El Nido Tours Sea Quest
El Nido Tours Sea Quest
El Nido Tours Sea Quest
4.5
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El Nido Tours ''Sea Quest'' - boat tours in El Nido and Coron, Palawan, Philippines. ABCD Island hopping in El Nido Bacuit Bay or 3-5 day expeditions between El Nido and Coron. Our specialty is private tours, but we also organize group cruises. 7 boats for expeditions and 15 for day tours, over 1000 guests per month! Welcome aboard - we will make your time with us the highlight of your Philippines trip!
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El Nido Tours Sea Quest
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
324 reviews
Excellent
278
Very good
20
Average
7
Poor
6
Terrible
14
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Jonas Selim
Oslo, Norway1 contribution
Mar 2024 • Solo
Did the the expedition from Coron to El Nido. This tour is so much more private / relaxed than the other island hopping tours you can do around in Palawan. You go to secluded islands, beaches and beautiful snorkeling spots without many other people. Insanely good food by chef Mike (best I’ve had in my Philippines trip). Also great crew that accommodated us: good tour guide Tony, Sally with his spear fishing skills that caught us lunch, mechanic Arnold that makes sure the boat is always in good shape (and he’s the big star of the karaoke night when he comes out of his hiding in the engine room 😂), and also the rest of the crew always were good fun when playing volleyball or just making sure we get safely to shore in their kayaks. Can very much recommend!
Only a couple of things to note: would like to have a working fan in the accommodations (some worked and some didn’t, and it’s HOT in the night). Also: if everyone gets a 1000PHP discount for “booking today”, it’s not really a discount. I was told “I will meet people that paid 18k for the trip”, and asked everyone when on board. Everyone has paid 17k.
Only a couple of things to note: would like to have a working fan in the accommodations (some worked and some didn’t, and it’s HOT in the night). Also: if everyone gets a 1000PHP discount for “booking today”, it’s not really a discount. I was told “I will meet people that paid 18k for the trip”, and asked everyone when on board. Everyone has paid 17k.
Written March 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ryan Y
5 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
The expedition from Coron to El Nido was absolutely a highlight of the Philippines. We did the 3D2N expedition and nothing could have been better. Tour guide (Richard) was exceptional in taking us to some fantastic locations and giving us local knowledge about where we were and what we were experiencing. Everyone was baffled by how great the food was even though we were on a boat. Usually you could expect lower quality food being remote and not many facilities however the cook (Mike) really turned up the heat giving us restaurant quality food every meal. The entire crew were really friendly and couldn’t do more for us. The locations we visited felt untouched and like we were truly apart of the Philippines. Overall I would recommend to anyone wanting a really fun experience rather than a ferry ride from point A to B.
Written June 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Monaco Sailor
Monaco1 contribution
Dec 2024 • Friends
I’m saddened to see the 1-star reviews for the Sea Quest tour from Coron to El Nido (30th Dec - 1st Jan). I was on this trip, and while it wasn’t ideal, it wasn’t a disaster either. I am purposely writing a review from a different account so that the company from this tour does not identify me.
On the departure morning, two boats were provided, but most of us chose the larger one to avoid feeling left out. Only one family of four used the smaller 40-foot boat, which, for context, is quite sizable (we’ve crossed the Atlantic on a 33-foot boat). On the second morning, the smaller boat ran aground at low tide, so we all moved to the larger boat. There was enough space for 38 people, but heavy rain made it less comfortable. However, it wasn’t a tropical storm—just rain, with no wind or waves.
It wasn’t the New Year’s experience we had hoped for, but such challenges are part of sea travel. The team and company did their best under the circumstances. Upon arrival in El Nido, the coordinator apologised and offered compensation.
Many of these 1-star reviews seem to come from people demanding full refunds and extra compensation, which I personally find unfair. I don’t want either of those things. While the trip wasn’t perfect, I believe the crew worked hard to manage a tough situation. Please keep that in mind.
