Coron Japanese Shipwrecks
Explore WWII Japanese shipwrecks, now vibrant artificial reefs teeming with marine life. A must-visit for divers and snorkelers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best visibility for underwater exploration
Coron Japanese Shipwrecks
Best Time
Best visibility for underwater exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore WWII Japanese shipwrecks, now vibrant artificial reefs teeming with marine life. A must-visit for divers and snorkelers.
"A second World War's became a highlight for Island Hoping Tours of Coron."
Book a Reputable Tour
Many recommend tour operators like @JYTravelAndTours or @ONEBREATH freediving for a great experience. :boat:
Bring Underwater Camera
Capture the vibrant marine life and historic wrecks. GoPros are popular for underwater shots . :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Skeleton Wreck
Coron Bay
A shallow WWII Japanese supply ship, perfect for snorkeling and freediving, now a vibrant artificial reef.
East Tangat Shipwreck
Coron Bay
Once a vital supply ship, now a war grave teeming with marine life, offering a glimpse into history.
Lusong Gunboat
Coron Bay
A smaller WWII vessel that has transformed into a thriving underwater ecosystem, popular for snorkeling.
Irako Shipwreck
Coron Bay
A deeper wreck for experienced divers, offering a chance to explore its extensive structure and remnants.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Visibility
Freediving vs. Scuba Diving
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book a Reputable Tour
Many recommend tour operators like @JYTravelAndTours or @ONEBREATH freediving
for a great experience. :boat:
Bring Underwater Camera
Capture the vibrant marine life and historic wrecks. GoPros are popular for underwater shots.+1 :camerawithflash:
Snorkel or Freedive Gear
Essential for exploring shallower wrecks like Skeleton Wreck. Many tours provide gear. :diving_mask:
Respect the Wrecks
These are historical sites and war graves. Avoid touching or disturbing them. :pray:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book a Reputable Tour
Many recommend tour operators like @JYTravelAndTours or @ONEBREATH freediving
for a great experience. :boat:
Bring Underwater Camera
Capture the vibrant marine life and historic wrecks. GoPros are popular for underwater shots.+1 :camerawithflash:
Snorkel or Freedive Gear
Essential for exploring shallower wrecks like Skeleton Wreck. Many tours provide gear. :diving_mask:
Respect the Wrecks
These are historical sites and war graves. Avoid touching or disturbing them. :pray:
Check Visibility Reports
Visibility can vary; ask locals or your tour operator for current conditions. :bar_chart:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Coron Japanese Shipwrecks, calling them a highlight of the Philippines and a unique diving and snorkeling experience. The historical significance combined with vibrant marine life creates an unforgettable underwater adventure. While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, some mention that visibility can vary, and deeper wrecks require advanced diving skills.
"One of the legacies of the Philippines's past. A second World War's became a highlight for Island Hoping Tours of Coron. Corals all around the place and a special great place for diving and snorkeling. Amazing genuine coloured fishes and a clear water transformed into a landmark of the Area."
Flavius
"My children loved it! Their first ship wreck free dive experience!
Also called the Skeleton Island, part of the “Super Ultimate Tour,” this is one of the awesome stops! Skeleton refers to the skeleton of a cargo Japanese ship from
WW II, not human skeleton 😄. Aside from the wreck, there are also plenty of fishes and when you offer them food, oh boy do they come! You can be swimming in the water with them and they are not shy.
There’s also a “floating store” here. As in a man in his fishing boat with a cooler of drinks and a bunch of chips."
Anni E
"I did an amazing dive to and into the Irako shipwreck with Corto Divers. The current was moderate and the visibility ok. The wreck is absolutely fantastic and I enjoyed the dive so much. Due to the depth and partially small passages this is a dive for more experienced divers."
Jens Hildenbrand
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The shipwrecks are located in Coron Bay, Palawan, Philippines. You'll typically fly into Busuanga Airport (USU) and then take a van to Coron town. From Coron town, you'll book island-hopping tours that visit the various shipwreck sites.
Boat tours are the primary mode of transport to reach the shipwrecks. These can be private or join-in tours, often including stops at multiple wreck sites and other attractions in Coron.
While you can hire private boats, most visitors opt for organized tours for convenience and access to knowledgeable guides who can explain the history of the wrecks.
Travel time to the shipwrecks varies. Some, like Skeleton Wreck, are closer to Coron town, while others on Sangat Island can take about 1.5 hours by boat.
No, all the Japanese shipwrecks are submerged and can only be accessed by boat and then by swimming, snorkeling, freediving, or scuba diving.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry fees are usually included in your island-hopping tour package. You might pay separate environmental fees or entrance fees for specific sites within the tour [^Rreviewskeleton].
