Explore Coron Island
Coron Island, nestled within the Calamian archipelago of the Philippines, offers an unparalleled diving experience characterized by its diverse marine environments and historical intrigue. The island is renowned as the wreck-diving capital of the Philippines, boasting 14 World War II-era wrecks submerged at accessible depths. These sunken relics are not just a haven for history enthusiasts but also serve as artificial reefs, teeming with life such as frogfish, small squids, and the elusive blue-ringed octopus. Divers are often mesmerized by the vibrant coral gardens that house the rare mandarin fish, making each dive a colorful exploration.
Beyond the wrecks, Coron Island's natural underwater landscapes are equally enchanting. The limestone cliffs give way to dramatic seamounts, caves, and famous dive sites like Barracuda Lake and Cathedral Cave. These sites provide a unique blend of geological wonder and biodiversity, offering encounters with small seahorses and the endangered dugong near Dimakya Island. Dive adventures here can be tailored to all preferences, from shore dives on nearby Busuanga or Sangat Islands to liveaboard excursions exploring the wider Mimaropa region. This flexibility ensures that every dive into Coron’s crystal-clear waters is as exciting as it is unforgettable.
Dive Activity
Diving in Coron Island
Coron Island is known for the World War II wrecks that lie in Coron Bay. Several ships were sunk in an American air raid, which has led to well-preserved wreck dives lying on the seabed, suitable for novice to technical divers. Divers in the area have the opportunity to dive a 25-meter/82-foot wall at Neptune’s Wall or pristine reefs at Kalambuyan Reef. Venture into tunnels to experience Cathedral Cave, while Barracuda Lake is a former volcano where divers can descend onto fascinating rock formations in the cleanest inland body of water in the Philippines.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Coron Island
At wreck dives scorpionfish, crocodile fish and nudibranch can be spotted while groupers and barracuda often circle overhead. Large schools of fusilier patrol the metal bodies that are encrusted with an impressive range of corals.
At multi-hued reef sites, there is an excellent diversity of fish, from cuttlefish, seahorse and the awe-inspiring mandarin fish. Sea turtles rest on coral patches while eagle ray search around the seabed for prey. If you are very lucky, you may even encounter a leopard shark or guitar shark resting in the sand. While if you take a day trip around the shallow sites of Busuanga, there’s potential to spot dugong.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 27
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Green Turtle
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Hawksbill Turtle
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Total number of species: 3000
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Catfish
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Total number of species: 28
Udo Kefrig
Clownfish
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Total number of species: 90
Shutterstock-Rich Carey
Angelfish
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 3000
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Nudibranch
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Total number of species: 130
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Pufferfish
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 130
Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek
Butterfly Fish
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Total number of species: 100
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Parrotfish
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Total number of species: 8
Alamy-Reinhard Dirscherl
Bannerfish
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Total number of species: 40
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Triggerfish
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Total number of species: 25
AdobeStock_Vladimir Wrangel
Boxfish
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Total number of species: 350
Alamy-Andre Seal
Damselfish
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The best Months to dive in Coron Island
Coron Island offers year-round diving opportunities with varying conditions across the seasons. From December to March, divers experience optimal conditions with clear weather and excellent visibility. Water temperatures during these months generally range from 26°C–29°C/79°F–84°F, making it a comfortable period for underwater exploration.
The wet season, from June to September, may occasionally bring bad weather, which can hinder diving activities. Despite this, diving remains possible most of the time. During this season, water temperatures hover around 29°C/84°F, and visibility might be reduced due to increased rainfall. Understanding these seasonal variations helps divers plan their trips effectively, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience in Coron Island.
