Apo Reef & Wrecks of Coron
Diving in Coron
Atlantis Azores latest exciting itinerary is to the sunken World War II wrecks of Coron Bay via Apo Reef. A typical charter starts with two days of exploring the 34 mile long reef system of Apo Reef, often referred to by many as a “mini-Tubbataha”.
Twenty four Japanese ships were sunk in Coron Bay on September 24, 1944 by the US Navy; you will have an opportunity to dive the best of these during our time there taking in both the unique history of the area and the amazing amount of fish and coral life that now cover the wrecks.
Day 1 & 2 – Apo Reef and Tara Islands
Day 3 & 4 – Coron Wrecks
Coron is a mecca for wreck divers. We begin to explore the Japanese ships wrecks from Second World War, including the Okikawa Maru, a 160 meter long ship which was sunk by a direct hit on the bow area. We also dive the Olympia Maru, a massive 120 meter vessel , the East Tangat Gunboat, a shallow dive on this 140 meter long submarine hunter that is ideal for exploration. The two main boilers are a big attraction where hard coral growth is extensive, and plenty scorpion fish on the decks. We also explore the Akitsusima, one of Coron’s most famous dives a wreck of the sea plane tender, and Irako, a refrigeration ship for the Japanese Imperial Navy.
Day 5 – Nanshin Maru Dimipac Island
Day 6 – Kyokuszan Maru
We open our 6th day with two deep morning dives at Kyokuszan in Maricaban Bay off the island of Busuanga Island, Coron. Kyokuzan was an auxiliary supply ship of the Japanese Royal Navy sunken by a US carrier-based aircraft. She is approximately 140 meters long, with beautiful corals grown over car parts, tires and the body of the ship. We then cruise back to Puerto Galera.
Coron – Wrecks of Okikawa Maru & Olympia Maru
Coron – Wrecks of Akitsusima & Irako
The wreck of the sea plane tender Akitsusima is the highlight of the wreck diving in Coron. This ship took a direct hit on the stern and sunk immediately. At the stern of the ship you can still see the gears of the crane that use to drop the sea planes into the water. The Irako is another awe-inspiring wreck. Explore the galley area where pots and pans are still visible. This 147 meter long vessel was a refrigeration ship for the Japanese Imperial Navy before she was sunk in September 1944.
Coron – Wrecks of Japanese Freighter & East Tangat Gunboat
“One Week on Land and One Week on Water”
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