El Nido & Sibaltan
Diving El Nido & Sibaltan
Diving is possible year-round in El Nido and Sibaltan. However, the best period and weather is between December and March. The visibility is great then especially in Sibaltan because you will want to see those sharks and manta rays!
​
July - October usually is considered the worst time to go diving there, however, It's all about chances. I had a great time in September!
Sibaltan
Sibaltan has only been discovered about 2 years ago. Studies and surveys are still being conducted on a weekly bases.
​
There are currently 2 diveshops operating in Sibaltan. Still very undeveloped, scuba diving here has a couple of main attractions:
Manta rays, black tip sharks and pristine coral reefs.
​
Only 45 minutes driving from El Nido you can easily rent a scooter or car when staying in El Nido and drive there to enjoy a full day of diving. Keep an eye on this one, this will only get better!
El Nido - Coron Excursions
The logical next step from Coron is El Nido, or vice versa of course.
​
Nowadays, you will find many operators offering a so called expedition from El Nido to Coron or vice versa.
​
These trips usually are 2 days/ 3 nights or longer, depending on what is offered. The prices as of April 2024 I found are anywhere between 13000 pesos and 30000 pesos (250 US dollar - 550 US dollar).
​
This includes everything though: Island hopping, snorkeling, food, accommodation, and of course the boat trip.
​
Booking in advance is recommended, however, you will find many last-minute deals in Coron and El Nido.
How to get there?
Sibaltan:
To get to Sibaltan, you can travel to El Nido, and then take a scooter or taxi for 45 minutes to arrive in Sibaltan on the east coast of Palawan.
​
El Nido:
El Nido has its own airport, serviced by Airswift. Flight from and to Coron, as well as to and from Manila, Puerto Princessa are offered.
From El Nido to Coron you can also take a ferry. As of right now, ferries depart daily again, leaving at 12.30 PM arriving in Coron at 4 PM. ​
​
Ticket prices are 2800 pesos one-way.
​
Tip: When booking in advance, you might get better prices flying from and to El Nido than taking a ferry!
​
​
