3-day snorkeling: El Nido to Coron, private expedition

Three days island-hopping between El Nido and Coron, snorkeling at coral reefs and secluded beaches with nights in beach huts.

A private 3-day snorkeling expedition from El Nido to Coron takes you through remote Palawan islands (Linapacan, Cobra Island and Ditaytayan) with beach hut accommodation, all meals, snorkel gear and an English-speaking guide. The itinerary moves between islands each day, so you're never anchored to one spot. Nights are spent in basic beach huts with mattress and pillow. Vegetarian, vegan and pescatarian meals are available, and children from age 1 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Explore Linapacan's pristine beaches

• Visit Sabang Beach for swimming
• Relax and snorkel at Talking Beach
• Swim and snorkel at Kalibangbangan Island
• Snorkel and relax at Novotak Island

Day 2: Discover Cobra Island and surroundings

• Snorkel and swim at Cobra Island
• Relax and snorkel at Kala Kala Island
• Explore coral reefs at Cagdanao Island
• Swim and snorkel at Balen Ben Island

Day 3: Visit Ditaytayan Island and Arawa Beach

• Relax and swim at Arawa Beach
• Visit Ditaytayan Sandbar for swimming

The experience

You arrive in El Nido with a free afternoon or morning, and the expedition departs when you're ready to leave the main town. The route heads first to Linapacan, where you snorkel at Sabang Beach, Talking Beach, Kalibangbangan Island and Novotak Island: each stop chosen for clear water and coral reefs. The first night lands you in a beach hut on the sand, with water provided and all meals cooked for the group.

Day two moves to Cobra Island and its cluster of smaller islands: Kala Kala, Cagdanao and Balen Ben. Each has its own coral and marine life, so you're snorkeling in different water each time you jump in. The second night is another beach hut, this time on Cobra Island. By the third day you're heading toward Coron, stopping at Arawa Beach in Culion and the Ditaytayan Sandbar: a narrow strip of white sand that appears at low tide, surrounded by clear water on both sides.

Snorkel gear is provided for all three days, and the guide speaks English and knows which islands have the best visibility and the most active reefs. Meals are full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) with options for vegetarian, vegan or pescatarian diets. The beach huts are basic: a roof, a mattress, a pillow and a place to sleep, not a resort. You're paying for the islands and the access, not the accommodation luxury.

What’s included

• Beach hut accommodation for two nights with mattress and pillow.
• snorkel gear for all three days.
• all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) with vegetarian, vegan and pescatarian options.
• drinking water.
• all fees and taxes.
• alcoholic drinks and beverages.
• English-speaking guide for the full expedition.
• pickup included.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

AgesAdult (7 and older) · Child (4 to 6 years) · Infant (1 to 3 years): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by El Nido Adventure Tours

Is this one for you?The three-day span is what fits the full route from El Nido to Coron without rushing the islands. A 2-day version would skip Cobra Island, and a 5-day would add more time on each island rather than covering more ground. Book this length if you want to see the range of reefs and islands between the two towns in a single trip.

Traveler reviews

4.50★★★★★★★★★★

20 verified traveler reviews

5 ★16

4 ★2

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★2

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 6 years); Infant (1 to 3 years): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the water like for snorkeling on this route?

The islands between El Nido and Coron (Linapacan, Cobra Island and Ditaytayan) are chosen for clear water and vibrant coral reefs with abundant marine life. Visibility is best in the dry season, and each island has different reef systems, so you're seeing different underwater ecosystems across the three days.

Do I need my own snorkel gear or is it provided?

Snorkel gear is included for all three days. You don't need to bring your own. The guide provides masks, fins and snorkels for each stop.

What are the beach huts like, and what's included in them?

Beach huts are basic accommodation right on the sand with a mattress, pillow and sleeping accessories. Water is provided. They're not hotels. They're a place to sleep between snorkeling days, and the trade-off is that you're waking up on the island instead of commuting from a town.

Are meals included, and can you handle dietary restrictions?

All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) are included for the three days. The operator caters to vegetarian, vegan and pescatarian diets. Let them know your preference when you book.

Is a guide included, and what language do they speak?

A live English-speaking guide is included for the entire expedition. They navigate between islands, know the best snorkeling spots and handle the logistics of moving between beach huts each night.