The Best Time to Go to Coron, Palawan: An Unforgettable Island Weekend

By Daniella from Sampler Platter Travel – this guide to Coron contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Looking to learn about the best time to go to Coron?

If you are thinking about heading to this Filipino island, you should absolutely add it to your bucket list, as it will lead to an unforgettable weekend!

Planning a trip can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Last year, my close friend and I had the great pleasure of traveling to Coron and 5 other Filipino destinations. We thought that the overall experience of island hopping was incredibly doable no matter how many ferries, planes, and van rides we took.

Coron is a very family-friendly place with fantastic boat tours and wonderful natural attractions, perfect for beach and land lovers alike. From snorkeling and hiking to beach relaxation, there is something for everybody in Coron, and we hope that you get a little sample of everything.

On top of guiding you through the best time to visit this island, we will share a short weekend itinerary for 2 days based on the memorable trip that we had last April.

While you could certainly spend a lot of time in Coron, Sampler Platter Travel is dedicated to fast itineraries helping you prioritize things to do if you only have a short amount of time. We want to inspire you to travel even if you only have a weekend. Busy travelers, this one is for you.

Happy sampling!

Map of Coron - Click to Open Google Maps — Map of Coron – Click to Open Google Maps

When is the Best Time to Go to Coron?

The best time to visit Coron is between the months of December and February. The Philippines, including Coron, is constantly hot and humid regardless of what time of year you go. Yet, during these particular months, there tend to be cooler temperatures overall. Still, remember to pack your tank tops and shorts!

My friend and I visited in April and loved the weather. Do take this with a grain of salt, however, as we are from the Southern US where summers can get very humid! Overall, we thought that the heat was manageable, especially since the activities in Coron circle around island-hopping and swimming.

The worst time to go to Coron is during the rainy season between the months of June and October. The rainy season brings immense rainfall of up to 4.82 inches per month.

The beautiful draw of Coron is the island-hopping tours, which run into constant delays during the wet season. You could easily find yourself in a jiffy, especially if you’re only in Coron for a weekend and have limited time for your activities.

As a fast travel blog, we understand that when you only have a short amount of time in a destination, you want to reduce the risk of delays in your plans. Therefore, we highly suggest skipping the rainy season as most of your activities, ferries, and flights will get canceled. You won’t want to get stranded!

Overall, you will have a great time in the Philippines regardless of when you go (as long as it’s not between June and October).

For the best and least humid experience, we suggest going between December and February. See below for the average temperature and rainfall.

Girl snorkeling in blue waters with hills behind her — Snorkeling in Seven Commandos Marine Park

Average Weather in Coron During the Year

Month	Average Temperature	Average Rainfall
January	89 / 74 F – 32 / 23 C	51.75 mm / 2.04 inches
February	89 / 75 F – 32 / 24 C	34.65 mm / 1.36 inches
March	90 / 76 F, – 32 / 24 C	33.04 mm / 1.3 inches
April	91 / 77 F – 33 / 25 C	38.63 mm / 1.52 inches
May	90 / 77 F – 32 / 25 C	89.26 mm / 3.51 inches
June	88 / 76 F – 31 / 24 C	105.19 mm / 4.14 inches
July	86 / 76 F – 30 / 24 C	122.4 mm / 4.82 inches
August	87 / 76 F – 30 / 24 C	113.61 mm / 4.47 inches
September	87 / 75 F – 30 / 25 C	108.7 mm / 4.28 inches
October	88 / 76 F – 31 / 24 C	149.5 mm / 5.89 inches
November	89 / 76 F – 32 / 24 C	104.7 mm / 4.12 inches
December	89 / 75 F – 32 / 25 C	116.49 mm / 4.59 inches

Things to Know Before Visiting Coron

There are no sandy beaches on the mainland of Coron

This might be a surprise to those who look at Coron on a map and see a bunch of little islands a main town with hotels and restaurants.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that you can walk from your hotel to a white, sandy beach to relax for the day. The shoreline on the mainland of Coron is comprised of boat ports and fishing traffic.

On one particular day, my friend and I decided to take a long walk to Cabo Beach as photos showed nice sand and wood cabanas. We didn’t want to spend the extra money on a boat to take us to an island for the day. So, we put on our flip-flops, saw that the walk was 1.5 hours, and thought, ‘Well, what else are we doing today?’.

