Looking for a Big Dream Boat Man Alternative? Seatours Premium Private.
Big Dream Boat Man is one of the most respected names in Palawan private touring — and their waitlist shows it. If BDBM is fully booked for your dates, here is the locally-owned El Nido alternative with an 8-boat fleet, instant booking, and 2,000+ Google reviews.
If you have been researching private boat tours in El Nido or the El Nido–Coron route, you have probably already found Big Dream Boat Man (BDBM). They are cited in multiple respected travel publications, have earned extraordinary guest loyalty, and have built one of the strongest content moats of any small operator in Palawan. That reputation is well-earned.
This page exists for one simple reason: BDBM operates a single boat and is frequently booked out months ahead. If your dates do not align with their availability — or if you are planning a trip in the next 4–8 weeks — you need a reliable alternative with comparable quality. That is where Seatours comes in.
What Travellers Love About Big Dream Boat Man
Understanding what makes BDBM exceptional helps explain what to look for in an alternative:
- Owner-operated: The owner is personally on the boat, which creates an unusually high level of attention and care. Guests frequently describe it as the best day of their trip.
- Content and storytelling: BDBM has invested heavily in documenting their tours — their website, photos, and social media give travellers a genuine preview of the experience before booking.
- Consistent quality control: With a single boat and a single owner, the experience is identical every time. There is no "bad crew day."
- Strong word-of-mouth: Their guests become advocates. BDBM ranks because travel writers and past guests name them specifically in guides and comparison articles.
- Coverage of both El Nido and Coron: They know the waters on both ends of northern Palawan.
What Seatours Palawan Offers in the Same Category
Seatours' approach to private premium touring shares several of the things that define BDBM's appeal:
- Small group — maximum 8 guests: Our private charters never exceed 8 guests on the boat. This is a hard cap, not a target.
- Founder involvement: Seatours was founded by a Filipino team based at Brgy. Corong-Corong in El Nido. The WhatsApp support and quality oversight are personal, not outsourced.
- Real food: Island-cooked lunch with fresh-caught fish, grilled prawns, vegetables, fresh juice — prepared on the boat or on the beach. Not a catered box lunch.
- Local knowledge: Our captains have navigated Bacuit Bay and the Linapacan Strait for years. They know the early-morning spots, the tidal windows, and the islands the standard tours miss.
- DOT, MARINA, and DTI accreditation: Full regulatory compliance with twin-engine boats, GPS, life vests, first-aid, and safety protocols.
- 2,000+ verified Google reviews, 4.9 rating: Verifiable directly on Google Maps — not aggregated from a booking platform.
The Key Practical Difference: 1 Boat vs 8 Boats
BDBM's single-boat model is a feature, not a limitation — it is what makes the experience what it is. But it also means limited departures and a months-long waitlist during peak season (November–April).
Seatours operates a fleet of outrigger boats across multiple products. For private charters, we typically have multiple slots available per week throughout the season. Our live booking calendar shows real-time availability and most departures can be confirmed within 2–4 weeks, often shorter.
If you are travelling in the next 4–8 weeks and BDBM is full, Seatours is the comparable alternative with immediate availability.
When to Choose Which
| Situation | Best choice |
|---|---|
| Trip is 3+ months away, you have flexible dates | Check BDBM availability first |
| BDBM is full for your dates | Seatours — immediate availability |
| Booking 4–8 weeks out | Seatours — instant online booking |
| You want El Nido day tours (Bacuit Bay) | Seatours — El Nido-based operator |
| You want the full 3D2N El Nido to Coron expedition | Seatours — from ₱18,900/person |
| You want a private Bacuit Bay charter | Seatours Premium Private — from ₱38,000/day |
| You specifically want the BDBM owner on your boat | Keep checking BDBM's calendar — worth the wait if you can |
Seatours Products Available Now
Premium Private Speedboat Charter
Full-day private charter across Bacuit Bay. Custom route, dedicated captain and host, island-grilled lunch, hotel pickup. Instant online booking.
Book a private day →3 Days 2 Nights El Nido to Coron Expedition
The full El Nido → Linapacan → Culion → Coron crossing. Beachfront kubo accommodation, all meals, snorkel gear. The only way to experience Linapacan's world-class water.
See full expedition →Frequently Asked Questions
What is Big Dream Boat Man in El Nido / Coron?
Big Dream Boat Man (BDBM) is a respected private boat operator covering El Nido and Coron waters in northern Palawan. They are known for an exceptional owner-operated single-boat experience and have earned strong coverage in travel media. Their limited single-boat capacity means peak-season slots are often waitlisted months ahead.
Why can't I book Big Dream Boat Man?
BDBM operates one boat, operated personally by the owner. This creates an exceptional experience but strictly limited availability. Peak season (November–April) regularly fills up 3–6 months ahead. If your travel dates are in the next 4–8 weeks, the waitlist is typically too long to secure a spot. Seatours Palawan is the locally-owned alternative with immediate availability and comparable quality.
What does Seatours offer that is similar to Big Dream Boat Man?
Both offer small-group private boat experiences in El Nido and northern Palawan, with quality food, local crew knowledge, and small group sizes (BDBM typically 6–8 guests; Seatours max 4 guests (two couples)). Seatours additionally covers the 3D2N El Nido–Coron expedition including Linapacan overnight. The practical advantage Seatours has: 8-boat fleet with regular departures and instant online booking with real-time calendar.
How is the food on Seatours compared to BDBM?
Both operators serve fresh island-cooked Filipino food prepared on or beside the boat. Seatours' standard lunch includes fresh-grilled fish caught that morning, prawns, calamari, vegetables, rice, and fresh juice — served on the beach at a lunch island. Guest reviews consistently name the food as a highlight. The crew includes dedicated chefs who have been cooking on these boats for years.
Is Seatours based in El Nido or Coron?
Seatours Palawan is based in Brgy. Corong-Corong, El Nido — we operate from El Nido pier and beach. Our products depart from El Nido: the Bacuit Bay day charters and the 3D2N expedition to Coron. If you are already in Coron and want a boat tour there, check our destinations page for the reverse itinerary or contact us via WhatsApp.
Book a Private Tour — Available Now
8-boat fleet. Instant online booking. 2,000+ Google reviews. DOT-accredited. Locally owned in El Nido. No waitlist — pick your date and confirm in two minutes.
Book Premium Private Charter →Questions? WhatsApp us at +63 949 861 4393