Our crew is the heart of every journey. They are the captains who understand the sea, the guides who know the hidden corners of Palawan, the cooks who prepare meals that bring everyone together and the smiling faces who make a remote island feel like home. From the moment you step aboard, you are not treated like another tourist. You are welcomed as part of our sea family.
Many members of our crew grew up surrounded by the waters and islands of Palawan.
The sea is not simply where they work. It is part of their childhood, their community and their way of life.
They understand how the weather changes, how the currents move and where to find the quiet beaches, colourful reefs and peaceful island corners that most travellers never get to experience.
Their knowledge does not come only from maps or guidebooks. It comes from years spent living, travelling and working across these waters. When our crew shares Palawan with you, they are sharing a part of their home.
Meet the people behind making your journey unforgettable.
GUIDE & FOUNDER, SALTY SOULS
Born and raised in Coron, Palawan, Darwin has 12 years of tour-guiding experience across day tours and multi-day expeditions.
His life on the water started earlier — at 17, he became a boat captain, navigating the seas around Coron, Linapacan and El Nido, earning a Bachelor of Science in Tourism that combined sea knowledge with hospitality expertise.
As guide and founder of Salty Souls, Darwin loves meeting travellers worldwide, learning their cultures and languages, and creating lasting memories.
Favourite part of the expedition: connecting with guests worldwide and giving them a once-in-a-lifetime Palawan experience. Darwin also created the "dabing" character on the Salty Souls T-shirt, adding his creativity to the brand.
Expedition Guide, salty souls
A proud Coron local, Anthony brings 14 years of guiding experience and a deep knowledge of Palawan’s islands, reefs and hidden corners.
Before trading the kitchen for the sea, Anthony worked as a chef. These days, instead of serving meals, he serves unforgettable adventures—along with plenty of island stories to keep every boat ride entertaining. When he is not guiding guests, he enjoys documenting his travels as a blogger.
Favourite part of the expedition:
Meeting travellers from around the world, exchanging stories and sharing the incredible islands and underwater beauty of Coron. He knows how to hold breath upto 4 min under water.
The fish know him by name, or at least that is what Anthony likes to believe! 😄
Expedition Guide, salty souls
Born and raised in Coron, Palawan, Anthony brings 16 years of tour-guiding experience across day tours and multi-day expeditions.
Before guiding, Anthony worked as a food attendant and studied Hotel and Restaurant Management, which helped him become one of Coron's well-known guides before moving into expedition guiding.
He especially enjoys the deeper connections that develop during multi-day trips. Experienced in traditional spearfishing, he owns a wooden spearfishing gun and shares authentic local knowledge during introductory sessions.
Favourite part of the expedition: spending meaningful time with guests, sharing stories and building friendships throughout the journey.
Every person on the Salty Souls crew brings something special to the journey.
Our crew may guide you to beautiful islands, but it is often the small moments with them that stay in your heart.
Exploring remote islands is exciting, but it also requires experience, preparation and responsibility.
Our crew always puts guest safety first. Before activities begin, guests receive clear guidance, and our team remains nearby to provide support whenever needed.
Whether you are a confident swimmer or someone who feels nervous around the water, you will be treated with patience and respect.
There is never pressure to participate in an activity that makes you uncomfortable. Our crew is there to encourage you, support you and help you enjoy the expedition at your own pace.
Because for us, safety is not simply a procedure. It is about caring for every person who joins the journey.
We believe tourism should create meaningful opportunities for the people who call Palawan home. By travelling with us, you are supporting local employment, local knowledge and families whose lives are closely connected to the sea.
Our crew is not simply part of the operation. They are part of the Salty Souls story, and we are proud to grow alongside them.
We want every guest to leave with a deeper appreciation not only for the beauty of Palawan, but also for the people who protect, navigate and share these islands every day.
At the beginning of an expedition, guests often arrive as strangers from different parts of the world.
Over the following four days, something changes.
Meals are shared. Stories are exchanged. Fears are overcome. Friendships are formed. The crew learns your name, remembers how you like your coffee and knows whether you prefer to be the first person in the water or the last.
By the final day, it no longer feels like a group of tourists travelling with a boat crew.
It feels like one sea tribe.
This is what makes Salty Souls different.