We got our exercise in (and the walk was incredibly beautiful), but upon arriving, we were so surprised to see that there was no sand at this beach! While there were wooden cabanas, the entry into the water was down a tiny rock cliff.

Let this story be proof that if you want to relax on a sandy beach in Coron, you’ll have to take a boat. Cabo Beach ended up being a great place to read a book, but it wasn’t the traditional beach we were hoping for.

Girl Walking Down a Dirt Road in Coron — Walking Down a Dirt Road in Coron

Make sure to have lots of cash on hand before arriving in Coron

Before you even get off the ferry in Coron, you will be taxed on an environmental fee that goes towards the conservation of the island. While it only costs a few pesos, it has to be paid in cash or coins.

As you may already know, the Philippines is a very cash-heavy country, but the ATMs are not frequently stashed. While you might want to arrive in Coron before heading to an ATM, a lot of them will be fully out.

We highly recommend grabbing your cash in another city. Some of us travelers have a rule against airport ATMs for poor conversion rates, but in the Philippines, this is the way to go! It ensures that you will receive cash and not land in a tricky situation.

Book a boat tour with your hostel or hotel

Before heading to the Philippines, we very rarely booked activities through our accommodations. We thought it would be more authentic to go through a local tour company.

However, in the Philippines and Coron, there are so many boat tour options that it can get overwhelming and come with varying degrees of safety.

We recommend taking the stress out of planning and going through your hotel or hostel as the staff knows best. These tours usually come with included transportation to the boat dock from your hostel, further taking away the headache of figuring out how to arrive at the dock for a tour that leaves early in the morning.

Blue coral reef — Beautiful Blue Coral in Coron

Day 1 – Take a Full-Day Boat Tour

In our previous blog about 2 Days in El Nido, we discussed how wonderful it is that El Nido has streamlined its boat tours, labeling them A, B, C, and D with generally the same prices and attractions regardless of the tour operator.

Unfortunately, Coron has made it a bit more difficult for visitors, as there are tons of boat tours to choose from. We suggest taking the following criteria into account when selecting a tour:

Tour Highlights: Take a look at the highlights of each tour (outlined below) to determine what you are most interested in. Beach lovers will enjoy the Coron Island Escapade while adventurous travelers may gravitate towards the Reef and Wrecks Tour.

Activities: Some tours focus more on beach relaxation and swimming while others have opportunities for diving, kayaking, and cave exploration.

Crowds: Do you prefer visiting popular tourist spots or secluded destinations with fewer crowds? The Coron Island Ultimate Tour includes well-known charms that attract tons of visitors, while the Reefs and Wrecks Tour is quieter.

Duration and Schedule: While most boat tours are full-day trips, there are a few that last half a day.

Budget: Most hostels and hotels have pricing sheets that are kept up to date regarding all of the boat tour options. Budget travelers can weigh the price, as some tours are significantly more expensive than others. Keep in mind that some companies do not cover everything, and an additional fee is added for entrance fees, snorkeling gear, or meals.

Because this next section on the most popular boat tours in Coron might get overwhelming, here are the top 5 things to see in Coron which are only accessible by boat tour. If any of them tickle you, make sure to find a trip that encapsulates your location interests!

Coron limestone cliffs and a boat mast — Coron’s Limestone Cliffs

Top 5 Coron Highlights Only Accessible By Boat

Kayangan Lake: This is known as the cleanest lake in the Philippines, famous for its crystal-clear waters surrounded by cliffs. Visitors can hike up a viewing platform for panoramic views of the lake and swim around the incredibly warm water. It is even possible to see the dark bottom of the lake.

Twin Lagoon: This unique natural wonder features two lagoons separated by a narrow strip through a cliff wall. You can rent a kayak and paddle around or just swim to your heart’s content. If taking a kayak, do note that it is a bit difficult to pass the boat between the two lagoons thanks to the tight passageway.

Barracuda Lake: This lake is known for its incredible underwater landscape where warm surface water meets colder water in the depths. This lake is perfect for snorkelers and divers looking to come face to face with marine life and, if lucky, a barracuda.

