Coron
Coron, Philippines, is globally acclaimed as one of the world's premier wreck diving destinations. The bay is a submerged museum, holding the remarkably preserved remains of a Japanese supply fleet sunk by American forces in September 1944. These historic wrecks, ranging from gunboats to large cargo ships, lie at accessible depths, offering unparalleled opportunities for exploration. Divers can navigate through cargo holds, engine rooms, and along barnacle-encrusted superstructures, witnessing history frozen in time. Beyond the wrecks, Coron also boasts unique dive sites like the geothermal Barracuda Lake and several vibrant reefs.
Diving conditions in Coron are generally favorable, with warm tropical waters year-round. Visibility can fluctuate, especially near the wrecks, but is often best during the dry season. The area caters to divers of all levels, though wreck penetration requires advanced certification and experience. A trip to Coron offers a profound and unique diving experience, blending historical discovery with the beauty of Palawan's underwater landscapes. It's a must-visit for wreck enthusiasts and adventure-seeking divers looking for a destination that offers more than just coral reefs.
Top Sites
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the most popular dive site in Coron, Philippines?
The Irako Maru is arguably the most famous dive site in Coron, Philippines. This 147-meter Japanese refrigeration ship is a deep wreck, sitting upright between 28 and 43 meters. It's popular due to its impressive size, excellent preservation, and the challenging yet rewarding opportunities for wreck penetration. Divers can explore its engine room, cargo holds, and bridge, encountering large groupers and schooling fish. Its depth and complexity make it a favorite among experienced and technical divers.
What are the good and less popular dive sites in Coron, Philippines?
Well-known sites in Coron, Philippines, include the massive Okikawa Maru and the Kogyo Maru, a construction supply ship. For a unique non-wreck experience, Barracuda Lake offers a famous thermocline. Less-visited but rewarding sites include the Akitsushima, a seaplane tender, and the shallower Olympia Maru, suitable for less experienced wreck divers. For reefs, Lusong Coral Garden offers vibrant shallow corals perfect for a relaxing second dive after exploring the nearby Lusong Gunboat wreck.
What water temperature is it like throughout the year diving in Coron, Philippines?
Water temperatures in Coron, Philippines, are warm and tropical year-round, typically ranging from 28°C to 31°C (82°F to 88°F). The warmest months are usually from March to May, when temperatures can reach their peak. During the cooler months of December to February, the water might dip to 26-27°C (79-81°F). The unique Barracuda Lake features a distinct thermocline where temperatures can jump dramatically to around 38°C (100°F) at depth.
When is the best time to visit Coron, Philippines?
The best time to dive in Coron, Philippines, is during the dry season, which runs from December to May. This period offers the calmest seas, sunniest weather, and generally the best underwater visibility. The peak season is from March to May when conditions are optimal. The rainy season, from June to November, can bring typhoons and rougher surface conditions, potentially causing trip cancellations, though diving is still possible between storms.
What's the visibility like during the dive season in Coron, Philippines?
Underwater visibility in Coron, Philippines, can be variable. Around the famous wrecks inside the bay, visibility typically ranges from 5 to 15 meters (16 to 50 feet) due to plankton-rich waters and sediment. However, during the prime dry season (March to May), it can improve to over 20 meters (65+ feet) on a good day. Dive sites further out from the bay, like Apo Reef (accessible via liveaboard), often boast much clearer water, sometimes exceeding 30 meters (100 feet).
Are there any seasonal migrations or special events (e.g., manta rays, whale sharks) in Coron, Philippines?
While Coron, Philippines, is not primarily known for large migratory species, dugongs (sea cows) can be spotted year-round in the seagrass beds near Calauit Island, though sightings are not guaranteed. There are no regular manta ray or whale shark seasons directly in Coron Bay. However, liveaboards departing from Coron often visit Apo Reef, which offers a much higher chance of encountering pelagics like sharks and rays, especially from December to May.
What marine life can I expect to see in Coron, Philippines?
Besides the historic wrecks, Coron, Philippines, supports diverse marine life. On the wrecks themselves, you'll find large schools of batfish, fusiliers, and sweetlips, along with resident groupers, scorpionfish, and lionfish. The surrounding reefs are home to nudibranchs, moray eels, anemonefish, and sea turtles. Macro life is abundant, with ghost pipefish and various shrimp species often spotted by keen-eyed divers. Barracuda Lake is famously home to a few large resident barracudas.
What thickness wetsuit should I wear in Coron, Philippines?
With water temperatures in Coron, Philippines, ranging from 28-31°C (82-88°F), a wetsuit is often for exposure protection rather than warmth. A 3mm shorty or full-suit is sufficient for most divers year-round. Some divers may be comfortable in just a rash guard and shorts, especially during the warmest months (March-May). A full suit is recommended for wreck diving to protect against scrapes and stings from the metal structures.
How do I get to Coron, Philippines?
To get to Coron, Philippines, you typically fly into Francisco B. Reyes Airport (USU) on Busuanga Island. There are multiple daily flights from major Philippine hubs like Manila (MNL) and Cebu (CEB). From the airport, it's a 30-45 minute van ride to Coron Town proper, where most hotels and dive shops are located. Alternatively, ferries are available from El Nido and Puerto Princesa, but the journey is much longer.
Should I book a liveaboard or stay on shore in Coron, Philippines?
The choice depends on your goals in Coron, Philippines. Shore-based diving is excellent for focusing solely on the famous WWII wrecks within Coron Bay, offering flexibility and access to the town's amenities. A liveaboard is ideal if you want to combine Coron's wrecks with more remote, world-class sites like Apo Reef Natural Park or the dugongs of Calauit Island. Liveaboards maximize dive time and offer access to less-crowded sites that are difficult to reach on day trips.