Big Dream Boatman Expeditions
Big Dream Boatman Expeditions
Big Dream Boatman Expeditions
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About
Big Dream Boatman is a local and authentic experience in Palawan, Philippines. We specialise in Island Life experiences. We take explorers on different multi-day expeditions around Coron, El Nido, Linapacan and the Calamian Islands to really explore the 'final frontier' of Palawan. We are a very passionate group of individuals who love what we do and see ourselves more like a family, one that we hope you will join :).
Coron, Philippines
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2023
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5.0
618 reviews
Excellent
611
Very good
5
Average
2
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Sandra S
4 contributions
Dec 2023 • Solo
Big Dream Boat Man...is the best tour I could have ever booked. They bring you to paradisiac destinations and EVERYTHING included (fins, snorkel gear, alcohol for those who want to drink) on a big boat with space for everybody with max guests of 18 where you can relax and rest.
We saw turtles, rays, lion fish, lot of nemo, amazing stars (in the sky) and in the sea!
The cabins where we were staying at night were just beautiful, taken out from a fairytale.
Sleeping to the sound of the waves and wind was a beautiful experience (and yes! They have well functioning mosquito nets for everybody, so don't you worry).
The food on board is so good (worth mentioning that they always include vegetarian version and are thoughtful to any kind of restrictions) and the karaoke night was top! These guys breath songs (you will soon understand what I am saying!)
The crew taught me the basics of free diving as well.
I do have to say though, this tour is not only about the destinations...this tour goes beyond, and to me, the best part was the crew: Richard, Rosendo, Jhapet, Dod's, Nene, Mark (Marquitos!) and especially Reynald, Ambu and Darwin...I will never forget them. These amazing people have become my philippino family. They love their job and you can see it in every breath they take!
I have been struggling in my life for a while, and these guys have been healing my heart and soul.
Talk to them, get to know who they are beyond employees of big dream boatman. Without them, this experience would not be the same.
Blue team forever in my heart 💙I will definitely come back to meet my new family!
🎶🎤You're my heart.. you're my soul...
I could continue but, besides not knowing how to describe this feeling I have inside after this experience, it is better you experience this yourself
Your new sis - Sandrita 💙
🎶🎤Cause you’ll be in my heart…you’ll be in my heart…from this day on, now and forever…
We saw turtles, rays, lion fish, lot of nemo, amazing stars (in the sky) and in the sea!
The cabins where we were staying at night were just beautiful, taken out from a fairytale.
Sleeping to the sound of the waves and wind was a beautiful experience (and yes! They have well functioning mosquito nets for everybody, so don't you worry).
The food on board is so good (worth mentioning that they always include vegetarian version and are thoughtful to any kind of restrictions) and the karaoke night was top! These guys breath songs (you will soon understand what I am saying!)
The crew taught me the basics of free diving as well.
I do have to say though, this tour is not only about the destinations...this tour goes beyond, and to me, the best part was the crew: Richard, Rosendo, Jhapet, Dod's, Nene, Mark (Marquitos!) and especially Reynald, Ambu and Darwin...I will never forget them. These amazing people have become my philippino family. They love their job and you can see it in every breath they take!
I have been struggling in my life for a while, and these guys have been healing my heart and soul.
Talk to them, get to know who they are beyond employees of big dream boatman. Without them, this experience would not be the same.
Blue team forever in my heart 💙I will definitely come back to meet my new family!
🎶🎤You're my heart.. you're my soul...
I could continue but, besides not knowing how to describe this feeling I have inside after this experience, it is better you experience this yourself
Your new sis - Sandrita 💙
🎶🎤Cause you’ll be in my heart…you’ll be in my heart…from this day on, now and forever…
Written 3 December 2023
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.
Safari24621292721
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Couples
We did the Coron Island Life tour and it was FANTASTIC, Nat & Jerome and the entire Team Violet were incredible and made the experience absolutely unforgettable. The chefs also deserve a special mention as the food was exceptional.
Black island was my absolute favourite stop but everywhere we went was great.
The beachfront accommodation were wonderful. Truly an amazing experience, didn’t want it to end ❤️!
Black island was my absolute favourite stop but everywhere we went was great.
The beachfront accommodation were wonderful. Truly an amazing experience, didn’t want it to end ❤️!
Written 2 December 2023
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.
