Stunning reef and wreck diving.

Coron is located off the south-east coast of Busuanga Island, a 1½ hour small plane trip south west of Manila, and is home to the most accessible and exciting wreck diving in the area.

The main township of Coron is where the main accommodation and dive operators are based. Coron town is interesting, much of it built over the water. Steep lime cliffs surround a large inlet. This bustling Philippino town boasts a number of restaurants, bars and accommodation for all budgets.

Some of the amazing wrecks in Coron

Throughout its history, the Philippines has accumulated a considerable number of wrecks.  Until recently, wreck diving in the Philippines was limited to commercial salvage operations and individuals who had the means to organise expeditions to find and dive the wrecks.  In the last few years a number of these wrecks have become accessible through dive operators and live-aboard cruises, much to the delight of wreck diver fans!

Coron Bay was the site of  a WWII naval battle between a US strike force and a Japanese supply fleet.  Caught by surprise mid-morning, the swift and precise air strike sent most of the Japanese fleet to the bottom of Coron Bay.  Most of the wrecks are still in good condition, and penetrations are possible.  An additional feature is that the wrecks are protected as marine reserve, and are home to numberous larger fish and turtles, unseen in many other places.

Akitsushima

The “Akitsushima” is a huge Japanese warship. She was hit by a torpedo amidships and sank immediately. The wreck is lying on her port side on the sandy bottom and is now home to  schools of giant batfish and barracudas. The seaplane once carried by the ship has since disappeared, however the crane used for lifting the seaplane out of the water is still there, and is an impressive sight.  The anti-aircraft guns are also still there. This is a fascinating dive where you can see giant groupers, schools of barracuda, tuna and yellow fin.

Irako

This is one of the best wreck dives in the Philippines.  The “Irako” is mostly intact and it’s huge! It usually has the best visibility of all the wrecks in Coron Bay .Big groupers, lion fish and scorpion fish  plus schools of tuna and yellow fin can always be found around this wreck, along with two sea turtles who live in the crumpled superstructure.  There is a great deep penetration dive through the engine room for trained, experienced and properly equipped divers. 

Kyokuzan Maru

The Kyokuzan Maru  is a beautiful wreck dive.  Mostly intact, this huge shipwreck enjoys visibility around 20m.  Japanese staff cars and trucks still litter  the cargo rooms.  Maximum depth 40m, with the Deck between 22-28m.

Taiei Maru

This wreck offers a large variety of marine life  and flora as it is totally covered with beautiful corals.  With the deck lying between 10-16m, the Taiei Maru is a good dive for beginner “wreckies”, while there are many lovely penetration dives  for the more advanced.  Strong tidal currents often affect this wreck.

The Reefs:

Aside from the wrecks, there are a number of other spectacular dive sites.  Healthy reefs and drop offs make excellent alternatives after several days of wreck diving.  There are also two caves, one of which leads into a ‘Cathedral’ with impressive rays of light coming in from an opening in the apex.  There are two lakes, one with a warm water layer and an interesting assortment of small fauna, such as snails, shrimp and catfish.  The other is a land-locked salt water lake with interesting fish life that had entered as juveniles - and now can’t get out!  Some of the fish, who have made it to the top of the food chain, are purported to be mammoth! 

Intervals between dives are often spent close to one of the smaller gunboats, which are located in shallow water so they can be inspected by snorkelling.  Otherwise numerous beautiful and intact reefs are available for exploration during lunch breaks.  Adjacent mangroves in only 1 – 2 meters of water are interesting habitats worth a snorkel too.  Swarms of cardinal fish live between the arched roots upon which many oysters are attached.  There are also many islands with small bays and beaches and aquamarine blue water below steep sloping hills and towering cliffs.

The Buncas:

Diving is done from “Buncas”, a uniquely-Philippino motorised outrigger. Buncas are usually about 12m in length and 3m wide, comfortably taking 10 or 12 divers at a time. They have clean “long-drop” toilets on board, small kitchens, storage areas for personal belongings, and an area for lying down in the shade. They depart at 9.00am and return at 3.00pm, and lunch is provided. You can comfortably fit in two or three dives each day.