Coron has dive sites for all!
Coron Wreck Dives
Morazan (aka Ekkai Maru)
Length: 100 meters
Maximum Depth: 25 Meters
The Morazan was an English passenger cargo vessel that was captured by the Imperial Japanese Navy and used for her war efforts. She sits on her starboard side in 25 meters of seawater. The Morazan's four cargo holds are empty, but the real treat is the pair of massive boilers in the engine room. This wreck has something for divers of all abilities. The big open holds and the engine room are good for those with less experience. For more a more advanced route, it is possible to do a complete swim-through and pass from bow to stern without exiting the ship!
Length: 100 meters
Maximum Depth: 25 Meters
The Morazan was an English passenger cargo vessel that was captured by the Imperial Japanese Navy and used for her war efforts. She sits on her starboard side in 25 meters of seawater. The Morazan's four cargo holds are empty, but the real treat is the pair of massive boilers in the engine room. This wreck has something for divers of all abilities. The big open holds and the engine room are good for those with less experience. For more a more advanced route, it is possible to do a complete swim-through and pass from bow to stern without exiting the ship!
Length: 128 meters
Maximum Depth: 30 meters
The Olympia is a Japanese cargo ship that was requistioned by the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II. Sitting upright, her large cargo holds offer good penetrations for beginners. One of the favorite penetrations is the locker room at the bow. Inside you can still see the coiled up cable used to haul up the anchor. On the main deck level you can find a big schools of lionfish. Scorpion fish are common all over this wreck, so watch your buoyancy. The sides of the Olympia are covered with black corals, and is a good place to search for seahorses and ornate ghost pipe fish.
Maximum Depth: 30 meters
The Olympia is a Japanese cargo ship that was requistioned by the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II. Sitting upright, her large cargo holds offer good penetrations for beginners. One of the favorite penetrations is the locker room at the bow. Inside you can still see the coiled up cable used to haul up the anchor. On the main deck level you can find a big schools of lionfish. Scorpion fish are common all over this wreck, so watch your buoyancy. The sides of the Olympia are covered with black corals, and is a good place to search for seahorses and ornate ghost pipe fish.
Length: 128 meters
Maximum Depth: 36 meters
The Kogyo Maru was a Construction Supply Ship used by the Imperial Japanese Navy. She now lies on her starboard side in 36 meters of seawater. In her holds you can find her supply of concrete now hardened in the shape of the bags it stored in. You can also see an old cement mixer, bulldozer, and rolls of chain link fence. Fish life that can be seen here are razor (shrimp) fish, bat fish, snappers, groupers, lionfish, and sometimes crocodile fish.
Maximum Depth: 36 meters
The Kogyo Maru was a Construction Supply Ship used by the Imperial Japanese Navy. She now lies on her starboard side in 36 meters of seawater. In her holds you can find her supply of concrete now hardened in the shape of the bags it stored in. You can also see an old cement mixer, bulldozer, and rolls of chain link fence. Fish life that can be seen here are razor (shrimp) fish, bat fish, snappers, groupers, lionfish, and sometimes crocodile fish.
Okikawa Maru (aka Tai Ei Maru)
Length: 160 Meters
Maximum Depth: 26 meters
The Okikawa Maru is a Japanese oil tanker that has it all. With a maximum depth of 26 meters and the main deck level at 18 meters, you can expect a longer bottom time than the other wrecks. That gives you plenty of time to check out all of the corals growing on this sunken giant. The Okikawa also has a large concentration of macro critters, with nudibranches being found all over the wreck. The area is prone to strong tidal currents, but the current attracts schooling fish. It is an awesome sight to see one of the big schools of snappers or batfish hiding from the current behind her huge rudder. Penetrations can include a swim through the propeller shaft, and exploring the oil tanks (now empty of course).
Length: 160 Meters
Maximum Depth: 26 meters
The Okikawa Maru is a Japanese oil tanker that has it all. With a maximum depth of 26 meters and the main deck level at 18 meters, you can expect a longer bottom time than the other wrecks. That gives you plenty of time to check out all of the corals growing on this sunken giant. The Okikawa also has a large concentration of macro critters, with nudibranches being found all over the wreck. The area is prone to strong tidal currents, but the current attracts schooling fish. It is an awesome sight to see one of the big schools of snappers or batfish hiding from the current behind her huge rudder. Penetrations can include a swim through the propeller shaft, and exploring the oil tanks (now empty of course).