On the departure morning, two boats were provided, but most of us chose the larger one to avoid feeling left out. Only one family of four used the smaller 40-foot boat, which, for context, is quite sizable (we’ve crossed the Atlantic on a 33-foot boat). On the second morning, the smaller boat ran aground at low tide, so we all moved to the larger boat. There was enough space for 38 people, but heavy rain made it less comfortable. However, it wasn’t a tropical storm—just rain, with no wind or waves.
It wasn’t the New Year’s experience we had hoped for, but such challenges are part of sea travel. The team and company did their best under the circumstances. Upon arrival in El Nido, the coordinator apologised and offered compensation.
Many of these 1-star reviews seem to come from people demanding full refunds and extra compensation, which I personally find unfair. I don’t want either of those things. While the trip wasn’t perfect, I believe the crew worked hard to manage a tough situation. Please keep that in mind.
Written January 2, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Navigate827416
3 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
Booked private combined tour A/C, paid 15,000 pesos/ £200 to escape the crowds. Had high expectations given what they advertised on their website.
It quickly went downhill after paying the deposit…
Agreed via WhatsApp that we'd get picked up at 7.45 am. Had to chase company day before to make sure all was going ahead, no pre planning from company to reassure it's customers.
The morning of our trip we waited for 40 minutes outside our hotel, no pick-up in sight and no courtesy text. I followed up, at which point they said they had sent a driver. Resulting in us going on our private tour AFTER all the groups, which meant each stop was crowded and not the service we had booked.
On the tour our guide was disengaged, and even suggested we miss a final stop for an unknown reason…
Once we'd made it back to the port, we went to speak to the office to offer our feedback and understand why our experience was not what we booked. We were presented with a lady that had an aggressive edge and was very defensive about hearing what we had to say. Shockingly, she then proceeded to lie and tell us the driver had broken down, which was not the case as they texted to say they had sent a driver after we chased them.
You shouldn't have someone customer-facing that cannot manage feedback or criticism from customers.
That interaction left a bitter taste in our mouths so we decided to WhatsApp the rep we had been speaking to give them our feedback. The person on the other end of these messages spoke to us atrociously (see attached). We expected nothing out of this, just a sincere apology and understanding of our frustrations. This rep was very defensive and rude…
This company had actually subcontracted our experience out to a different business, which was not the company we believed we were paying or communicating with. They provided no address for this business probably in the hope we wouldn't realise they had completely scammed us.
Shameful and very embarrassing behaviour from the rep and all members involved.
Avoid this tour and company, we highly recommend to skip El Nido tours and go to Coron instead!
It quickly went downhill after paying the deposit…
Agreed via WhatsApp that we'd get picked up at 7.45 am. Had to chase company day before to make sure all was going ahead, no pre planning from company to reassure it's customers.
The morning of our trip we waited for 40 minutes outside our hotel, no pick-up in sight and no courtesy text. I followed up, at which point they said they had sent a driver. Resulting in us going on our private tour AFTER all the groups, which meant each stop was crowded and not the service we had booked.
On the tour our guide was disengaged, and even suggested we miss a final stop for an unknown reason…
Once we'd made it back to the port, we went to speak to the office to offer our feedback and understand why our experience was not what we booked. We were presented with a lady that had an aggressive edge and was very defensive about hearing what we had to say. Shockingly, she then proceeded to lie and tell us the driver had broken down, which was not the case as they texted to say they had sent a driver after we chased them.
You shouldn't have someone customer-facing that cannot manage feedback or criticism from customers.
That interaction left a bitter taste in our mouths so we decided to WhatsApp the rep we had been speaking to give them our feedback. The person on the other end of these messages spoke to us atrociously (see attached). We expected nothing out of this, just a sincere apology and understanding of our frustrations. This rep was very defensive and rude…
This company had actually subcontracted our experience out to a different business, which was not the company we believed we were paying or communicating with. They provided no address for this business probably in the hope we wouldn't realise they had completely scammed us.
Shameful and very embarrassing behaviour from the rep and all members involved.
Avoid this tour and company, we highly recommend to skip El Nido tours and go to Coron instead!