Reef and Wreck Diving Sites: Coron is famous for having WWII Japanese shipwrecks, some of the most popular diving sites in the area. Skeleton Wreck, one of the more popular options, is not entirely preserved, but the hull of the boat is still visible poking out of the depths of the ocean.

Malcapuya Island: Two hours by boat from Coron, Malcapuya Island had beautiful white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. This is a great spot for people who want to read a book and relax on the sand. It is an incredibly tranquil experience.

Who Are the Coron Boat Tours Best For?

Coron Island Ultimate Tour	Coron Island Escapade Tour
First-time visitors looking to see the most iconic attractions in the areaSuitable for all agesOffers activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and is well-rounded	Beach lovers looking for a more relaxed experienceTravelers who want to lounge, swim, and have a great lunchPerfect for couples
Reefs and Wrecks Tour	Malcapuya Island Hopping Tour
Adventure seekers, snorkelers, and diversThose who want to explore marine life and coral reefsTravelers interested in WWII shipwrecksBetter for experienced snorkelers	Travelers who want a more exclusive and secluded beach experiencePerfect for hidden gems and great islandsLoved by photographers and nature lovers

Top Experiences in Coron

Day 2 – Hiking, Relaxing in a Hot Spring, & Exploring the Town of Coron

Today is (mostly) about recovering from yesterday’s boat tour, although there will be some blood-pumping activities included.

Hike Up Mount Tapyas

Start your day with a hard but rewarding hike up Mount Tapyas. The earlier you leave the better, as this hike is not for the faint of heart! While you will get amazing views of Coron if you reach the top, you do have to climb over 700 steps to get there. With very little sun cover, remember to pack water for the hike.

Mount Tapyas is a very convenient hike as the trailhead is located incredibly close to the center of the town. It is also a free activity, making it a great way to elevate your heart rate in the morning. The uphill part of the hike takes around half an hour to complete – although it may be longer if you don’t like stairs!

Once at the top, you are greeted by the Coron sign, the Philippines’ own Hollywood sign, as well as a massive cross and sweeping views of the ocean.

Maquinit Hot Springs

Once you are winded from hiking up Mount Tapyas, take a tricycle to the Maquinit Hot Springs, located about 20 minutes from the center of Coron. It is a great place to relax and recover from the hike. Legend has it that the Maquinit Hot Springs is one of the only saltwater springs in the Philippines.

The hot springs are not an understatement – the water temperature averages 102 to 104 F (39 to 40 C). It is worth a visit to bring a book, some food, and relax, even if you aren’t excited about dipping in the water.

Maquinit Hot Springs costs 200 pesos, which is worth the price for a place to hang out, especially as Coron does not have many tranquil beaches on the mainland. Plus, there’s nothing like saltwater to cure your bones after the boat tour from the previous day.

Jungle path with palm trees and shrubbery — Forest Walk to Maquinit Hot Springs

Check Out Coron’s Restaurant Scene

Coron has an incredibly lively center area that has a bunch of cafes and restaurants. Locals and tourists alike are out and about enjoying the cooler weather that comes with nightfall.

Our favorite way to find a restaurant is to walk around Real Street and see what spots are busy. If you are looking for somewhere to stay out relatively late, this is the street to go.

We adored eating at a collection of different restaurants within a little alley. With one general seating area, you can order food from various places. While I don’t know the official name of this restaurant conglomerate, the best way to find this place is to go to the location of BrewHouse.

We also had a great time eating at Inasal Eats Co. They have fantastic BBQ, great rice, and their sauces are to die for.

Other Cities to Explore in The Philippines

Moalboal

Perfect for backpackers, adventurers, and snorkelers

Bohol

Perfect for couples, families, and jungle explorers

El Nido

Perfect for young people, beach lovers, and social butterflies

Where to Stay in Coron

We recommend staying in the general central area of Coron to avoid the headache of having to commute everywhere. This is helpful for staying near restaurants and the boat dock.

