Welcome to Palawan!

This retreat is created for travellers who seek meaning, nature, and adventure. You’ll explore the breathtaking islands of Coron, El Nido, and Port Barton, moving through turquoise lagoons, dramatic limestone cliffs, and vibrant marine life. Each step of the journey is thoughtfully curated to blend ocean exploration, slow island living, and unforgettable moments in one of the most beautiful regions of the Philippines.

What's Included

12 days / 11 nights in private rooms across carefully selected island accommodations in Coron, El Nido, and Port Barton

• Private airport transfer + all land and boat transfers throughout the retreat
• 12 days / 11 nights in private rooms across carefully selected island accommodations
• Freediving or scuba path (intro, Level 1, progression, Open Water, Advanced, or fun dives)
• All freediving / scuba equipment (excluding nitrox)
• Underwater freediving portrait photoshoot
• Three-day ocean training block in Barracuda Lake (freediving) or Coron Bay wreck sites (scuba)
• Exploration of WWII shipwrecks in Coron Bay
• Dugong expedition in the seagrass areas of northern Palawan
• Coron Island exploration including Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoon
• Scenic ferry journey from Coron to El Nido
• Island hopping in El Nido’s Bacuit Bay lagoons and hidden beaches
• Port Barton island hopping with coral reefs, turtles, and sandbars
• Daily breakfast + several meals included during activities
• Local guides, instructors, and full retreat support

Where You’ll Stay

You’ll stay in comfortable villas and bungalows across Coron, El Nido, and Port Barton. Each guest has their own private room, with relaxed shared spaces that feel warm and welcoming. The exact accommodations may vary depending on availability, but the style remains the same: calm, beautiful island spaces close to the ocean, designed for rest and privacy.

What's Not Included

International flights
Travel insurance
Visa fees (if applicable)
Independent meals on exploration days
Optional nitrox fees
Spa treatments
Personal purchases or optional add-ons

Logistics

Retreat Dates
7–18 May 2026 ·
Coron → El Nido → Port Barton

12 days / 11 nights during Palawan’s dry season, with ideal conditions for calm seas, clear water, and ocean exploration.

Arrival
Your international flight will land at Busuanga Airport (USU) near Coron.

From there, a private transfer will bring you directly to your accommodation in Coron Town.

Please plan to arrive on 7 May 2026 by 14:00.
If you prefer a gentler arrival, you may also fly in on 6 May 2026 and stay one night in Coron before the retreat begins.

Once you arrive, your private transfer to the retreat accommodation will be arranged for you.

Departure
The retreat closes on the afternoon of 18 May 2026 in Port Barton.

You will travel to Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS) for departure.

Please schedule your outward flight any time after 15:00, allowing enough time for the transfer to the airport.

Ocean Path Options

During the retreat, you may choose the ocean experience that suits your level and interest. Everything is adapted to your comfort and guided with care.
We work with trusted partner schools offering AIDA, Molchanovs/WAVE, SSI, and PADI certifications.

The agency and level will depend on coach and school availability during the retreat dates to ensure the group trains smoothly together.
If you join a certification course, you must complete the official e-learning before arriving in Bali.

Please do not purchase e-learning on your own — your school will send you the correct link once your place is confirmed.

Freediving

• Intro to Freediving
• Freediving Level 1
• Freediving progression or coaching (if already certified)

Scuba Diving

• Intro Dive / Baptism
• Open Water Diver
• Advanced Open Water
• Fun dives (if already certified)

Who This Retreat Is For

This retreat is designed to shift something inside you. Each day blends ocean training, Balinese culture, and slow island living to help you reconnect with yourself in a deeper way. You’ll learn from trusted instructors, explore sacred places, share moments with a small group of like-minded travellers, and feel supported every step of the journey. It’s a chance to grow, to breathe, and to experience Bali with intention.

Your Palawan Experience

Each day reveals a new side of the island — from surreal lakes and historic shipwrecks to hidden beaches and quiet tropical villages.

Day 1 — Arrival in Coron

Arrival at Busuanga Airport and transfer to your accommodation in Coron.

Days 2–6 — Coron · 3-Day Ocean Training

• 3-day freediving course in Barracuda Lake
• Scuba training or fun dives on WWII shipwrecks
• Exploration of Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoon
• Snorkeling coral reefs around Coron Island
• Dugong expedition in the seagrass meadows of northern Palawan

Days 7–9 — El Nido

• Scenic ferry crossing from Coron to El Nido
• Island hopping in Bacuit Bay
• Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon exploration
• Snorkeling vibrant coral reefs
• Hidden beaches and limestone cliffs
• Sunset evenings by the sea

Days 10–12 — Port Barton

• Travel south through Palawan’s countryside
• Island hopping to quiet beaches and sandbars
• Snorkeling coral reefs and sea turtle encounters
• Relaxed ocean swims and slow island living
• Sunset dinners by the beach
• Transfer to Puerto Princesa Airport for departure

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Exploring Palawan’s Hidden Waters