Written May 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We giving people unforgettable memories, the highlight experiences in the Philippines to over 1000 guests a month - and you called our company a scam? If we are scammers, that's a case for the police, right? Our registration number is listed on our website in FAQs https://www.elnido-tours.com/
Your review is appropriately titled with your phrase "Listen, I'm a paying customer who gave you £200 of our money". If you think, Scott, the price 200£ includes humiliating our staff and treating us like colonial slaves - then we'll be glad we won't have customers like you, sorry, but this is a case where corporate ethics can be disregarded. Any guest who has paid £20, £200 or £4000 is important to us. But we don't tolerate rudeness.
What and where was the only problem? You were sent a booking confirmation where the receptionist made a mistake - instead of pickup it said self coming. They sent it to you with the phrase - please check. And you replied: "all great, thank you".
The manager did not organise pickup in the morning - because his job is based on the booking confirmation. You wrote to us and we promptly corrected everything - the transfer arrived to you 20 minutes later at 8.20am! And you started the tour at 8.30an - earlier than the group boats - most of which leave at 9-9.30.
When you started an Rude dialogue with our staff after the tour - we fully admitted our fault, and apologetically asked you only one question - why on the question - check out your booking confirmation you gave answer - "All great, thank you" ? You didn't even reply on that simple question.
But even after all that, we offered you a free excursion. Isn't that right, Scott?
Written May 3, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sunshine58734151284
1 contribution
Dec 2024 • Family
This is the worst company I have ever hired in my life. If you want a nice vacation without any setbacks please do not contact them, they ruined my family's vacation. I traveled 20 hours to El Nido to do a two-day private tour and they did not fulfill any of their promises. The first day we were waiting for them and when they saw that they were not picking us up, I texted them, they asked for the booking number, conclusion that they forgot my reservation and that because it was Christmas they did not have a captain. We asked if they could do the tour that was scheduled for the next day, and they confirmed that yes, that between 7:45 and 8 am they would pick us up. I contacted them the next day at 7:55 am to confirm and they said not to worry, they said that the driver was on the way, that the tour was confirmed, and that the boat was ready with the crew. At 8:30 am I wrote and they said that there were 2 tuk tuks coming. Seeing that it was already late and we saw other tours picking up people, we told them that they couldn't take that long to pick us up. At 8:55 am they sent us a photo showing us that we weren't the only ones that had more people waiting. At 9:00 am we called them but they wrote that they weren't answering because there were too many people calling. We asked for directions to the port and they said it was better to wait at the hotel. We asked to speak to the manager and they gave us a number that they never answered. At 9:15 am no one ever showed up. We were the only tourists at the reception, the rest went on their tours. You can't imagine the unpleasant moment of seeing my children with that face of anguish and sadness. In conclusion, we couldn't do anything at that point, no company could take us on any tour and my family and I were left without seeing anything thanks to Sea Quest. We went to the address where the office is located in El Nido, but it was closed and there was no one. This company is so disorganized that when we asked for a refund, they told me that since I was asking for the full amount, I wanted a free tour, because according to them I had cancelled the first tour and the organizer had told them that they had picked us up on the second one, so they had to confirm. Besides, I was a liar.
Written January 11, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Please accept our sincere apologies for the unfortunate experience. We promise you or your friends a free tour on a premium boat or catamaran whenever, or free hotel in Europe! Around Christmas holidays in El Nido there was chaos absolutely everywhere - captains, tour guides didn't show up for work, administration and coast guard started working at 9am instead of 8am. With a full load, 17 tours a day - we had no way to utilise reserve resources. The patient ones got what they wanted, the temperamental ones demanded a refund, which they got. Again, we are truly sorry! Owner.
