Everything about Wreck Diving
in Coron

What is the History of the Coron Shipwrecks?

During World War II, on September 24, 1944, a powerful airstrike by the US Navy sank a fleet of Japanese supply ships. The ships were hiding around the islands of Coron and Busuanga. Today, these ships form one of the best locations for wreck diving in the world. They are covered in beautiful corals and filled with marine life.

What are the Main Wreck Diving Attractions in Coron?

There are over ten diveable shipwrecks in the area. Each wreck has its own story and unique features:

• The Irako: A large Japanese refrigeration ship. It is very intact and considered one of the best wreck dives in Asia.
• Okikawa Maru: A massive oil tanker. It is covered in beautiful hard and soft corals and has a lot of fish swimming around it.
• Akitsushima: A warship (seaplane tender) that lies on its side. You can still see giant gears and mechanisms from the crane used to lift the planes.

Which are the Best Shallow Wrecks for Beginners?

You do not need to dive deep to see history in Coron. Some wrecks are very close to the surface:

• Lusong Gunboat: This wreck sits in very shallow water (0 to 12 meters). The top of the ship is visible at low tide. It is perfect for beginners, snorkelers, and underwater photographers who want bright, natural light.
• East Tangat Wreck: This small tugboat starts at just 3 meters deep and goes down to 19 meters. It is very calm and easy to explore.

Which are the Best Deep Wrecks for Advanced Divers?

If you are an experienced diver, the deeper wrecks offer incredible rooms to explore (penetrate):

• Irako Wreck: The deck sits at around 28 meters, and the bottom goes down to 43 meters. It requires deep diving skills.
• Kogyo Maru: An auxiliary supply ship lying between 22 and 36 meters deep. It has large cargo holds containing construction materials like cement bags and a bulldozer.

Who is Wreck Diving in Coron Suited For?

Wreck diving in Coron is suited for almost every level of diver. Because the ships sit at different depths, there is a perfect spot for everyone.

• Beginners and Snorkelers can enjoy the shallow gunboats.
• Experienced Divers can explore dark tunnels, machine rooms, and deep cargo holds inside the larger ships.

What Scuba Certification is Needed for Coron?

• Open Water Diver (OWD): You can dive the shallow wrecks like Lusong Gunboat or the tops of some larger ships (up to 18 meters).
• Advanced Open Water Diver (AOWD): This is highly recommended for Coron. Most of the famous Japanese wrecks lie between 25 and 40 meters. To fully enjoy Coron, you should have or get an Advanced certification.
• Wreck Specialty / Nitrox: Very useful if you want to swim inside the ships safely or stay underwater longer.

Can I Get My Scuba Certification in Coron?

Yes! Coron has many professional, international dive centers (PADI and SSI). You can easily take your Advanced Open Water Course here. Many shops also offer a Wreck Diver Specialty course, where you learn the exact techniques to safely swim inside the shipwrecks using lines and torches.

How Safe is Wreck Diving in Coron?

Wreck diving is safe if you follow the rules and dive with a professional guide.

• Local Guides: Dive shops in Coron have highly experienced guides who know the ships perfectly.
• Penetration: Never swim inside a wreck without the right certification, equipment, and guide. The inside of a ship can be dark, and silting can lower visibility quickly.
• Safety Equipment: Coron has a hyperbaric recompression chamber in case of emergencies, but always dive conservatively to stay safe.

When Should I Book My Dive Trip in Coron?

• High Season (December to May): This is the dry season with the best underwater visibility and calm seas. It gets busy, so you should reserve your dive boat or courses a few weeks in advance.
• Low Season (June to November): This is the rainy season. Visibility can be lower, but there are fewer tourists. You can often book just a day or two in advance.

What is the Average Price for Diving in Coron?

Diving in Coron offers great value for money. On average, prices are:

• 3-Dive Day Trip (Fun Dives): Around 5000 to 6000 PHP ($80 – $100 USD). This usually includes the boat, dive guide, gear rental, and a fresh lunch cooked on the boat.
• Advanced Open Water Course: Around 15,000 to 18,000 PHP ($260 – $320 USD).
• Note: Environmental fees (like the Coron Eco-Tourism Fee) might be a small extra cost.