Tao Expeditions

The Original Palawan Expedition

Join a group of like-minded travelers and local islander crew to set off on an adventure of a lifetime through the remote islands in northern Palawan connecting El Nido and Coron or Vice versa.

With no plan or set route, these 3, 5, & 6 day expeditions are a great mix of action, adventure and relaxation. Its a sociable experience with a diverse group of strangers from all over the world on one of the best journeys in South East Asia.

Also available PRIVATE BOAT EXPEDITIONS for groups of family and friends.

Hosted by the Lost boys
Our local crew, born and raised in the islands.
Explore remote islands!
Join a group of like-minded travellers an adventure of a lifetime.
Dive into the unknown
Snorkel coral reefs and shipwrecks.
Camp in Bamboo huts.
fall asleep to the sound of the waves, and wake up early ready for another day of adventure.
Dine on the beach.
Disconnect and enjoy the luxury of simplicity
Choose Your

Experience

Express Expedition 3 Days / 2 Nights

Tao ExpeditionsEl Nido to Coron [vice versa]

Details and Prices

Our 3 day Express expeditions gives you a taste of the remote islands while connecting El Nido and Coron. We recommend this experience for those who do not have enough time to enjoy the whole 5 day experience.

Scheduled Departures DECEMBER 2022 – MAY 2023

Every Sundays and Wednesdays from both El Nido and Coron
Plus other dates to follow, join our e mail list for updates.

December 1 to December 3 EL NIDO to CORON
December 1 to December 3 CORON to EL NIDO
December 3 to December 5 CORON to EL NIDO
December 4 to December 6 EL NIDO to CORON
December 5 to December 7 EL NIDO to CORON

December 5 to December 7 CORON to EL NIDO
December 6 to December 8 EL NIDO to CORON
December 7 to December 9 EL NIDO to CORON
December 7 to December 9 CORON to EL NIDO
December 8 to December 10 EL NIDO to CORON

December 8 to December 10 CORON to EL NIDO
December 10 to December 12 CORON to EL NIDO
December 11 to December 13 EL NIDO to CORON
December 11 to December 13 CORON to EL NIDO
December 12 to December 14 EL NIDO to CORON

December 12 to December 14 CORON to EL NIDO
December 13 to December 15 EL NIDO to CORON
December 14 to December 16 EL NIDO to CORON
December 14 to December 16 EL NIDO to CORON
December 15 to December 17 EL NIDO to CORON

December 15 to December 17 CORON to EL NIDO
December 17 to December 19 CORON to EL NIDO

3 Day Itinerary

Day 0 – The night before departure attend the group briefing Tao office in town.

Day 1 – Your journey begins, traveling by Motor Bangka boat. Overnight in remote basecamp.

Day 2 – Second day traveling by Motor Bangka boat. Overnight in another remote basecamp.

Day 3 – Arrive in Tao Beach Farm or Camp Ngey. Exit the group and travel overland to destination town. Or choose to extend if there is vacancy.

What's included
  • 3 days of boat travel with 2 nights at Tao’s basecamps
  • Freshly prepared meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks)
  • Beverages (water, coffee, tea)
  • Kayaks and snorkels (no fins)
  • Raw nature and island life

400 US$

430 US$

470 US$

Original Expedition 5 Days / 4 Nights

Tao ExpeditionsEl Nido to Coron [vice versa]

Details and Prices

Our original and classic journey. A perfect mix of action packed 3days onboard our Motor Bangka boats exploring remote islands and then 2days chilled island time at Camp Ngey Ngey or Tao Beach Farm, before arriving in your destination port on the last day before 5pm.

Limited Offer – 10% Discount on selected dates

More Scheduled Departures DECEMBER 2022 – MAY 2023 Every Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays From BOTH El Nido-to-Coron AND Coron-to-El Nido

DEC 01 – DEC 05 EL NIDO TO CORON (10% off)
DEC 01 – DEC 05 CORON TO EL NIDO
DEC 04 – DEC 08 EL NIDO TO CORON
DEC 05 – DEC 09 EL NIDO TO CORON (10% off)
DEC 05 – DEC 09 CORON TO EL NIDO (10% off)

DEC 07 – DEC 11 EL NIDO TO CORON (10% off)
DEC 07 – DEC 11 CORON TO EL NIDO (10% off)
DEC 08 – DEC 12 EL NIDO TO CORON
DEC 08 – DEC 12 CORON TO EL NIDO (10% off)
DEC 10 – DEC 14 EL NIDO TO CORON (10% off)

DEC 10 – DEC 14 CORON TO EL NIDO (10% off)
DEC 11 – DEC 15 EL NIDO TO CORON
DEC 11 – DEC 15 CORON TO EL NIDO (10% off)
DEC 12 – DEC 16 EL NIDO TO CORON (10% off)
DEC 12 – DEC 16 CORON TO EL NIDO (10% off)

