The Ultimate Boat Trip: Coron to El Nido with Big Dream Boatman
Why Take the Long Way?
Travelling through the Philippines means embracing life by boat. With over 7,600 islands, ferrying between places isn’t just common — it’s essential. Island Hopping from Coron to El Nido (or the reverse) can also be an adventure.
Most people choose between a 40-minute flight or a 3.5-hour fast ferry to get from Coron to El Nido. But there’s another, far more adventurous option: a four-day, three-night expedition-style boat trip. This is our Island Hopping adventure with Big Dream Boatman review.
This isn’t a transfer. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime journey through remote islands, deserted beaches, and crystal-clear waters. For us, it became the highlight of our five-week Southeast Asia adventure.
Why Choose Big Dream Boatman?
We discovered Big Dream Boatman (BDBM) while researching ways to travel from Coron to El Nido. Their reputation stood out — not just for safety and professionalism, but for creating a real sense of community on board. With trips booking out months in advance, we secured our places five months ahead.
Each BDBM boat carries about 20 guests and 10 crew, operating under different colour-coded teams. We joined the “Brown Team” — and from the moment we stepped aboard, the crew made us feel like family.
We came across Big Dream Boatman by chance while researching how to get to El Nido. Who’d have thought you could get a slow boat, spending between 3 or 4 days travelling, but sleeping in camp sites along the way?!
Today there are a number of companies that organise this, but the best one’s include:
We chose Big Dream Boatman (BDBM) based on the reviews. And oh, what an adventure we had!
The Adventure Begins
After a last-minute confirmation that the coast guard had lifted the weather red alert, a pre-trip briefing and we boarded the bangka — a traditional outrigger boat — and pushed off from Coron Port just after 10am. Our Island Hopping adventure from Coron to El Nido had begun!
Our days followed a loose but reliable rhythm:
- Wake up with the sun and enjoy a hearty breakfast
- Depart for the first island of the day
- Snorkel over vibrant reefs, paddleboard along the shore, or kayak in turquoise lagoons
- Eat lunch on board, always freshly prepared
- Spend the afternoon on another island — swimming, playing volleyball, sipping cocktails, or just soaking it all in
- Cruise to a remote beach where our bamboo hut accommodation awaited
- Watch the sunset, share stories, eat dinner together, and stargaze late into the night
Sleeping by the sea under a mosquito net, the only sounds were waves lapping and laughter drifting across the sand.
Not Your Average Island Hopping Tour
This isn’t a luxury cruise, and it’s definitely not glamping. It’s something in between — rustic, raw, and all the more special for it.
Beds are basic (one was so narrow we slept head-to-toe!), power is limited but adequate, and showers are replaced by sea dips. Don’t expect air-conditioning or turndown service. But do expect:
- Genuine connection with fellow travellers (we were the oldest by far, but that didn’t matter)
- A crew who go above and beyond, especially with my wife, who was recovering from an injury
- Unlimited booze (yes, we ran out of San Miguel Pilsen once, but it added to the fun!)
- Delicious, plentiful meals — hats off to Chef Raymond who cooked everything on the boat and got it ashore by kayak!
Unexpected Moments & Minor Hiccups
No trip is perfect, and there were a few moments worth noting:
- One night we were serenaded — not by nature, but by a loud karaoke party from a neighbouring island. While fun initially, it dragged on far too long and disrupted the group’s final evening together.
- Some nights, other tour groups shared our camp, and we could feel the intimacy of the experience slipping. As BDBM grows (they’re planning 20 boats by 2026), we hope they retain the magic that made our trip feel so unique.
The Route & Highlights
Though we technically only travelled around 150km from Coron Town to Palawan Island, the journey felt far more expansive. Our overnight “Base Camps” were at Coco Beach, Old Balinben and L.T.C (the least special). Our stops included:
- Day One: CYC Beach, Atuaya Reef, Banana Island
- Day Two: Ditaytayan Sand Bar, Araw Beach, Inapopuan Reef
- Day Three: Turtle Spot, Bulawit Local Village, Cobra Island, Cagdamao Island
- Day Four: Calibababongan Island
We passed by Darocotan Island just before we landed, where we got to stay at Dryft a few days later.
Our final stop was actually San Fernando Port, northeast of El Nido, which meant we all got to travel by a pimped up Jeepney.
Each beach offered something different:
- Calm bays with gentle snorkelling
- Dramatic limestone cliffs
- Wild, empty stretches of sand
- Jungle-backed coves with hammocks and cold beers, served by the ever-present Lindon!
We paddled through mangroves, looked out for reef sharks in the shallows, and floated under blazing sunsets. One evening, the entire group stood silently on the beach, phones forgotten, just watching the sky burn pink and orange.
Final Thoughts
If you want a fast and easy way to get from Coron to El Nido — take the plane. If you want an unforgettable adventure where the journey is the destination — sail with Big Dream Boatman.
You’ll come away sun-kissed, salt-sprayed, and soul-fed. And maybe, like us, you’ll leave with a few new friends and memories that linger far longer than the tan.
Tips for Future Travellers:
- Book early — trips sell out months ahead
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a dry bag, and insect repellent
- Charge your drone and GoPro whenever you can — there are only a few power points per island
- Be ready to unplug — Wi-Fi disappears after day one
- Embrace the discomfort — the magic lies in the rawness
Sunsets, snorkels, campfires, and connections — this really is the ultimate boat trip.
Asian Travel Tips
If you are looking for tips on how best to travel around Southeast Asia, take a look at this blog:
- Packing tips
- Local Transport options
- Local customs
- Off-the-beaten-path destinations
- How to stay connected
We love travelling in this part of the world and enjoyed a fabulous hiking holiday in Sapa, Vietnam. We were also fortunate to spend two nights drifting around Halong Bay.