Akitsushima
Length: 118 meters
Maximum Depth: 36 meters
The Akitsushima is a Japanese Seaplane Tender, and one of the most requested dives in Coron. The huge crane that was used to hoist the flying boat "Emily" is now resting in the sand and has become the home for many fishes. Searching around on the outside, you can still find her anti-aircraft guns lying in the sand. The huge expolosion that sunk the Akitsushima almost split her into two pieces. Now, the massive split provides easy access to start you penetration inside. Many of the passages inside are small, so good buoyancy is an absolute must. Addtional care must be used as live ammunitions can still be found. Due to her relatively deep depth, using nitrox 32 is a good way to boost your bottom time.
Length: 118 meters
Maximum Depth: 36 meters
The Akitsushima is a Japanese Seaplane Tender, and one of the most requested dives in Coron. The huge crane that was used to hoist the flying boat "Emily" is now resting in the sand and has become the home for many fishes. Searching around on the outside, you can still find her anti-aircraft guns lying in the sand. The huge expolosion that sunk the Akitsushima almost split her into two pieces. Now, the massive split provides easy access to start you penetration inside. Many of the passages inside are small, so good buoyancy is an absolute must. Addtional care must be used as live ammunitions can still be found. Due to her relatively deep depth, using nitrox 32 is a good way to boost your bottom time.
Irako
Length: 147 meters
Maximum Depth: 43 meters
The Irako was a refrigeration supply ship of the Imperial Japanese Navy. She sits nearly upright in 45 meters of water. Aside from the bridge, which took a direct hit, the Irako is pretty well intact. For advanced divers with the appropriate skill level, this wreck can be a lot of fun. The Irako is described by the local divemasters as "DDD". Deep, dark, and dangerous. Many of the routes are smaller and darker than the other wrecks in the area, and perfect buoyancy is a must. On the outside, we often see a big school of jacks swimming around the mast in a tornado like formation. The top of the wreck is also hangout for snappers, groupers, barracuda, and lionfish.
Length: 147 meters
Maximum Depth: 43 meters
The Irako was a refrigeration supply ship of the Imperial Japanese Navy. She sits nearly upright in 45 meters of water. Aside from the bridge, which took a direct hit, the Irako is pretty well intact. For advanced divers with the appropriate skill level, this wreck can be a lot of fun. The Irako is described by the local divemasters as "DDD". Deep, dark, and dangerous. Many of the routes are smaller and darker than the other wrecks in the area, and perfect buoyancy is a must. On the outside, we often see a big school of jacks swimming around the mast in a tornado like formation. The top of the wreck is also hangout for snappers, groupers, barracuda, and lionfish.
Teru Kaze (aka East Tangat Gun Boat)
Length: 30 Meters
Maximum Depth: 20 meters
The Teru Kaze is a small patrol boat resting in shallow waters on the East side of Tangat Island. The bow starts at 4 meters and she continues down on a slant to a maximum depth of 20 meters. Relatively intact, there are a few small holds that you can penetrate. This is a common last dive of the day and a great place to hunt for macro critters, with frequent mandarin fish sightings.
Urupu Maru (aka Lusong Gunboat)
Length: 30 Meters
Maximum Depth: 20 meters
The Lusong Gunboat breaks the surface at low tide and reaches a maximum depth of 10 meters. Because of her shallow depth and 80 years of wave action from the ocean, the hull is all that is left of this small patrol vessel. But, the surrounding horseshoe shaped reef is one of the nicest in the area. It is common for us to see broadclub cuttlefish, parrot fish, anemone fish, and other common reef fish. Because of the shallow depth, the Lusong gunboat is usually the last dive of the day before we head back to the dive shop.
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Barracuda Lake
Maximum Depth: 30 meters
If you think you have done everything, think again. Diving Barracuda Lake is a very unique experience. The lake consists of fresh water sitting on top of salt water. The freshwater is a very comfortable 31 C. The top of the salt water layer is 38 C. The hot water temerature is caused by one of our many local geathermal vents. The well known Maquinit Hot Springs is only 4km away. Diving in the lake you will see underwater rock formations make you feel as if you are on another planet.
Maximum Depth: 30 meters
If you think you have done everything, think again. Diving Barracuda Lake is a very unique experience. The lake consists of fresh water sitting on top of salt water. The freshwater is a very comfortable 31 C. The top of the salt water layer is 38 C. The hot water temerature is caused by one of our many local geathermal vents. The well known Maquinit Hot Springs is only 4km away. Diving in the lake you will see underwater rock formations make you feel as if you are on another planet.
Siete Picados (aka 7 Islands)
Maximum depth: 25 meters
Siete Picados is the local marine park. It is composes of seven small limestone islets. The strict no fishing and no anchoring policy has done wonders for the marine life. You can see groupers, sweetlips, batfish, angel fish, clown fish, and many other reef fish. The tidal currents here can be strong, and it makes for a really pretty drift dive. In recent times, there has been a large school of barracudas that have made Siete Picados their home.
