Uncovering the Best Diving Spots and Shipwrecks of Coron Bay Palawan: Your Ultimate Guide

Liveaboards to Coron Bay Palawan

Liveaboards to Coron Bay Palawan will essentially focus on diving the wrecks. In order extend your no-decompression limit (NDL) and thus spend at much time as possible at the wrecks, we recommend to dive with Nitrox

Liveaboard 1: Agos Liveaboard

The Agos Liveaboard is a traditional Philippino Banca that provides affordable liveaboard diving in Coron, Philippines. With dorm-style accommodation, the Agos is perfect for those who want to explore the underwater beauty of Apo Reef and the wrecks of Coron that are difficult to reach by land-based dive resorts.

The boat was built in 2019, and can accommodate 12-14 guests in single bunk-beds or double beds. Guests can relax in between dives on the sun deck, and enjoy freshly prepared Asian cuisine that will keep them satisfied throughout the day. The Agos Liveaboard features air-conditioned cabins, non-diver (snorkeler) friendly amenities, charging stations, outside showers, and dedicated local and international crew. The boat is also available for charter and offers kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and beach barbecues.

For diving, guests can use DIN adaptors, rinse hoses, and dive deck, and tenders for diving are available. The shaded diving area provides a comfortable environment for divers.

Note: The Agos Liveaboard is one of the few that explores the dive sites of Coron Bay. Other liveaboards in the Philippines often visit other dive sites.

Price/trip: This boat offers liveaboard trips to the Coron Wrecks. For those with limited time, there are also liveaboard trips available for 3/4 days (instead of a full week). A trip with the Agos Liveaboard starts at USD 135 a day. The latest prices and availability of the Agos Liveaboard can be checked here.

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Liveaboard 2: Azalea Liveaboard

Discover the natural wonders of the Philippines through the comfortable and affordable Azalea Liveaboard. Measuring 21m, this liveaboard offers week-long dive safaris year-round to some of the most breathtaking destinations in the Philippines, including Apo Reef, El Nido, and Coron.

The MY Azalea Philippines is built by divers, for divers, and offers the perfect blend of comfort and functionality. The boat features 4 twin-bunk cabins and 1 master cabin, all air-conditioned with en-suite bathrooms and ample storage space. Daily housekeeping ensures that you have a clean and comfortable space to retreat to after a day of diving. The air-conditioned saloon is the perfect place to relax and unwind, while the sun deck is a popular spot for divers to enjoy a cold beer and soak up the sunset.

The Azalea Liveaboard is custom-built for diving and features a dedicated dive deck with ample space for gear storage and kitting up. There are charging stations for your electronic devices, and separate rinsing facilities for underwater cameras. The shaded diving area is perfect for those looking to take a break from the sun. The nearly 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio ensures that you receive the attention and service you deserve.

The Azalea Liveaboard also offers a fantastic dining experience, with both Western and local food options available. Snacks and free soft drinks are available all day. Beer and wine are available for purchase, and a set menu dinner is served each night. Welcome cocktails are also provided, so you can start your adventure off in style.

Whether you want to explore the wrecks of WWII in Coron Bay or dive into the wealth of marine life at Apo Reef, Azalea Liveaboard has got you covered.

Price: The latest prices and availability for a trip to Coron Bay with the Azalea Liveaboard can be checked here.

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Liveaboard 3: Other Philippines liveaboards

In addition to the Azalea and Agos liveaboards, there are other great options for liveaboard diving in the Philippines. Two other popular choices are the Solitude One and Discovery Palawan liveaboards. To explore all the available options and compare itineraries, prices, and availability, check out this overview. With so many great choices, you're sure to find the perfect liveaboard for your next diving adventure in the Philippines.

Explore the Best Dive Sites in Coron Bay Palawan

Welcome to the section about the dive sites at Coron Bay, one of the top diving destinations in the world! Coron Bay offers an incredible variety of dive sites, from shallow coral gardens to deep WWII wrecks. Please note that while it may be mentioned in the descriptions that you can enter the wrecks, this should always be confirmed with the local dive guides, as diving in wrecks can be dangerous and should only be attempted with proper training and equipment. Safety is always the top priority in diving, so please follow all recommended procedures to ensure a safe and enjoyable dive.

Dive site 1: Irako Wreck

Irako Wreck is one of the most popular dive sites in Coron Bay, Palawan. This Japanese oil tanker was sunk during World War II and now sits upright on the seabed at a depth of around 40 meters, making it suitable for advanced divers. The diving conditions can be challenging due to strong currents and limited visibility, but the wreck is worth the effort.

The wreck is home to a diverse range of marine life, including schools of fish, octopuses, and lionfish. Divers can explore the various compartments and cargo holds, which are now adorned with colorful soft corals and sponges. The size and scale of the wreck are also impressive, with the ship stretching over 143 meters in length.

