Come retreat with us to a tropical island paradise so few ever get to experience: an idyllic place unspoilt by the modern world. Out at sea, every moment is a rare opportunity to immerse in the Coron as we dreamed, connect with like-minded explorers and witness a way of life long forgotten by time.
On day one, we voyage early morning heading west to shallow shipwrecks visible from snorkeling depth and take a pitstop at a rare salt-water hot springs hidden behind island mangroves. We snorkel the surrounding reefs teeming with marine life, before sailing south to first night stop.
By late afternoon, we arrive at the islands south of Culion in time for a romantic view of sunset. You dine under the stars and slowly ease into the night over local rum. First evening is spent asleep in island-style cottages by the beach to sounds of crashing waves.
Day two starts with breakfast on the sand to kick off a day of island-hopping between sand bars and snorkeling more pristine reefs. By mid-day, we travel east towards the legendary Coron Island.
There you arrive at the final overnight camp, where you can rest and embrace the island life. Fresh meals from lunch to meals the next day are all prepared and served at camp. By afternoon, many go wandering along the coast and take respite in the many uninhabited beaches that dot the coast. Some trek to hidden caves, while others snorkel the pristine reef just in front of our beach—all before returning to camp for a front-row seat to a gorgeous sunset view.
The following morning is a chance to meet our island friends. You can explore with them or take any one of the many kayaks and paddle boards out to roam freely or fetch coconuts (not for the faint of heart). Others join the tribe’s daily spearfishing or try their hand at brewing coffee the traditional way.
After lunch, we set off for the island’s most renowned sites, visiting the legendary Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoon that made the place known all over. This is a time where we may run into other boats before continuing to the island’s remote corners.
On the way back to town, we make several more stops, including a sunken ship known for fantastic fish life, a popular coral reef or a lagoon, and a final stop at Barracuda Lake for Coron’s most iconic views. We return to town on the third day around dusk, bearing memories for a lifetime.
IS THIS EXPERIENCE RIGHT FOR ME?
This experience may not be for everybody. Welcome on this castaway are intrepid explorer who want the most intense escapes in the wild as well as those who seek peace and time away from the daily grind. This is most popular for those on a short visit to Coron and enjoy the freedom of nature and a break from the creature comforts of town. So come, let go of time and pack your good spirits to brighten life in the islands any weather, any day!
WHAT TIME DO WE DEPART AND RETURN?
You may be invited to an orientation in the Red Carabao office at 19:00/5PM the evening prior to your departure date. Alternatively, information is shared over WhatsApp. We'll get introduced and discuss what to bring, schedules and other preparations for a wholesome time together! You are welcome to leave bags in the office. Trips return to town around dusk on the last day.
Castaway at the base camp is all about returning to the basics and appreciating what matters most in life. This semi-private, action-packed adventure may range from solo to social in a small-group setting.
PER PERSON RATES 2-Night Castaway 230 USD
ALL-IN EXPERIENCE ✓ 3 days of travel and a night in a Carabao kubo ✓ Park entrance and environmental fees ✓ Kayaks, paddle boards and equipment ✓ Red Carabao-certified host and guide ✓ Hearty vegetarian meals and meriendas ✓ Drinking water and our favourite local drinks ✓ Quality snorkel, mask and swim fins
EXCLUDES ✗ Transport from airport, port or hotel to the meeting place ✗ Independent side trips and exploration ✗ Personal towels, toiletries, souvenirs, coconuts ✗ Accommodation before and after the trip ✗ All transfers and bank fees ✗ Gratuity to the crew ✗ Perfect weather
MEALS: This castaway experience includes a varied menu with primarily vegetable dishes and the occasional seafood whenever freshly available. Special requests can be made at briefing the evening prior to the trip for allergies.
DEPOSIT: 50% payable online, 50% due in cash prior to departure (USD or PHP).
CANCELLATION: A cancellation fee of 50USD per person applies if you wish to cancel the booking. A cancellation fee of 50% of the total rate applies for cancellations made less than 30 days in advance, or in case of no-show.
