Coron Island, which is the third largest of the Calamian Group of Islands in the Philippines’ northern Palawan region, is located 310 kilometers southwest of Manila. While divers know it best for its fleet of Japanese shipwrecks dating back to WWII, it is also the site of some amazing reefs which are suitable for both snorkeling and diving. With visibility at about 20-30 meters at most sites, it is also an excellent place to give your underwater camera a workout – so, gear up, and come along for a quick look at three of Coron’s best reef dives.
Bugor Reef
Beginning in very shallow water, Bugor Reef follows a sloping profile, eventually meeting up with the seabed at a depth of 35 meters. Unlike many reefs in which the deeper portions are best, this reef is most beautiful in depths between about 3 and 10 meters, where the sunlight from above penetrates the water, creating a lovely ripple effect that only serves to enhance the natural beauty of the many corals and sponges which blanket its rocky structure.
Home to an almost unbelievable array of marine life, Bugor Reef is an excellent place to encounter some species which are not often seen in most areas. Here, you’ll find guitar sharks, giant clams up to 100 years old, green and hawksbill sea turtles, and even some small leopard sharks. Among the lush anemone, you’ll find clownfish and other anemone dwellers, and everywhere you look, you will find a rainbow of tropical fish, nudibranchs, crustaceans, and other creatures. Often done as a second dive after one of the Coron Bay wrecks, this reef invites leisurely exploration.
Kalambuyan Reef
Located just to the north of the Akitsushima wreck, this reef is ideal for a drift dive among some of the most splendid coral you’ll find anywhere. The current can run in either direction, allowing you the opportunity to swim with jacks and trevally, barracuda, tuna, and even some small reef sharks. Maximum depth is just 17 meters, and visibility is excellent, but if you want to see the colorful sponges and corals at their best, be sure to bring a good dive light with you. Take time to look for well-hidden creatures here – frogfish, pipefish, and stonefish, octopus, and crabs are everywhere.
Siete Picado
Also known as 7 islands or Seven Rocks, Siete Picado is located a little east of Coron’s lighthouse. With huge stands of pristine staghorn coral and beautiful table formations where you can find a kaleidoscope of reef fish, including lots of anthia and wrasse, butterfly fish, angelfish, and blue tangs, pairs of Moorish idols, and many others, the site is part of an important conservation program and is an excellent place to encounter green see turtles. In addition to the reef species, the area is a nursery for juvenile barracuda, and you can find small sharks on occasion, as well. Maximum depth is 22 meters, and there is very little current, making the site suitable for all divers. There is a 100 peso entrance fee per diver; a small amount to pay for such an incredible opportunity.
There are several excellent dive operators that make frequent trips to these reefs and other Coron dive sites; and unless you have an unlimited amount of time to spend here, it is a good idea to learn as much as possible about the diving that is available, then plan an itinerary in advance. Once you visit, you’ll see why Forbes Traveler Magazine listed Coron as one of the world’s top ten places to dive!