Apo Reef, Wrecks of Coron & Dugongs
Sablayan to Coron
- Day 1: Embarkation at 4pm
- Day 2+3: Apo Reef
- Day 4: Dugongs, Caluit & Dimipac Island
- Day 5+6: Wreck of Coron
- Day 7: Barracuda Lake
- Day 8: Disembarkation 7am
Coron to Sablayan
- Day 1: Embarkation at 4pm
- Day 2+3: Wrecks of Coron
- Day 4: Barracuda Lake
- Day 5: Dugongs, Caluit & Dimipac Island
- Day 6+7: Apo Reef
- Day 8: Disembarkation 7am
Diving in Coron
Sunken WWII wrecks in Coron Bay — explore Japanese ships resting at varying depths, from shallow, snorkel‑friendly wrecks to deeper, intact hulks for experienced divers. Expect eerie corridors, encrusted superstructures and dramatic light shafts that make for cinematic photography and compelling historical exploration.
Apo Reef Marine Park — the Philippines’ second largest marine park, featuring sweeping reef flats, steep walls and expansive coral gardens. Dive sites here offer encounters with white‑tip reef sharks, spotted eagle rays, hawksbill turtles, bumphead parrotfish, sea snakes and dense schools of reef fish.
Dimipac Island — Busuanga dugong habitats the experience is a special dugong encounter, offering the rare chance to observe these gentle, majestic animals in their natural habitat.
Scenic backdrop — volcanic vertical cliffs, emerald jungle and crystalline blue waters frame every surface interval, creating mesmerizing vistas above and below the surface.
Apo Reef
Apo Reef is a UNESCO‑recognized marine protected area and one of the Philippines’ most impressive reef systems. Nearby Tara Islands add dramatic drop‑offs and pelagic‑rich blue‑water channels, creating a diverse and exciting reef experience. Together, they offer sweeping coral vistas, striking topography, and frequent encounters with large reef species.
Highlights
- World‑class reef structure — Long reef flats, steep walls, and thriving coral gardens form expansive, photogenic seascapes ideal for wide‑angle diving.
- Reliable big‑animal encounters — White‑tip and black‑tip reef sharks, spotted eagle rays, hawksbill turtles, and bumphead parrotfish are commonly seen; manta rays appear seasonally.
- Pelagic action — Sites like Binangaan Drop Off and the Tara blue‑water channels attract schools of snappers and tuna, along with other open‑ocean visitors cruising the deep blue.
Coron Wrecks
Coron is a world‑renowned destination for wreck diving, home to a fleet of Japanese WWII ships resting in calm bays and channels. The wrecks range from shallow, beginner‑friendly sites to deep, intact vessels offering atmospheric swim‑throughs, rich coral growth, and abundant marine life.
Signature Wrecks
- Kogyo Maru — A large Japanese freighter lying on its starboard side at 22–36 m, featuring intact cargo holds, engine rooms, and excellent marine growth.
- Olympia Maru — A well‑preserved supply ship resting upright with decks at 18–24 m and a keel around 30–32 m; long, photogenic, and accessible.
- East Tangat Gunboat (Tamakaze) — One of Coron’s most approachable wrecks, lying in 3–19 m of water; compact, intact, and perfect for long, relaxed dives.
- Okikawa Maru — The largest and most dramatic wreck in Coron Bay, a 160–168 m tanker with shallow decks (10–16 m) and deeper sections in the mid‑20s to low‑30s; visually spectacular and biologically rich.
- Morazan Maru — A 93 m freighter resting on its starboard side at 12–25 m; accessible, atmospheric, and ideal for wreck‑trained divers seeking easy penetration.
Dugongs – Dimipac Island & Caluit Island
Encountering dugongs in the wild is one of Coron’s most magical underwater experiences. These gentle, slow‑moving marine mammals are rare globally, yet Coron offers one of the best and most responsible opportunities to observe them in their natural seagrass habitat.
The Experience
Your dive begins in clear, shallow seagrass meadows where dugongs feed peacefully. When one appears, it’s unforgettable — a calm, graceful silhouette drifting through sunlit water, completely unbothered as you watch from a respectful distance. It’s serene, intimate, and unlike any other dive in the Philippines.
Additional Diving
- Dimipac Island — Gentle reef slopes, healthy coral gardens, and relaxed conditions with turtles, reef fish schools, nudibranchs, cuttlefish, and occasional stingrays.
- Caluit Island — Steeper walls, large coral bommies, and deeper sections that attract bigger marine life, including fusiliers, batfish, sweetlips, and the occasional pelagic visitor.