Coron Shipwreck Diving Tours

Explore the Ghost Fleet of World War II in the Crystal Clear Waters of Palawan

Disclaimer: This is not an official website. All content is for informational purposes only. We may earn commission from bookings.

7 to 9.5 Hours
1 Languages
Small groups & private boats available
Free Cancellation
Everything You Need to Know

Complete Experience Guide

All the details about your upcoming adventure in one place

Experience

Diving the WWII Ghost Fleet of Coron

Coron Bay is world-renowned as one of the premier wreck diving destinations on the planet. On September 24, 1944, a surprise aerial attack by the US Navy's Task Force 38 sank a fleet of Japanese supply ships hiding among the limestone islands. Today, these vessels have been transformed by nature into vibrant artificial reefs, encrusted with soft corals and teeming with marine life. From the shallow Lusong Gunboat, visible even to snorkelers, to the massive 160-meter Okikawa Maru and the hauntingly deep Irako, Coron offers a unique underwater museum where history and nature merge. Whether you are a first-time snorkeler or a technical diver, exploring these underwater time capsules is a bucket-list experience unique to Palawan.

4.9/5
Average Rating
1944
Historical Date
12+
Shipwrecks
28°C
Water Temp

Why Book With Our Partners

Verified Dive Operators

We partner exclusively with licensed PADI/SSI centers and coast-guard approved boat operators to ensure your safety underwater and on the surface

Real Traveler Reviews

Make informed decisions based on thousands of verified reviews from divers and snorkelers who have actually visited the wrecks

Best Price Guarantee

Get the best rates for shared and private tours with no hidden booking fees or unexpected charges

Instant Confirmation

Secure your spot on popular boats immediately, essential during the peak dry season from November to May

Curated Itineraries

Choose from tours that perfectly match your skill level, from shallow snorkeling at Skeleton Wreck to deep penetration dives at Irako

Flexible Cancellation

Travel plans change, which is why most of our listed tours offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure

Lusong Gunboat Wreck
East Tangat Wreck
Lusong Coral Garden
Pass Island White Sands
WWII Shipwreck Snorkeling

Essential Information

Know Before You Go

Certification Requirements
Open Water for shallow wrecks
Advanced Open Water for deep sites
Wreck Specialty for penetration
Water Conditions
Temp 27-30°C year-round
Visibility 5-20m depending on tide
Currents can be strong at outer sites
Fees & Logistics
~200 PHP Environmental Fee
Gear rental usually extra
Lunch typically included
Health & Safety
Wait 18-24h before flying after diving
Hydrate well
Reef-safe sunscreen only

Not Allowed

Large bags or luggage
Pets (except service animals)
Food and drinks
Essential Information

Booking Tips

  • Book at least 2 days in advance for peak season
  • Choose 'Reefs & Wrecks' for the best mix of activities
  • Bring cash for the environmental fee (approx 200 PHP)

What to Bring

  • Swimwear
  • Sunscreen
  • Towel
  • Camera/GoPro
  • Cash for fees
  • Certification Card (if diving)
  • Dry bag

Best Seasons to Visit

Dry Season (November - May)|Peak Season (December - March)

What to Wear

Swimwear|Rash guard for sun/jellyfish protection|Water shoes|Dry bag for electronics

Planning

Historical Context

On Sept 24, 1944, US Task Force 38 launched a surprise airstrike, sinking a Japanese supply fleet hiding in Coron Bay.

Photography Tips

  • Use a red filter for underwater video
  • Wide angle lens is essential for wrecks
  • Shooting upwards towards the surface creates dramatic silhouettes

Insider Tips

  • Bring a flashlight even for snorkeling to see into holes
  • Go to Lusong Gunboat early to beat the crowds
  • Buy a waterproof phone case in town before the trip

Our Partners

  • Tours operated by top local partners via Viator

Fun Facts

  • The ships were sunk by US Helldiver bombers
  • Some wrecks are only 3 meters deep
  • Coron has freshwater stunning Barracuda Lake nearby

Cancellation Policy

Full refund if canceled at least 24 hours in advance|Weather-related cancellations are fully refunded

Social Media

Share your experience: #CoronDiving #WreckDiving #Philippines #ScubaLife #TravelPalawan

Explore More

More Things to Do in Coron

Customer Reviews

What Our Guests Say

Real experiences from real travelers

S
Sarah Jenkins
USA • 2024-02-15

Highlight of our Philippines trip!

The Reefs and Wrecks tour was incredible. We aren't scuba divers, but snorkeling at Lusong Gunboat was mind-blowing. The wreck is so shallow you can almost touch it. Lunch on Pass Island was delicious too.

M
Markus Weber
Germany • 2024-01-20

Great diving, busy boats

Dived the Akitsushima and Okikawa Maru. The dive guides were very professional and safety-conscious. Visibility was about 15m. The sites can get crowded, so I recommend a private boat if you can afford it.

H
Hiroshi Tanaka
Japan • 2023-12-10

Moving historical experience

Visiting these ships was a solemn and beautiful experience. The coral growth is amazing after 80 years. The 'Skeleton Wreck' is very popular for a reason - thousands of fish!

J
Jessica Lee
Australia • 2024-03-05

Excellent value for money

We did the shared tour ($63 USD) and it was worth every cent. The guides were funny and helpful. The coral garden stop was actually better than the Great Barrier Reef in some spots!

D
David Miller
UK • 2024-02-28

Good deep dives

As an advanced diver, the Irako was the highlight. Penetration swim-throughs were tight but well-guided. Boat was a bit slow but the crew was fantastic.

S
Sophie Dubois
France • 2024-01-15

Magique!

The colors of the coral on the gunboat are unreal. Even just snorkeling, you see so much. The water is warm and clear. Highly recommend bringing a GoPro.

T
Tom Wilson
Canada • 2023-11-22

Weather impacted visibility

We went right after a storm so visibility wasn't great (maybe 5m). Still cool to see the wrecks, but check the weather first. The crew did their best to find clear water.

M
Maria Santos
Philippines • 2024-03-12

Proud of our local history

I've been to Coron three times and this tour never gets old. The guides are very knowledgeable about the history of the 1944 airstrike. Please respect the marine life and don't touch the corals!

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know for your journey

Experience

Ready for Adventure?

Join thousands of happy travelers who have discovered this incredible experience

Book Your Experience Now
4.9/5
Free Cancellation
24/7 Support