This journey goes far beyond the surface of the ocean. Throughout the retreat, you’ll explore the extraordinary underwater world of Palawan—from the surreal thermocline depths of Barracuda Lake to vibrant coral reefs and historic shipwrecks that have slowly transformed into thriving marine habitats. These places are more than dive sites; they are quiet underwater landscapes where nature and time have reshaped the sea into something remarkable. Moving through these environments—whether on a single breath or with scuba—allows you to experience the ocean in a slower, more intentional way, creating moments of calm, wonder, and deep connection with the sea.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Best Time to Go to Palawan

The "sweet spot" for Palawan is during the dry season, which runs from late November to May. If you want those postcard-perfect turquoise waters with zero clouds, aim for March to May. From June to October, the "Habagat" (Southwest Monsoon) brings rain and choppy seas, which can occasionally lead to coast guard cancellations for boat tours.

Which country does Palawan belong to?

Palawan is an archipelagic province of the Philippines. Entry follows the national Bureau of Immigration policies.

Do I need a visa?

Most travelers (including those from the EU, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and many others) can enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 30 days, provided your passport is valid for at least six months and you have an onward/return ticket.

The "Special Link" You Need:

All travelers must register for the eTravel card via the official government portal within 72 hours before arrival. It is free—be careful of scam sites asking for payment.

• Official Link: etravel.gov.ph

What currency is used?

The currency is the Philippine Peso (PHP).

Are euros or dollars accepted?

Prices are listed in PHP. While some high-end resorts or dive shops might quote in USD, you should pay in local currency. ATMs are available in Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and Coron, but they can occasionally run out of cash or reject international cards, so it’s wise to carry a backup supply of Pesos. Credit cards are accepted in established hotels, but smaller "bangka" (boat) operators and local eateries are strictly cash-only.

What language do they speak?

Filipino (Tagalog) and Cuyonon are the local languages. However, English is an official language of the Philippines and is spoken fluently by almost everyone in the tourism industry. You’ll have no trouble communicating.

What is the weather like?

Palawan is tropical and humid.

• Temperatures: 26–33°C

• Water: 27–30°C (perfect for long dives)

• Ocean: During the dry season, the water is calm and exceptionally clear, especially around the limestone lagoons of El Nido and the shipwrecks of Coron.

Where do we stay?

We stay in curated boutique villas and eco-conscious lodges in El Nido and Coron. These locations are chosen for their proximity to the water and their "hidden gem" feel, away from the main backpacker noise. Each guest has a private room.

Can I stay in my own villa or hotel instead?

Yes. If you prefer to book your own luxury resort (like those on private islands), we can adjust the retreat price to cover only the activities, coaching, and logistics.

Is this a resort or boutique hotel?

Neither—these are intimate, characteristic villas or small-scale boutique stays that prioritize a calm, authentic atmosphere over the "big resort" experience.

Are meals included?

Breakfast is provided daily. We include lunch on all boat expedition days (typically fresh seafood and fruit grilled on the beach). Dinners are usually left open so you can explore the local culinary scene, though we often organize group dinners at our favorite spots.

Do I need travel insurance?

Absolutely. Between boat transfers, diving, and remote island locations, you want a policy that covers medical evacuation and diving-specific accidents (like DAN or World Nomads).

Is diving or freediving equipment included?

Yes. All standard gear is provided. If you are diving the famous Coron shipwrecks, we can also arrange specialized gear if needed.

Do I need experience to join?

No. Whether you are a total beginner or an experienced diver, the sessions are tailored to you. Palawan’s lagoons are actually one of the gentlest places on earth to learn to breathe and move underwater.

What if I have asthma or I can’t hold my breath?

No problem. For freediving, we focus on relaxation, not records. For scuba, you breathe normally the whole time. If you have asthma, a quick "fit to dive" note from your doctor is required to ensure your safety.

Are manta rays or turtles guaranteed?

In Palawan, you are almost guaranteed to see sea turtles in certain spots. The "Dugong" (sea cow) encounters in Northern Palawan (Coron) are a unique possibility!

Who is this retreat for?

Adventurous souls, solo travelers, and ocean lovers who prefer limestone cliffs and hidden lagoons over crowded beach clubs.

Can I come alone?

Yes! The majority of our guests arrive solo and leave with a new "dive tribe."

Will I get underwater photos?

Yes. The dramatic limestone backdrops of Palawan make for world-class underwater portraits, and a professional photographer will be with us to capture the journey.

What is the cancellation policy?

All bookings are final and non-refundable. This is why high-quality travel insurance is a must!

What should I pack?

• Dry bags (essential for boat hopping!)

• Reef-safe sunscreen

• Light, breathable clothing

• A reusable water bottle

Is there Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi in Palawan is notoriously "island style"—meaning it works for emails and messages, but don't count on it for heavy video calls or streaming. It’s the perfect place to unplug.

All our ocean experiences follow strict ethical guidelines.
We work only with trusted operators who respect wildlife, avoid disturbance, and never chase or touch marine animals.

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