Diving in Coron

Coron for Divers

Diving the Ghosts of WWII: The Wrecks of Coron

Coron is world-famous because it is one of the few places on Earth where you can dive deep into history. In September 1944, a fleet of Japanese supply ships was hidden in these bays, but they were discovered and sunk by US aircraft.

Today, these wrecks are covered in colorful corals and are home to thousands of fish.

Famous Wrecks You Can Visit

Lusong Gunboat: This wreck is in shallow water. It is perfect for snorkelers and beginner divers because the top of the boat is just below the surface.

Irako: A large refrigeration ship. It is considered one of the best wreck dives in the Philippines. It is quite deep and usually for experienced divers.

Okikawa Maru: A massive oil tanker. It is very long and covered in beautiful corals. You can often see large schools of fish here.

Akitsushima: A true warship (seaplane tender). You can still see the huge crane used to lift planes out of the water.

Popular Dive Centers in Coron Town

If you decide to stay in the busy heart of Coron City, there are many professional dive shops to choose from. Here are some of the most popular ones:

Reggae Divers: Known for their relaxed “island vibe” and friendly staff. They are very popular with backpackers and younger divers.
Neptune Dive Center: A very professional and well-organized shop. They are famous for their high safety standards and small diving groups.
Safety Stop Divers: As the name suggests, they focus heavily on safety. They are a great choice if you are a beginner or want to take a PADI course.
Corto Divers: This shop is part of the Corto del Mar hotel. They are known for having very comfortable, large boats and excellent equipment. It is a great choice if you want a bit more comfort during your trip.

Stay in Town or Head to Busuanga?

Busuanga Bay: Best for people who want peace and quiet. As mentioned before, shops like Pirate Divers or Gunther’s allow you to reach the wrecks faster. You will be underwater while the boats from the city are still traveling!

Coron Town: Best for people who want to go out at night, visit many different restaurants, and have a wide choice of dive shops. It is loud, but everything is within walking distance.

The Gentle Giants: Diving with Dugongs in the North

If you are a nature lover, the northern part of Busuanga offers a truly rare opportunity: meeting the Dugong (also known as the “Sea Cow”). This is one of the few places in the world where you can reliably find these shy, gentle creatures in their natural habitat.

Where to Go

To see the Dugongs, you need to head to the Northern coast of Busuanga Island.

Staying in the North: If you stay at a resort like El Rio y Mar, you are right at the source. The Dugong Dive Center located there is the pioneer of Dugong watching and very focused on eco-friendly tourism.

From Coron Town: Many shops like Pirates Diving Center or Neptune Divers offer day trips. It usually starts with a 1.5 to 2-hour van ride to the north, followed by a boat trip. It is a long day (starting around 5:00 AM), but absolutely worth it.