Paddle, Prawns & Purple Lips

The days start early on this trip, fueled by an unholy combination of excitement and caffeine. Breakfast? No time for fancy buffets—just a quick grab from the local bakeshop. Today’s special: pan de sal with moringa (because we’re healthy travelers, right?) and a cup of coffee from the hotel’s self-service coffee station.

We meet our new boat guide, Joyce, a woman with an eagle eye for details and a love for organization. Unlike our last boat, today’s vessel, JohnMaica, welcomes us with the soulful beats of Bob Marley and a breakfast spread of pancakes and hard-boiled eggs—a surprising but welcome change. Our lips, however, are paying the price for the relentless sun of the past few days. Enter: The Purple Lip Gang—our new identity, thanks to layers of zinc sunscreen.

Paddle, Paddle, Paddle… Oh, Look, a Fish!

Stand-up paddling? No problem. We hop off the boat and glide across the glassy waters, marveling at the underwater paradise beneath us. Schools of fish flash their shimmering scales, corals stretch out like underwater gardens, and every twist and turn leads to hidden lagoons that seem like they belong in a pirate movie.

Then come the mangroves, where the water narrows, and suddenly, surprise! We paddle into a secret lake.

A Cave Fit for Adventurers

After a few kilometers of paddling, we reach Pukaway Cave. This is no ordinary pit stop. We climb down through a narrow hole, using a ladder . Inside, a cathedral-like cave awaits, where stalactites and stalagmites frame the water, and the silence is almost eerie. If you’ve been to Mexico’s cenotes, this is like the VIP version—because we have it all to ourselves.

Lunch with a Side of Wow

Back on the boat, it’s time for lunch. Joyce, with her magic touch, has prepared a feast: carved fruits, prawns, grilled fish, chicken, rice—all served buffet-style on a red tablecloth. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an aesthetic experience. We sip post-lunch coffee while the boat gently rocks, and life, at this moment, is perfection.

The Crown Jewel: Twin Lagoon

Our next stop is Twin Lagoon, and luck is on our side. We’ve never seen it this empty—a rare treat in Coron. We float in the turquoise waters, staring up at towering limestone cliffs, soaking in every last bit of this surreal beauty. Paddling through the narrow passage, we explore both lagoons, reluctant to leave.

Fifteen kilometers later just when we were about to stop paddling the forecasted rain starts. Timing: impeccable.

The Grand Finale

Back on land, we deflate the paddleboards, pack up, and transport them back via van—except for John and Carnar, who transport the massive 3.40m hardboard on a tricycle (local style, of course). This is our last night in Coron, so after a much-needed shower, we head to town for a final dinner.

Tonight’s pick? Umami Kusina, a place so good it deserves a permanent spot on every traveler’s “must-eat” list.

The week has flown by, filled with adventures, laughter, and slightly sunburnt lips. Coron, you’ve been unreal. Until next time!Læs mere