Coron Island Hopping
Crystal-clear volcanic lakes, WWII Japanese shipwrecks, and hidden lagoons between limestone karst cliffs in Palawan's adventure capital.
1 day in Coron Island Hopping
Only got 24 hours? Here's how to experience the best of Coron Island Hopping in a single action-packed day.
Coron Ultimate Island Tour
Kayangan Lake & Twin Lagoon
The Coron Ultimate Tour departs from the town pier at 8am by outrigger bangka boat (₱1,500–2,000 per person including lunch). First stop is Kayangan Lake, regularly cited as the clearest lake in Asia. Climb 160 steep steps to the viewpoint for the iconic photograph of emerald water framed by limestone cliffs, then descend to the lake itself. The water is a mix of fresh and saltwater, so clear you can see the rocky bottom at 10m depth. Snorkelling here feels like floating in liquid glass. Next, Twin Lagoon: swim through a narrow gap in the limestone cliff (or climb a ladder at high tide) to reach a hidden second lagoon surrounded by towering karst walls.
Barracuda Lake & Skeleton Wreck
Barracuda Lake is unlike any other body of water, a volcanic lake enclosed by limestone cliffs where the water temperature shifts dramatically as you descend. Near the surface it is warm, then cold at 5m, then scalding hot at 15m+ where a thermocline of geothermally heated saltwater sits beneath fresh water. Snorkelling here is surreal. From there, the boat takes you to the Skeleton Wreck, a small Japanese shipwreck from WWII sitting in 5–8m of clear water, perfectly visible while snorkelling from the surface. Coral and fish have colonised every surface.
CYC Beach & Coron Town Market
The final stop is CYC Beach, a small sandbar island with shallow turquoise water ideal for swimming and lounging. The boat returns to Coron town by 4–5pm. For dinner, head to the Coron town public market where local vendors grill fresh seafood: tuna steaks, squid, and prawns chosen from ice displays and cooked to order for ₱150–300 per person. The market atmosphere is lively and the food is the best value in town. Wash it down with fresh calamansi juice (₱30).
3 days in Coron Island Hopping
A carefully curated route mixing iconic landmarks, hidden gems, street food, culture, and adventure.
Coron Island Tour: Lakes, Lagoons & Wrecks
Kayangan Lake & Twin Lagoon
Day one follows the classic Coron Island tour. The bangka boat departs the pier at 7:30am and heads for Kayangan Lake. The 160 steps up to the viewpoint are worth every drop of sweat, as the emerald lake below, framed by razor-sharp karst limestone, is the defining image of Coron. Descend to the lake and snorkel in water so clear the bottom is visible at any depth. Kayangan's water is a mix of freshwater from rainfall and saltwater seeping through the limestone, creating a unique mineral clarity. The entry fee is ₱300. Next stop Twin Lagoon, where the swim-through gap between the two enclosed lagoons is magical.
Barracuda Lake & Skeleton Wreck
Barracuda Lake's thermocline experience is unique to Coron, where the temperature layering effect between volcanic hot saltwater and cooler freshwater creates visible shimmer lines underwater. Free-diving here is popular with experienced breath-hold divers who explore the underwater cliffs and shelves at 10–20m. For snorkellers, the surface layer is warm and the visibility is supernatural. The Skeleton Wreck, a small WWII Japanese supply ship, sits upright in shallow water where you can snorkel directly above the deck and see fish swimming through the hull.
Mount Tapyas Sunset & Night Market
Back in Coron town, climb the 724 steps to the top of Mount Tapyas for the best sunset viewpoint, where the panorama covers Coron town, the harbour, and dozens of islands stretching to the horizon. The climb takes 20–25 minutes and is well worth the effort for the golden-hour light over the karst landscape. Descend to the public market for grilled seafood dinner. Alternatively, try Sea Dive Resort's rooftop bar for cocktails (₱150–250) with harbour views.
WWII Japanese Shipwreck Diving
Irako & Akitsushima: Deep Wrecks
Coron Bay holds 12 Japanese warships sunk by American dive bombers on 24 September 1944, now forming one of the world's greatest wreck diving destinations. A two-dive morning trip costs ₱3,500–5,000 including equipment. The Irako, a 147m refrigeration ship sitting at 28–42m, is the most intact, and you can penetrate the cargo holds and engine room with a guide. The Akitsushima, a seaplane tender at 20–38m, still has its crane on deck and a massive propeller. These are serious dives, and Advanced Open Water certification and wreck orientation are recommended.