Twin Peaks
Maximum Depth: 25 meters
Twin Peaks is two rocky outcroppings with a nice reef surrounding it. It is very near the entrance to Barracuda Lake, and offers a good chance to spot one of our local turtles. Nice corals and a good variety of reef fish make this a very enjoyable, easy dive site. Twin peaks also has a shallow area popular with snorkelers.
Maximum Depth: 25 meters
Twin Peaks is two rocky outcroppings with a nice reef surrounding it. It is very near the entrance to Barracuda Lake, and offers a good chance to spot one of our local turtles. Nice corals and a good variety of reef fish make this a very enjoyable, easy dive site. Twin peaks also has a shallow area popular with snorkelers.
Alcatraz
Maximum Depth: 20 meters
Alcatraz is a lone rocky island located in the channel between Busuanga and Coron Island, near the Siete Picados Marine Park. Because of its location in the channel, the tidal currents can be strong. The visibility here is variable, but we often see large schools of fish swimming by in an almost never ending procession. This is also a good place to hunt for small critters, such as nudibranches.
Maximum Depth: 20 meters
Alcatraz is a lone rocky island located in the channel between Busuanga and Coron Island, near the Siete Picados Marine Park. Because of its location in the channel, the tidal currents can be strong. The visibility here is variable, but we often see large schools of fish swimming by in an almost never ending procession. This is also a good place to hunt for small critters, such as nudibranches.
Coral Gardens
Maximum Depth: 25 meters
Coral Gardens is a beautiful reef located off Lusong Island, near the Lusong Gunboat. Coral Gardens is a very healthy reef slope, that offers a great opportunity for spotting nudibranchs and other macro life. Also seen here on occasion are solitary barracudas coming in for a cleaning. Coral Gardens is by far one of the nicest reefs in the area. This dive is usually done as a "one way" dive with the boat picking us up when we surface.
Maximum Depth: 25 meters
Coral Gardens is a beautiful reef located off Lusong Island, near the Lusong Gunboat. Coral Gardens is a very healthy reef slope, that offers a great opportunity for spotting nudibranchs and other macro life. Also seen here on occasion are solitary barracudas coming in for a cleaning. Coral Gardens is by far one of the nicest reefs in the area. This dive is usually done as a "one way" dive with the boat picking us up when we surface.
Dimanglet Island
Maximum depth: 20 meters
Dimanglet Island is one of our training sites. There is a shallow sandy bottom near the beach that is perfect for learning and practicing skills. The reef slope starts just a few meters away and continues well around the island. This is a really nice reef with a chance of spotting a variety of sea life, such as schools of smaller yellow fin barracudas or one of our resident turtles.
Secret Reef
Maximum depth: 25 meters
Secret Reef is a small underwater pinnacle that reaches up to just 6 meters below the surface. The reef is not visable from the surface, so very few people know its exact location. Relativly free from currents, this is another dive that do as our last dive of the day.
Maximum depth: 25 meters
Secret Reef is a small underwater pinnacle that reaches up to just 6 meters below the surface. The reef is not visable from the surface, so very few people know its exact location. Relativly free from currents, this is another dive that do as our last dive of the day.
Vivian's Beach
Maximum depth: 20 meters
Vivian's Beach is another one of our common training sites. Located close to Barracuda Lake, there is a shallow sandy area for skills practice. Only a few meters away is coral slope full of beautiful coroals.
Maximum depth: 20 meters
Vivian's Beach is another one of our common training sites. Located close to Barracuda Lake, there is a shallow sandy area for skills practice. Only a few meters away is coral slope full of beautiful coroals.
Skeleton Wreck
Maximum Depth: 20 meters
Skeleton Wreck is a small fishing boat located at Coron Island. The wreck lies on a slant and starts at 4 meters. Most of the boat has weathered away leaving the ribs, hence the name skeleton wreck. Skeleton is a small open wreck, and suitable for beginners. There is a lot of macro life hiding here if you have a good eye. Because of its shallow depth, Skeleton Wreck is also popular with snorkelers. We tend to avoid this site as there can be lots of boat traffic.
Maximum Depth: 20 meters
Skeleton Wreck is a small fishing boat located at Coron Island. The wreck lies on a slant and starts at 4 meters. Most of the boat has weathered away leaving the ribs, hence the name skeleton wreck. Skeleton is a small open wreck, and suitable for beginners. There is a lot of macro life hiding here if you have a good eye. Because of its shallow depth, Skeleton Wreck is also popular with snorkelers. We tend to avoid this site as there can be lots of boat traffic.
CYC Island
Maximum depth: 20 meters
CYC Island is one of our training sites. The shallow sandy bottom at the front of the island is perfect for practicing skills. The reef starts at the front of the island and continues all the way around the back side. This is a really nice reef with the chance of spotting a variety of sea life.