DEC 14 – DEC 18 EL NIDO TO CORON (10% off)
DEC 14 – DEC 18 CORON TO EL NIDO (10% off)
DEC 15 – DEC 19 CORON TO EL NIDO (10% off)
DEC 15 – DEC 19 EL NIDO TO CORON (10% off)
DEC 25 – DEC 29 CORON TO EL NIDO (10% off)

SEASON PROMOTION

(November to December 17 2022)
Pinoy Bucket List: 25% Discount (For Filipinos and Philippine Residents)
Group Discount: 5pax + 1pax free

PEAK SEASON

December 18 to December 22 EL NIDO to CORON
December 18 to December 22 CORON to EL NIDO
December 19 to December 23 EL NIDO to CORON
December 19 to December 23 CORON to EL NIDO
December 21 to December 25 EL NIDO to CORON
December 21 to December 25 CORON to EL NIDO
December 22 to December 26 EL NIDO to CORON
December 22 to December 26 CORON to EL NIDO
December 25 to December 29 EL NIDO to CORON
December 25 to December 29 CORON to EL NIDO with 10% Discount
December 26 to December 30 EL NIDO to CORON
December 26 to December 30 CORON to EL NIDO
December 28 to January 01 EL NIDO to CORON
December 28 to January 01 CORON to EL NIDO
December 29 to January 02 EL NIDO to CORON
December 29 to January 02 CORON to EL NIDO

5 Day Itinerary

Day 0 – The night before departure attend the group briefing Tao office in town.

Day 1 – Your journey begins, traveling by Motor Bangka boat. Overnight in remote basecamp.

Day 2 – Second day traveling by Motor Bangka boat. Overnight in remote basecamp.

Day 3- Arrive in Tao Beach farm or Camp Ngey. 3 day guests exit the group at this point.

Day 4- No travel day. Sleep late and enjoy our best basecamps at your own pace.

Day 5- Lazy morning, after lunch back onboard top finish your journey by 5pm.

What's included
  • 4 nights accommodation at Tao’s basecamps
  • 3 days boat travel and 2 days chilling at a Tao Farm or Camp Ngey.
  • Freshly prepared meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks)
  • Beverages (water, coffee, tea)
  • Kayaks and snorkels (no fins)
  • Raw nature and island life

560 US$

590 US$

680 US$

Combination Expedition & El Nido Sailing 6 Days / 5 Nights

Tao ExpeditionsEl Nido to Coron [vice versa]

Details and Prices

This expedition is a combination of a 3 day expedition connecting El Nido and Coron on the motorized bangka and the El Nido Sailing on the Tao Paraw. This gives you the full Palawan experience including the majestic limestone islands of El Nido Bacuit bay.

Scheduled Departures;
From El Nido to Coron (vice versa)

Limited Offer – 10% Discount on selected dates

December 2022 – May 2023
Every Saturdays

December 3-8 El Nido to Coron (10% off)
December 3-8 Coron to EL Nido (10% off)
December 10-15 El Nido to Coron (10% off)
December 10-15 Coron to El Nido (10% off)
December 17-22 El Nido to Coron (10% off)
December 17-22 Coron to El Nido (10% off)

SEASON PROMOTION

(November to December 17 2022)
Pinoy Bucket List: 25% Discount (For Filipinos and Philippine Residents)
Group Discount: 5pax + 1pax free

PEAK SEASON

December 24 to December 29 EL NIDO to CORON
December 24 to December 29 CORON to EL NIDO
December 31 to January 5 EL NIDO to CORON
December 31 to January 5 CORON to EL NIDO

Itinerary from Coron

Day 0 – The night before departure attend the group briefing Tao office in town.

Day 1 – Your journey begins, traveling by Motor Bangka boat.

Day 2 – Second day traveling by Motor Bangka boat.

Day 3 – Arrive in Tao Beach Farm.

Day 4 – Chilled morning before boarding the Tao Paraw, our traditional Sailing Boat.

Day 5 – Sail down to the limestone islands of El Nido.

Day 6 – Sail around Bacuit Bay on the last day finishing in El Nido Town

Itinerary from El Nido

Day 0 – The night before departure attend the group briefing Tao office in town.

Day 1 – Your journey begins by boarding the Tao Paraw, our traditional Sailing Boat in Bacuit bay.

Day 2 – Second day Sailing around the Bacuit bay and coast of north Palawan.

Day 3 – Arrive in Tao Beach Farm.

Day 4 – Chilled morning before boarding a Motor Bangka to head North to Linapacan.

Day 5 – Second day traveling by Motor Bangka boat.

Day 6 – Arrive in Camp Ngey [option to extend] or return to Coron town.

What's included
  • 5 nights accommodation at Tao’s basecamps
  • 3 days Sailing on Tao Paraw and 3 days travel on regular motor bangka boat
  • Freshly prepared meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks)
  • Beverages (water, coffee, tea)
  • Kayaks and snorkels (no fins)
  • Raw nature and island life

700 US$

730 US$

780 US$

More

Information

What’s NOT included?

