Steal my ultimate 3 Day Coron Itinerary: Island Hoping, Hiking, Diving and more!

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If you’re planning a 3 day Coron itinerary, you’re likely coming for two things: island hopping and diving. Coron is known for its limestone cliffs, bright blue lagoons, and some of the best wreck diving in the Philippines.

I’ll be honest – my experience in Coron was mixed, but it definitely GREW on me.

On paper, it felt like it would be the highlight of my trip. But once I arrived, the town itself felt chaotic and disconnected from the water. You’re surrounded by the ocean, but without easy access to it, which felt surprisingly limiting. Combined with less polished streets and a few uncomfortable moments at night, I didn’t love the town itself.

That said, the experiences were incredible.

This Coron, Philippines itinerary breaks down exactly how to spend 3 days in Coron, including the best things to do in Coron, Palawan, what’s worth it, and how to structure your days so you don’t burn out.

Day 1: Arrival + Mt. Tapyas Sunset

Keep your first day light and get acquainted with the town. There’s not a ton to do during the day if you missed the morning tours, so I recommend arriving in the early afternoon.

In the evening, head up Mount Tapyas for sunset. It’s over 700 steps, but the panoramic views over Coron Bay are worth it. I recommend going just before sunset; it can get a bit crowded, but there is plenty of space up top.

Make sure you bring water!! There are some cafes at the entrance where you can buy from too.

This is one of the best things to do in Coron, Palawan – and it’s best done on your first day, since you won’t be able to hike after diving.

How to get there: It’s a fairly easy and short walk from downtown. If you’re staying near the town, just walk. Tuk-tuks are always an option – anticipate about 400 PHP round trip from town.

Day 2: Scuba Diving in Coron

If diving is even remotely on your radar, make it a priority here.

Coron diving in the Philippines is world-class, especially known for its WWII shipwrecks.

Diving here was one of the highlights of my entire trip. I personally went with Reggae Divers, but I would recommend any PADI 5 Star Dive Center.

If you aren’t certified in scuba diving, you can book a Discover Scuba Expedition. Know that you need to be relatively healthy to participate in scuba – for your own safety, as this is a high-risk activity.

I hadn’t been diving in about 13 months, so I chose to stick with open water dives instead of going straight into deeper wreck penetrations – and it was still incredible.

We did three dives:

The first two were shallow wreck dives
The third dive was more reef-focused

On both the first and third dives, I saw my first-ever seahorses!!

This has been a bucket list experience since I started diving, so I couldn’t have been happier. This was one of those moments that make a trip unforgettable.

To get to the deeper wrecks, you will need your advanced open water certification. However, just doing the “open water” dives was still well worth it!

🚨 Important Reminders:
After diving, there are important safety guidelines to follow. You should avoid activities like hiking or hot springs immediately after diving, as well as flying too soon.

Wait at least 18–24 hours before flying after diving
Avoiding strenuous activity the same day after diving
Staying well hydrated and allowing your body time to recover

Plan to spend the rest of your dive day resting, eating, and recovering.

Day 3: Super Ultimate Island Hopping Tour

No Coron travel guide is complete without island hopping!

The Coron island hopping Super Ultimate Tour includes the most iconic stops:

Kayangan Lake
Twin Lagoon
Barracuda Lake
Snorkeling reefs + beach lunch

This is the best tour for your 3 day Coron Itinerary!

This is a long, hot, and physically demanding day – but it’s also the most visually stunning.

👉 Read my full breakdown: Super Ultimate Tour Review (Is It Worth It? – coming soon!)
👉 Book your Coron island hopping tour here

Do this the day after your dive day. You’ll be in the sun all day, and it can leave you exhausted.

Optional: Maquinit Hot Springs

If you still have energy, you can visit Maquinit Hot Springs!

WOW, I truly enjoyed this place. It’s one of the only places in the world you can find saltwater hot springs – and boy, am I a sucker for hot springs!

Although I love the sunshine and heat, it’s kind of a bummer that it’s SO hot here, because this would be a great activity during the day.

That being said, it’s most popular in the early evening (I can only imagine the vibes). I personally went early in the morning when they opened, as I was too tired from daytime activities.

They are open 8am- 8pm with last entry at 7pm. Entrance fee is 300 PHP.

You should have time after the super ultimate tour to head here, but if you’re not feeling up for it – try to fit it in the next morning before you head out.

There weren’t many people there, but I met some lovely Filipinos who were fascinated to meet a solo American traveler. We had a blast taking photos!

How to get there: A tuk-tuk is 700 PHP round trip (they will wait for you). I was able to bargain to 500 PHP as I only stayed for an hour, and I was solo. It will take about 20 minutes from downtown. This is NOT an easy walk, so you will have to take public transport unless you’re renting your own scooter.

You can also book a tour from your accommodation to the hot springs with 90 minutes of soak time, here.

Where to Eat in Coron

If you’re looking for the best food in Coron, this was my favorite spot: El Kuvo

I went multiple times – which says everything. You should book reservations for dinner, especially if you’re more than 1-2 people

I highly recommend:

Chicken inasal kebab
Ube smoothie
Creative desserts

I was excited to try their fresh fish, but they didn’t have any available during my visits.