One of the highlights of the Irako Wreck is the opportunity to swim through the narrow passageways and corridors of the engine room and bridge. This dive site is a must-see for wreck diving enthusiasts and offers a unique glimpse into the past.

Dive site 2: Okikawa Maru

Okikawa Maru is a 160-meter Japanese cargo ship that was sunk during the Second World War and now serves as an excellent diving spot in Coron Bay, Palawan. With its stunning coral formations and diverse marine life, the Okikawa Maru is a must-visit dive site for advanced divers.

The average diving depth of Okikawa Maru is around 26-30 meters, making it an ideal location for experienced divers. The diving conditions are often challenging due to the strong currents and low visibility, but the rewards of diving here are certainly worth the effort.

The Okikawa Maru wreck is home to an array of marine life, including barracudas, groupers, and trevallies. Divers can also expect to see colorful soft corals, sponges, and various species of tropical fish. Additionally, the ship's holds and compartments offer opportunities for penetration diving, making this an exciting and adventurous dive.

Overall, Okikawa Maru is an exciting dive site with abundant marine life and unique features that make it a memorable experience for any advanced diver.

Dive site 3: Morazan Maru

Morazan Maru is a popular dive site in Coron Bay that features the remains of a Japanese freighter sunk during World War II. The ship now sits upright on the seabed at a depth of around 26 meters, making it accessible to experienced divers.

The diving conditions at Morazan Maru are generally good, with clear water and mild currents. Divers can explore the various compartments and cargo holds of the wreck, which is now home to a diverse range of marine life, including schools of batfish, lionfish, and trevally.

Other highlights of Morazan Maru include the chance to see giant groupers, barracudas, and occasional reef sharks. The wreck also offers an excellent opportunity for underwater photography, with plenty of interesting angles and details to capture.

Dive site 4: Kogyo Maru

Kogyo Maru is a 158-meter Japanese freighter sunk during World War II and is now a popular dive site in Coron Bay, Palawan. This wreck lies on its port side at a depth of around 30 meters. The diving conditions can vary with visibility ranging from 10-30 meters depending on the season.

The Kogyo Maru is now home to schools of fish, including batfish, lionfish, and sweetlips. The wreck is also covered in soft corals, gorgonian fans, and colorful sponges. It's common to spot turtles, stingrays, and even reef sharks swimming around the wreck. Divers can explore the various compartments of the ship, including the engine room, cargo holds, and bridge.

The Kogyo Maru is a highlight for many divers visiting Coron Bay due to its rich history and abundance of marine life.

Dive site 5: Skeleton Wreck

Skeleton Wreck is a small fishing vessel that sank in the shallow waters of Coron Bay and now lies upright on the seabed at a depth of around 5 meters, making it a great spot for beginner divers and snorkelers. The shallow depth and calm waters also make it an ideal spot for underwater photography.

Divers can explore the skeletal remains of the ship, which is now home to a variety of marine life such as schools of colorful fish, anemones, and sea fans. The site also offers great visibility, making it easier to spot the smaller inhabitants of the wreck.

Due to the shallow depth, diving conditions at Skeleton Wreck are usually calm, with little to no current. However, it is important to always check the conditions before diving.

Overall, Skeleton Wreck is a great dive site for those looking for an easy and rewarding dive experience.

Dive site 6: East Tangat Wreck

East Tangat Wreck is a popular dive site in Coron, Philippines. This Japanese freighter was sunk during World War II and now lies on its starboard side at an average depth of around 34 meters. The wreck is home to a wide variety of marine life, including schools of fish, turtles, and occasional reef sharks.

Diving conditions at East Tangat Wreck can vary, with visibility ranging from 10 to 30 meters depending on the season. The wreck is located in an open-water environment, and currents can be strong, making this dive site suitable for intermediate to advanced divers.

Exploring the East Tangat Wreck provides divers with the opportunity to swim through the ship's cargo holds and engine room, as well as observe the impressive marine life that has made the wreck its home. Schools of fish, including jacks and trevallies, can be found swimming around the wreck, while octopuses and moray eels can be spotted in the crevices and holes of the ship's structure.

Overall, East Tangat Wreck is a must-visit dive site for experienced divers looking for an exciting and challenging adventure in Coron's waters.

Dive site 7: Lusong Gunboat

Lusong Gunboat is a small gunboat that was sunk during World War II and now rests in shallow waters off the coast of Coron Island. The dive site is perfect for beginners as the maximum depth is around 10 meters, making it easy to explore the wreckage and the surrounding coral reefs.

The Lusong Gunboat wreck is now home to a variety of colorful fish and coral, including butterflyfish, angelfish, and surgeonfish. Divers can also spot nudibranchs, lionfish, and moray eels.

