Coron to El Nido Expedition
The original Tao experience
Join a four-day, four-night expedition through the turquoise waters between El Nido and Coron, in the Philippines. You’ll travel with like-minded strangers and local crew who will feel like family by day two.
The route
This four-day expedition covers 250km of remote northern Palawan, travelling by traditional bangka from Coron to El Nido. Along the way, you’ll explore hidden coves and deserted beaches, snorkel above thriving reefs and sleep under the stars in Tao’s off-grid bamboo basecamps.
The experience
Days unfold slowly but richly. Exploring, snorkelling, fishing with the crew, sharing home-cooked feasts with new friends. This is adventure at its most raw. There are no chef whites and no fancy kitchens: just a small galley, one cook, a few essentials, and whatever we can catch or collect along the way. At our island stopovers, local families supply us with green papaya, crab or fresh lato (seaweed), and other island staples. A true taste of Palawan life.
Your shipmates
We welcome adventurous travellers looking to disconnect from the noise of the modern world, reconnect with nature and be inspired by new perspectives. They’ll be a mix of ages and nationalities with solo travellers as well as couples and small groups of friends. What makes this journey special isn’t just where you go, but how you travel: guided by a local islander crew who are proud to call these waters home. This is a Philippines adventure with a difference.
The gold standard
20 YEARS EXPERIENCE Get you off the beaten track El Nido, Linapacan and Coron
SAFETY & COMFORT Rigorous training and adapted boats make us second to none
FOOD AND DRINK Our meals are served with our special brand of hospitality
EDUCATION & LIVELIHOOD Each contributes directly and indirectly to the community
EXCLUSIVE PROPERTIES Pristine locations, limited access and bespoke design
Included highlights
Stay in Tao’s off-grid bamboo basecamps, hidden in coves, jungles and island communities. Sleep in our hand-crafted Tuka huts, their bird-beak curves designed for shade, breeze, and connection to nature.
The Lost Boys are your island-born crew. Sailors, cooks, and storytellers who bring the Tao journey to life. Born of the islands, they guide with laughter, skill, and soul, turning every voyage into the adventure of a lifetime.
We’re passionate about food, serving native fruits and vegetables from our farm, freshly caught seafood and occasionally home-reared pork. Served family-style on sharing plates. Big on flavour, Filipino food is soulful, generous, and seasonal.
Dive in! Jump overboard to snorkel vibrant coral reefs, swim to secluded beaches, or relax on deck with a book. The Tao Experience is a social gathering, but there’s always space to step back, disconnect and find your own rhythm.
Experience the healing touch of Tao’s island massage, offered by women from our Foundation, using coconut oil pressed at our farm. Simple, soulful, and scented with sea air (and coconut, of course).
Meet the scholars and communities we support! From classrooms to coastlines, we invest in people: teaching skills, nurturing confidence, and building futures rooted in island life.
Explore 250km of remote islands with like-minded others. We can get you away from the crowds among the islands of West Busuanga, Linapacan and Daracouton Bay on a boat to call your own. Bliss!
Your adventure starts here
Traditional
It’s like opening the pages of a long-forgotten adventure novel. Sail onboard the largest traditional paraw in the Philippines for a taste of history.
paraw
up
Planning your trip

Health and Safety

Palawan Travel Guide

El Nido Travel Guide

Coron Travel Guide

Tao Paraw Project

Tao Farm Project
Welcome
In Tao’s Kantina time is measured not in minutes and hours, but in seasons. Come backstage and discover how we’ve developed our island cuisine.
to the
Kitchen
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