Island Hopping in Coron, Palawan
Coron is one of the Philippines' most spectacular destinations — a world of crater lakes, hidden lagoons, white sand beaches and WWII shipwrecks, all reachable by boat from the town wharf in a single day. Whether you are here for the island hopping, the diving, or both, this guide covers everything you need to plan your trip.
Top Highlights
The most iconic spot in Coron — a crystal-clear freshwater lake ringed by dramatic limestone cliffs. Climb 100 steps to the famous viewpoint, then swim in water so clear you can see 10 metres to the bottom. Consistently rated one of the cleanest lakes in Asia.
Kayangan Lake
Twin Lagoon
Two connected lagoons separated by a limestone wall. At low tide you can swim through a narrow opening to reach the inner lagoon — one of the most memorable experiences in Coron. The outer lagoon has warm saltwater; the inner is cooler and completely enclosed.
A saltwater crater lake famous for its thermocline — layers of water at dramatically different temperatures. Shallow enough for snorkellers, with otherworldly underwater limestone formations. A favourite with divers from around the world.
Barracuda Lake
Siete Pecados Marine Park
Seven rocky islets at the entrance to Coron Bay, surrounded by some of the healthiest coral reefs in the Philippines. Excellent snorkelling with high fish density and vibrant coral gardens. Often the first stop on a morning tour.
On 24 September 1944, American aircraft sank a Japanese fleet in Coron Bay. The wrecks now lie at 10–40 metres depth, covered in coral and rated among the world's best dive sites. Snorkellers can explore the shallow Skeleton Wreck — divers can book with Corto Divers at the hotel.
A short hike up 720 steps rewards you with panoramic views of Coron Bay and the surrounding islands. Best at sunset. Located right in Coron Town — free, no boat needed, and a perfect first or last afternoon activity.
One of the few saltwater hot springs in the world, 20 minutes from Coron Town. Water temperature reaches 38–40°C — perfect for unwinding after a full day of island hopping or diving. Open until 10PM, entrance ₱300.
Maquinit Hot Springs
WWII Japanese Shipwrecks
Mt. Tapyas
Sample Itineraries
Not sure how to plan your time? Here are two ready-made itineraries — the 3-day version covers all the highlights at a comfortable pace, while the 4-day version adds an extra adventure for those who want more.
3-Day Coron Itinerary
Town Tour (DIY or with agency) — Mt. Tapyas viewpoint at sunset + Maquinit Hot Springs to relax after arrival. Perfect first afternoon before the full island days ahead.
If DIY, trike is Php____, and entrance fee is Php____
Optional: Siete Pecados
Coron Super Ultimate Tour — Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake, Twin Lagoons, Beach 91 and CYC Beach. The most popular full day in Coron.
OR:
Discover Scuba Diving (book at the hotel) — Never dived before? Corto Divers, our in-house PADI dive team, gets you underwater in a day. The Discover Scuba Diving experience includes a skill session, 1–2 dives, all equipment, and lunch on the boat.
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Island Escapade Tour — Malcapuya Island, Bulog Dos, Ditaytayan Island. A completely different experience from Day 2 — beaches instead of lakes.
OR:
Reefs & Wreck Tour — Japanese Shipwrecks shallow enough to snorkel on. Lunch on an island beach nearby.
Day 4
4-Day Coron Itinerary
Calauit Safari Tour (₱2,700) — Calauit Wildlife Sanctuary (giraffes, zebras, Philippine deer), Black Island and Black Island Wreck. A full day out of town — very different from island hopping days.
OR:
Free day — rest, explore town, scooter rental around and look for deserted beaches.
Tour Options & Rates (Joiner)
All tours are available to book at the Corto del Mar Hotel front desk. No need to arrange operators separately — our team handles everything. All tours depart from Coron Town wharf.
All rates are per person (joiner/group tours). Includes licensed guide, all permits and entrance fees, picnic lunch, bottled water & snacks, A/C van transfers to and from hotel.
Not included: mask & snorkel, aqua shoes, fins, underwater camera
Private boat rates available — ask at the front desk. Click on the button below to download the joiner and private rates.
Never dived before? Corto Divers, our in-house PADI dive team, can get you underwater on your first day in Coron. The Discover Scuba Diving experience (₱6,800) includes an in-water skills session, 1–2 guided dives on the wrecks or reefs, all equipment, marine park fees, and lunch and drinks on the boat. Book at the hotel front desk — no prior experience needed. A once in a lifetime experience in one of the best dive spots in the world. If you are looking for something unique, this is it.
Discover Scuba Dive
Frequently asked questions
How much does island hopping in Coron cost?
Joiner (group) tours start at ₱1,250 per person for a half-day and go up to ₱1,950 for the Super Ultimate Tour — the most popular full-day option covering Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake, Twin Lagoons and more.
What is included in a Coron island hopping tour?
All tours include a licensed guide, all permits and entrance fees, picnic lunch, bottled water and snacks, and A/C van pick-up and drop-off from your hotel. Mask and snorkel, aqua shoes, fins, kayak, and underwater camera are not included.
What is the difference between a joiner tour and a private boat in Coron?
A joiner tour groups you with other travellers on a shared boat — affordable, social, and the most popular choice for solo travellers and couples. A private tour gives you full flexibility: choose your own stops, set your own pace, and depart before the crowds. Private boats are ideal for families and groups of four or more. Both options can be arranged at the Corto del Mar front desk.
A third option is a private boat. This is a slightly cheaper option compared to a private tour, but you have to arrange and pay for everything else - almost all destinations have entrances, and you need to buy food yourself. This would be a good option if you have the time to plan and research everything, as well as the patience to haggle.
Do I need to book island hopping tours in advance in Coron?
No. You can book a day before for most tours. Boats get scarce when there are cruise ships but most joiner tours are always available.
During typhoon season, long trips (Island Escapade, Reef and Wrecks) are the first to be cancelled so it might be better to book these first. Coron Island Tours are nearby and tend to get cancelled when there are typhoon signals.
Are entrance fees different from the environmental fee?
Yes. The environmental fee is a fee collected by the municipality for tourism development and environmental protection. Site entrance fees are collected at destinations and go towards the conservation of individual sites. These are separate fees and are paid differently. If you are availing of our tours, you do not need to worry about these as they are included.
Are tours suitable for kids and senior citizens?
Most tours are suitable. However, people with mobility issues, as well as individuals with a more sedentary lifestyle may find the activities challenging, especially Kayangan lake which involves a "hike" from steps carved out from limestones. These steps are about 100 going up and then down towards the lake.
Where to Stay for Island Hopping in Coron
Where you stay matters more than people expect. All island hopping tours and dive boats depart from Coron Town wharf — staying in the town center means walking distance to every departure point, every tour operator, and every restaurant in the evening.
Corto del Mar Hotel is on Comesaria Street in the heart of Coron Town. We are at most 15 minutes away by walking from most attractions. A 32-room boutique hotel with a pool, on-site restaurant and bar. Our front desk arranges all island hopping tours and activities, and our dive shop Corto Divers, can cater to all diving levels.