Coron, Palawan
WWII Wrecks, Thermocline Diving, Crystal Water
What Makes Coron Special
Coron is for wreck divers. Japan’s WWII Pacific fleet now rests on the seafloor here—and they’re accessible. The Irako, Akitsushima, and Okikawa Maru are iconic dives, well-preserved and teeming with life. Beyond wrecks, Coron offers thermocline diving (where warm and cold layers meet), Barracuda Lake, Twin Lagoon snorkeling, and island-hopping adventures. The water is exceptionally clear. Palawan is the Philippines’ adventure capital, and Coron is its crown jewel for divers seeking history underwater and drama above water.
Diving Highlights
Irako (Japanese Fleet Flagship)
Depth: 10-30m | Level: Beginner to intermediate
Coron’s most famous wreck. A 143-meter fleet flagship sunk in 1944. Accessible at shallow depths, well-preserved superstructure, schools of fish inside and around the vessel. Excellent photography. This single dive justifies the trip to Coron.
Akitsushima (Transport Ship)
Depth: 15-40m | Level: Intermediate to advanced
A 137-meter transport ship. Deeper and more dramatic than Irako. Strong current, excellent visibility. Home to larger groupers and jacks. The propeller and stern are stunning. Full penetration for experienced wreck divers.
Okikawa Maru (Oiler Ship)
Depth: 22-45m | Level: Advanced
A tanker sunk in 1944. Deep dive with strong current. For experienced wreck divers. Intact hull with interesting structure. Visibility typically 20-30m. This dive is serious business but extraordinarily rewarding.
Barracuda Lake (Thermocline Diving)
Depth: 5-35m | Level: Intermediate
Unique diving where warm and cold water layers meet. Start in warm freshwater surface layer, descend into cold seawater. Mirror-like thermocline effect is surreal. Giant trevally and barracuda hunting below the layer. An unforgettable experience.
Reef & Island Dives
Depth: 5-25m | Level: All levels
Between wreck dives, explore pristine coral reefs, island walls, and caves. Colorful reef fish, occasional sea turtles, caves with dramatic features. Twin Lagoon snorkeling is also available (non-diving).
Resort & Accommodation
Coron Westown Resort is the primary dive accommodation, offering deluxe rooms with modern amenities and professional dive operations. Net pricing for dive packages available.
Coron Westown Resort
Deluxe oceanfront rooms with air conditioning, hot water, private bathrooms, and sea views. Direct beach access. On-site dive shop with professional guides. Restaurant with Western and local cuisine. Well-established and reliable.
Deluxe Room (Net): PHP 4,210/night
Includes: Breakfast, beach access, dive shop discount
Wreck dive package: 3 days wreck diving PHP 5,600/day (3 dives/day)
Coron has several other resorts ranging from budget to luxury. Westown is the primary diving headquarters and offers excellent value for wreck diving packages.
Getting There
- Fly to Busuanga Airport (from Manila or Cebu, 1-1.5 hours)
- Transfer to Coron Town (30 minutes from airport)
- Check in to Coron Westown Resort
- First wreck dive the next morning (boats depart 6:30 AM)
Tip: Coron is less accessible than Cebu, but flights are available from Manila and Cebu. The effort is worth it—wreck diving here is world-class.
Sample 3-Night Itinerary (3 Wreck Days)
Fly to Busuanga Airport. Transfer to Coron Town (30 min). Check in to Coron Westown Resort. Afternoon briefing and equipment check. Explore Coron Town (charming, small). Welcome dinner at resort or local restaurant. Early night to prep for wreck dives.
6:30 AM departure: Wreck diving day. Dive 1: Irako (flagship, iconic). Surface interval on the boat. Dive 2: Akitsushima (deeper, dramatic). Lunch and leisure time. Afternoon optional 3rd dive: Reef dive or Twin Lagoon snorkeling. Evening: Celebration dinner after first wreck day.
Morning dive: Barracuda Lake thermocline dive (unique experience). Lunch. Afternoon: Okikawa Maru (deep, advanced wreck) or lighter reef dive depending on conditions. Sunset boat tour. Final dinner and stories.
Pricing Guide
| Service | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single wreck dive | PHP 2,500 | Includes guide, boat, equipment |
| Wreck package (3 days, 3 dives/day) | PHP 5,600/day | 16,800 for full 3-day package |
| Wreck package (4 days) | PHP 22,400 | 12 total dives |
| Deluxe room (net) | PHP 4,210 | Per night, breakfast included |
| Barracuda Lake dive | PHP 2,200 | Thermocline dive |
| Reef dive | PHP 2,000 | Between wreck days |
| Twin Lagoon tour (snorkel) | PHP 1,500 | No diving required |
Ready for Historic Wreck Diving?
Explore Japan’s WWII Pacific fleet now resting on Coron’s seafloor. World-class wreck diving with guides who know every inch of these legendary ships. Build your wreck diving itinerary now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need special certification for wreck diving?
Recreational wreck diving (external exploration) requires Advanced Open Water (AOW) or equivalent. Full penetration of wrecks requires Wreck Diver certification. Guides can do partial wreck dives with AOW-certified divers. Most Coron wreck dives are accessible externally without full penetration certification.
How deep are the wreck dives?
Irako (flagship): 10-30m, very accessible. Akitsushima: 15-40m, needs AOW+. Okikawa Maru: 22-45m, advanced only. Most divers do 2-3 wreck dives per day, typically starting shallow (Irako) and progressing deeper based on skill.
What’s the visibility like?
Excellent: 25-40m on most days. Coron is known for crystal-clear water. Early morning dives (6:30 AM departure) have the best visibility. Afternoon dives still excellent. Weather can affect visibility, but rarely drops below 15m.
Can beginners dive Coron wrecks?
Yes. Irako is the most beginner-friendly wreck in the world—shallow, accessible, well-preserved. Guides can do external dives suitable for Open Water certified divers. Akitsushima and deeper wrecks require more experience. Most beginners do Irako + reef dives.
Is Barracuda Lake safe?
Yes. The thermocline dive is safe and unique. The name comes from large barracudas that hunt in the colder deep layer, not from danger. They’re generally not aggressive. Guides know the site well and keep divers in safe areas.
What non-diving activities are there?
Twin Lagoon snorkeling (accessible lagoon tours), island hopping, kayaking, hiking, local market tours, and Coron Town exploration. Many guests do a morning wreck dive, then an afternoon snorkel or island tour. Palawan is adventure-rich.
Is Coron prone to typhoons?
Yes, but less than other areas. Best diving: October-May. Avoid June-September (typhoon season). Coron is south of many typhoon paths but still affected. Check seasonal conditions when booking. Most divers visit dry season.
Photos & Gallery
