El Nido to Coron Expedition Packing List

Three days at sea between El Nido and Coron means three days on a boat, wading ashore for island stops, sleeping in open kubo huts on Linapacan and Culion beaches, and spending more time in saltwater than out of it. The right kit makes all the difference. This is the list we give every guest before departure.

What Bag to Use on the El Nido to Coron Expedition

The single most important gear decision is your bag. Hard-shell suitcases and rigid frame backpacks create problems. The boat's storage compartments are shaped for soft bags — below-deck holds, under-seat cubbies, and the waterproof hatch at the stern. A bag that can be compressed and folded around corners is far more practical than one that cannot.

The ideal expedition bag is a 20–50 litre waterproof soft bag. A 35–40 litre dry bag hits the sweet spot: large enough for three days of clothing and personal gear, small enough to carry easily during shore excursions, and fully waterproof for the inevitable splashes, sudden rain, and boarding from shallow water. If you already own a soft duffel bag without a waterproof lining, simply pack everything inside a heavy-duty bin liner before closing it.

You will also want a small waterproof day bag or dry sack (5–10 litres) that stays accessible on deck. This holds your camera, sunscreen for reapplication, phone, and snacks throughout the day. Your main bag goes into storage once you are underway.

The Complete El Nido to Coron Expedition Packing List

Clothing

• 2–3 sets of swimwear (you will wear one set most of each day)
• Rashguard or long-sleeve UV shirt — essential for all-day tropical sun on the boat deck
• 2–3 sets of light, quick-dry shorts and t-shirts for evenings at camp
• One thin layer (lightweight zip-up or long-sleeve) for cool sea breezes and evenings
• Flip-flops (primary footwear for almost all of the expedition)
• Water shoes or old trainers (optional, useful on rocky reef edges and certain island landings)
• Underwear for 3 days

Sun and Skin Protection

• Reef-safe sunscreen, SPF 50+ — mineral (zinc oxide) sunscreen only. The expedition visits protected reef ecosystems around Linapacan, and chemical-based sunscreens damage coral. Reef-safe is not just a suggestion here.
• Broad-brim hat or buff/cap that won't blow off at speed
• UV-blocking sunglasses with a retaining strap
• Lip balm with SPF
• After-sun lotion (optional but appreciated by day three)

Toiletries and Health

• Insect repellent — the Linapacan and Culion beach campsites are in nature and mosquitoes are active at dusk and dawn. DEET-based or picaridin-based repellent is most effective.
• Biodegradable soap and shampoo (limited fresh water at campsites — quick rinse only)
• Toothbrush and travel toothpaste
• Personal prescription medications — enough for the full 3 days plus buffer
• Basic personal first aid: motion sickness tablets, antihistamine, blister plasters
• Feminine hygiene products as required
• Small travel towel (the expedition provides towels at campsites, but a compact personal towel is useful for island stops)

Electronics and Power

• Power bank (10,000–20,000 mAh minimum) — there is no mains power at the Linapacan or Culion campsites. Your phone is your camera, map, and communication device for three days. Bring enough battery to cover the trip without relying on charging.
• Camera or action camera (waterproof housing strongly recommended)
• Charging cables and relevant adaptors
• Waterproof phone case or dry pouch for the day bag
• Headlamp or small torch — essential for moving around the beach campsite at night and for early morning boarding before dawn. The campsites have minimal artificial lighting.

On the Boat

• Snorkel gear — the expedition provides full snorkel sets in all sizes, including mask, fins, and tube. You do not need to bring your own unless you prefer a personal fit.
• Reusable water bottle (the boat provides filtered drinking water)
• Offline entertainment: downloaded music, podcasts, ebooks, offline maps
• Small waterproof notebook and pen (optional, but good for noting island names)

What to Leave Behind at Your El Nido Hotel

This is as important as what you bring. The Seatours office in Brgy. Corong-Corong, El Nido can hold luggage during your expedition — ask when you check in on Day 1. Leave behind:

• Laptop and work electronics
• Excess cash and cards beyond what you need (bring ₱800 per person in cash for the mandatory government and environmental fee, plus spending money for any purchased items in Coron)
• Hard-shell suitcases (they can stay at your hotel or the office)
• Anything irreplaceable — jewellery, important documents, expensive cameras you would not be comfortable having near seawater
• Formal clothing

The expedition passes through no WiFi zones for most of two days. The Linapacan campsite has no connectivity. The Culion campsite has very limited mobile data at best. This is not a limitation — it is one of the reasons the expedition is so restorative. Prepare accordingly: download offline maps of the route, tell family and friends you will be out of contact, and set any urgent email responses to send before 08:00 on Day 1.

What the Expedition Provides

The 3 Days 2 Nights El Nido to Coron Expedition at ₱18,900 per person is all-inclusive. You do not need to bring or purchase:

• Meals — 9 meals total (all breakfasts, lunches, and dinners). The onboard chef prepares fresh grilled fish, prawns, rice, and vegetables using produce sourced daily.
• Snorkel gear in all sizes — masks, fins, snorkel tubes
• Life vests
• Hotel transfers to the San Fernando Port departure point in El Nido
• Drinks: water, coffee, tea, juice, and rum at the campsites
• Kubo accommodation at both beach campsites (mattresses and mosquito nets provided)
• Boat liability insurance

The only items not included in the price are the ₱800/person government and environmental fee (cash on arrival at the boat), personal travel insurance, and alcoholic drinks beyond the rum provided at camp.

Ready to Pack? Book the Expedition

Frequently Asked Questions

What size bag should I bring on the El Nido to Coron expedition?

A 20–50 litre waterproof soft bag is ideal. Hard-shell suitcases are not suitable — boat storage is in waterproof compartments shaped for soft bags. A 35–40L dry bag or soft duffel fits perfectly. Anything larger becomes cumbersome on the boat and at the beach campsites.

Does my bag need to be waterproof?

Yes. You will board and disembark the boat via shallow water or a small tender. Sea spray is constant while underway. Use a dedicated dry bag, or line any soft bag with a heavy-duty bin liner before packing.

What clothing should I pack for the 3-day expedition?

Light, quick-dry clothing. 2–3 sets of swimwear, a rashguard or UV shirt, shorts, a thin layer for cool evenings, and flip-flops. Water shoes are optional but useful on rocky shores.

Is there WiFi at the Linapacan and Culion campsites?

No WiFi at either campsite. Mobile data is also extremely limited. Download offline maps, music, podcasts, and reading material before boarding. This is one of the genuine highlights of the expedition.

Should I leave valuables behind before joining the expedition?

Yes. Leave laptops, excess cash, and irreplaceable items at your El Nido accommodation or at the Seatours office in Corong-Corong. Bring only what you are comfortable having near the sea for three days.

What sun protection should I bring?

Reef-safe (mineral) sunscreen SPF 50+, a broad-brim hat, UV sunglasses with a retaining strap, and a rashguard. You will be in direct tropical sun from approximately 08:00 to 17:00 daily. Reef-safe sunscreen is strongly encouraged to protect the Linapacan reef ecosystem.