Coron, Palawan - The Philippines Top Wreck Diving Destination

Coron is one of the Philippines greatest SCUBA diving locations and truly a pearl of philippine wreck diving! On 24. September 1944 some 120 US Navy bombers caught a Japanese convoy at anchor in Coron Bay, northern Palawan. Some 11 (or more yet undiscovered) World War Two Japanese wrecks, hot volcanic lakes, caves, coral reefs and walls await you.

If you don´t have a SCUBA diving license but you would like to experience the beauty of Palawans underwater world? No problem: You can choose from a variety of PADI programs, like for example the "PADI Open Water Diver".

Here is a brief description of some of the diving that is available through PADI dive Centres in Coron:

Wreck Diving:
The japanese World War II wrecks are our most popular dive sites, like for example the japanese flying boat tender "Akitsushima". Wreck divers can make an impressive penetration into the engine room to see the four engines.

The "Irako" is quite intact and because of the good visibility you know you are on a big ship wreck. Penetration represents an advanced dive due to the depth, but the superstructure is interesting, with soft corals and sponges.

The "Kogyo Maru" is well covered with good corals, particularly very large lettuce corals, shoals of fish including fusiliers, snappers and batfish, plus the ubiquitous lionfish and scorpionfish. This freighter containes an interesting range of cargo. Deep inside the wreck you can find a bulldozer and a cement mixer, anti-aircraft guns and an assorted range of airfield building equipment.

Strong tidal currents often affect this wreck, but the "Okikawa Maru" is totally covered with good corals, particularly very large lettuce corals, sponges and offers a large variety of marine-life. The main deck is at 16m. There are many penetration possibilities for advanced wreck divers.

Barracuda Lake:
The scenery around this lake is spectacular and the underwater terrain has been likened to flying over the surface of the moon. You won´t find much marine life inside the lake but there is a good chance for you to meet the lonesome barracuda who claims to be the "king of the lake". The Lakes of Coron Island have also won the award as the cleanest inland body of water in the Phililppines for several years in a row!