Busuanga Coron in Palawan, Philippines, is one of the world’s top wreck diving destinations. Every year, divers travel here to explore historic WWII shipwrecks, colorful reefs, and unique marine life like dugongs and sea turtles. Whether you’re planning your first trip or your fifth, it’s normal to have questions before booking your diving holiday here.

At Pirate Divers Busuanga, we often get asked the same things by divers preparing for their trip. To make it easier, we’ve rounded up the top 10 most common questions divers ask before coming to Busuanga Coron—with answers to help you plan the perfect dive holiday.

1. What makes Coron such a famous dive destination?

Coron is known worldwide for its World War II Japanese shipwrecks. On September 24, 1944, a U.S. air raid sank a fleet of supply ships hiding in Coron Bay. Today, at least 10 well-preserved wrecks are accessible to recreational divers.

Beyond wrecks, Coron also offers stunning coral gardens, lagoons, and the chance to see rare dugongs in the wild. The combination of history, biodiversity, and scenic topside landscapes makes it a must-visit for divers and non-divers alike.

2. What is the best time of year to dive in Coron?

Coron is a year-round dive destination, but the best season is from October to May, when seas are calm, visibility is best, and skies are mostly sunny.

• October to December – Clear water, perfect temperatures, excellent visibility.
• January to April – Peak season with dry weather and flat seas.
• May to September – Rainy season, but diving is still possible. Visibility may be lower, but there are fewer crowds.

3. How do I get to Coron?

Most divers fly into Busuanga Airport (Francisco B. Reyes Airport) from Manila, Cebu, or Clark. The airport is just a 30- to 40-minute drive to Busuanga, where we are located.

Alternatively, you can take an overnight ferry from Manila, which is popular with travelers who want a budget-friendly route.

Once you arrive, everything is easy to arrange. Our team at Pirate Divers can help with airport transfers, accommodations, and dive schedules.

4. Do I need to be an experienced diver to enjoy Coron?

Not at all. Coron caters to all levels of divers:

• Beginners can enjoy shallow wrecks like Olympia Maru and the coral gardens.
• Advanced divers can penetrate deeper wrecks such as Irako or Akitsushima.
• Non-divers can try Discover Scuba Diving or go snorkeling around the lagoons.

If you’re new, we recommend starting with a PADI Open Water course or joining guided fun dives on the easier wrecks and reefs.

5. What dive sites should I not miss in Coron?

While every site is unique, here are the must-dive spots in Coron:

• Irako  – A deep, intact wreck with great penetration routes.
• Akitsushima – A warship complete with gun mounts.
• Olympia Maru – Perfect for beginners, shallow and spacious.
• Barracuda Lake – A surreal thermocline dive with dramatic limestone cliffs.
• Dugong Dive – A rare opportunity to see the dugong!

Each dive site tells a story, and our guides love sharing the history behind them.

6. What marine life can I expect to see?

Coron isn’t just about wrecks—it’s also home to vibrant marine life. Divers can spot:

• Macro critters like nudibranchs, pipefish, and shrimps
• Big marine life such as sea turtles and schools of barracuda.
• Dugongs (sea cows) in special dive/snorkel tours.

The mix of wrecks and reefs makes every dive different, and photographers especially love the variety.

7. What dive certification do I need in Coron?

Most of Coron’s wrecks are accessible to Open Water divers, but to fully enjoy the deeper sites, an Advanced Open Water certification is recommended.

• Open Water divers can explore wrecks like Olympia Maru and East Tangat Wreck.
• Advanced divers can access deeper wrecks such as Akitsushima.
• If you’re not certified yet, Coron is also a great place to start your diving journey with a PADI course.

Our instructors at Pirate Divers can help you level up your training during your trip with our wide range of PADI course offerings.

8. How many days should I plan for in Coron?

To truly appreciate Coron, we recommend at least 3 to 5 days of diving. With multiple wrecks, reefs, and lakes to explore, one or two dives won’t be enough.

• 3 days – You’ll see the highlights, including two to three famous wrecks.
• 5 days – You can cover nearly all the major wrecks plus reefs and special sites like Barracuda Lake.
• More than a week – Perfect if you want to take courses, enjoy Nitrox diving, or add rest days for island hopping.

Planning enough dives ensures you don’t miss the full Coron experience. Or you can leave the planning to us when you avail one of our multi-day adventures!

9. What else can I do in Coron besides diving?

Coron is packed with adventure, even above water:

• Kayangan Lake & Twin Lagoon – Famous for turquoise water and limestone cliffs.
• Maquinit Hot Springs – Relax after diving.
• Island hopping – Snorkel, beach hop, and explore hidden lagoons.
• Hiking Mt. Tapyas – For panoramic sunset views.

This makes Coron a great destination for divers traveling with non-diving friends or family.

10. Why choose Pirate Divers Busuanga?

We often get asked: “What makes you different from other dive shops?”

At Pirate Divers, we are proud to be a PADI 5-Star Dive Center in Busuanga Coron. That means:

• Safety and quality are always our top priority.
• We maintain our equipment regularly for reliable performance.
• Our dive guides are experienced locals who know the wrecks inside out.
• We keep group sizes small for personalized service.
• We’re passionate about marine conservation and responsible diving.

When you dive with us, you’re not just booking a trip—you’re joining our crew of ocean-loving adventurers.

Final Thoughts

Planning a dive holiday in Busuanga Coron doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With its world-class wrecks, vibrant reefs, and warm Filipino hospitality, Busuanga Coron is a bucket-list destination for divers of all levels.

At Pirate Divers Busuanga, we’re here to make your experience safe, smooth, and unforgettable. If you still have questions about diving in Coron, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help you plan your next underwater adventure.

Ready to dive into history? Contact Pirate Divers Busuanga today and let’s explore Coron together!