The diving conditions at Lusong Gunboat are generally calm, with mild to moderate currents depending on the tide. The water temperature is warm and ranges from 27 to 30 degrees Celsius. The visibility is generally good, with an average of around 10-15 meters.

One of the highlights of diving at Lusong Gunboat is the opportunity to explore the nearby Lusong Coral Garden, which is a vibrant reef teeming with life. The coral formations include staghorn and brain corals, and divers can expect to see a variety of marine life, including schools of colorful fish, rays, and even turtles.

To sum up, Lusong Gunboat is a great dive site for beginners to explore a sunken gunboat and coral reefs, with easy diving conditions, warm water, and plenty of marine life to see.

Dive site 8: Barracuda Lake

Barracuda Lake is a unique dive site located on the island of Coron in the Philippines. This stunning lake is a must-visit spot for any avid diver. With crystal clear water and incredible underwater rock formations, Barracuda Lake offers a one-of-a-kind diving experience.

The average diving depth in Barracuda Lake is around 30 meters, and the water temperature ranges from 28 to 38 degrees Celsius. Divers should be aware of the thermocline, which can cause a sudden temperature change at around 14 meters.

Diving conditions in Barracuda Lake can be challenging, with limited visibility and a silty bottom. However, the lake's unique landscape makes it an unforgettable dive. The highlight of the dive is the thermocline, which divides the water into two layers with different temperatures. The lake's name comes from the numerous barracuda that inhabit the deeper parts of the lake.

Besides barracudas, divers can also encounter other marine life such as catfish, shrimps, and snails. The lake's underwater rock formations are also home to unique bacteria that create colorful patterns on the walls.

In summary, Barracuda Lake is a challenging yet rewarding dive site in the Philippines. Its unique underwater landscape and diverse marine life make it a must-visit spot for any experienced diver.

Tip: a thermocline can be recognized once the water gets blurry and the temperature increases/decreases immediately. If you are getting cold, you can go through the thermocline once again.

Dive site 9: Calumbuyan Reef

Calumbuyan Reef is a breathtaking dive site located in Coron, Palawan, Philippines. It is a shallow reef that is perfect for beginner and experienced divers alike. The average diving depth is about 10-15 meters, making it an easy dive site to explore.

The diving conditions in Calumbuyan Reef are generally calm, with great visibility and mild currents. This makes it an excellent site for underwater photography and spotting the diverse marine life that inhabits the reef.

Divers can expect to see a wide variety of colorful coral formations, schools of fish, and other sea creatures, such as barracudas, sea turtles, and even small reef sharks. The highlights of Calumbuyan Reef include vibrant soft and hard corals, which provide a habitat for a diverse array of marine life.

Dive site 10: Twin Peaks

Twin Peaks is a stunning dive site located in Coron, Philippines. It consists of two limestone formations that rise from the depths of the sea, creating a unique underwater landscape that is popular with divers. The average diving depth at Twin Peaks ranges from 5 to 30 meters (16 to 98 feet), making it suitable for both novice and experienced divers.

Diving conditions at Twin Peaks are generally good, with warm waters and good visibility. The site is known for its strong currents, which can make for an exciting and challenging dive. The best time to visit Twin Peaks is from December to April, when the weather is generally dry and the seas are calm.

Marine life at Twin Peaks is diverse and abundant, with a wide variety of colorful fish, coral formations, and other sea creatures. Divers can expect to see schools of barracuda, snapper, and tuna, as well as lionfish, moray eels, and sea turtles. The unique underwater topography also provides opportunities to explore caves and swim-throughs, adding to the excitement of the dive.

Other highlights at Twin Peaks include the stunning views from the top of the limestone formations, which offer panoramic vistas of the surrounding area. It's also a great spot for underwater photography, with plenty of interesting subjects to capture on camera. Overall, Twin Peaks is a must-visit dive site for anyone exploring the beautiful waters around Coron.

Dive site 11: CYC Beach

CYC Beach is a popular dive site located on Coron Island in the Philippines, known for its crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life. This site is ideal for both novice and experienced divers due to its relatively shallow depth and calm diving conditions.

The average diving depth at CYC Beach is around 10 to 20 meters, with water temperatures ranging from 27 to 30 degrees Celsius. Divers can expect excellent visibility with up to 30 meters, making it easy to spot the vibrant coral reefs and various fish species.

Marine life in this area includes a variety of tropical fish such as angelfish, butterflyfish, and damselfish. Divers may also encounter larger marine animals such as barracudas and sea turtles.

In addition to diving, CYC Beach is also a popular spot for snorkeling and beach activities such as swimming and sunbathing. The sandy beach and calm waters make it an excellent place to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Overall, CYC Beach is a must-visit dive site for anyone looking to explore the underwater world of Coron Island, offering a memorable experience for all levels of divers.