Budget Option 1	AvisalaHostel (where we stayed)	Great for young backpackers who want a homey and clean place to stayNot a social place, so this is not the accommodation for partiers or individuals looking to make long-lasting friendsGreat breakfast
Budget Option 2	Outpost Hostel (we stayed in the El Nido location)	Super fun and social Beautiful location with rooftop pool Perfect for incredibly social young travelers
Budget Option 3	Footprints Hostel	Amazing location in the heart of Coron townFun and funky vibe with colorful roomsHelps organize tours
Mid-Range Option	DK’s Inn	Located an 8-minute walk from the center of townFantastic terrace and private roomsOn-site coffee shop
Luxury Option	Corto del Mar Hotel	Beautiful resort garden and poolElegant restaurant optionGreat for quieter couples and older travelers

Cool marine life in Coron — Beautiful Coral Reef in Coron

How to Get Around Coron

The two easiest ways to get around the town of Coron are by foot and by tricycle.

If you are staying in the central area around the restaurants, you will have no trouble walking around. Even the boat port where most of the tours depart from is within walking distance. Walking is a great way to explore the smaller streets of Coron and get to know the town.

However, to get to the airport as well as the ferry terminal, you will have to take a tricycle as they are located further out.

The airport is about 30 to 45 minutes from the town of Coron, so a van may be more suitable, especially with luggage.

Most hostels and accommodations have reserved shuttles to the airport and ferry terminal, as well as included vans for your boat tours.

How to Get to Coron

There are 2 easy ways to get to Coron, depending on where you are traveling from.

Fly to Busuanga Airport: The nearest airport to Coron is Francisco Reyes Airport, also known as Busuanga Airport. While it is a one-terminal airport with two gates, there are still quite a few flights arriving and departing from Busuanga, connecting Coron with the major cities of Cebu City and Manila. If you are flying in from Manila, the flight is only 1 hour long!

Once you have arrived at the airport, the town of Coron is a 30 to 45-minute tricycle or van ride away.

Ferry to the Coron Ferry Port: If you are arriving in Coron from a closer location in Palawan such as El Nido or Puerto Princesa, the easiest way to travel is via ferry. The ferry ride from El Nido takes an average of 3.5 hours, although delays are frequent.

Apart from delays, the ferry is a convenient way to travel from El Nido to Coron, especially if you aren’t in a time crunch.

For budget travelers who have a lot more time to kill, you can take a ferry from Puerto Princesa to Coron, a trip that takes around 7 to 9 hours. The ferry will be cheaper than flights, but make sure you’re okay with sailing for that long!

Girl going snorkeling in Coron ocean — Snorkeling in Coron!

FAQs About Coron

What month is best for Coron?

December through February are the absolute best months to visit Coron. This is when the temperatures are slightly cooler (hovering around 89 / 75 F – 32 / 25 C). This may not seem very cool, but compared to the summer months in the Philippines, it certainly is! These months are also far less humid than the rest of the year, and there is little to no rainfall. Your chances of a boat tour, ferry, or plane ride getting canceled are slim to none during this time of year.

How many days in Coron is enough?

We found that 2 days was a perfect amount of time to explore Coron – it gives you one full day for a boat tour and another full day to explore the town and mainland area.

Of course, if you are a slower traveler and want to take more time, there are a lot of opportunities such as taking another boat tour or a day trip to explore the rest of the island.

It is hard to run out of things to do in Coron if you want to stay longer, but if you are tight on time, you will find that 2 days is perfect to get a good taste for the area.

How to travel to Coron?

The two easiest ways to travel to Coron are by ferry or plane. The Busuanga Airport, which is closest to the town, is super convenient. Even though the airport is tiny, there are quite a few flight options departing to the larger cities of Manila and Cebu City. This is the recommended option if you are coming to Coron from a further location.

The second option is to take a ferry, perfect for travelers arriving from El Nido or Puerto Princesa. The ferry from El Nido only takes 3.5 hours while it takes 7 to 9 hours from Puerto Princesa. It can be a long ride but is a great option for budget travelers trying to save every penny.

We hope you enjoyed this guide on the best time to go to Coron and what to do for an unforgettable weekend. Whether you want to hit all of the restaurants, take a boat tour, or relax in your hotel, Coron has something for everyone and is a must-see in the Philippines.

Don’t forget to check out Moalboal, Bohol, El Nido, and the rest of beautiful Asia.

Happy Sampling!