How long is the boat trip from Coron to El Nido?
The fast ferries take about 3 hours 30 minutes, with Philmal marginally longer at 3 hours 40. Atienza also sells a longer crossing on the same route taking around 8 hours, including an overnight sailing from Coron. Check the crossing time on the sailing you book, because both appear in the same list of results.
Which ferry companies sail between El Nido and Coron?
Four: Montenegro Shipping Lines, Atienza InterIsland Ferries, Jomalia Shipping and Philmal Fast Ferry. Jomalia and Atienza run the most departures, Montenegro and Philmal 1 each per direction per day. Many older guides list only 3 and leave out Atienza.
What time does the Montenegro ferry leave El Nido?
Montenegro Shipping Lines sails once a day in each direction. It leaves El Nido around midday and reaches Coron mid-afternoon, and southbound it leaves Coron at 06:00 and arrives in El Nido around 09:30. Because there is only one sailing, a cancellation means changing company rather than catching a later Montenegro boat.
Why is one ferry so much cheaper than the others?
Because it is the slow boat. Atienza's Economy fare, from about PHP 1,340, is the lowest on the route and the crossing takes roughly 8 hours instead of 3.5. It is good value if an overnight passage suits you and a poor surprise if you expected to be ashore by lunchtime.
Is there an overnight ferry between Coron and El Nido?
Yes. Atienza InterIsland Ferries runs a sailing that leaves Coron at 21:00 and arrives in El Nido around 05:00, in Economy and Premium Class. It saves a night's accommodation, which is why some travellers choose it deliberately rather than by accident.
How much does the El Nido to Coron ferry cost?
Fast ferry seats generally run from about PHP 2,000 to PHP 2,800 one way. The 8-hour crossing starts lower, from around PHP 1,340, and Premium Class on the long boat can reach PHP 5,000. Booking platforms price this route in dollars, so peso figures are converted at roughly PHP 64 to the dollar and move with date and demand.
Should I book the ferry in advance or at the pier?
Book ahead. Each boat carries a fixed number of seats, roughly 130 to 200 on the fast craft, and sells no standing tickets. In the dry season, around Holy Week and over the Christmas period they fill days in advance, and Montenegro and Philmal each run only 1 sailing a day per direction. Booking ahead also lets you choose the crossing time instead of taking whatever is left.
What happens if the ferry is cancelled because of weather?
Crossings are suspended when the coastguard judges conditions unsafe, which happens regularly in the amihan months. Rebooking or refund terms are set by the company you booked with, so keep your booking reference and contact them rather than the pier. Nobody can overrule a weather cancellation.
Which is better, the air-conditioned cabin or the open-air deck?
Jomalia is the one operator selling both. The enclosed cabin is cooler and quieter; the open-air deck gives you moving air and a horizon to look at, which is the single most effective thing against seasickness. If the swell worries you more than the sun does, take the deck.
Do the ferries get rough?
They can. The route crosses open water and the fast craft move about even on a reasonable day. Seats low down and near the middle of the boat are steadiest. If you are prone to motion sickness, take something before boarding rather than once you feel it, and stay where you can see outside.
How much luggage can I take on the ferry?
Each company sets its own allowance, generally 2 pieces per passenger, with larger bags loaded at the pier rather than carried to your seat. Keep your passport, phone, money and anything fragile in a small bag you hold. Oversized or extra bags may be charged at check-in.
Where do the ferries leave from in each town?
All four companies use El Nido Ferry Terminal, at the town dock on Serena Street, and Coron Port in Coron town proper. One thing to check at the Coron end: Coron Port and Coron Pier are two separate landings about 300 metres apart, and different sailings use different ones, so read the pier named on your ticket. A terminal fee is collected in cash at the gate, separately from the fare.
How early should I get to the pier?
Be there 60 minutes before departure. Check-in closes 30 minutes before the boat leaves, so the last half hour is not yours to use. The early sailings out of Coron, between 06:00 and 08:20, are the ones people cut fine, and a missed fast ferry here often costs the whole day.
Can I fly between El Nido and Coron instead?
There are. Cebgo flies El Nido to Busuanga daily in about 40 minutes and AirSWIFT links both towns to Manila, but fares run several times the ferry price and Busuanga airport is about an hour from Coron town. For most travellers the fast ferry is still the practical choice.
How early do I need to be at the pier?
Be at the terminal 60 minutes before departure, and note that check-in closes 30 minutes before the boat leaves rather than at departure. Turning up inside that last half hour can mean being refused boarding with a valid ticket. Boarding is called by sailing rather than by company, so listen for the boat name.
Can I fly between El Nido and Coron instead of sailing?
Yes. Cebgo flies El Nido to Busuanga daily in about 40 minutes, and AirSWIFT connects both towns with Manila. The flight is several times the ferry fare, and Busuanga airport is about an hour from Coron town, so the real time saved is smaller than it first looks. Seats are limited and sell out, so a flight is not a dependable backup if a sailing is cancelled.