Dive site 12: Black Island Wreck

Black Island Wreck is a fascinating dive site in Palawan, Philippines that is popular among divers of all levels. This wreck is a remnant of World War II and is located at a depth of 20-30 meters. The dive site is suitable for intermediate and advanced divers due to the depth and sometimes challenging diving conditions.

The wreck is home to a variety of marine life, including schools of fish, lionfish, and scorpionfish. There are also sightings of nudibranchs and other small critters. Diving in this area requires good buoyancy control, as the wreck is covered in soft and hard corals, making it a haven for macro photographers.

One of the highlights of this dive site is the visibility, which can reach up to 30 meters on a good day, providing an excellent opportunity to explore the wreck in detail. There are also occasional sightings of larger marine life such as barracudas and even whale sharks.

In summary, Black Island Wreck is a must-visit dive site for wreck enthusiasts and underwater photographers looking for a unique diving experience. Its rich history, diverse marine life, and excellent visibility make it an unforgettable diving destination in the Philippines.

Dive site 13: Siete Picados

Siete Picados is a popular dive site located in Coron, Philippines. It is a cluster of seven small limestone islets that boast a diverse and vibrant marine ecosystem. The site is known for its crystal clear waters, teeming with a variety of colorful fish, coral reefs, and other marine life.

Divers can expect an average diving depth of around 5 to 25 meters, with visibility ranging from 10 to 30 meters. The water temperature is usually warm and comfortable, ranging from 26 to 30 degrees Celsius. The diving conditions at Siete Picados are generally calm, with mild currents that make for an easy and enjoyable dive experience.

Some of the highlights of diving at Siete Picados include encountering schools of barracuda, jacks, snappers, and tuna. Divers may also spot a variety of reef sharks, rays, and sea turtles. The site is also home to a rich diversity of colorful coral formations, making it a perfect spot for underwater photography.

In addition to diving, Siete Picados is a popular spot for snorkeling, swimming, and beach hopping. Its stunning limestone cliffs and crystal clear waters make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Best Time to Dive in Coron Bay Palawan

Diving around Coron Bay Palawan can be done all year round. However, you may experience some bad weather during the wet season (June to October) that can sometimes prevent any diving activities from happening. The best time to dive in Coron Bay Palawan is during the dry season (December to March). During these months, the weather conditions are ideal with minimal rainfall and calm seas. The visibility is also at its best, offering clear views of the colorful marine life and the sunken World War II shipwrecks that are a highlight of the area. It's important to note that the water temperature is cooler during this time, ranging from 24-27°C, so it's recommended to bring a wetsuit. If you're planning to visit outside of these months, be prepared for some rain and less ideal diving conditions.

How to get to Coron Bay

Option 1: By airplane to Francisco B. Reyes Airport

Fly internationally into Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport or Mactan-Cebu International Airport, then take a 1-hour flight on to Francisco B. Reyes Airport in Busuanga, Palawan.

When you arrive at the airport, you can take a jeep or taxi going to the town proper, Most local taxi drivers know the flight schedules, and they will be waiting to carry passengers. Travel time from the airport to the town proper is 45 minutes to one hour.

Option 2: By ferry

If you are coming from Manila, you can take an overnight ferry to Coron. The ferry from Manila to Coron takes about 15 hours and runs twice a week. Some liveaboards explore the area depart from Puerto Galera, only a 2-hour transfer from Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

If you are coming from El Nido Palawan, some ferries depart daily from El Nido to Coron Town.

Accommodations in Coron Bay Palawan

If you're looking for the best hotel and resorts where you can enjoy your stay in Coron Bay Palawan, here are the top accommodations you can choose:

Accommodation 1: Busuanga Bay Lodge ($$$)

Busuanga Bay Lodge is a luxurious boutique hotel located on the resort island of Palawan. It is a destination perfect for a tropical escape! They offer 41 units in total, including 38 rooms and 3 private, two-bedroom villas. While varying in design, the accommodations capture the natural splendor of the majestic island of Palawan.

Price: An overnight stay costs starts from $122.5

Accommodation 2: Cocovana Beach Resort

Cocovana is a hostel resort that offers accommodation right in front of the beautiful beach of Busuanga Island. It has an in-house restaurant, mini bar, guest lounge, and free Wi-Fi. All rooms are guaranteed on the day of your arrival. In the case of a no-show, your room will be released, and you will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Cancellation or No-Show Policy.

Price: Double Bedroom with sea view starts from $23 per night.

Accommodation 3: West Atlantic Hotel Coron

Offering high-quality accommodations in Palawan, West Atlantic Hotel is a popular choice for business and leisure travelers. The property features five beautiful guestrooms that include a closet, towels, an additional toilet, flat-screen television, mirror. With its convenient location, West Atlantic Hotel offers easy access to the city's must-see destinations. They also have a convenience store, car park, airport transfer, family room, and restaurant for your comfort and convenience.

Price: A room starts from $32 per night.

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