Shipwreck tours typically operate during daylight hours, usually starting in the morning and returning in the late afternoon. The wrecks themselves are always accessible underwater.
Tour prices vary depending on whether it's a private or join-in tour, the duration, and the number of sites visited. Expect to pay anywhere from $30-$100+ USD per person for a full-day tour.
Yes, booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season. You can book through your accommodation, local tour operators, or online platforms.
There are no age restrictions for visiting the wrecks via boat or snorkeling. However, for scuba diving, standard PADI or other certification age limits apply.
🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience
You can snorkel, freedive, or scuba dive to see the wrecks. Some, like Skeleton Wreck, are shallow enough for snorkeling, while others are deeper and require scuba gear [^Rreviewirako].
The wrecks are now artificial reefs, teeming with colorful fish and corals [^Rreviewskeleton]. You might see schools of fish, sea turtles, and various invertebrates.
Yes, it's generally safe, especially on the shallower wrecks. Always follow your guide's instructions and be aware of your surroundings. Some wrecks have moderate currents [^Rreviewirako].
Penetrating wrecks is only recommended for experienced and certified wreck divers due to potential hazards like entanglement and silt-out [^Rreviewirako]. Snorkelers and freedivers typically stay around the exterior.
Wear comfortable swimwear, a rash guard for sun protection, and reef-safe sunscreen. Bring a hat and sunglasses for the boat ride. Water shoes are also a good idea.
📸 📸 Photography
An action camera like a GoPro is ideal for underwater shots.+1 Consider a waterproof housing and lighting for deeper dives. Drones can capture stunning aerial views of the bay.
Experiment with different perspectives. For shallow wrecks, shoot from above to capture the scale. For deeper wrecks, focus on details like cannons or the ship's structure.
Visibility can vary, and deeper wrecks are darker. Using an underwater light or flash can significantly improve photo quality. Some creators focus on color grading for dramatic effect.
Generally, no, but always be respectful of other visitors and marine life. Avoid using flash directly on sensitive coral.
Search hashtags like #coronshipwreck, #wreckdiving, and #underwaterphotography on Instagram and TikTok for ideas from other travelers and divers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When booking a tour, look for operators who are experienced with families and can ensure a safe and engaging experience for everyone. Bringing along waterproof cameras or GoPros can add an extra layer of fun as kids can capture their own underwater discoveries.
💰 Budget Travelers
Packing your own snacks and water can also help reduce daily expenses. While some tours might include lunch, having your own provisions ensures you're covered. Many local eateries in Coron town offer affordable and delicious Filipino meals.
💑 Couples
Consider combining your shipwreck adventure with other romantic activities in Coron, such as visiting Kayangan Lake or enjoying a couples' massage. The unique blend of history, adventure, and natural beauty makes Coron an unforgettable destination for couples.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
History of the Coron Shipwrecks
+2 These vessels were primarily supply ships, oil tankers, and even a seaplane tender, crucial for Japan's war efforts in the Pacific.Today, these sunken remnants have transformed into vibrant artificial reefs. They serve as both historical monuments and thriving marine ecosystems. Divers and snorkelers can explore the skeletal remains of these vessels, imagining their past glory and the dramatic events that led to their demise. Some wrecks, like the Skeleton Wreck, are shallow enough to be accessible to snorkelers, offering a unique glimpse into history without needing advanced diving certifications.
Visiting the wrecks offers a dual experience: an adventure into the underwater world and a solemn reflection on history. It's a chance to connect with the past while appreciating the resilience of nature in reclaiming these man-made structures. The East Tangat Shipwreck is a prime example of this rebirth, transitioning from a war grave to a flourishing reef.
Freediving and Snorkeling the Wrecks
Many visitors share their exhilarating experiences of freediving into or around these historical sites. The Lusong Gunboat is another popular spot for snorkelers and freedivers, offering a chance to swim alongside schools of fish that inhabit the sunken vessel.
When planning your trip, consider booking with freediving-focused tour operators who can guide you to the best spots and ensure a safe and memorable experience. The ability to explore these underwater historical artifacts with just a mask, snorkel, and fins is a significant draw for many visitors to Coron.
Scuba Diving the Deeper Wrecks
Operators like Pirates Diving Center
are highly recommended for their experienced staff and safe diving practices. They can guide divers through the intricate structures of wrecks such as the Akitsushima (a seaplane tender) and the Okikawa Maru (an oil tanker). These dives offer a chance to see remnants of the past, including cranes, guns, and the sheer scale of these sunken vessels.Technical diving is also an option for those seeking to explore the wrecks in more detail, with opportunities to learn Tec Dive techniques in this unique environment.
The visibility can vary, but when conditions are good, the experience of navigating these underwater historical sites is unparalleled.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit