How to Spend a Perfect Yacht Holiday in the Philippines: Cruising from El Nido (Palawan) to Coron Island

Last Update: January 21, 2026
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The ordinariness (and some might say the ugliness) of El Nido, in the Philippines, merely heightens the contrast between the ordinary and the sublime. For ‘the nest’ Spanish, El Nido is the gateway to the wonderful Bacuit Archipelago. The town, sandwiched between towering limestone karst cliffs and Bacuit Bay, is littered with buildings that creep onto the beach and companies that cater to tourists. Centre stage is the looming Cadlao Island just offshore.

Sailing holidays in the Philippines

Choosing a room in town means being close to beachside taverns and restaurants, but closer to the regular sights and sounds, you can remain in one of many nearby communities, or splash some cash for accommodation in the archipelago itself. Something of a French invasion is occurring amongst lodging, restaurant, and other tourism-related companies.

Being a real province situated in the western part of the Philippines. Palawan is included for about 1780 islands and islets. The capital and most populous city is Puerto Princesa, situated on the east coast of Palawan, the main island.

This coastal municipality is home to stunning beaches, islands, and lagoons. Coron, in the north of Palawan, is among the most important diving places in the world.

Cruising El Nido, Palawan to Coron Island

Coron is most likely the best diving spot in the Philippines. WW2 Japanese wrecks can be visited year-round. Shores, isles, and islets around El Nido are the principal attractions of Palawan. Tourism in El Nido has experienced significant growth in recent years, but it still has many deserted beaches.

Climate:
Palawan has a dry season from December to May, followed by the Northeast monsoon. The temperature runs.

Transport:
Domestic flights are operated by the airports in Busuanga and Puerto Princesa to the Philippines’ major cities. Daily flights link Palawan with Cebu, Manila, and Iloilo. The key airlines operating in Palawan are Air Asia, Philippine Airlines, and Cebu Pacific Air.
There’s a service operated by the Shipping line 2GO Journey joining Puerto Princesa and Coron City with the capital, Manila.

Accommodation:
There are hotels and resorts throughout Palawan. El Nido, Coron, and Puerto Princesa are the main tourist destinations. Go to the booking website to get costs and availability for your dates.

Sailing Holidays in the Philippines: 

El Nido is important tourist destination and a coastal settlement on the Philippines island of Palawan. El Nido consists of 45 islands and islets; limestone cliffs here form a Karst backdrop similar to those in Krabi, Ha Long Bay, and Guilin. El Nido is a popular destination for locals during Holy Week, but until recently, it has been comparatively unknown to foreign tourists. Beaches, clear waters (away from the principal town), jungle, steep limestone cliffs, and gorgeous inlets make for amazing seascapes.

Before El Nido became saturated with tourists, fishing and picking swift nests (“Nido”) were the chief sources of income. Now, tourism is the municipality’s major source of income. The beachfront place has exploded in popularity over the years and is largely a party spot with overpriced food and drinks. However, there are no tremendous tour groups to be seen. El Nido is also known for water sports such as snorkelling, diving, and kayaking. Water quality around the primary beach is inferior, with garbage collection on the main shore and boat oil. Swimming isn’t recommended.

Breathtaking views of nature are the main reason to go to El Nido. Bacuit Bay comprises limestone islands, where its potential to hike, snorkel, or dive.

The easiest method is on an island. These boats take 8′-15 people and certainly will visit four or five islands in a day. The boats usually take set routes named A to D, but can change depending on tides and weather. Easy to conserve cash! The trip takes one day (ca. 9:00-16:00), normally comprises a good lunch, and can be arranged from most guesthouses and travel agencies in El Nido. El Nido municipality additionally charges P200 as an Environmental fee that is valid 10 days.

For those who have time, go for overnight island hopping (3 days, 2 nights is a good alternative), where you get to camp on a deserted island, ala Survivor fashion. (Though most areas you are able to be dropped at are included in the daily island hopping tours.) It provides you with the best option to visit many more islands included in those bundle package tours, at your own leisure. Find a few more people to get a far greater rate. Urged to place a booth at Aplaya Restaurant, look for Nhel who’ll give you the top prices and arrangements.

Culture
“The Philippine Experience” offers an insight into the Philippines & it’s folks. More than just a “cultural tour”, there is a chance to get off the beaten track with boating/fishing, trekking, a mini cooking course, making coconut oil, coconut tree climbing, and attempting local crafts, skills & games. It runs Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday from 9 am to 4:30 pm.

Mountain Biking
There are numerous destinations to see… even Nacpan beach is possible for the adventuresome. “Discover El Nido”, next to Jointly Pension on Calle Amboy, offers good rates and provides a map/guide detailing 12 routes. Taking the funding, a wholesome solution to see El Nido rewards travellers with paths through traditional villages along forest trails, roads, and dirt tracks. For the daring, rivers, rice fields, coconut groves, hot springs, mangroves, waterfalls, caverns, and off-the-beaten-track beaches await.

The western side of El Nido township lies in the shadow of an impressive, steep cliff face, which is just the visible portion of an even more remarkable headland. Though you have to climb over sharp rocks, the hike is rather daring. Good footwear is crucial. As it can be very hot on top, it is advisable to go by 7 am or at 2 pm. Make sure to employ a licensed tour guide. One may be obtained from the El Nido Tourism Office or Artcafe. “Canopy Walk” At Barangay Maligaya, behind the Barangay hall, there is El Nido’s Canopy Walk for the less seasoned hikers, still offering a great view over town and the bay. There’s an entrance fee. Pass to book this through the El Nido Tourism Office in Calle Hama.

Most beautiful beaches
From where you’ll be dropped off, itis a brief walk down a dirt road. There is likewise an island with some OK snorkeling, which can be reached readily by wading through waist-deep water.
There’s a generally empty shore right north of the El Nido airport if you’re looking for some isolation (tricycle ride: P150). Choose a tricycle taxi to Nacpan beach (P1000-1500).

El Nido underwater
Bacuit Bay consists of islands with limestone cliffs, ideal for climbing.
Diving and snorkelling: The most popular activity is island hopping, costing P1200 a day and including snorkel equipment and a BBQ lunch. There are 4 basic day trips to choose from, which can be reserved from all over town and called Tour A-D. The quality of the boat, guides & tour depends on who you reserve through.

Book your yacht charter in the Philippines now and get the best deals!

Contact YBH Charter Brokers:

You can contact us by email at ask@yourboatholiday.com or at +39 33436 00997; we are also available on WhatsApp for calls and texts. 

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