The shipwrecks of Coron Bay are a series of impressive wreck sites for diving and snorkeling in Palawan. There are 12 sunken wartime ships at the bottom of the ocean – the result of an attack on the Imperial Japanese Navy by US Navy aircraft during the Second World War in September 1944. They’re all at depths of between 10 and 30 meters below sea level, putting them within recreational diving limits.

The area offers diving and snorkeling spots for all skill levels, including advanced dives and shallow areas for snorkeling. One of the most popular attractions in the area is the remains of a Japanese supply fleet, including the wreck of a refrigeration ship weighing 9,723 tonnes and measuring 146.9 meters in length.

The Shipwrecks of Coron Bay - one of the highlights of 5 Best Things to Do in Coron and 14 Best Things to Do in Palawan (Read all about Palawan here)

Wreck diving in Palawan

The Irako Maru is popular with divers because it is so well-preserved, has some of the best visibility and is regularly visited by schools of scorpion fish, tuna, and lion fish. There are even cute sea turtles that call the wreck home. Experienced and advanced divers can enter the engine room, using the right equipment.

The Okikawa Maru was an oil tanker and is the largest of the Coron wrecks. Measuring 168 meters in length, the wreck is overgrown with stunning corals where a wide range of marine life frolic. At a depth of 10 to 16 meters, it’s also quite shallow, making it an excellent dive for beginners.

photo by Ryan Sia (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

The Shipwrecks of Coron Bay

Location: Coron, Palawan, Philippines

Stephan Audiger | Compulsive Traveler

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.

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Where to stay in Coron

Exterior
Two Seasons Coron Island Resort
9.2 out of 10, (98)
The price is $472
per night
$576 total
includes taxes & fees
Two Seasons Coron Island Resort
2 outdoor pools
Zuri Resort
9.2 out of 10, (282)
The price is $137
per night
$167 total
includes taxes & fees
Zuri Resort
Outdoor pool, sun loungers, lifeguards on site
Fernvale Leisure Club and Resort
9.2 out of 10, (88)
The price is $101
per night
$113 total
includes taxes & fees
Fernvale Leisure Club and Resort
Outdoor pool, pool umbrellas, sun loungers
Two Seasons Coron Bayside Hotel
9.2 out of 10, (467)
The price is $238
per night
$267 total
includes taxes & fees
Two Seasons Coron Bayside Hotel
Front of property
Bacau Bay Resort Coron
9.0 out of 10, (173)
The price is $117
per night
$143 total
includes taxes & fees
Bacau Bay Resort Coron
Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; pool views
TAG RESORT
8.4 out of 10, (65)
The price is $115
per night
$140 total
includes taxes & fees
TAG RESORT
3 outdoor pools, sun loungers
Coron Westown Resort
8.2 out of 10, (418)
The price is $80
per night
$100 total
includes taxes & fees
Coron Westown Resort
Outdoor pool
Coron Underwater Garden Resort
7.2 out of 10, (127)
The price is $88
per night
$99 total
includes taxes & fees
Coron Underwater Garden Resort
Exterior
Sangat Island Dive Resort
9.6 out of 10, (51)
The price is $248
per night
$278 total
includes taxes & fees
Sangat Island Dive Resort
Private beach, sun loungers, beach umbrellas, beach towels
Chindonan Dive and Beach Resort
8.8 out of 10, (43)
The price is $105
per night
$118 total
includes taxes & fees
Chindonan Dive and Beach Resort

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