Coron Philippines Scuba Diver Postcard

Coron, in northern Palawan, is a premier destination for wreck diving, offering a truly unforgettable underwater adventure. Nestled within Coron Bay are 10 sunken Japanese WWII vessels, largely intact and resting at recreational depths of 12–45 m (though a few go deeper) . On 24 September 1944, U.S. carrier-borne aircraft launched a surprise attack that sank these ships—a dramatic moment preserved beneath the waves. Today’s divers explore giant cargo vessels, gunboats, seaplane tenders, and tankers, all encrusted in coral and teeming with marine life Some wrecks like Okikawa Maru (170 m, deck at ~12 m) are ideal for all levels—fully coral-covered and brimming with fish, nudibranchs, and occasional turtles . Others, like Morazan Maru (25 m deep, 111 m long), offer deeper penetration, with cargo holds, boiler rooms, and even air-pockets to explore . For experienced divers, Akitsushima (118 m) still boasts anti-aircraft guns and engine rooms, a thrilling site with strong currents , while the deeper Irako (33–42 m) challenges advanced divers with narrow entryways and powerful thermoclines With visibility commonly between 12–25 m, these wrecks provide stunning opportunities for underwater photography, and the surrounding reefs—like Siete Picados—offer colourful marine biodiversity . For a surreal twist, many divers also take a side-trip to Barracuda Lake, which features dramatic freshwater–saltwater thermoclines, limestone formations, and a peaceful, otherworldly ambiance To dive these sites you’ll need at least an Open Water certification (for shallower wrecks), but Advanced Open Water and wreck diving training open the doors to many of Coron’s deeper and more complex wrecks . Nitrox certification is also highly recommended to maximise bottom time and minimise decompression risk, especially on larger wrecks. Overall, Coron offers a balanced mix of accessibility, history, adventure, and natural beauty—a wreck diving paradise in Southeast Asia.