why is Coron one of the top diving destinations ?
Diving Information
Wreck Diving around Coron & Busuanga
Coron’s immense popularity as a diving destination today is largely due to a significant World War II military operation. On September 24, 1944, the U.S. Task Force 38 launched an air attack on the Japanese fleet anchored in Coron Bay.
This operation led to the sinking of numerous Japanese warships and supply vessels, including a seaplane tender, several freighters, and tankers. These ships settled at various depths within the bay. Over the decades, these wrecks transformed into artificial reefs, attracting a rich diversity of marine flora and fauna. Corals have colonized the structures, providing a habitat for countless fish species.
Today, these shipwrecks are prominent dive sites, offering unique exploration opportunities for history enthusiasts, marine biologists, and underwater photographers alike. The wrecks vary in their state of preservation and depth, making them accessible to divers of different experience levels. Notable diveable wrecks include the Akitsushima Maru, the Irako, the Okikawa Maru, and the Kogyo Maru. Dives allow for the inspection of the ship structures and the thriving marine life that has developed around them. The history of their sinking and their current biological significance make the Coron wrecks an internationally recognized diving attraction.
Diving from Coron Town
Coron Town is home to numerous dive centers. While we’re highlighting a few that we know well, this isn’t an exhaustive list, and most other dive centers in the town are likely to offer excellent experiences. We recommend checking out diver forums for more options and reviews.
Corto Divers offers a wide range of PADI-certified diving services for all levels, from beginners to seasoned enthusiasts. Top-notch equipment, great service, and friendly dive guides are waiting for you.
Reggae Dive Center stands as one of Coron’s largest and most organized dive centers, renowned for over 17 years of operation. They offer a full spectrum of PADI courses, from beginner lessons to IDC training, alongside daily tours to explore 8 Japanese WWII shipwrecks in Coron Bay. This PADI 5 Star center is truly a specialist in wreck diving, providing exceptional underwater experiences.
Neptune Dive Center is a PADI 5 Star center featuring experienced instructors who also offer Nitrox and Tec Diving, catering to both recreational and advanced divers.
MDI Dive Center is a friendly dive center known for its good prices and great offers. They organize trips to unique sites including the dugongs, Barracuda Lake, and Cathedral Cave.
North Busuanga: Diving with Dugongs
In the northern part of Busuanga, away from the more bustling dive sites, lies a rare and extraordinary opportunity: diving with dugongs. These gentle “sea cows” graze peacefully in the seagrass meadows and offer an unforgettable sight for lucky divers who encounter them. This experience is strictly regulated to ensure the protection of these endangered animals and to avoid disturbing their natural behavior. It’s a special kind of encounter that demands respect for nature and patience but rewards you with priceless moments.
Nearby reefs often host turtles, schools of fish, and vibrant corals, making a trip to North Busuanga highly worthwhile for any diver.
Dugong Dive Center, located in North Busuanga, Palawan, are pioneers in quality scuba diving and offer unique eco-tourism dugong watching programs. They’re committed to safety and environmental protection, and are also one of the few dive centers operating trips to the Kyokuzan Maru shipwreck in the North.
Closer to the wrecks: Conception & Busuanga Bay
Beyond Coron Town: Conception
If you prefer to stay outside of Coron Town, we highly recommend spending a few days around Conception. Here, you’ll find two excellent dive centers eager to welcome you, along with accommodations to suit every preference and budget.
Conception’s proximity to some of the wrecks gives you the advantage of arriving at the dive sites earlier in the morning, often giving having the wreck all to yourself instead of
sharing it with 10 other dive-teams.
Furthermore, you can escape the town’s hustle and bustle, relax in nature after your dives,
or take small excursions in the surrounding area.
We suggest visiting the waterfall, kayaking, or taking a trip to Pass Island. You can find more information here.
Pirate Divers Coron is a PADI 5 Star Dive Center located in Busuanga near Concepcion, offering high-quality diving experiences. Strategically positioned closer to numerous wreck diving sites, they provide memorable underwater explorations. Don’t forget to check out their Pirate Cafe.
Reefs, Fauna & Flora, Dive around Culion Island
For divers who appreciate lush coral reefs and have a few extra days, we recommend a trip to the neighboring island of Culion. Not only does Culion boast a rich history as the world’s former largest leper colony, but it also offers pristine, underexplored reefs teeming with vibrant flora and fauna. For diving in Culion, we suggest contacting Nudibranch Divers : meandmucha@hotmail.co.uk
Find more information about Culion Island here.
Pro Tip for Divers: Dive Gear Deals in Coron Town
Divers, here’s a handy tip: Coron Town has a couple of dive shops where you can purchase equipment. You might find some items are cheaper here than in your home country. Plus, you can ask your dive guide to help you out, as local professionals often get up to a 30% discount. So, if you need a new dive buoy or a pair of neoprene booties, seize the opportunity!
connected themes :
One of the best areas to learn freediving and one of the most
photogenic areas to practice it.
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dugongs
Encounter Busuanga’s Gentle Giants,
learn about Marine Life and Support Conservation.
Mangroves, Waterfalls, Wrecks, & Serene Island Escapes. Lets travel the Southern
Main Road.
Visit the big neighbor Island with
its rich history and breathtaking
nature.
