Sail El Nido
Hop aboard a traditional paraw to sail El Nido
Climb aboard our paraw, a truly unique Filipino sailboat. With tribal
carvings and traditional rigging, she’s the largest paraw currently sailing in
the Philippines.
The route
This is a three-day, two-night adventure, departing and ending in El Nido. Your paraw sailing journey weaves through the towering limestone cliffs and jungle-covered islands of Bacuit Bay. Each night brings a new horizon and a stay at one of Tao’s off-grid basecamps: hidden sanctuaries where bamboo huts open onto the beach and island life slows to its natural rhythm.
The food
We are passionate about the food we serve. Native fruits and vegetables from our farms, freshly caught seafood and occasionally homegrown pork. Vegetarian and vegans can enjoy the numerous plant-based dishes. There is always plenty for everyone to eat. Food in the Philippines is as much about community and coming together as it is about eating.
The ship
Designed by Gener Paduga, our paraw is made from five different types of hardwoods and crafted by hand using traditional boat-building techniques. She is 74-feet long, covered in indigenous carvings and was blessed by a tribal leader before her maiden voyage. With an experienced crew of local sailors, you’re in safe hands. More than just guides, they’re storytellers, explorers and incredible cooks, eager to share their love for the sea, adventure and the rich culture of traditional sailing.
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
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.
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.
Tao brings together people who think not the same, but the same way. Each expedition gathers a mix of ages, cultures and stories from around the world. You come as strangers, sail as friends but leave as family.
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.
Stay on remote islands in bamboo huts. Stay overnight in our off grid bamboo basecamps. Each one has its own personality, a sheltered cove, a wild jungle, a community homestay or a typhoon wrecked boutique resort.
Step into the pages of a long-forgotten adventure book with a few days aboard our traditional paraw, a unique Filipino sailboat. The largest active paraw in the Philippines, Balatik is a spacious outrigger sailboat adorned with intricate indigenous carvings.
Your adventure starts here
Private
Whether you are friends, family or want to plan a special occasion, for groups over five we can put together bespoke trips that will linger long in your collective memory bank
adventure in
Paradise
Planning your trip

Health and Safety

Palawan Travel Guide

El Nido Travel Guide

Coron Travel Guide

Tao Paraw Project

Tao Farm Project
Meet
With the sea in their blood and machetes in their back pockets, the Lost Boys are the heart of every expedition.
the
LostBoys
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