Coron in the Philippines originally made a name for itself in scuba diving circles as a wreck diving mecca. The numerous wrecks that lay beneath the surface put Coron firmly on the map, but there is so much more to this region than its attraction to those with a ‘lust for rust’.
Coron is an absolute must for any nature lover. Its dramatic limestone cliffs surrounding magical aquamarine lagoons are like scenes from Jurassic Park, and the seemingly endless lush, green vegetation adds to its ‘land-that-time-forgot’ vibe. This is a destination for those who want to escape the hustle and unwind surrounded by tropical nature and incredible scenery.
Underwater, Coron’s wrecks (which lie within recreational diving depths) and wartime history are an undeniable draw, but that’s not all that you’ll find underwater. Here are 10 of the top dive sites in Coron.
1. Okikawa Maru
This is one of Coron’s shallower wrecks that teems with life! The main deck sits at 16 meters/52 feet, and the deepest point at 26 meters/85 feet. This 160-meter/525-foot-long wreck is encrusted in coral and home to a high density of critters including colorful nudibranch, which can be found living among the structure. Look out for large schools of snapper, sweetlips, batfish and barracuda, surrounding the wreck.
2. The Akitsushima
This 118-meter/387-foot-long seaplane carrier lies relatively intact on her port side. On the sandy bottom to the side of the wreck is a huge crane which attracts schools of batfish and barracuda, making incredible underwater photography subjects. The engine room is home to four large engines and other machinery and is an excellent penetration opportunity for experienced wreck divers. Marine life is abundant here, particularly in the shaded areas and crevices where resident lionfish, moray eels and other interesting critters are found.
3. Morazan Maru
The Morazan Maru was a passenger cargo vessel built in 1907 and later commandeered for WWI by the British. She was captured by the Japanese who then later utilized her in WWII. At just under 100 meters/330 feet in length, there is plenty to explore here. The cargo holds are empty, but the steel boilers in the generously sized engine room are still intact. The large proportions of this wreck make it suitable for all experience levels.
4. Iraku Maru
This refrigeration ship lays between 30 meters/100 feet and 45 meters/150 feet and offers several routes and penetration possibilities according to experience level. Look out for the tornado of schooling jacks just off the wreck as well as snapper, groupers, barracuda, eels, turtles, lionfish and a host of macro critters on and above the deck. This is a firm favorite with many Coron wreck divers and for good reason!
5. Seven Islands Reef
Known locally as ‘Siete Picados’, this marine protected reef is home to a thriving marine eco-system. The sloping reef (which bottoms out at around 24 meters/79 feet) is teeming with a variety of reef fish and critters. Look into crevices and shaded areas for nudibranch, flatworms, eels, lionfish, scorpionfish and camouflaged bottom dwellers.
6. Barracuda Lake
Out of the seven lakes around Coron, Barracuda Lake is one of the two that can be visited. While this lake may not pack a punch on the marine life front, it never fails to deliver a sensory overload. The lake offers both salt water and fresh water layers which sit one on top of the other, resulting in a halocline effect. This oil-on-water layer where the two meet is incredibly beautiful. You’ll also find thermoclines in the lake between layers of cool and warm water – with the difference between them being up to 10 degrees Celsius (18 degrees Fahrenheit). The silty lake floor resembles a planetary surface, and all of this is set before a dramatic backdrop of an immense limestone rock face. Barracuda Lake is one diving experience you won’t forget!
7. Cathedral Cave
Situated on the east of Coron Island, access to the Cathedral Cave starts via a tunnel opening at around six to 10 meters/19 to 32 feet. Once inside the tunnel, you’ll find numerous lobsters, crabs and mollusks which have taken up residence. The tunnel leads to a large chamber in which it’s possible to surface and see the beautiful stalactites as well as a window through which the light streams in. A little further into the Cathedral Cave is another passage leading to a further air chamber and more rock formations. This is a beautiful dive for experienced divers and one that finishes alongside a vibrant coral wall outside of the tunnel opening.
8. Dimakya Island
Dive sites around Dimakya Island boast a healthy reef system made up of a vibrant mix of hard and soft corals. During months when the water temperature is at its coolest, cephalopods (both octopus and cuttlefish) come to this area to mate and lay eggs. Diving here reveals a varied mix of marine life from minute, macro crustaceans through to colorful reef fish.
9. Tae Maru
The Tae Maru, which is also known as the Concepcion Wreck, is a 200-meter/656-foot tanker lying upright in 26 meters/85 feet of water. The bow is severely broken, which allows for easy penetration, and the wreck is covered in hard and soft corals and sponges. Sweetlips, grouper, lionfish, surgeons, wrasse, tang and soldierfish have made this wreck their home, and barracuda occasionally swim by overhead. This is a dive for experienced divers as currents here can be strong – especially when rounding the stern or bow.
10. Mamiya Maru
The Mamiya Maru is another freighter wreck of 160 meters/525 feet in length. Lying on its starboard side in 34 meters/112 feet of water, the wreck is penetrable in some places for advanced wreck or technical divers. The cargo holds still contain construction materials, and anti-aircraft weapons remain on the deck. A mass of groupers have made their home on the Mamiya Maru. Plus, the port side has many hard and soft corals and a variety of fish, including snappers, wrasse and lionfish.
To the north east of the Mamiya Maru is a 35 meter/115 feet long gunboat on the other side of Tangat Island. Lying in only 18 meters/60 feet of water, this wreck is also a good snorkeling site as the bow sits at only three meters/10 feet.
A Brief History of the Wrecks in Coron
In September 1944, one of the most important attacks of World War II took place in Coron. A Japanese supply fleet, which was hiding out among the Island’s of Coron, was attacked by a squadron of US bombers, who were undertaking the furthest range air attack ever carried out at that time. Several US planes were lost during the attack through running out of fuel, and some were shot down and now lay alongside the plethora of supply ships, gunboats, munitions ships and aircraft carriers which they set out to sink.
When to Dive in Coron?
The best time to dive in Coron is from October to June. This is the dry season in the region. Note that December through to March offers the best weather and the best visibility when diving on the wrecks.
What to Do in Coron When You Aren’t Diving
When you are not diving in Coron, or if you are traveling with non-divers, there is plenty to do on land.
Here are some of our favorites:
- Take a Coron Market Tour: The Coron market is packed with fresh fruit, vegetables, and fish. You’ll also find an array of spices that make great gifts. It doesn’t get fresher than this!
- Banol Beach: After the market, Banol Beach is a great place to relax and enjoy your produce. Known as one of the most pristine beaches in the Philippines, Banol is well worth the effort.
- Dine in Style: Coron’s restaurant scene has gone from strength to strength over the years, and there are many impressive restaurants and small eateries to enjoy.
- Trek Mount Tapyas: Over 700 steps will take you to the top of Tapyas where you will have phenomenal views over the bay.
- Maquinit Hot Springs: Relax your muscles in the 40 degree Celsius (104 degree Fahrenhait) geothermal waters of Maquinit!
If you’d like to dive in Coron, why not start planning your trip? Learn more about diving in the Philippines and locate a PADI Dive Shop today!