Olympia Maru: Reef-Covered Battleship
After a surface interval with lunch on the boat, dive the Olympia Maru, a supply vessel sitting on its side at 18–25m that has been colonised by spectacular hard and soft coral growth. Scorpionfish, lionfish, giant grouper, and schools of batfish inhabit the hull. The ship's structure creates swim-throughs and overhangs that frame underwater photographs beautifully. This wreck is accessible to Open Water divers with a guide and is considered the most photogenic of Coron's wrecks.
Hot Springs & Dinner
Maquinit Hot Spring, 30 minutes by tricycle from Coron town (₱150 one way), is a natural saltwater hot spring at the edge of the sea. The water sits at 38–40°C and the spring feeds into a mangrove-lined pool where you can soak while watching the sunset over the water. Entry is ₱200. After a day of deep wreck diving, the hot water eases tired muscles and the setting is beautiful. Return to town for dinner and try the Brujita restaurant for Filipino-Spanish fusion or the public market for budget grilled fish.
Island-Hopping: Malcapuya, Banana & Bulog Dos
Malcapuya Island: White Sand Paradise
The island-hopping tour departs at 7:30am heading south to islands rarely visited by the Coron Island tour crowds. Malcapuya Island is a long curve of white sand with palm trees, crystal water, and very few people. This is what a tropical island looks like in your imagination. The snorkelling off the beach is excellent, as the reef starts in shallow water and drops to a colourful wall with turtles and reef fish. The tour costs ₱1,800 per person including lunch, snorkel gear, and all island fees. Pack a picnic for the beach.
Banana Island & Bulog Dos Sandbar
Banana Island has a picturesque beach backed by coconut palms and a basic restaurant serving fresh fish. The snorkelling here is good but the real draw is Bulog Dos, a horseshoe-shaped sandbar that appears at low tide, creating a natural swimming pool of shallow turquoise water. Walk the sandbar, swim in the lagoon, and photograph the extraordinary colour of the water against the white sand. The boat crew prepares a grilled fish lunch on one of the islands, eaten on the beach with rice, vegetables, and fresh fruit.
Farewell Sunset & Departure Planning
Return to Coron town by 4pm. Watch the sunset from the pier or climb Mount Tapyas one final time. For your last dinner, splurge at La Sirenetta on the waterfront for Filipino dishes with a view (₱300–500 per person) or return to the trusty public market for one more grilled tuna feast. Flights depart Coron Busuanga Airport for Manila and Cebu, and the airport is 30 minutes from town by van (₱150). Book a van transfer through your guesthouse the night before.
Budget tips
Join group tours, not private
Group island-hopping tours cost ₱1,500–2,000 per person including lunch and snorkel gear. Private boat charter starts at ₱5,000–8,000 for the same route. Groups of 6–10 people share a bangka comfortably.
Stay in Coron town centre
Guesthouses on the main road cost ₱500–1,000/night for a fan room. Beachfront resorts on nearby islands charge ₱3,000–8,000+. The town centre puts you within walking distance of the pier, market, and dive shops.
Eat at the public market
The Coron public market is the best-value food in Palawan. Choose your seafood from the ice display and have it grilled for ₱150–300 per person. Beachfront restaurants charge double for smaller portions.
Bring your own snorkel gear
Tour boats provide basic snorkel gear, but it is often scratched and ill-fitting. Buying a decent mask and snorkel in Manila or Cebu (₱500–800) dramatically improves every stop on the tour.
Book diving packages
WWII wreck dives are cheaper when booked as a package of 4+ dives. Ask dive shops for multi-dive discounts, as savings of ₱1,000–2,000 over individual dive pricing are common.
Fly from Manila on Cebu Pacific
Budget airline Cebu Pacific flies Manila–Coron for ₱1,500–4,000 one way if booked 2–4 weeks ahead. The flight is 1 hour versus 12+ hours by ferry. Seat sales drop prices even further.
