Siete Pecados Coron

Siete Pecados Marine Park: Coron’s Vibrant Underwater Sanctuary

Siete Pecados is a renowned marine reserve located off the eastern coast of Busuanga Island, just off the shores of Barangay Barangonan and right at the entrance to Coron Passage. Made up of seven small, rocky limestone islets scattered across a shallow channel, it stands as one of the most vibrant and accessible snorkeling destinations in the Calamian Islands.

Location and Island Hopping Access

Situated only a few kilometers east of Coron Town Proper, Siete Pecados is one of the closest marine attractions to the main hub. By motorized bangka outrigger boat, the trip takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes from the harbor. It can also be reached by taking a short tricycle ride to the coast facing the islets and hiring a short boat shuttle across the narrow channel.

Due to its proximity and exceptional underwater visibility, it is frequently featured on popular island-hopping day trips departing from Coron Town, such as Tour A or comprehensive Coron Ultimate Tours. It often serves as the very first snorkeling stop on morning itineraries when the sea condition is calmest.

Legend, History, and Tagbanwa Protection

The name Siete Pecados translates to “Seven Sins” in Spanish, rooted in a well-known local folklore:

The Legend: Local tradition tells the story of seven rebellious sisters who went swimming against their mother’s strict warnings. According to the tale, the sisters drowned at sea, and seven small rocky islets rose from the water where they perished, serving as a permanent reminder of disobedience.
Marine Conservation History: Historically, the surrounding waters suffered from destructive fishing practices. Recognizing the urgent need to preserve its biodiversity, local authorities and community leaders designated the area as a strictly protected marine sanctuary in the late 1990s.
Tagbanwa Stewardship: Today, Siete PecadosKlicken zum Öffnen einer Seitenleiste mit weiteren Informationen is managed and protected in close cooperation with the indigenous Tagbanwa community alongside local coastal guardians. The Tagbanwa people—the ancestral caretakers of Coron Island and its surrounding waters—enforce strict conservation rules to safeguard the delicate marine ecosystem, maintain permanent mooring buoys to prevent anchor damage, and collect eco-fees directly supporting community environmental monitoring.

What Makes It Special & Features for Tourists

Siete PecadosKlicken is famous for offering some of the healthiest and most diverse shallow-water coral reefs near Coron:

Thriving Coral Gardens: A shallow reef flat surrounds the seven islets, featuring vast expanses of hard and soft corals, table corals, and brain corals in remarkably healthy condition.
Abundant Marine Life: The sanctuary acts as a nursery for hundreds of tropical fish species. Snorkelers routinely swim alongside dense schools of damselfish, clownfish, parrotfish, sea turtles, and giant clams.
Guided Snorkeling Lines: Floating ropes and designated swimming paths are maintained throughout the sanctuary to protect the coral heads while allowing visitors to safely navigate the currents between the islets.
Clear Shallow Waters: Depths range from just 1 to 5 meters around the central reef area, offering excellent visibility for both novice snorkelers and freedivers.

Entrance Fees and Logistics

Entrance Fee: 100 PHP per person.
Inclusions: When booking an organized group island-hopping tour (typically ranging between 1,200 PHP and 2,500 PHP depending on the route), the 100 PHP environmental fee is usually included in the overall package price.
Private Visits: Visitors traveling by private charter boat or accessing the site independently pay the 100 PHP fee directly to the stationed sanctuary wardens at the floating guard station upon arrival.