Maximum depth: 20 meters
CYC Island is one of our training sites. The shallow sandy bottom at the front of the island is perfect for practicing skills. The reef starts at the front of the island and continues all the way around the back side. This is a really nice reef with the chance of spotting a variety of sea life.
Coron Reef Dives
Other Sites
Kyokuzan Maru
Length: 120 meters
Maximum Depth: 43 meters
The Kyokuzan Maru is a spare parts supply vessel. Inside her holds one can find tires and what is left of the staff car. The body of the car has weathered away, but the frame, engine, bumpers, etc are still visible. The Kyokuzan is located on the north side of the island in Maricaban Bay. Getting there involves a 1 hour drive to the north side of Busuanga and a 30 minute boat ride to get to the wreck. Due to the depth, this dive is only recommended for experienced divers. Quite often the visibility here reaches 20 meters!
Length: 120 meters
Maximum Depth: 43 meters
The Kyokuzan Maru is a spare parts supply vessel. Inside her holds one can find tires and what is left of the staff car. The body of the car has weathered away, but the frame, engine, bumpers, etc are still visible. The Kyokuzan is located on the north side of the island in Maricaban Bay. Getting there involves a 1 hour drive to the north side of Busuanga and a 30 minute boat ride to get to the wreck. Due to the depth, this dive is only recommended for experienced divers. Quite often the visibility here reaches 20 meters!
Black Island Wreck
Length: 45 meters
Maximum Depth: 35 meters
There are still some people that believe this to be a Japanese war wreck. It is not. This wreck is most likely an American vessel that sunk during bad weather. The engine room and the empty cargo hold are the options for some lite penetration. The travel time of three hours to reach Black Island make this wreck difficult to dive by day trip.
Length: 45 meters
Maximum Depth: 35 meters
There are still some people that believe this to be a Japanese war wreck. It is not. This wreck is most likely an American vessel that sunk during bad weather. The engine room and the empty cargo hold are the options for some lite penetration. The travel time of three hours to reach Black Island make this wreck difficult to dive by day trip.
Nakajima Ki-43 (Hayabusa)
Length: 9 meters
Maximum Depth: 44 meters
At some point a Japanese Army Airforce Nakajima Ki-43 found it final resting place on the north side of Busuanga. The Hayabusa was legendary in East Asia because of its combat performance. Its sits upright in 44 meters of water, in relatively good condition.
Length: 9 meters
Maximum Depth: 44 meters
At some point a Japanese Army Airforce Nakajima Ki-43 found it final resting place on the north side of Busuanga. The Hayabusa was legendary in East Asia because of its combat performance. Its sits upright in 44 meters of water, in relatively good condition.
Cathedral Cavern
Maximum Depth: 20 meters
The Cathedral Cavern is not an actual cave, but more of an underground lake. After a swim through a short tunnel, you emerge in a room that is half filled with water. A hole in the ceiling lets in daylight for a dramatic lighting effect. After visiting the Cathedral for a few minutes we finish the dive on the reef slope outside. The entrance to the Cathedral faces open ocean, making the dive weather dependent.
Maximum Depth: 20 meters
The Cathedral Cavern is not an actual cave, but more of an underground lake. After a swim through a short tunnel, you emerge in a room that is half filled with water. A hole in the ceiling lets in daylight for a dramatic lighting effect. After visiting the Cathedral for a few minutes we finish the dive on the reef slope outside. The entrance to the Cathedral faces open ocean, making the dive weather dependent.
Coron Virgin
Maximum Depth: 40 meters
Coron Virgin is an old sand barge that sunk off the Coast of Coron Island. The story is that they were stealing sand and selling it in Manila. The barge hit some shallow rocks and sunk on the reef slope. It has been down a while and already started growing hard and soft corals. The Coron Virgin is located towards the southern tip of Coron Island, so is often paired with the Cathedral Cavern.
Maximum Depth: 40 meters
Coron Virgin is an old sand barge that sunk off the Coast of Coron Island. The story is that they were stealing sand and selling it in Manila. The barge hit some shallow rocks and sunk on the reef slope. It has been down a while and already started growing hard and soft corals. The Coron Virgin is located towards the southern tip of Coron Island, so is often paired with the Cathedral Cavern.
Anywhere Reef
Maximum Depth: ???
Fancy having a dive site named after you? We are always looking for new dive sites. We can and do dive on random sites just to see what we can find. If you are with us when we find a spot worth sharing, you get to help name it.
Maximum Depth: ???
Fancy having a dive site named after you? We are always looking for new dive sites. We can and do dive on random sites just to see what we can find. If you are with us when we find a spot worth sharing, you get to help name it.