Budget breakdown
Daily costs per person in US dollars. Coron costs are driven by island tours and dive trips, while accommodation and food in town are very affordable. These ranges cover budget backpacker to comfortable mid-range.
| 🎒 Budget | ✨ Mid-Range | 💎 Splurge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation Fan room → AC guesthouse → waterfront resort | $10–18 | $25–50 | $70+ |
| Food Market seafood → restaurants → resort dining | $5–10 | $10–25 | $30+ |
| Island Tour Group bangka → small group → private charter | $25–35 | $35–55 | $80+ |
| Wreck Diving (2 dives) Group dives → guided → private guide | $60–70 | $70–90 | $100+ |
| Transport Tricycle → van → private transfer | $3–5 | $5–10 | $15+ |
| Daily Total Budget explorer → comfortable → luxury island | $35–60 | $60–120 | $150+ |
Practical info
Entry & Visas
- Visa-free 30 days for most nationalities, extendable to 59 days at Bureau of Immigration
- Fly into Coron Busuanga Airport (USU) from Manila or Cebu, or take the overnight ferry from Manila (12 hours)
- Kayangan Lake entry: ₱300. Environmental fees apply at most island stops.
Health & Safety
- Travel insurance with diving cover is essential if doing wreck dives, as standard policies exclude scuba
- The nearest hospital is in Coron town but facilities are basic, and serious injuries require evacuation to Manila
- Bring insect repellent for evenings, reef-safe sunscreen, and motion sickness tablets for boat days
Getting Around
- Coron town is walkable, with pier, market, dive shops, and guesthouses within 15 minutes' walk
- Tricycles are the main transport in town: ₱10–20 per person for short trips, ₱150 to Maquinit Hot Spring
- Airport transfers by van cost ₱150 per person (30 minutes), booked through your guesthouse
Connectivity
- Buy a Globe or Smart SIM card at Manila or Cebu airport before flying to Coron. Data coverage in Coron town is usable
- WiFi at guesthouses is slow but functional, so do not rely on it for video calls or large uploads
- No signal during island-hopping tours, so download offline maps and entertainment before heading out
Money
- Currency: PHP (Peso). 1 USD ≈ ₱56. ATMs in Coron town (BDO, Landbank) but they sometimes run out
- Bring sufficient cash from Manila, as tour operators, market vendors, and small businesses are cash only
- Dive shops accept cards but charge a 3–5% surcharge. Budget ₱500–1,000 cash per day beyond pre-booked tours
Packing Tips
- Underwater camera is essential, as Coron's clarity and wrecks produce some of the best underwater photos in Asia
- Reef shoes for rocky island entries, dry bag for electronics, and snorkel gear if you have your own
- Light rain jacket for unexpected showers, as the weather in Palawan can change quickly, even in dry season
Cultural tips
Coron is Tagbanwa ancestral land surrounded by WWII history and fragile marine ecosystems. Approach with respect for the indigenous community, the ocean, and the heritage beneath the waves.
Respect the Islands
Many islands in Coron are ancestral domain of the Tagbanwa indigenous people, and Coron Island itself is Tagbanwa land. Follow all rules, pay entry fees, and do not enter restricted areas. The fees fund community programmes.
Marine Conservation
Coron's reefs and wrecks are protected, so never remove coral, shells, or artefacts from the water. The WWII wrecks are war graves and removing items is illegal under Philippine and international law.
Local Etiquette
Filipinos are famously friendly and hospitable. Return the warmth by saying "Salamat" (thank you) and "Magandang umaga" (good morning). Accept food offerings graciously. Tipping is appreciated but not expected.
Photography
Ask permission before photographing locals and their children. At Kayangan Lake and other popular spots, be patient and share the viewpoint rather than hogging the photo spot. Drone regulations require permits in the national park.
Support Local Operators
Choose locally-owned tour operators and guesthouses over international booking platforms. Many bangka boat captains are independent operators, and booking directly puts more money in their hands than through middlemen.
Reduce Plastic Waste
Bring a reusable water bottle and refuse single-use plastics. Waste management in remote Philippine islands is limited, so take your rubbish back to Coron town where it can be disposed of properly.
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Find travel companions to explore Coron together on roammate: split boat tours, share wreck dive costs, and discover Palawan's islands together.
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