Descending into the deep, silent waters of Coron Bay feels like swimming through a ghost-filled underwater museum. In September 1944, a fleet of Japanese supply ships was bombed by US aircraft, sinking them directly onto the seafloor. Today, these massive, iron-hulled WWII shipwrecks are covered in colorful coral gardens, home to giant scorpionfish, sea turtles, and schools of barracudas. Penetrating the old boiler rooms and cargo holds with a flashlight is an incredibly eerie and unforgettable thrill.
What makes it fascinating is that these wrecks are so well-preserved and shallow that several of them (like the Lusong Gunboat) can be easily seen by snorkelers without any scuba diving gear.
One fun fact people love:
Coron is recognized as one of the best locations in the world for recreational wreck diving, offering access to over ten intact, historical Japanese shipwrecks within a single sheltered bay.
Where in Palawan is it?
Located in Coron Bay, off the coast of Busuanga Island in northern Palawan.
How to reach:
Easily accessible by booking a specialized scuba diving boat tour from Coron Town harbor.
Best time to visit:
November to May when ocean visibility is at its highest and weather is stable.
Best time of day:
Early morning around 8:00 AM to enjoy calm waters and excellent light penetration for diving.
Entry fee:
Dive packages (including gear and boat) range from PHP 3,500 to PHP 5,500 for a 3-dive day trip.
Commute difficulty:
Easy by boat, though diving requires a valid certification for deeper ship penetrations.
Things nobody tells you about this place:
- The currents inside ship cargo bays can be deceptively strong; always stay close to your dive master.
- Bring a thin wetsuit or rash guard to protect your skin from sharp, rusted metal frames inside the ships.
- Do not touch any metal surfaces as rust can flake off, clouding the water and ruining visibility for other divers.