Freediving Coron
Coron is a municipality located in the Calamian Group of Islands in the province of Palawan, Philippines. The area commonly referred to as Coron includes both Coron Town (on Busuanga Island) and the neighboring Coron Island, which is famed for its stunning limestone cliffs, clear lakes, and lagoons.
how to get there
The easiest and fastest way to get to Coron is by flying to the Francisco B. Reyes Airport (USU) on Busuanga Island,
which serves the Coron area.
Fly: Direct domestic flights are available from major hubs like Manila (MNL) and Cebu (CEB). The flight time from Manila is only about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Transfer: From Busuanga Airport, you can easily take a shared or private van for the approximately 30-45 minute drive to Coron Town proper.
An alternative, though much slower, is taking an overnight ferry from Manila, which is a more budget-friendly but time-consuming option (around 13-18 hours).
Special Features of Coron Palawan
The area, most notably Coron, Palawan, Philippines, is an exceptional choice for freediving and snorkeling due to a combination of unique geographical features and rich marine life.
Unique Water Bodies (Lakes and Lagoons):
Barracuda Lake: Famous for its dramatic thermoclines—layers of water with sudden temperature changes (from cool freshwater on the surface to remarkably warm, geothermal saltwater deeper down, sometimes reaching up to 38c .It also boasts crystal-clear water with visibility often exceeding 20-30 meters (65-100 feet) and a unique, surreal underwater landscape of jagged limestone formations, making it a “must-visit” for freedivers.
Kayangan Lake: Often cited as the cleanest lake in Asia, it features astonishingly clear, emerald waters and a striking underwater landscape of rock formations and caverns.
Twin Lagoon: This spot is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, creating an isolated, serene environment with beautifully clear water, which is sometimes accessed by swimming under a rock arch.
Dramatic Limestone Karst Landscapes:
Coron Island is characterized by towering, majestic limestone cliffs (similar to Ha Long Bay, Vietnam) that rise straight out of the sea, creating breathtaking scenery both above and below the water.
Historical Wrecks:
The waters around Coron are a world-renowned spot for World War II Japanese shipwrecks. Many of these wrecks lie at accessible depths, making some of them perfect for freediving (like the Skeleton Wreck or Lusong Gunboat Wreck) and even snorkeling, as the shallowest parts are close to the surface and surrounded by marine life.
Marine Sanctuaries and Coral Gardens:
The area is part of the Coral Triangle, one of the world’s most diverse marine regions. Spots like Siete Pecados Marine Park and Lusong Coral Garden are protected marine sanctuaries with vibrant, healthy coral reefs.
Unparalleled Visibility: Many locations, especially the enclosed lakes and lagoons like Kayangan and Barracuda, offer exceptional water clarity, creating a mesmerizing experience for both snorkelers and freedivers, and providing excellent opportunities for underwater photography.
Variety of Dive/Snorkel Sites: The area caters to all levels and interests.
Freedivers can practice deep diving in the unique thermal layers of Barracuda Lake, explore the underwater rock formations of Kayangan Lake, or visit shallow WWII wrecks.
Snorkelers can enjoy the vibrant coral reefs and abundant fish life at Siete Pecados, Lusong Coral Garden, and easily view the shallow wrecks.
Calm and Controlled Conditions: The enclosed or sheltered nature of sites like Barracuda Lake and Twin Lagoon means they are protected from strong currents and choppy surface conditions, creating an almost pool-like serenity that is ideal for focused breath-hold diving and relaxed snorkeling.
Abundant Marine Life: The reefs are teeming with tropical fish, giant clams, sea turtles, and various coral species, offering a rich and colorful experience for surface viewers and shallow divers. There are also opportunities to see elusive marine life like dugongs in the northern parts of the region.
recommended for freedivers in Coron :
FREEDIVING coron – barracuda club
best and longest running FREEDIVING SCHOOL in palawan,
run by national record holder MJ paula.
teaching pdi, apnea total and molchanovs systems.
offering freediving tours in the area of Coron
What else
to do ?
Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Coron is during the Dry Season, from December to May.
Optimal Weather & Calm Seas: This period offers the sunniest days, clearest skies, and calmest seas, which are essential for maximizing island-hopping and diving activities.
Peak Season: March to May (Philippine Summer) and major holidays (Christmas, Holy Week) are the busiest. Book accommodations and tours well in advance, and expect higher prices and larger crowds at major spots like Kayangan Lake.
Shoulder/Transition Months: November and June offer a good balance of improving or still-decent weather with slightly fewer crowds than the peak months.
Wet Season (Low Season): July to October brings more rainfall and a higher risk of storms, which can lead to tour and ferry cancellations. However, prices are lower, and the landscape is lush and green.
Accommodations: Budget vs. Luxury
Coron caters to a wide spectrum of travelers, with a concentration of both budget and luxury options.
Accommodation Type
Vibe & Location
Budget & Mid-Range
Concentrated in Coron Town Proper (on Busuanga Island). These include hostels, simple inns, and mid-priced lodges. This is the most convenient base for tour departures, restaurants, and town amenities.
Luxury & High-End
Located outside of Coron Town, often as private island resorts or high-end resorts along the west or north coast of Busuanga. This offers a more secluded, serene, and all-inclusive experience. For example, some overwater bungalows and eco-luxury resorts are found here.
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In short, there is a very healthy supply of both budget-friendly accommodations in the main town and luxury private resorts scattered on nearby islands and secluded coasts.
Restaurants and Food Scene
The culinary hub is Coron Town Proper. The food scene is diverse, reflecting the town’s growing international tourism:
Filipino Favorites: You’ll find many local carinderias (small local eateries) for very affordable meals. Restaurants like KT’s Sinugba Sa Balay and Santino’s Grill are popular for Filipino and grilled dishes, including the famous baby back ribs.
International Cuisine: The town has many highly-rated international spots, including the famous Trattoria Altrove for wood-fired pizzas, as well as Thai, Spanish, and other Asian restaurants.
Nightlife: Coron’s nightlife is generally more relaxed and low-key compared to places like Boracay or Puerto Galera. It revolves around casual bars, live music venues, and quiet places to have a beer or cocktail after a day of touring. The BrewHouse and No Name Bar are popular spots.
How to Get Around
Getting to Coron: You must fly into Francisco B. Reyes Airport (USU) on Busuanga Island. From there, you take a shared or private van transfer to Coron Town Proper (about 30–45 minutes). You can also arrive by fast ferry from El Nido.
Getting Around Coron Town:
Tricycles: This is the main mode of transportation. They are cheap and readily available for short trips within the town proper.
On Foot: The town proper is small and easily walkable, especially in the central area.
Motorbike Rentals: Available for travelers who want to explore the island’s interior (like the hot springs or distant beaches) at their own pace.
Island-Hopping: The main activities require joining an Island Hopping Tour (group or private) by boat, which departs from the Coron Port. Tours follow fixed itineraries like:
Coron Island Loop: Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, Siete Pecados, Coral Garden.
Malcapuya/Bulog Dos Loop: Distant island beaches.
Wreck/Reefs Tour: WWII shipwrecks and coral spots.
Recommended For
Coron is highly recommended for:
Scuba Divers and Snorkelers: Coron is internationally famous for its accessible World War II shipwreck diving. The unique underwater environment of the lakes and coral gardens is also a massive draw. If you love being under the water, Coron is the ideal choice.
Nature and Landscape Enthusiasts: The breathtaking limestone scenery—including Kayangan Lake (known as the “cleanest lake in Asia”) and Twin Lagoon—is the main attraction.
Travelers Seeking Pristine Beaches: The boat tours lead to some of the most beautiful and well-preserved beaches in Palawan, such as Malcapuya Island.
Those Who Prefer a Relaxed Town Vibe: The town proper is relatively low-key, making it a good base for rest after adventurous days, rather than a non-stop party destination.
Solo Travelers and Small Groups: Group tours are the most common and budget-friendly way to see the main sights, making it easy to meet other travelers.