What days do you go? The trip departs weekly from September to May. And all trips are run semi-privately, meaning we go regardless of group size. We meet at 7:30pm the evening prior for a short orientation, and again early on departure date at the Red Carabao Coron office. See SCHEDULE above for open dates.
How to apply? We love the feeling of disconnection of nature as much as the thrill of the wild on a rainy day. But we can imagine a castaway on desert beach is not everyone's ideal holiday trip.
Before applying to take part in this experience you must understand that Red Carabao offers neither a tour nor a resort. We do not guarantee sun tan and pina coladas. In fact, beyond ample food and our crew, we can promise little else about the weather, the waves, the crowing roosters, mosquito bites, jellyfish and sunburns.
Forget time and go with flow—you are ultimately the deciding factor in the whole experience.
How far in advance should we apply? Early birds get the worm! As dates fill up quickly between our expeditions, booking 3-4 months in advance can better secure available dates. Trips are not confirmed until your request is approved. An invitation will be sent to you by email following approval, usually within the week. Feel free to poke us by email or WhatsApp, in case. Should the application request not be accepted, a full refund will be issued via the same payment method.
Do you accept group bookings? Rates are per person. For groups of 5 or more, please contact us via email below.
Do I have to reconfirm my place on the tour? If an application approval had not be sent to you, please write us an email so we can reconfirm your place on the trip at least 48 hours before departure date. A deposit of 50% per person has to be made at the time of application to hold your spots. Our aim is to make it as easy as possible for travellers to come along. We will contact you to see what is the best option for you to finalise the booking.
When is the Office Orientation? Everyone is asked to drop by the Red Carabao Office at 7:30pm on the night before departure for a quick run-through of trip essentials and settle any balance.
When is the full balance due and how? Only a 50% deposit is required for online requests. Balance is due in cash at the office orientation on the evening prior to the trip, payable in Philippine Pesos (at 53:1 rate) or U.S. Dollars.
What happen if the Coast Guard cancels the trip? All reservations are made under the condition that should the Philippine Coast Guard officially cancels all trips due to severe weather, the departure date is moved to the following day at the same time. The date can be changed up to 2 days following the original travel date, at no additional costs. For example, if the trip is scheduled on a Tuesday, we may depart up to Thursday. If Thursday is canceled, a full refund will be issued to you.
Arriving late? Depending on the group situation and the trip schedule, a catch-up boat may be available for hire on your day or arrival. The cost is $50 per group of 2-4 for the boat only.
Is there an age limit? A sense of adventure can be had at any age!
What do I need to bring? Your swimming gear and a towel, a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen (reef-safe and at least SPF15), a reliable insect repellent, toiletries, a camera and power bank, warm clothing for the cooler, windy months of November to March. Also bring your appetite and a sense of humour! Inhibitions can be left in the luggage storage rooms with your other unwanted baggage. You are going on a fun trip.
How much luggage can I take? The boat has limited space so please keep your luggage to a maximum of 10kgs in a backpack or overnight bag and include a small day pack to hand carry for easy access to camera, sunscreen, water, etc.
What do I eat? We emphasise fresh food wherever possible and our meals are nutritious and varied. We enjoy catering to vegetarians, but may serve seafood and chicken on special occasion. It's not easy, but we must stay conscientious of our impact on non-sustainable food sources. If you have specific dietary needs, please discuss this at the briefing.
Is there Wifi? No. Prepare for no cellular data signal.
Is there hot shower? No.
Is smoking allowed? By law, smoking is prohibited in public spaces and parks. As a matter of courtesy to people and the environ, smokers are limited to a designated area. Bring a portable or pocket ashtray.
How fit do I have to be? Ours are active tours so a reasonable level of fitness and swimming ability is requisite. If you enjoy kayaking through caves, swimming in open coasts or rock climbing in natural parks and directly experiencing the environment then this is the experience for you. If you have any doubts about your suitability for our tours, please check with us before making a booking.
