Coron, Palawan is a natural gem that attracts tourists from across the globe. With its turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and stunning limestone cliffs, it is no wonder why. To truly experience the magic of this paradise island, tourists should opt for a speedboat tour. A speedboat tour not only ensures an exhilarating ride through the island’s famous attractions but also provides access to more remote spots that other tours cannot reach. Moreover, you’ll be able to visit more places in a shorter amount of time than any other mode of transportation. If you’re visiting Coron, Palawan, make sure to book a speedboat tour for the perfect adventure.
We want to help you make an informed decision choosing Speedboat Tour Vs. Outrigger Boat in Coron.
Speedboat Tour Vs. Outrigger Boat in Coron
First let us discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using the traditional outrigger boats in touring Coron, Palawan. When deciding between a traditional bangka and a modern speedboat (or any other boat type) in Coron, Palawan, weighing these disadvantages against the advantages and considering personal preferences will help travelers make an informed decision.
Advantages of the Traditional Outrigger Boat or Banca in Touring Coron, Palawan
Traditional outrigger boats, locally know as “bangka” or “banca”, have been a staple of Philippine maritime culture for centuries. When visiting Coron, Palawan, using these traditional vessels has its own set of advantages:
1. Cultural Experience
Riding a “banca” provides an authentic Filipino maritime experience. It gives tourists a glimpse into the traditional way of island-hopping and fishing in the Philippines.
2. Stability and Safety
The outriggers on either side of the boat, known in Filipino language as “katig”, provide additional stability and buoyancy, which can be especially beneficial in choppy waters.
3. Shade
Many bancas are fitted with roofs or canopies that provide shade, ensuring a ore comfortable ride and protection from the sun during day trips.
4. Versatility
Bancas can access shallow waters and are adept at navigating between the various islands and lagoons of Coron, often without the need for a dock.
5. Economic Support
Choosing a banca tour supports local boatmen, their families, and the community, ensuring that the tourism revenue is distributed at the grassroots level.
6. Spaciousness
Bancas, especially the larger ones, can be quite spacious, allowing tourists to move around, stretch out, or even lie down during trips
7. Scenic Page
Unlike speedboats, which can move quite quickly, bancas offer a slower, more relaxed pace. This allows tourists to savor the views, take photographs, and enjoy the journey as much as the destinations.
8. Social Interactions
Given their open design and communal seating, bancas provide an opportunity for travelers to interact, share experiences, and make new friends.
9. Cost-Effective
Traditional boat tours can often be more affordable than speedboat tours, making them a good option for budget travelers.
Disadvantages of Banca for Touring in Coron, Palawan
While the traditional outrigger boats or “bangkas” offer several advantages, there are also some drawbacks to consider:
1. Slower Pace
Bangkas are generally slower than speedboats, meaning longer travel times between destinations. This could mean less time to enjoy each stop, especially if on a tight schedule.
2. Less Flexibility
Many bangka tours operate on fixed schedules and routes. This might limit the ability to spontaneously visit a location or change plans on-the-fly.
3. Engine Noise
The engines on some traditional bangkas can be loud, which might affect eh serene island experience for some passengers.
4. Rough Rides
In choppy waters, the open design or a bangka can lead to water splashing onto the passengers. It might also feel less smooth than a modern boat design in rough conditions.
5. Limited Amenities
While many bangkas provide basic amenities, they might lack the more luxurious or advanced features found on newer boats, like cushioned seating, or advanced navigational equipment.
6. Safety Concerns
Thought the outrigger design provides stability, safety standards can vary between operators. Not all bangkas might be equipped with life vests, communication devices, or first aid kits.
7. Environmental Impact
While they may produce less wake, the engines on older bangkas might not be as eco-friendly as newer boat engines, potentially leading to higher emissions and marine pollution.
8. Overcrowding
Popular bangka tours can sometimes be crowded, especially during peak tourist season, which might detract from a more intimate or personalized experience.
At Pulo Expedition Charters, we only do tours with a small group, about 6 to 8 persons per boat tour. This is also to make sure that our crew can attend to all of your concerns immediately.
9. Maintenance Concerns
Given the traditional design and materials, some bangkas may be prone to wear and tear. Maintenance and upkeep can vary widely between operators.
