Explore Busuanga Coron’s famous WWII shipwrecks — from beginner‑friendly dives to challenging advanced wreck penetration adventures.
Coron Bay in Palawan, Philippines is one of the top wreck diving destinations in the world. It’s renowned for its collection of World War II Japanese shipwrecks — each with its own history, depth profile, and level of difficulty. Whether you’re a newly certified diver or an advanced explorer seeking your next challenge, Busuanga Coron’s underwater ghost fleet offers something unforgettable.
But with wrecks lying anywhere from just a few meters to over 40 meters deep, it’s important to plan your dives around your certification level and experience. This shipwreck dive difficulty chart breaks down Busuanga Coron’s most popular wreck sites and helps you choose the ones that match your skills and certifications.
Why Coron Is a World‑Class Wreck Diving Destination
Coron Bay was the scene of a major U.S. naval air raid in 1944, leaving behind a fleet of Japanese WWII vessels now resting on the seabed. These wrecks are historic relics — transformed over decades into coral‑encrusted artificial reefs teeming with marine life.
Divers from all over the globe come to experience this eerie combination of history and biodiversity. The wrecks range from shallow gunboats ideal for beginners to deep, complex ships that require advanced training and excellent buoyancy control.
Shipwreck Dive Difficulty Chart
Below is a breakdown of Coron’s top shipwreck sites, grouped by recommended scuba certification level and skill requirements:
🟢Beginner – Open Water Divers (PADI Open Water Certified)
These wreck dives are ideal for Open Water divers, typically within 18–20 meters depth and with minimal overhead environments. They’re perfect for your first shipwreck dives and help build confidence under water.
1. Lusong Gunboat
Depth: ~5–12 m
Difficulty: Easy
Why Dive Here: Shallow and fully open, great for snorkelers or new Open Water divers.
What You’ll See: Coral growth, small fish, lots of light.
Certification Tip: Great introductory wreck dive.
2. East Tangat Gunboat
Depth: 3–22 m
Difficulty: Easy
Why Dive Here: Little or no penetration required; excellent for skill building and underwater photography.
What You’ll See: Schools of reef fish and coral encrustations.
Certification Tip: Open Water divers can gain wreck experience without overhead hazards.
3. Landing Craft
Depth: 5–18 m
Difficulty: Easy
Why Dive Here: Shallow and fully open, great for new Open Water divers.
What You’ll See: Coral growth, surrounding reefs.
Certification Tip: Great introductory wreck dive.
🟡Intermediate – Advanced Open Water Divers
These wrecks are suitable for divers with PADI Advanced Open Water (or equivalent) certification. They’re deeper and may involve swim‑throughs but do not generally require full overhead penetration skills.
4. Okikawa Maru (Beginner to Intermediate)
Depth: 10–26 m
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Why Dive Here: The largest wreck in Coron Bay with wide decks and great marine life.
What You’ll See: Snappers, batfish, turtles, coral gardens.
Certification Tip: Open Water divers can explore the outside of the wreck; Advanced divers enjoy longer dives with better bottom time.
5. Olympia Maru (Beginner to Intermediate)
Depth: 15–30 m
Difficulty: Moderate
Why Dive Here: Open holds allow easy swim‑throughs with great visibility.
What You’ll See: Reef fish, soft corals, lionfish, macro life.
Certification Tip: Accessible for newer divers ready to push beyond basic training.
5. Ekkai Maru (Intermediate/Advanced)
Depth: 15–25 m
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Why Dive Here: A large Japanese transport ship with intact cargo holds and massive boilers. Perfect for divers ready to explore more structure and history without full penetration training.
What You’ll See: Schools of trevally, snappers, lionfish, soft corals, and hidden macro life in nooks and crannies.
Certification Tip: Advanced Open Water recommended; Nitrox can extend your bottom time for longer exploration.
🔴 Advanced – Wreck Penetration & Deep Dives
These wrecks require PADI Advanced Open Water and often a Wreck Diver Specialty or extensive experience. They’re deeper, have tighter spaces, or require excellent buoyancy and air management.
7. Kogyo Maru
Depth: 22–34 m
Difficulty: Advanced
Why Dive Here: Large cargo holds, easy penetration points, and tons of history.
What You’ll See: Construction materials, bulldozer parts, coral‑covered hull.
Certification Tip: Best for divers comfortable in deeper water; Wreck Diver certification recommended.
8. Akitsushima
Depth: 22–38 m
Difficulty: Challenging
Why Dive Here: One of Coron’s most iconic wrecks; broken structure and deeper dive.
What You’ll See: Seaplane cranes, anti‑aircraft guns, schools of barracuda.
Certification Tip: Advanced divers only; excellent air planning and trim control are essential.
9. Irako
Depth: 28–42 m
Difficulty: Expert/Advanced
Why Dive Here: Deepest major wreck in Coron with intact engine rooms.
What You’ll See: Deep corridors, artifacts, strong currents at times.
Certification Tip: Only recommended for divers with high experience and wreck penetration training.
Essential Skills for Wreck Diving
Before attempting intermediate or advanced wreck dives, make sure you have mastered:
Buoyancy control — prevents stirring up silt and ensures safety in overhead spaces.
Air management & planning — deeper wrecks use air faster; plan no‑decompression limits carefully.
Navigation & line work — learn to use reels and guide lines for safer entry and exit.
Final Dive Planning Tips
Book with experienced dive centers (like Pirate Divers) familiar with each wreck’s requirements.
Use Nitrox for deeper or longer wreck dives — it extends no‑decompression time.
Don’t rush — start with easier wrecks and progress as your skills grow.
With knowledge of dive depths, conditions, and certification needs, you’ll make the most of Coron’s legendary shipwreck diving adventures — safely and confidently.