Aarika
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Solo
A MUST do in Palawan. This was the highlight of my 2 month Philippines travel. The crew is amazing (thank you violet team!), food was the best I’ve had (fresh tuna, crab, turon, adobo etc) and the chef prepares it all in the back of the boat which is just beyond amazing. The accommodation is basic but it’s all part of the experience of getting to be on these remote islands. You won’t regret choosing Big Dream Boatman as your tour guides. I opted for the Coron Island life trip, and it was so great that I’m very much considering extending my stay to try another route!
Written 2 December 2023
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.
Maria
6 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
A lifetime experience! First of all I would like to thank Jerome, Penut and his team . From the captain till the amazing chef with THE BEST FOOD WE HAD IN ALL PHILIPPINES! A memorable trip with the best views and hidden jems . The constant attention from the crew always beyond our expectations! They never stop offer us food drinks and everything we neede. Some times it’s not only the things you see on a trip but also the hospitality and care and this is something we definitely had. Everything was spectacular. We really enjoy our time and we will keep those beautiful memories forever in our mind and heart ❤️
Written 2 December 2023
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.
Veronika S
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Friends
I had probably one of the best weekends in my life!
The camps have been really nice. The crew is just fantastic! Our guides have been Aldren and Ginel! Our chef Warson cook 3 times a day an amazing food !
I really would recommend everyone to do this expedition.
The camps have been really nice. The crew is just fantastic! Our guides have been Aldren and Ginel! Our chef Warson cook 3 times a day an amazing food !
I really would recommend everyone to do this expedition.
Written 1 December 2023
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.
Jessica B
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Couples
This was awesome! We had the time of our lives. We did the 4-day expedition from Coron to El Nido. We had a very nice group of people and how nice the crew/family was! We don't really know where to start, but one thing is for sure: you just have to do this expedition because it is insane. You see the most beautiful places and you sleep in fantastic huts on the beach with the most beautiful starry skies. In addition, the food on the boat prepared by Warson and John was so delicious! Aldrin, Ginel, JB and Nat provided a very nice atmosphere and you can certainly laugh with them! We cannot thank the whole family enough for a wonderful time!
Written 27 November 2023
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.
Simon W
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Couples
Hard to put this trip into words but truly exceptional. We did the 4D/3N tour from El Nido to Coron and while it was the highlight even before starting the trip, it far exceeded any expectations. A few highlights:
- Snorkelling was just unreal
- Organization from check-in to finish was top nodge
- The crew were absolute rockstars (they even knew all our names before going on board) - karaoke included
- While you may reach some of these places doing day tours from El Nido or Coron, we always went counter cyclical so we avoided all the crowds every time; and trust me, the true beauty is only revealed when being there basically by yourself
- Food was amazing and plenty including breakfast, lunch and dinner but also afternoon snacks like banana cue or coconuts
- All you can drink beer (and other stuff)
And I have to repeat the crew - their energy levels were just up there the whole 4 days: approachable, curious, family - thanks to Darwin & team for this special memory!
- Snorkelling was just unreal
- Organization from check-in to finish was top nodge
- The crew were absolute rockstars (they even knew all our names before going on board) - karaoke included
- While you may reach some of these places doing day tours from El Nido or Coron, we always went counter cyclical so we avoided all the crowds every time; and trust me, the true beauty is only revealed when being there basically by yourself
- Food was amazing and plenty including breakfast, lunch and dinner but also afternoon snacks like banana cue or coconuts
- All you can drink beer (and other stuff)
And I have to repeat the crew - their energy levels were just up there the whole 4 days: approachable, curious, family - thanks to Darwin & team for this special memory!
Written 27 November 2023
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.
Kirs10maree
6 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
I highly recommend you do this, it was so much fun and a highlight of our trip to the Philippines.
The crew were great, and they kept the vibes up the entire time. The accommodation was way better than expected with breathtaking scenes. This particular expedition is well organised and had some really beautiful snorkelling spots. They accommodated my dietary requirements (gluten-free) and health concerns which I appreciated. I cannot forget to mention how delightful the food was, our chef did an incredible job of keeping our tummies full and happy.
The crew were great, and they kept the vibes up the entire time. The accommodation was way better than expected with breathtaking scenes. This particular expedition is well organised and had some really beautiful snorkelling spots. They accommodated my dietary requirements (gluten-free) and health concerns which I appreciated. I cannot forget to mention how delightful the food was, our chef did an incredible job of keeping our tummies full and happy.
Written 27 November 2023
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.
