Diving

Coron WW2 Wreck Diving — Japanese Fleet Shipwrecks

📍 Coron, Palawan★★★★½4.9⏱ 6 hours

⏱ 6 hours✅ Free cancellation📱 Instant confirmation🌍 English guide👥 Small group

About this tour

On 24 September 1944, a US Navy carrier strike force caught the Japanese fleet sheltering in Coron Bay and sank 12 vessels in a single morning. Eight decades later, those ships lie scattered across the bay floor at depths of 10-40 metres, now transformed into some of the world's most spectacular artificial reefs. Coron wreck diving is consistently ranked among the top 5 dive destinations in Asia — and for good reason.

This guided 2-dive package targets the two most famous wrecks: the Okikawa Maru, a 160-metre oil tanker lying on its side at 12-28 metres, its hull carpeted in purple sea fans and penetrable with a torch to reveal intact machinery rooms; and the Irako Maru, a refrigerator supply ship at 10-32 metres with an eerily intact galley, engine room, and cargo holds now home to massive batfish, lionfish, and a resident Napoleon wrasse the size of a teenager.

All dives include a certified PADI dive master with a maximum ratio of 3 divers per guide. Equipment is modern, regularly serviced, and includes a full wetsuit. Coron wrecks are suitable for Open Water certified divers on the shallower sections, and Advanced divers for deeper penetration. An Advanced Open Water course upgrade is available.

Highlights

✓Dive the Okikawa Maru — 160m oil tanker with penetrable cargo holds at 12-28m
✓Explore Irako Maru's intact galley and engine room, home to enormous Napoleon wrasse
✓All wrecks transformed into thriving coral reefs with 100+ marine species
✓PADI-certified divemaster, maximum 3:1 ratio per guide
✓Open Water certified divers welcome (shallower sections); Advanced for full penetration
✓Among Asia's top 5 dive destinations — unmissable for any certified diver

What's included

✓2 guided boat dives on iconic WWII wrecks
✓Full scuba equipment (BCD, regulator, wetsuit, tank, weights)
✓PADI Divemaster guide (max 3:1 ratio)
✓Dive boat with deck space and shade
✓Lunch at a floating restaurant between dives
✓Towel and freshwater rinse station
✓Dive certification card verification and logbook entry

About the area

Coron Bay is a marine protected area and WWII historical site. The Japanese fleet that was sunk included oil tankers, supply ships, and a seaplane carrier — cargo found inside the wrecks has included medical supplies, sake bottles, gas masks, and fighter aircraft parts. All artefacts are protected by Philippine law; no souvenirs may be removed.

Frequently asked questions

What certification level do I need?

PADI Open Water or equivalent for the shallower wreck sections (10-18m). PADI Advanced or equivalent for full wreck penetration to 32m. Certification card required.

Are the wrecks safe to penetrate?

Yes — the divemasters know every entry and exit point. Torches are provided for internal wreck sections. You only penetrate wrecks at your certification level.

Can I do a Try Dive / Discover Scuba if I'm not certified?

Yes — a Discover Scuba Diving experience is available for an additional fee, giving non-certified travellers access to shallow wreck sections (max 12m) with a dedicated instructor.

Is there a PADI course available in Coron?

Yes — the operator runs PADI Open Water (3 days) and Advanced Open Water (2 days) courses, ideal if you want to get certified before the wreck dives.