El Nido to Coron 3 day Boat Trip with Kids
- Jun 23
- 7 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
If you're looking for an unforgettable adventure in the Philippines, the El Nido to Coron expedition delivers. For three days and two nights, you'll island-hop through remote islands of Palawan, snorkel coral reefs and sleep on tiny tropical islands along the way.
It ended up being one of our favourite experiences in the Philippines.
At a Glance
Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
Route: El Nido to Coron (or reverse)
Best for: Active travellers, snorkellers and adventurous families
Accommodation: Basic island huts
Meals: Included
Family friendly: Yes (with the right company)
What Is the El Nido to Coron Expedition?
The El Nido to Coron Expedition is a 3-day, 2-night island-hopping adventure through some of the most remote and beautiful parts of Palawan.
Rather than taking the direct ferry between El Nido and Coron, you'll travel by traditional Filipino boat, stopping along the way to snorkel, swim in crystal-clear waters, explore tiny islands and discover hidden beaches that most travellers never get to see.
Accommodation is on remote islands in simple beach huts, while all meals are prepared by the crew and included in the trip.
No two expeditions are exactly the same. Routes are adjusted depending on weather, wind and sea conditions, meaning each journey is a little different.
Which Companies Take Kids?
One of the challenges we found when researching the El Nido to Coron expedition was that many operators only accept travellers aged 16 and over.
At the time of booking our trip, we found just three companies that accepted younger children:
After comparing the options, we chose Wave Wanderers and were really happy with our experience. The guides were fantastic, the food was excellent and the entire trip felt well organised from start to finish. We also liked that Wave Wanderers was a smaller, newer company. With around 20 people onboard, the trip felt personal and relaxed.
We were also very lucky that another young family was onboard during our trip. The kids quickly became friends and spent much of the expedition swimming, snorkelling and exploring together, which was so lovely.
We travelled as a family of three and stayed together comfortably in a single hut. While most companies advertise their huts as sleeping 1 to 2 people, Wave Wanderers Crew made sure there was enough space for myself and both of my daughters in each hut.
What Does a Typical Day Look Like?
No two expeditions are exactly the same, as routes change depending on weather and sea conditions, but our days followed a similar rhythm.
We'd start the morning with breakfast onboard before setting off to explore another part of the Palawan archipelago.
Most days included three or four stops where we could swim, snorkel, play beach volleyball or relax on beautiful beaches enjoying the incredible scenery. The snorkelling was fun, we spotted turtles sting rays as well as many fish.
One of my favourite stops was a small island village with a population of around 300 people. We spent time wandering through the village, meeting local families and curious children, and learning a little about island life.
It was fascinating to see how resourceful the community was. Their kayaks, fishing equipment and many everyday items had been made from rubbish and plastic that had washed up on the beaches.
Just before sunset, we'd arrive at our island camp for the night, enjoy dinner with the group and settle in to watch another spectacular Palawan sunset. Complimentary gin, rum and beer were included each evening.
What It's Really Like Sleeping on Remote Islands
I'll admit, before the trip I was a little nervous about sleeping in a basic beach hut on a remote island.
The huts are very simple. Expect a thin mattress and a mosquito net. If you're looking for luxury accommodation, this probably isn't the trip for you.
I worried the huts would be unbearably hot, but we found them quite comfortable, temperature wise.
There is no electricity inside the huts, but there are power points in the main dining area where you can charge phones, cameras, GoPros and power banks each evening.
The shower and toilet facilities are shared and fairly basic, but we found them perfectly adequate and kept clean.
One of our favourite moments was waking up to the sound of monkeys in the trees above our hut. They were jumping from tree to tree, and the girls absolutely loved watching them - it was a pretty amazing way to start the day!
You'll stay on two different islands throughout the expedition, each with simple beach huts and shared facilities.
Falling asleep to the sound of the ocean and waking up on a tiny tropical island each morning was really beautiful and all part of the adventure.
Food on the Expedition
The food throughout the expedition was excellent and there was always plenty of it.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks were all included, and we never went hungry.
Meals were freshly prepared by the crew and usually eaten either onboard the boat. Fresh fruit, rice dishes, vegetables, seafood and local Filipino meals featured regularly on the menu.
The companies are also used to catering for different dietary requirements, so if you have allergies or follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, it's worth letting them know when booking.