  • Eco-Tourism Development Fee (ETDF) are compulsory taxes by the local governments for everyone, local and foreign visitors. Collected upon arrival in each town and checked before departure in the port so always ask for and keep your receipts.
    • Php 200 (US$4-5) Linapacan
    • Php 200 (US$4-5) El Nido
    • Php 200 (US$4-5) Coron
  • Transportation and accommodation before and after the trip
  • Towels and toiletries
  • Cashless Bracelet Credit
  • Payment transfer fees
  • Tips for the crew
  • Perfect weather

How do I pay for drinks from the bar?

  • We use a [RFID] cashless bracelet system for drinks from the bar, massages, community products, and merchandise.
  • You will receive your bracelet at check in.
  • You can load it up before boarding your boat.
  • We recommend you load 50 USD.
  • Keep you wallet and valuables safely inside the locked luggage.
  • We refund what you don’t consume.

Who else will be on the expedition?

There can be up to 24 other guests and 10 local crew onboard.

Within this large group, with a wide mix of ages, nationalities, and backgrounds make for an interesting, diverse, and vibrant atmosphere on-board and in the basecamps.

In our experience smaller groups can be more intimate, however lack the diversity of characters to build the energy of the group, and can run out of conversation quickly.

The minimum age for joiners of this experience is 14 unless by prior agreement with parents / official guardians and subject to Tao’s discretion. There is no upper age limit.

All guests should be comfortable in the water as swimming is a big part of the experience. However, our crew are happy to help travelers worried about their physical capabilities.

The Tao Experience is a social experience for like-minded travelers. We don’t mean people who think the same things, but think the same way. We welcome adventurous travelers looking to disconnect from the noise of the modern world, reconnect with nature, and be inspired by new perspectives.

 

 

What time of year is good to visit?

There are two main seasons in the Philippines,

  • ‘Amihan’ (Northeastern Winds) bring the dry season from October to May. This is our high season.
  • ‘Habagat’ (Southwestern Winds) bring the rainy season from June to September. Expect some rainy days and trip reschedules if you are travelling during Habagat months.

Packing List

  • Clothes for the day (swimwear for getting in and out of the water, shorts, t-shirts and tank tops) and night (light trousers and long sleeves to minimise insect bites)
  • Sun protection (sunblock, hats, sunglasses)
  • Wash kit (soap, shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste)
  • Insect repellent
  • Bath towels
  • Sarong (day/beach towels) for drying up, lounging, and wrapping around your head as additional sun protection
  • Reusable water bottle (no plastic bottles allowed on board – if you don’t want to invest then ask for an empty rum bottle)
  • Sandals/Flip flops and Reef shoes (you might need trek shoes in some parts too)
  • Flashlights/headlamps for getting around in the dark
  • Rash guard to guard against…rashes, the sun, and jellyfish stings
  • Other sm`all things you may want or need: fins, camera (but be careful with salt water damage; we recommend an extra dry bag for electronics), a book, a journal, an open mind, a good attitude, a sunny disposition….

Departure and Arrival

El Nido – Coron
  • DEPARTURE TIME: 8:00AM, Tao Office El Nido
  • ARRIVAL TIME: 5:00PM, Coron Port
Coron – El Nido
  • DEPARTURE TIME: 8:00AM, Tao Office, Coron
  • ARRIVAL TIME: 5:00PM, Tao Office El Nido

Guests are required to check in at the Tao Office at their starting point any day before their trip. Our offices are open from 8:00 to 20:00 everyday.

Travel FAQ's

Packing, Flights and Details

All info you need to plan your trip with us.

Contact and Bookings

Covid-19 Travel Requirements
Contact Us
General Enquires
Payments
Rebooking and Cancellation (BOAT EXPEDITION)
Travel Agency Booking

Planning a trip to Palawan

Palawan- An Overview
Coron - Getting Here and Away
El Nido - Getting Here and Away
El Nido to Coron Fast Ferry
Departure & Arrival Times for Expeditions

Tao’s Guide to Palawan

Planning Your Itinerary with Tao
What to do in El Nido before or after Tao?
What to do in Coron before or after Tao?
Accommodation Recommendations before and after Tao.
Staying in Island Resorts before or after Tao.
Traveling with Children on Tao.

Health and Safety

Taking Care of Yourself in the Islands
Malaria, Mosquitos and Sandflies
Seasickness and Travel Times
Dietary Requirements
Alcohol and drinking

Preparations

Check-in & Briefing
Packing List
Electricity and Charging Batteries
Travel Insurance
Cash in Palawan
Visa Requirements

Further Information

Weather
Snorkeling and Swimming
Diving options
Sleeping Arrangements
Toilet and Shower
Food on Tao
Cultural Etiquette, locals and the villages