Explore Busuanga Island

Busuanga Island, nestled in the Calamian archipelago of the Philippines, offers a unique diving experience that blends rich history and vibrant marine life. Known for its Japanese World War II wrecks in Coron Bay, divers can explore ships like the Okikawa Maru and Akitsushima. These underwater relics have become artificial reefs, home to a diverse marine ecosystem. The island's average diving depths range from 16 meters/52 feet to 26 meters/85 feet, making it accessible for divers with varying levels of experience.

Beyond the wrecks, Busuanga's waters are teeming with life. The island's coral reefs showcase impressive formations, including expansive lettuce corals and sponges, creating a colorful backdrop for shoals of fusiliers, snappers, and batfish. Divers may encounter red lionfish, scorpionfish, and the elegant imperial angelfish. The region also offers opportunities to spot gentle dugongs in the shallower parts, adding to the allure of the diving experience.

Whether you choose to explore from a dive resort or embark on a liveaboard adventure, Busuanga provides a captivating blend of adventure and relaxation. Its calm waters and exceptional visibility make it a prime destination for wreck specialty courses and unforgettable underwater explorations, promising an immersive dive into history and nature's wonders.

Places to explore

Sangat Island

3 Divesites

Explore Sangat IslandSangat Island, a secluded island with white sandy beaches and towering limeston

Dive Sites Show on map

Piotr G. (#3473191)

Okikawa Maru (★4.7)

One of at least 19 Wartime Standard Merchant Tanker 1TL’s, this wreck was considered one of the most important ships in the Japanese service. During the air raid, its stern sank but the forecastle was still at the surface. It was two weeks later when a follow-up strike was conducted that it finally sank to the bottom.

Piotr G. (#3473191)

Lusong Gunboat (★4.4)

Lusong Gunboat Shipwreck is one of the twelve World War II Japanese Supply Ships that were hit by an airstrike while anchored in Coron Bay. The ship sunk to a depth of 10 meters where it now lays on an angle on its side.

Piotr G. (#3473191)

Olympia Maru (★4.5)

This ship was a timber hauler that was converted to a a mobile aircraft repair facility and supply depot for the Army. It witnessed and survived the US Navy attacks in Manila Bay and, after which, proceeded to Coron Bay for safety. Unfortunately, the air raid in Coron Bay set the Olympia on fire.

French Kiss Divers Coron, 5316 Palawan

Coral Garden (★4.2)

Coral Garden is a sea area far from Coron Town, and it is also a better and more beautiful underwater world protected by Coron. The underwater coral reefs here See Coral Garden which is the most famous snorkeling point in Coron; Enjoy the beautiful corals.

SSI Service Center Philippines, 6014 Mandaue City

Dugong Watch (★4.5)

It takes about two hours by car from Coron to the village of Quezon, north of Buanga Island, where it takes about an hour to get to the northwest beach of Karawite Island. Around Calauit, north of Buanga Island, a thin 10m deep coral reef is covered with coral sand, and many water plants are growing in this coral.

French Kiss Divers Coron, 5316 Palawan

Alcatraz (★4.1)

ALCATRAZ ROCK. Depth: Max. 20m / 82’. Skill Level: All Levels. Description: Reef. Alcatraz Rock. Alcatraz Reef in the Philippines is a beautiful dive site ...

Abigail S. (#3744502)

TERU KAZE MARU (★4.3)

Teru Kaze Maru was a 35 m-long Japanese submarine hunter and sunk on September, 24th 1944 during a US air raid east of Sangat Island. The bow starts at 4 meters and she continues down on a slant to a maximum depth of 20 meters. Relatively intact, there are a few small holds that you can penetrate.

Piotr G. (#3473191)

Morazan Maru (★4.6)

The Morazan was an English passenger cargo vessel that was captured by the Imperial Japanese Navy and used for her war efforts. She sits on her starboard side in 25 meters of seawater. The Morazan’s four cargo holds are empty, but the real treat is the pair of massive boilers in the engine room.

Aqualung

Malpadon (★4.1)

Let’s explore the South Side of Sang at Malpandon Island, discovering the marine life. Depth : 5 to 22m. Recommended Certification Level: Snorkeler, Discover Scuba Diver, Open Water Diver. This coral reef is situated at the south ...

Mares

Cyc beach (★4.0)

Aside from so many boats docked and so many people in the beach, CYC is beautiful. The sand is not as fine as the other beaches , but water is clear!

Mares

IRAKO (★4.4)

This giant high-speed mobile refrigerator was a food warehouse during the war. It could feed 25,000 men for two weeks which was a critical function during the War. It is considered one of the best wrecks to penetrate in the area.

Mares, Janez Kranjc

Kogyo Maru (★4.5)

The Kogyo Maru. The Kogyo Maru (also known locally as the Ekkai Maru) was an Imperial Japanese Navy auxiliary supply ship, attacked by US Task Force 38 on 24 September 1944. She was carrying a load of construction materials for a runway (a bulldozer, cement bags, and mixer are still evident in her hold).

Mares, Janez Kranjc

Siete Pecados (★4.2)

Popular snorkeling spot featuring coral reefs with diverse species of colorful tropical marine life.25 minutes going there. The site is best known as a perfect diving spot and a snorkeling heaven for beginners and amateur. The coral reefs surrounding the islets are shallow and among ...

Diving in Busuanga Island

If you are a wreck enthusiast, then scuba diving in Busuanga Island is the right place to be. Novice to tech divers can descend down between 5 to 40-metres in the waters of Coron Bay to uncover treasures from the past. Ekkai Maru, Terukaze Maru, and Irako are only some of the incredible wrecks found in the area.

Aside from wreck dives, there are flourishing coral gardens. Coral Garden dive site, is a protected area with calm waters while Cathedral Cave offers a unique opportunity for some cave diving.

The Best Months to dive in Busuanga Island

Busuanga Island diving is possible all-year-round yet, some wrecks are better to dive in some months than others. Akitsushima Wreck is best visited from January until June when the waters are calmer and the visibility at its best. Generally, the conditions are calm with minimal current but sometimes conditions can be choppier. Water is warm throughout the year but November to February are the coldest months.