Have you ever been to Palawan? If you have, you might want to return to try this!
Stand Up Paddling a.k.a SUP is one of Coron’s newest eco-tour attractions. If you want to literally get soaked in nature, enjoy Instagram-ready view s , and even get a total body workout in the process, then this is just the ex perience for you!
SUP Central Tours is a full service, duly accredited tour operating service offering world class paddle boarding and island hopping tours in Coron! It is a heady combination of turquoise waters, spectacular snorkeling sites brimming with exotic fish, and of course the incredible majestic limestone formation overhead that seem to devour you with it’s unbelievable patterns. It just never gets old!
SUP CENTRAL TOURS
Coron, Palawan
Mobile: +63 917 891 1968, +63 930 188 6609
E-mail: info@supcentraltours.com
Facebook: supcentraltours
Website: www.supcentraltours.com
SUP or stand up paddling is for everybody, thus it’s currently the fastest growing water sport in the world. It’s quite popular because the learning curve is so easy and people of all ages and skill can quickly get comfortable on a paddle board. It also provides a low – impact full body workout and an eco-friendly way to experience the outdoors.
What makes them a cut above other SUP tours in Coron is that they level up the stand up paddling experience. From the flow of their tours, to the lunch spread (it is fully styled). SUP Central Tours trains their guides under the Academy of Surfing Instructor standards. T h is means the safest and most fun way to enjoy the sport! Let’s put it this was, if PADI is to diving, ASI is to paddle boarding.
HOW TO GET THERE
From your hotel, you will be picked up by SUP Central Tours’ trike to the launch point, which is the Coron Wharf.
La Sirenetta is the end point of the Magical Mangrove Sunset Tour.
WHO CAN SUP?
Kids below 12 are required to wear a USCG-approved life jacket at all times while on a paddle board (motor skills of kids mature for paddling at about eight years old). This goes for paddlers in their 60s to 70s who’d like to enjoy the sport as well.
ABOUT OUR GUIDE
THE ISLAND TOUR
We took the Nice and Easy Paddling package to Banol Beach that starts at 10:00 am until 4:00 pm. It takes around 3 to 4 hours of leisurely paddling to finish the tour around the turquoise waters of Emerald Beach and Boatman’s secret.
Nice and Easy Paddling
Time: (10:00am to 4:00pm)
Experience level: Beginner to Advanced
After assembling at Coron Wharf , we took a 20-minute private boat ride to Banol Beach. Each tour starts with a basic lesson on SUP and an intro to paddling on the beach.
Here is Maria Kreidiel, Michi’s German neighbour in Coron. Maria’s reaction to the tour was: “This is the best day of my life!”
SUP Central uses top- end paddle board brands such as Starboard, NSP and UMI. The boards are much wider and easier for newbies to
balance on.
We love the carbon paddle, which is really light and easy,u nlike those in resorts that are made of aluminium and feel like barbells. There is a big difference in paddling pleasure.
They teach the basics of SUP, like how to manuever the boards so that you are confident even in the open water.
Learning how to stand on a board and paddle can be done within 10 minutes. You have to engage your core to keep your balance.
Tip: Life vests are also available for those who don’t know how to swim. They also bring water at all times, and a first aid kit.
You are equipped with the leash and a paddling vest, that has a whistle in its pocket. The ratio of guides to guests is one to six. And guides are required to stay not farther than 100m away from the guests.
SUPing is easy! Don’t be afraid to fall off the board in open water, as the boards act as a floatation device you can hold on to.
Michi brought us to one of her favorite spots–the Boatman’s Secret in Emerald Beach (Banol), and the place looks magical!
The cave here is hauntingly beautiful. And there’s a spot where the sunlight seeps through, perfect for a photoshoot!
Coron truly is a paradise! I couldn’t believe I would be able to cross this off my bucket list so soon. The sceneries were breathtaking, and the place was picture perfect!
SUMPTUOUS LUNCH BY THE BEACH
Lunch was served based on the fresh catch of the day.
My favorite was the crab. I’ve been eating crab for four straight meals in Coron, and I just couldn’t seem to get enough! We were lucky that the crabs we had were fatty.
We also had fresh grilled Bagis, liempo, adobo, and ensalada.
The best part was the dessert! The mangoes were extra sweet and perfect for cooling down the body.
Cold beer and soda as a reward! Cheers!
SNORKELING SESH
After lunch, you can go snorkeling or stay and paddle some more around the beach.
Coron is also known for snorkeling. You’ll find yourself in another world–a surreal and magnificent underwater garden!
MANGROVE TOUR PACKAGE
They also offer sunset mangrove tours at Coron Bay. Make sure to be on time so you won’t miss that gorgeous sunset!
Insects are pesky things you want to avoid on the mangrove tour. Make sure to load up on insect repellant spray.
Kalikhasan is Michi Calica’s personal choice for her tours. We tried it and it smells fresh!
Sunrise Magical Mangrove
Time: 5:30 am-7:30 am (1.5-2 hours)
Route: Fenville Leisure Village – Mangroves – Coron Bay
Experience level: Beginner to Advanced
SUP is one of the most incredibly memorable ways to experience the islands. It is enjoyable to do with friends and family because you can chat and laugh as loud as you want while paddling, when the sun get’s too hot to bear, all you have to do is jump in the water and enjoy a dip! The entire trip was amazing and such an incredible experience- it was simply a gorgeous time! It’s probably one of, if not the most arrestingly exquisite sights I’ve ever laid my eyes on in my entire life.
I highly recommend SUP Central tours in Coron to be added to your bucket list! They are the premiere SUP tour operators in the island since e very detail was lovingly thought of , and executed for the optimum enjoyment of their guests. What do you expect from one of the country’s most seasoned fashion designers? Love is indeed in the details.
Reservations are a breeze because most of the advanced bookings are done online. If you want a levelled-up experience versus run-of-the-mill ‘joiner’ tours, you can have your whole customized by SUP Central Tours.
SUP Central Opens their new town head quarters this February along the National Highway, across Red Carabao and Fika Coffee!
SUP CENTRAL TOURS
Coron, Palawan
Mobile: +63 917 891 1968, +63 930 188 6609
E-mail: info@supcentraltours.com
Facebook: supcentraltours
Website: www.supcentraltours.com
Live an Awesome Life,
ABI of Team Our Awesome Planet
Disclosure: Our SUP Tour was courtesy of Michi Calica of SUP Central Tours. I wrote this article with my biases, opinions, and insights.
P.S. You can also find other SUP certified tours in Bohol, Lake Caliraya, and Dumaguete.
SUP Proper Beach Attire
-Shorts, a rashguard. Under that your bikini or bathing suit.
-Wear a paddling hat that has ample shade, and tied safely on your head.
-Wear shades (best to choose inexpensive ones) so that when they fall, there is no loss.
-Load on the SPF.
-All fabric should be dri-fit.
-There is no need for aqua socks since you need traction on the board.