Check out my article on the things to do in Coron to have a better idea on how to arrange your itinerary once you arrive!