FAQs · Destination Guide
Wreck capital of Palawan with karst lakes, calm bays, and dugong day trips
Updated Oct 30, 2025 • 27 sources
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers sourced from research and local operating patterns.
February to May typically brings the calmest seas and longest sunny windows, great for multi-dive wreck days in Coron Bay. November to January is also good with cooler air and fewer boats. From June to October, expect more wind and showers, with typhoon risk highest in August to October. Flexible scheduling helps during wet season. Water stays warm around 28°C to 30°C year round.
Fly into Francisco B. Reyes Airport (USU) on Busuanga. Shared vans and private transfers meet flights and take about 45 minutes to town, roughly 22 km. Hotels can arrange pickups. There is no ride-share service. ATMs are in town rather than at isolated beach areas.
Yes, life jackets are commonly required at popular lakes such as Kayangan. Site rangers and boat crews enforce rules to keep swimmers safe. Expect to wear a vest while swimming unless on an authorized freedive session arranged with a compliant operator. Always follow local guidance from the Tagbanua-managed sites.
Yes. Shallow sites like Lusong Gunboat and some reefs are suitable for Open Water divers. Many iconic wrecks are deeper and benefit from Advanced Open Water plus nitrox. Penetration inside wrecks requires training, reels, and redundant lights. Choose operators who brief carefully and match sites to experience.
Northwest Busuanga hosts dugong feeding grounds over seagrass. Full-day trips run from Coron Town or northern resorts, combining boat search with guided snorkeling. Calmer months from November to May offer more reliable conditions. Maintain respectful distances and follow briefings to minimize disturbance.
Water averages around 28°C to 30°C most of the year, a touch cooler in Jan-Feb and warmest around Apr-May. Air temperatures hover near 30°C daytime with humid conditions. A 3 mm wetsuit suits most divers, with rashguards for snorkel days.
Fast ferries link Coron and El Nido in roughly 3.5 to 5 hours, typically with morning or midday departures depending on operator and seas. A weekly 2GO ship connects Manila-Coron-Puerto Princesa overnight. Schedules can change with weather, so confirm a day or two ahead.
Plan for a Municipal Environmental Fee payable on arrival, plus per-site entrance fees at lakes, marine parks, and some beaches. Keep your receipts for tours. Operators can help bundle or settle fees, but many collections are cash only. Bring small bills on island days.
Yes. Major dive centers in Coron Town routinely offer nitrox for repetitive wreck profiles. Prebook if visiting during peak season. Bring your certification card, and expect standard 32 percent mixes for longer no-stop times at 25 m to 35 m.
For water days, bring a well-fitting mask, rashguard, and reef-safe sunscreen. Divers should add SMB, torch, and booties. Pack a light rain jacket Jun-Oct and a dry bag for boat days. Cash helps with park fees and small vendors. A basic first-aid kit and vinegar packets are useful for minor stings.
Coron District Hospital is in town for urgent care. A chamber has historically been associated with Sea Dive Resort, but availability can vary; check status with your operator. The regional facility is Ospital ng Palawan in Puerto Princesa. Carry DAN coverage and ensure your operator has oxygen onboard.
Yes. Many divers plan two or three wreck days, a lake day for Barracuda, and a snorkel afternoon at Twin Peaks or Lusong. Add a dugong day from northwest Busuanga if seas are calm. Build in a buffer day in wet season in case weather reshuffles plans.