As the sun set over the islands each night, the crew provided complimentary gin, rum and beer, allowing everyone to relax together after a day of snorkelling and island hopping.
3 Day Boat Trip With Kids
Before the trip, I'll admit I was a little nervous. As a solo parent travelling with my two daughters, I wasn't sure whether they would enjoy three days on a boat as much as I hoped they would. But my girls absolutely loved it.
If your kids love swimming, snorkelling, boats and outdoor adventures, there's a very good chance they'll love this trip as much as mine did.
That said, this isn't a luxury family holiday.
Facilities are basic, accommodation is simple and you'll spend a lot of time outdoors.
It's best suited to adventurous families who are happy trading resort comforts for unforgettable experiences.
During the quieter moments, they happily read books, completed crosswords and sudoku puzzles, chatted with other guests or stretched out on the top deck for a nap between stops.
Before booking, check minimum age requirements as they vary between operators.
By the end of the trip, all three of us agreed it was one of the highlights of our time in the Philippines.
What to Pack for the El Nido to Coron Expedition
Because your larger luggage is stored underneath the boat, you'll need to pack everything you'll need for the three days and two nights into a smaller day bag.
We'd recommend bringing:
Swimmers
Rash shirt or lightweight sun shirt
Sarong or quick-dry towel
Snorkelling gear (if bringing your own)
Toiletries
Pyjamas
2 lightweight outfits
Reef-safe sunscreen
Hat
Sunglasses
Reusable water bottle
Power bank, camera/GoPro
Headlamp or small torch
Medication
Dry bag
A dry bag is one item we highly recommend. It keeps phones, cameras and valuables protected during beach landings and boat transfers. However, you don't need to buy one before leaving Australia. Dry bags are sold everywhere in the Philippines and are much cheaper than buying one at home.
How Much Does the El Nido to Coron Expedition Cost?
Prices vary slightly between operators, but at the time of our trip we paid:
16,000 PHP per adult
11,000 PHP per child
Prices may have changed since our trip, so it's always worth checking the latest rates.
This included:
3 days and 2 nights accommodation
Boat transport from El Nido to Coron
Hotel pick up in El Nido
2 x Breakfast, 3 x lunch and 2 x dinner
Island visits and activities
Kayaks, snorkel gear (no fins)
Evening drinks (gin, rum and beer)
Soft drinks, tea & coffee
While it isn't the cheapest way to travel between El Nido and Coron, we thought it was excellent value.
💳 Payment Tip
We paid our deposit by transferring funds using our Wise card, and it made the process really easy. We also used the same card throughout our time in the Philippines for everyday purchases and found it a great way to pay in Philippine pesos without the high foreign transaction fees that many banks charge. If you're travelling to the Philippines, it's well worth organising one before you leave.
When is the best time to do the El Nido to Coron Expedition?
Most expeditions operate between December till May when sea conditions are generally calmer and weather is more predictable. Availability can vary between boats, so it's always worth checking directly with your chosen operator.
We travelled in March, during the dry season and had fantastic weather, calm seas and excellent snorkelling conditions.
Is the El Nido to Coron 3 Day Boat Trip Worth It?
We loved both El Nido and Coron, but the expedition between them ended up being our favourite adventure in the Philippines.
For 3 days we snorkelled coral reefs, visited remote islands, watched spectacular sunsets and experienced a side of Palawan that most visitors never get to see.
If you're trying to decide between taking the ferry or joining an expedition, we'd choose the expedition again in a heartbeat.
Planning Your Own Epic Adventure in The Philippines?
If you're planning a trip to the Philippines, you might also find these guides helpful:
Our Philippines Itinerary With Kids – our exact route through the Philippines as a family.
El Nido Travel Guide – everything you need to know before visiting El Nido.
Swimming With Sea Turtles & the Sardine Run in Moalboal – one of our favourite wildlife experiences in the Philippines.
3 Days in Moalboal – Where to stay, eat and what not to miss.
Siargao Travel Guide – The best things to do on the Philippines' famous surfing island.
Travel Insurance for the Philippines
We never travel without travel insurance.
We use World Nomads, which provides cover for a wide range of adventures and activities around the world.
As always, make sure you read the Product Disclosure Statement and choose a policy that suits your travel plans. We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
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