Nomad26864992507
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Friends
The Big Boat Adventure led by Darwin was one of the best adventures/experience I’ve been on! We went from Coron to El Nido.The whole crew was fantastic, the food cooked by Rosendo was some of the best traditional Filipino food and somehow it kept getting better by the day!!
Written 27 November 2023
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.
Allywoods
7 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
This is hands down the best ‘tour’ I’ve ever been on.
The team are friendly and helpful from the minute you arrive, to ensuring you board reliable transport to your hotel or airport after departing the catamaran at the end of the trip. Ken our guide and his team were fantastic, guiding us to the best snorkelling spots, swimming areas, setting up activities like beach volleyball and preparing fresh delicious meals and snacks breakfast lunch and dinner. Providing information about the area’s without being too ‘touristy’. I have already recommended this to friends and would likely do the trip again myself.
The team are friendly and helpful from the minute you arrive, to ensuring you board reliable transport to your hotel or airport after departing the catamaran at the end of the trip. Ken our guide and his team were fantastic, guiding us to the best snorkelling spots, swimming areas, setting up activities like beach volleyball and preparing fresh delicious meals and snacks breakfast lunch and dinner. Providing information about the area’s without being too ‘touristy’. I have already recommended this to friends and would likely do the trip again myself.
Written 25 November 2023
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.
henry n
Edmonton, Canada18 contributions
If you were to do the tour again, which island would tell to the boatman to skip and which one is want to stay longer?
Kris Clinkaberry
6 contributions
I wouldn't want to skip anything honestly. It was well paced so you could enjoy everything.
Shaina Ostrowski
5 contributions
Did anyone take any special vaccines for the trip? Malaria, Rabies, etc?
Shaina Ostrowski
5 contributions
How was the mosquito situation? Planning to bring lots of bug spray but not sure if we should bring extra nets, take malaria pills, etc if it’s really bad.
rachel n
10 contributions
I don’t remember getting bitten, and mosquitos LOVE me. Our bug spray was In the luggage that got lost on our flight, no mosquito nets on our beds etc., and we were fine.
Mel
Moratuwa, Sri Lanka4 contributions
Does the 3N/4D tour from Coron to El Nido cover the spots covered through the tours in El Nido? Or similar spots. Just want to understand if I should spend a few more days in El Nido & explore around after doing this tour. Will it be worth it?
Finn W
36 contributions
Nope. The tour is best for people who try to avoid the overcrowded spots and touristy places.
Does BDBM provide bug nets for sleeping? If not, are the cabins that guests stay in pretty sealed off from bugs? (particularly mosquitos) Would past guests recommend that we bring bug nets with us for the nights?
Alex W
London, UK14 contributions
In some of the cabins that we stayed in there were mosquito nets but there were some without. The cabins are not that well sealed because they are simple cabins on the beach. However, do not let this put you off as you will have the best time using BDBM!
Júlia Coutinho
Rio de Janeiro, RJ13 contributions
is there any possibility of the itinerary that the boat carries out (from coron to el nido) being equal to any of the itineraries carried out by the day sightseeing tours A, B, C of both islands?
we already bought the boat tour and, as we are on a budget, we didn't want to risk paying for tours where we will see the same places.
Oli C
Singapore, Singapore1 contribution
Hey, for el nido to coron on the last day you're currently likely to visit Kayangan lake and twin lagoon (both part of many coron Island tour a, b type day trips) other than that it's unlikely you would visit any of the same spots as the day trips, but the itinerary does change throughout the season so can't be certain. Sorry for not being able to give you complete assurance.
Danny L
San Jose, CA2 contributions
Did you experience rough sea conditions on the Coron to El Nido trip, and if so, do you know if the Coron to Coron has calmer water?
Thanks, Danny
Travelbug
London, UK171 contributions
We did the coron to coron and you cover less distance, it’s more cruising around islands rather than travelling to cover lots of miles like the el nido one - our seas were calm!
Ciao a tutti vorrei sapere i costi e quanti giorni vengono dedicati a questi tour in barca noi saremo a port barton il 15 febbraio
I really want to do this, but how do I get from puerto princessa airport to the el nido port? My maps say its 4 hrs away!! Any insight would be great!
Oli C
Singapore, Singapore1 contribution
Hey :) to join the El Nido to Coron trip you would need to travel to El Nido via van/car which yes as you say is quite far. It's better if you can fly into El Nido or Coron directly :/