Written January 12, 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Chantal S
Zurich, Switzerland3 contributions
May 2024 • Friends
My friend and I did the 3D 2N Tour from El Nido to Coron, which I highly recommend for solo travellers, young couples or friends. Our group was a mix of Europeans from early 20's to early 30's. Everyone was very outgoing and great fun. The crew was well organised and always up for a joke. Our tour guides Marc and Dance were great hosts and always made sure that everyone was informed about the schedule and activities of the day. The beach huts and camping facilities were simple but clean. One of the highlights, apart from the fantastic snorkelling, was the food. Chef Mike served us the best Filipino food we had on the whole trip three times a day. At each meal we had fresh lobster or fish, a variety of meats and lots of vegetables. I think the 3 day tour was perfect for us but they also offer longer tours up to 5 days. Don't forget to bring plenty of eco-friendly sunscreen.
Written May 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard E
11 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
We were told of this action n value packed holiday by a tourist in the ferry terminal at cebu
Although 17kphp is a lot to the tourist
We were amazed how much value $$ and experience and friendliness was shown by our shipm8s the tour 3d and 2 nights !
When u consider $ food island hopping
private guides alcohol yes rum n gin from 4pm accomodation tea coffee coke lemonade n snacks cooked HEALTHY FOOD no sickness on board fresh fresh fruit fish pork chickn n vegetables.
The captain was strategic to his location and his team to their anchorage at each island
Islands, we saw so many amazing sights in the water i will treasure the rest of my life
Our guide elory is a teacher from his past experience and his explnation is of western standard
Safety we were told not to swim where there was danger and what to expect in the waters at different locations
Health cleanliness with dishes sea water n soap suds, canoes were near as as lifegaurds also.. we had a g8 time at our island houses singing kareoke till 11am!!
Although 17kphp is a lot to the tourist
We were amazed how much value $$ and experience and friendliness was shown by our shipm8s the tour 3d and 2 nights !
When u consider $ food island hopping
private guides alcohol yes rum n gin from 4pm accomodation tea coffee coke lemonade n snacks cooked HEALTHY FOOD no sickness on board fresh fresh fruit fish pork chickn n vegetables.
The captain was strategic to his location and his team to their anchorage at each island
Islands, we saw so many amazing sights in the water i will treasure the rest of my life
Our guide elory is a teacher from his past experience and his explnation is of western standard
Safety we were told not to swim where there was danger and what to expect in the waters at different locations
Health cleanliness with dishes sea water n soap suds, canoes were near as as lifegaurds also.. we had a g8 time at our island houses singing kareoke till 11am!!
Written April 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Raquel
2 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
Boat name Caera 23.
The tour itself was amazing, especially the beaches and the snorkeling. I have no words for the crew they were amazing, professional and the food is the most incredible I’ve tried in the Philippines, something you wouldn’t expect from a small boat. The crew couldn’t be more accommodating to our needs, especially when some people were ill I was so impressed of how much they genuinely cared.
I have nothing bad to say about the crew but about the tour itself; I do understand that the main point of this tour is arriving to Coron/El Nido, but maybe it should be more specified how much time it actually takes ? Most of us are tourists that don’t have too much idea of how far places are and I think I can speak for the majority saying that we expected a bit more time for exploring that what we had ( I do understand it was windy).
In the email they send you about the itinerary it says is not guaranteed to see each place / that is subject to weather conditions etc but I think many people were excited to see turtles and no one really spoke about it… I really don’t blame the crew at all I think the email they send you should be more informative and realistic about distances between islands and number of stops per day.
The tour itself is gorgeous turquoise water, lots of snorkeling and white sand beaches. But if you don’t like snorkeling and like chilling in the beach you should skip this expedition in my opinion.
Please give the recognition to this wonderful and hard working crew because they truly deserve it and I have no bad words after 3 days🩷
The tour itself was amazing, especially the beaches and the snorkeling. I have no words for the crew they were amazing, professional and the food is the most incredible I’ve tried in the Philippines, something you wouldn’t expect from a small boat. The crew couldn’t be more accommodating to our needs, especially when some people were ill I was so impressed of how much they genuinely cared.
I have nothing bad to say about the crew but about the tour itself; I do understand that the main point of this tour is arriving to Coron/El Nido, but maybe it should be more specified how much time it actually takes ? Most of us are tourists that don’t have too much idea of how far places are and I think I can speak for the majority saying that we expected a bit more time for exploring that what we had ( I do understand it was windy).