Still, this was one of the most memorable meals I had in the Philippines.

Other great options:

Gavin’s Kitchen + Bar – Western food. Good, but not amazing, and often busy
Inasal Eats Co. – Also in El Nido, reliable and consistent
Om’s Thai – The pad thai was really good and based on a Chiang Mai family recipe

Also, don’t skip the small local bakeries – some of the cheapest and best low-key food in Coron.

Where to Stay in Coron

Local houses on the water, right downtown

Where you stay can really impact your experience in Coron.

I stayed in:

Kaiz’s Hostel – quieter and more relaxed
A Casa Portuguesa Boutique Hostel – slightly more social and lively

Both hostels were good, but neither came with toiletries like shampoo/soap, which was a little disappointing. They are right next to each other, and are located on a quiet street down the road from ‘downtown’.

If I went back, I would try to stay at:

Hop Hostel – one of the most popular hostels with strong social events (but books out quickly and often requires a 2-night stay)

If you prefer private rooms or hotels, these are some of the best places to stay in Coron:

The Funny Lion – boutique stay with great service
Two Seasons Coron Bayside Hotel – modern with waterfront views
Zuri Resort – known for its infinity pool

👉 Check hotel availability in Coron here

Best Time to Visit Coron, Philippines

The best time to visit Coron is during the dry season from November to May.

December to March is the best overall:

Comfortable temperatures
Clear water
Ideal for diving and tours

I visited at the end of March, and conditions were perfect.

April to May is the hottest time of year, while June to October brings more rain and less predictable conditions.

How to Get to Coron

Lounging on the local ferry between Coron and El Nido
Walking up to the ferry

The easiest way to get to Coron is by flying into Francisco B. Reyes Airport (USU).

From there, it’s about a 30–45 minute van transfer to town. If your hotel does not offer private pickup, you can take a shared van for 250 PHP per person. This does not need to be booked in advance, and the fare is standard, not negotiated. When you arrive, there will be staff there to guide you to the right place.

I personally flew from Cebu, and it was one of the easiest travel days of my trip. The flight is about one hour, and I found both airports easy to navigate.

🚨 Important Note: It’s also worth mentioning that starting March 29, 2026 – turboprop flights will no longer operate out of Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport. These flights are being moved to Clark International Airport, which means flying to Coron directly from Manila will no longer be possible. Instead, you’ll need to fly from Clark, Cebu, or El Nido.

You can also travel between El Nido and Coron by ferry, which is a common option if you’re moving between the two.

I booked my ticket online, and it ended up being cheaper than what my hostel was quoting. You’ll need to arrive about an hour before departure, and getting there is easy – a tuk tuk costs around 150 PHP and will drop you off at the office where you pick up your ticket.

I recommend booking at least 2 days in advance. I tried to book the night before, and it was already sold out!

While the ferry is advertised as a 3.5-hour ride, it realistically takes closer to 5 to 5.5 hours, so plan your day accordingly.

If you want to turn the journey into part of the experience, there’s also a more unique option:

👉 3-Day Island Hopping Expedition from El Nido to Coron

This takes you through remote islands with overnight stays and is one of the most memorable ways to travel between the two destinations.

This includes remote islands, overnight stays, and a more unique travel experience.

Planning the Rest of Your Philippines Trip

If you’re building out your itinerary, these will help:

👉 El Nido vs Coron: Which Should You Visit?

👉 3 Day El Nido Itinerary: Beaches, Island Hopping + Travel Guide (coming soon)

👉 Ultimate 2 week Philippines Itinerary: Best for Epic Activities and Relaxation

👉 2 Day Moalboal Itinerary: Sardines, Canyoning, and the Perfect Cebu Side Trip

FAQs About 3 Day Coron Itinerary

Is 3 days in Coron enough?
Yes, 3 days is enough to experience diving, island hopping, and the main highlights.

Is Coron or El Nido better?
Coron is better for diving and lagoons, while El Nido has better beaches and town atmosphere.

Is Coron expensive?
Coron is moderately priced, but tours and diving can add up.

What else is there to do in Coron?

There ARE other tours available. If you want to spend multiple days here, you can skip the super ultimate tour and break it down into shorter days and more trips.

You can also see the fireflies at night. Tours run from 6pm – midnighta nd are good all year round.

Is Coron Worth Visiting?

Over the 3-4 days I spent on Coron, it grew on me. Although you’re not going to get the same town vibes as in El Nido, or even Moalboal, Coron has plenty of activities to keep you busy!

So my honest take?

If you’re coming for diving, lagoons, and unique island landscapes, Coron is absolutely worth visiting.

If you care more about beaches, walkability, and overall town atmosphere, you may prefer El Nido.

For me, the town itself wasn’t my favorite. But the experiences – especially diving and island hopping – mostly made up for it.

Hi, I’m Amber —

A Michigan native now living in Washington with a deep love for travel and the outdoors. What started with church mission trips and years of traveling across the U.S. as a nurse has grown into a passion for exploring destinations across Asia and America through hiking, scenic landscapes, local food, wildlife encounters, and underwater adventures. Sometimes I’m joined by my goldendoodle, Millie, but I’m always traveling with my camera. My goal is to help you feel inspired and confident that travel is possible — no matter where you’re starting from.