Destination: Coron, Busuanga, Philippines
Introduction
Coron is the northern gateway to the Calamian Islands — a rugged island group in north Palawan Province where dramatic limestone ridges, hidden freshwater lakes, and an extraordinary collection of WWII Japanese shipwrecks make it one of Southeast Asia's premier diving destinations. The wrecks — sunk by a US Navy air raid on 24 September 1944 — include over a dozen vessels scattered across Coron Bay in 10–40 metres, now encrusted with coral and teeming with marine life. The town of Coron on Busuanga Island is the main service hub, offering dive operators, restaurants, accommodation, and a weekly ferry connection to Manila.
GPS Coordinates
11° 59' 53.880"N 120° 12' 15.120"E
11 59 53.880N 120 12 15.120E
Protected Anchorages
Coron town anchorage is in the bay directly in front of the main pier in 5–10 metres over mud — reasonable holding but exposed to southwest swell in the wet season (June–October). Ferries and bangkas create significant wash throughout the day. Banol Beach anchorage, 3 km west of town on Coron Island, is in 4–7 metres over sand; calmer but requires a dinghy to town. Coron Island's Kayangan Lake is the most photographed freshwater lake in the Philippines — access is by paying a conservation fee and climbing the ridge trail. Sangat Island, 10 km east, has a sheltered cove in 4–8 metres excellent for accessing the Morazan Maru wreck directly below. Club Paradise resort on Dimakya Island has a private anchorage with day use facilities available by arrangement.
Customs Protocols for Visiting Yachts
Clear customs and immigration at Puerto Princesa or Manila before cruising the Calamian Islands. A Port Clearance from the Philippine Coast Guard is required before each inter-island passage. The local PCSO/Maritime office in Coron town issues local clearances. Coron Palawan Tourism Office (CPTO) charges conservation/environmental fees for Coron Island and Kayangan Lake — pay on the island.
Renowned Attractions
- WWII Japanese shipwrecks — 12+ wrecks accessible by dive boat from Coron town; Okikawa Maru, Irako, Kogyo Maru, and Olympia Maru are the most spectacular; shallowest sections start at 10 metres
- Kayangan Lake — crystal-clear freshwater lake inside Coron Island accessible by a 10-minute ridge trail; voted Philippines' cleanest lake; swimming and snorkelling over submerged karst formations
- Twin Lagoon — emerald lagoon accessible by bangka and through a small rock passage; the inner lagoon has a thermocline where freshwater floats over saltwater
- Barracuda Lake — volcanic freshwater lake with extreme thermocline (freshwater on top, saltwater below); wall dive/swim with resident barracuda schools
- Maquinit Hot Springs — volcanic hot spring pools on the edge of the sea near town; 39°C water, open late evening; unusual to find hot springs so close to saltwater
- Mount Tapyas — 700+ steps to a hilltop cross above Coron town; panoramic views over the bays and islands at sunrise or sunset
- Calauit Wildlife Sanctuary — African savannah animals (giraffe, zebra, waterbuck) introduced in 1977 on Calauit Island, 45 km northwest; boat and 4WD tour
Currency and Exchange Rate
Currency: Philippine Peso
Exchange Rate to USD
Nearby Yachting Destinations
Summary
Coron combines world-class WWII wreck diving with spectacular karst island scenery and freshwater lakes — a unique destination that draws divers from around the world. For cruising yachts, it offers a well-sheltered base for exploring the extraordinary Calamian Islands.