Planning our trip from El Nido to Coron we found it very difficult to find all the operators (and the Coron to El Nido ferry).
Here is the most current information about El Nido – Coron ferries (as of March 2019).
El Nido to Coron / Coron to El Nido Ferry Operators
So, we did a round up and found there is currently 5 2 ferry operators who sail between El Nido and Coron.
Montenegro Shipping Lines (a fast ferry) and Phimal Fast Ferry, Bunso Ferry, Jessabel Ferry and MV May Lillies are the only passenger ferries in operation right now.
Note the ferry times in the photo are not accurate. Check the blog post for current times
Montenegro Shipping Lines
We read you can usually you can book your ferry tickets a day or two in advance. This was confirmed by the lady working for Montenegro Lines.
However, we tried booking the day prior and were surprised to find the ferry was sold out.
As we discovered as we sourced alternatives, at the time Montenegro Ferry was the only operator sailing. So it’s not surprising it sells out.
Montenegro Ferry only has capacity for 100 passengers, so book in early or online here if you can’t wait for a few days.
The ferry journey takes 3.5 hours (usually at least 4 hours).
Tip: make sure you have 20 PHP cash on you for the port fee.
Where to book?
You can book Montenegro Ferry tickets in El Nido from any tour operator or directly from the office at this location: https://goo.gl/maps/RQhYcMVKDqN2
In Coron book tickets from the Montenegro Ferry office here: https://goo.gl/maps/oPS3AcvWJaN2
Phimal Fast Ferry
The other boat from El Nido to Coron is operated by Phimal Fast Ferry.
Despite the name, it’s not really any faster than Montenegro Ferry.
We caught the Phimal Fast Ferry from El Nido to Coron and would recommend their service.
I mean, the boat was absolutely packed to the rafters but this was because no ferries had run from El Nido for days.
You can book Phimal Fast Ferry tickets from any operator in town for the same price (no commission).
El Nido to Coron Ferry Schedule & Prices
In March 2019, there is now to passenger ferries in operation.
For completeness, we’ll list the other usual alternatives and keep this updated as the ships are back in service.
Fast Ferry from El Nido
Phimal Fast Ferry – Reopened end of October 2018 – departs 7:30am daily
Montenegro Shipping Lines – El Nido to Coron ferry departs 6am daily.
Ferries from El Nido to Coron
The regular El Nido to Coron ferry takes 5 – 9 hours(!). Jessabel Ferry is the only regular ferry tour still operating.
Bunso Ferry – *** As of October 2018 Bunso Ferry no longer operates (Source: we spoke with the owner) ***
Jessabel Ferry – *** As of October 2018 is undergoing maintenance and not operating ***
Coron to El Nido Ferry Schedule & Prices
Fast Ferries Montenegro Shipping Lines & Phimal Fast Ferry operate daily from Coron to El Nido.
The journey takes 3.5 – 4 hours. We recommend arriving early to secure a seat towards the front of the boat where the air conditioning is stronger.
Ferries from Coron to El Nido
Bunso Ferry – *** As of October 2018 Bunso Ferry no longer operates (Source: we spoke with the owner) ***
Fast Ferry from Coron to El Nido
Montenegro Shipping Lines – Coron to El Nido ferry departs 12 noon daily.
Phimal Fast Ferry departs from Coron to El Nido at 1pm daily.
Where to Stay in El Nido & Coron
In El Nido we stayed in a modern mid-range hotel the Sea Cocoon. Check out more photos and our full review of this beautiful El Nido hotel with pool!
There are some amazing hotels all over Palawan from Puerto Princessa to El Nido and Coron.
Use this Booking.com discount link and save $25 off your stay at any Palawan hotel!
Which Tours to take in El Nido, Coron & Puerto Princesa
We usually prefer to DIY rather than taking a tour but it’s not always possible here.
In El Nido we compare A, B, & C El Nido tours with tonnes of photos to back up our views.
We pick 4 Coron Tours which rocked! Whether you plan to see the iconic lagoons or would rather pristine fine white sand beaches, we’ll help you find the perfect Coron tour for you.
In Puerto Princesa you must see the Subterranean Underground River. We compare the costs of a DIY or a Subterranean Underground River tour – the results surprised us!
If you are planning to visit the Subterranean Underground River, you’ll need to travel from El Nido to Puerto Princesa. We show you how.
What’s your experience with the El Nido to Coron ferry? Let us know if Phimal Fast Ferry or the other operators are back in service.
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