Planning a day out in Palawan’s Coron area? For around $50 per person, this Island Escapade Tour offers a solid mix of white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and snorkel-ready reefs. Led by knowledgeable local guides, you’ll hop between four scenic spots — Malcapuya Island, Bulog Dos, Coco Beach, and Ditaytayan Sandbar — with a buffet lunch included.

What we love about this tour is how it combines spectacular natural beauty with the chance to meet fellow travelers in a small group. The well-maintained boats and professional guides add a layer of comfort and trust. However, a potential downside is that time at each stop is limited (around 1-2 hours), which means you won’t get a full day at any one spot. Still, if you’re after authentic island hopping in a relaxed, budget-friendly setting, this tour could be just right.

This experience is best suited for adventurers who don’t mind a busy schedule and want to visit several highlights without breaking the bank. It’s also ideal if you’re curious about snorkeling, island photography, or simply basking in the sun. That said, travelers seeking luxury or extended beach time might find this a bit rushed.

Key Points

Affordable price with all entry fees and permits included
Small group size fosters interaction and personalized guidance
Multiple stunning islands offering diverse scenery and activities
Lunch included with a buffet featuring grilled meats, seafood, and fruits
Limited time at stops — around 1-2 hours per location
Shared tour may mean less flexibility but more social interaction

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary in Detail

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Malcapuya Island — The Star of the Show

Most travelers agree that Malcapuya Island is the highlight of the trip. Its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters create a postcard-perfect setting. Here, you’ll have 1 to 2 hours for swimming, sunbathing, or snorkeling. The vibrant coral reefs just offshore make it a great spot to see marine life, and the overall scenery is truly breathtaking.

Some reviews mention that Malcapuya’s natural beauty is exactly what you’d hope for: “Malcapuya island was lovely,” notes one traveler. It’s a sizable stretch of beach with enough space for everyone to relax, take photos, or wade into the shallow waters.

Bulog Dos — The Quiet Sandbar

Next, the tour visits Bulog Dos, famous for its sandbar and transparent waters. It’s considered a serene stop, perfect for relaxing and taking photos. The sandbar provides a natural platform for snaps with the water stretching out around you — a fantastic shot and a great break from more crowded spots.

A common theme in reviews is that Bulog Dos is less crowded and offers a peaceful environment. “Great photo opportunities on the sandbar,” a traveler mentions, emphasizing the unique chance to capture the rugged beauty of Coron’s waters.

Coco Beach — Laid-back and Lush

Coco Beach is known for its laid-back vibe and lush vegetation. It’s a quieter place for swimming or just chilling. Tour groups typically spend about an hour here, giving you enough time for a quick dip or to enjoy a beach picnic.

While some visitors find Coco Beach a relaxing spot, others have noted that it can feel somewhat quiet or underwhelming if you’re craving more activity. Still, it’s a nice contrast to the more busy islands and offers a chance to stretch your legs.

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Ditaytayan Sandbar — The Hidden Gem

The last stop is the Ditaytayan Sandbar, a lesser-known but equally beautiful spot. Its pristine waters and white sand make it a perfect place for swimming, walking, or just soaking up the natural beauty. It’s a great spot for photos, especially if you want to capture the untouched feel of Coron’s islands.

Some travelers mention that this sandbar is more tranquil and less crowded, giving the chance to enjoy the quiet beauty of the area.

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What to Expect on the Tour

Transportation and Timing

The tour uses a well-maintained boat suitable for island hopping, with pickup and drop-off from hotels in Coron Town Proper. The boat departs promptly at 9:00 AM, so plan to be ready early. The full trip lasts until about 5:00 PM, including the time spent at each location.

The group size ranges from 12 to 20 participants, which keeps the experience intimate but also lively. The guide, often described as friendly and attentive (e.g., Joshua), will provide basic explanations but some reviews suggest that more detailed island information is lacking.

What’s Included

Exploration of four key spots: Malcapuya Island, Bulog Dos, Coco Beach, Ditaytayan Sandbar
Buffet lunch with grilled meats, seafood, vegetables, rice, and fruits
Guided boat ride, cottage rental, life vests, and first-aid kit
All entrance fees and permits

What’s Not Included

Additional water activities like mask and snorkel sets (~PHP 200), fins, or kayaks (~PHP 1,500)
Extra meals outside the included lunch
Equipment needed for special activities

Practical Tips

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, camera, and biodegradable sunscreen — the beaches are gorgeous but delicate ecosystems. The tour advises comfortable footwear like flip-flops and a charged smartphone for photos.

Authentic Traveler Insights

Several reviews highlight both positives and negatives. One traveler praised the friendly guide but was disappointed with the lunch, describing it as poor and scarce: “They put 5 small fish and a little rice for 16 people.” Others mentioned that the long trip and limited time at each stop sometimes left them wishing for more in-depth exploration.

Conversely, some appreciate the stunning scenery and value for money: “A little corner of breathtaking paradise,” said one reviewer. The small group size fosters a friendly atmosphere, allowing for shared experiences and photos.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour for You?

If you’re looking for an affordable, well-organized day of island hopping with beautiful scenery, snorkeling opportunities, and a friendly guide, this tour offers good value. It’s especially suitable if you’re short on time or budget-conscious, yet still want to experience some of Coron’s best beaches and islands.

However, if luxury, extended beach time, or a more in-depth island experience are your priorities, you might wish to explore other options or private tours. The limited time at each stop means you won’t be able to relax for hours, but you will get a taste of Coron’s natural beauty and some excellent photo opportunities.

FAQs

How much does the tour cost?
It’s $50 per person, including boat rides, permits, a guide, and lunch. It’s a solid price for a full day of island hopping in Coron.

What is included in the price?
All entry fees, boat transportation, guided touring, cottage rental, life vests, and a buffet lunch are covered. Extras like snorkeling gear or kayaks are not included but can be rented for additional cost.

How long is the tour?
The trip runs roughly from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with around 1-2 hours spent at each island or sandbar.

Is it suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
The tour involves boat rides, walking, and some hiking, so it’s less suitable for people with mobility challenges or very young children.

Will I get enough time to snorkel or swim?
Yes, each stop provides time to swim or snorkel, especially at Malcapuya Island with its vibrant reefs—though the time is limited.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, towels, sunglasses, a camera, biodegradable sunscreen, flip-flops, and charged smartphones. Extra snacks or water are optional.

Is the lunch good?
Reviews are mixed. Some found the lunch tasty, featuring grilled meats and seafood, but others felt it was insufficient or poorly prepared.

Can I book this tour last-minute?
Tours run daily but limited availability means early booking is recommended, especially if you have specific dates in mind.

Final Word

This Coron Island Escapade Tour with Lunch is a great introduction to the area’s natural beauty. It’s a cost-effective way to see several key spots without feeling rushed, thanks to the guide and organized schedule. While the lunch and limited time may be drawbacks for some, the stunning beaches, friendly atmosphere, and scenic views make it worth considering, especially for travelers eager to capture Coron’s postcard-perfect landscapes.