Hero photo of Coron

Destination guide

Coron

Wreck capital of Palawan with karst lakes, calm bays, and dugong day trips

Wreck PlaygroundKarst LakesSnorkel AccessWildlife

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Overview

Wreck capital of Palawan with karst lakes, calm bays, and dugong day trips

Coron anchors the Calamian Islands at the north of Palawan. Divers come for a dozen Japanese WWII wrecks in Coron Bay, plus surreal thermoclines inside Barracuda Lake. Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, and Siete Pecados deliver iconic snorkeling over vibrant coral. The Tagbanua manage Coron Island’s lakes and coves and enforce site rules that keep the water clear. Base in Coron Town for day boats to wrecks, reefs, and islands, or head northwest for dugong encounters near Calauit. Flights land at Francisco B. Reyes Airport on Busuanga, with fast ferries to and from El Nido and an overnight 2GO ship from Manila.

Why Coron

  • Concentrated wreck diving with profiles from easy to technical.
  • Karst lakes and lagoons for cinematic snorkeling and freediving.
  • Access to dugong feeding grounds on northwest Busuanga.

Seascape & protection

  • Coron Island Natural Biotic Area is on the UNESCO Tentative List and is the ancestral domain of the Tagbanua, who set visitor rules at lakes and coves.
  • Siete Pecados Marine Park earned a Blue Park Award for effective local protection.

Where to base

  • Coron Town: most dive centers, tricycles, restaurants, and island-hopping.
  • Northwest Busuanga: lodge near Calauit or Dimakya for dugong trips and quiet reefs.

Conditions

  • Dry season Nov-May with calmer seas and clearer water. Wet season Jun-Oct brings more wind, showers, and possible typhoons. Typical water sits around 28°C to 30°C.

Operators & access

  • Reputable dive outfits include Corto Divers and Reggae Dive Center. Nitrox is widely available. Airport vans link USU to town in about 45 minutes; fast ferries connect to El Nido.

Highlights

Don't miss while you're here

Field notes from guides and contributors on what stands out immediately.

Barracuda Lake Thermoclines

Experience warm lower layers and dramatic rock spires on a carefully planned lake dive.

Shallow Wreck Snorkel

Drift over the Lusong Gunboat or combine with a coral garden stop.

Siete Pecados Marine Park

Small islets with dense coral and juvenile fish. Arrive early to beat crowds.