In the email they send you about the itinerary it says is not guaranteed to see each place / that is subject to weather conditions etc but I think many people were excited to see turtles and no one really spoke about it… I really don’t blame the crew at all I think the email they send you should be more informative and realistic about distances between islands and number of stops per day.
The tour itself is gorgeous turquoise water, lots of snorkeling and white sand beaches. But if you don’t like snorkeling and like chilling in the beach you should skip this expedition in my opinion.
Please give the recognition to this wonderful and hard working crew because they truly deserve it and I have no bad words after 3 days🩷
Written November 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James T
1 contribution
Nov 2024 • Friends
This trip was a real once in a lifetime experience! ( i pray i get to do it again!)
myself, my bro & our best friend had planned for an amazing two weeks in the Philippines as a sort of stag do for our mate.
we had booked a private three day/ 2 night tour with Sea Quest & it blew our minds!
We snorkelled at unbelievable sites which rival the great barrier reef in my opinion, we got to see ship wrecks, lagoons, beautiful tropical islands, beaches & the most turquoise waters. On the private tour we had the freedom to stay as long as we wished at certain spots which gave a sense of freedom that i have never had. The onboard chef was insanely good.. every lunch and breakfast was a banquet for the senses. Beautiful local fare that was simply delicious. Our host Dens was there for any need we had... sea sickness; he has you covered, dropped your sunglasses in the water; his got you; fancy some chocolate on your island stay; he has your back.
I truly cannot recommend this enough, the crew onboard were attentive, caring whilst respecting your privacy.
To sit on the sundeck of the beautiful boat as it sails through the archipelago, your belly is full, a cold beer in your hand & for a final stop of the day you're hunting for turtles! Before making it ashore, showering & enjoying a tasty fresh meal & enjoying a bamboo fire before retiring to your beach hut.
Dens you are a great man, your crew are phenomenal & i thank you for making such a beautiful memory for me and my boys.
I will never forget it & i hope to return.
love!
James x
myself, my bro & our best friend had planned for an amazing two weeks in the Philippines as a sort of stag do for our mate.
we had booked a private three day/ 2 night tour with Sea Quest & it blew our minds!
We snorkelled at unbelievable sites which rival the great barrier reef in my opinion, we got to see ship wrecks, lagoons, beautiful tropical islands, beaches & the most turquoise waters. On the private tour we had the freedom to stay as long as we wished at certain spots which gave a sense of freedom that i have never had. The onboard chef was insanely good.. every lunch and breakfast was a banquet for the senses. Beautiful local fare that was simply delicious. Our host Dens was there for any need we had... sea sickness; he has you covered, dropped your sunglasses in the water; his got you; fancy some chocolate on your island stay; he has your back.
I truly cannot recommend this enough, the crew onboard were attentive, caring whilst respecting your privacy.
To sit on the sundeck of the beautiful boat as it sails through the archipelago, your belly is full, a cold beer in your hand & for a final stop of the day you're hunting for turtles! Before making it ashore, showering & enjoying a tasty fresh meal & enjoying a bamboo fire before retiring to your beach hut.
Dens you are a great man, your crew are phenomenal & i thank you for making such a beautiful memory for me and my boys.
I will never forget it & i hope to return.
love!
James x
Written December 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trinidad A
Chile1 contribution
Mar 2024 • Friends
We did the expedition 3 days 2 nights with the nest tour, from Coron to nest. It was a unique experience, very entertaining and very worth it!!! The staff of 10 people was incredible, always worried about us. We sang karaoke, made a bonfire, watched sunsets, kayaked, snorkeled, and swam with lots of fish and turtles. Truly one of the best experiences of my life!! Thank you!!
Written March 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is this trip suitable if you can’t swim? We do not want to just be stuck on the boat if majority of the time it’s docked so people can just swim. How much time is spent on actual islands opposed to just the boat?
Written September 14, 2024
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.