We always make sure that our speedboats are on top conditions so a routine maintenance is always on schedule.
10. Weather Sensitivity
Bangkas, especially smaller ones, might not fare as well in unfavorable weather conditions. Trips can be more easily canceled or delayed due to weather.
Advantages of a Speedboat Tour in Coron
Travelling in Coron, Palawan, Philippines via speedboat tour offers several advantages.
1. Efficiency and Speed
Speedboats are faster than traditional bangkas (outrigger boats), allowing you to visit more destinations in a shorter amount of time.
This is more true if you want to visit the destinations in North Busuanga. They are far from Coron and would require tremendous amount of time travelling. But with speedboat, you can be there faster.
2. Flexibility
Unlike larger tour boats with set itineraries, an exclusive speedboat tours allow for a more customizable experience. You can choose which spots to visit and spend as much time as you like at each one.
3. Access to Secluded Spots
Given their size and agility, speedboats can access more secluded and less-traveled areas, providing a more intimate experience with nature.
4. Less Crowd
Traveling via a speedboat typically means you’re either on a private or small group tour, like what we offer. This reduces wait times and ensures a less crowded experience at popular spots.
5. Adventure
For those looking for a bit of thrill, the ride on a speedboat itself can be an exhilarating experience with the wind on your face and hair, and the occasional jump over waves.
6. Personalized Service
Often, speedboat tours come with a dedicated crew who can provide a more personalized experience, catering to your needs and preferences.
7. Uninterrupted Views
Speedboats generally have an open design, providing unobstructed views of the stunning limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and diverse marine life.
8. Safety
Modern speedboats are generally equipped with safety gear and are often more stable in varied sea conditions compared to smaller traditional boats.
9. Convenience
You can easily carry your gear, food, and other essentials on a speedboat, and the crew can assist in setting up beach picnics or snorkeling activities.
Disadvantages of Speedboat in Touring Coron, Palawan
While speedboats offer certain advantages for touring Coron, there are also some drawbacks to consider.
1. Cost
Generally, hiring a speedboat can be more expensive than traditional outrigger boats or “bangkas”. This might not be ideal for budget travelers.
2. Limited Shade
Depending on the design, some speedboats might not offer as much shade or protection from the sun as bangkas with their wide canopies.
3. Safety Concerns
While modern speedboats are built with safety in mind, high speeds can pose risks, especially in unpredictable weather or sea conditions. Passengers might feel more bumps and jolts in choppy waters.
This is not so much of a concern with regard to our speedboats because our speedboat captain underwent a comprehensive training handling speedboats and safety in the sea.
4. Cultural Authenticity
Touring on a speedboat might not provide the same cultural experiences as using a traditional Filipino bangka.
5. Size Limitations
Smaller speedboats might have limited space for passengers, making it less spacious or comfortable for larger groups.
Our speedboat has enough seating capacity for a group of 8 passengers plus 3 crews. It also has ample storage for your gears and tour logistics.
6. No Slow Cruising
Part of the charm of island-hopping is taking it slow and enjoying the journey. Speedboats are designed for efficiency and might not offer that leisurely cruising experience.
However, you can always instruct your boat captain to slow down a bit if you noticed an Instagram-worthy spot for photo ops. We are not robots and can be flexible about your itinerary.
7. Maintenance
Speedboats, with their complex engines and systems, require regular maintenance. If not kept in check, they can run into mechanical issues.
Proper maintenance of our speedboats are always on-schedule because we understand its importance for your safety and enjoyment.
Conclusion: Speedboat Tour vs. Traditional Boat Tour
Choosing between a speedboat and a traditional outrigger boat for touring Coron, Palawan, boils down to individual preferences, expectations, and budget. If you’re seeking efficiency, flexibility, and the thrill of speed, a speedboat is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you’re looking to immerse yourself in a more authentic and relaxed Filipino maritime experience, with a touch of tradition and opportunities for deeper interactions, a traditional bangka may be more your pace. Ultimately, both vessels provide unique and memorable experiences in the breathtaking beauty of Coron.
Whichever you choose, remember to prioritize safety, respect local communities, and tread lightly on the environment, ensuring that this paradise remains pristine for future generations.
