Coron
Shipwrecks, lakes & limestone · Palawan
Coron is the quieter, more rewarding alternative to El Nido — and divers know it. The Bay of Coron holds 13 Japanese WWII shipwrecks that are now covered in coral and full of fish, making it one of the world’s top wreck diving destinations. Above water, Kayangan Lake has the famous viewpoint you’ve seen on every Philippines travel poster. It’s less developed than El Nido, which means better value and fewer people at the good spots.
Things to do in Coron
🎞️ Kayangan Lake
The postcard viewpoint of the Philippines — a short climb to an overlook of the lake, then a swim in gin-clear water surrounded by limestone cliffs. Part of most island-hopping tours. Go before 9am to have it near-empty. Entry: ₱200.
🤿 WWII wreck diving
Thirteen Japanese ships sunk in 1944 — the Okikawa Maru, Olympia Maru and Kogyo Maru are the most impressive. Depths from 18 to 40 m, all covered in hard and soft coral. Half-day dive trips from ~₱2,500 including equipment.
💦 Twin Lagoon
Two lagoons connected by a gap in the limestone cliff that you swim through at low tide — one saltwater, one warmer and slightly murky freshwater. The contrast is bizarre and beautiful. Best at high tide for the colours.
🏖️ Malcapuya & Banana islands
Two powder-sand day-trip islands on a quieter island hop (Tours C and D). Less visited than the main route, so you often have the beach almost to yourself. Bring your own snorkel — rental quality varies.
Photos of Coron
A visual taste of Coron before you go.
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🗓️ Best time to visit Coron
December to April (calm seas, best diving visibility). May starts to get rougher. June–November: typhoon risk, many dive operators scale back. The wreck diving is best January–March when visibility can reach 25–30 m.
✈️ How to get to Coron
Fly to Busuanga Airport (USU) — from Manila (~1 hr, from ₱2,500) or Cebu (1.5 hrs). 2026 tip: flights via Clark Airport (CRK) often cost ₱3,000–5,000 less than Manila direct — check both when booking. Budget option: overnight ferry from Manila (~13 hrs, from ₱1,200) — book a cabin berth for the crossing. From Busuanga airport to Coron Town: van (₱250, 45 min).
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Frequently asked questions — Coron
Is Coron good for non-divers?
Absolutely. The island-hopping tours to Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, Barracuda Lake and the surrounding islands are spectacular without going underwater. Snorkeling is excellent and included in most tours. Non-divers often find Coron more rewarding than El Nido because it feels less crowded.
What diving certification do I need for the wrecks?
Most wrecks are accessible to Open Water divers (max 18 m). The deeper wrecks (Okikawa Maru at 38 m, Morazan Maru at 26 m) require Advanced Open Water. If you’re not certified, Coron is a great place to learn — several reputable PADI schools operate here.
How do I get from El Nido to Coron?
By boat: a shared bangka runs daily from El Nido to Coron (4–5 hrs, ~₱2,500–3,000). Book the day before through your guesthouse. The crossing can be rough in bad weather — go in March or April for the calmest sea. By air: fly via Manila (adds a day and costs more).
Is Coron more affordable than El Nido?
Generally yes. Accommodation, food and tour prices are all slightly lower in Coron. A comfortable mid-range guesthouse runs ₱1,500–2,500/night; island-hopping tours cost ₱900–1,500 per person. Budget travellers can get by on ₱2,000/day comfortably.
What is the best hotel area in Coron?
Coron Town (the main hub) for restaurants, dive shops and nightlife. Coron Bay (waterfront) for views of the bay from your room. Nipa huts on the quieter islands (San Jose Island, Busuanga) if you want total isolation. Most travellers stay in town and do day trips.
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First time in Coron?
Quick essentials so you can hit the ground running.
Visa-free 30 days for most passports. The nearest Bureau of Immigration is in Puerto Princesa — plan your extension before heading out to Coron if you need more than 30 days.
Philippine Peso (PHP). 1 USD = ~57 PHP, 1 EUR = ~62 PHP, 1 SGD = ~42 PHP. Coron is generally more affordable than El Nido — good value for divers.
No mandatory vaccines. Bring sunscreen and motion sickness tablets if you are prone to seasickness — the Coron island-hopping route crosses open water. Tap water is not safe to drink.
A few ATMs in Coron Town (BancNet). Withdraw what you need before heading to remote islands. Dive shops accept cards for packages; day tours are usually cash. GCash accepted at most restaurants.
Safe for tourists. Kayangan Lake has a short but steep staircase — wear shoes, not flip-flops. Wreck diving requires proper certification; do not attempt dives beyond your certification level.
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