What is Coron famous for?

Coron is famous for WWII Japanese shipwreck diving (12 ships sunk in 1944), Kayangan Lake (crystal-clear water often called the cleanest lake in Asia), Twin Lagoon, Barracuda Lake and Maquinit Hot Springs. It offers some of the world's best wreck diving combined with stunning island scenery.

Do I need to dive to enjoy Coron?

Not at all. Coron's island hopping tours, lakes, lagoons and hot springs are spectacular without diving. Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon and island hopping are the top activities. Snorkelling is excellent at many spots. Diving is a bonus but not essential.

How do I get from El Nido to Coron?

Fast ferry takes 3.5 hours (PHP 1,800-2,500 on Montenegro Lines or Buhay Isla). Departs around 6am. Alternatively, fly from El Nido to Coron on AirSWIFT (30 minutes). No road connection exists - it must be by sea or air.

Coron Travel Guide 2026

Coron sits at the northern tip of Palawan and offers a different experience to its southern neighbour El Nido. Where El Nido dazzles with lagoons and limestone karsts from the water, Coron stuns with what lies beneath it. Twelve Japanese warships sunk during a 1944 US air raid now form one of the world's top wreck diving sites, their hulls encrusted with coral and teeming with marine life. But Coron is not just for divers — Kayangan Lake (often called the cleanest lake in Asia), the otherworldly Twin Lagoon, and one of the world's few saltwater hot springs make this a must-visit for any Philippines itinerary.

Top Attractions

Kayangan Lake

Often described as the cleanest lake in the Philippines. Climb 300+ steep steps through jagged limestone karsts for panoramic views of Coron Island, then descend to a crystal-clear freshwater lake surrounded by towering rock formations. The water is so pure you can see the bottom 15+ metres down. Swim, snorkel and float in this otherworldly setting. Entry ₱300, usually included in island hopping tours.

Twin Lagoon

Two connected lagoons — one saltwater, one freshwater — separated by a limestone wall. Swim or kayak through a narrow opening (or climb the short ladder at low tide) to reach the inner lagoon where warm freshwater mixes with cool seawater. The contrast is surreal. Best in early morning before tour boats arrive.

Shipwreck Diving

Coron's 12 WWII Japanese ships form one of the world's premier wreck diving destinations. The Irako (160m cargo ship at 28-42m), Akitsushima (seaplane tender at 20-36m) and Okikawa Maru (tanker at 10-26m, accessible to beginners) are the most popular. 2-dive trips from ₱3,500-5,000. Open Water certification required for most wrecks; some accessible for Discover Scuba divers.

Maquinit Hot Springs

One of very few saltwater hot springs in the world, naturally heated to 38-42°C. Soak in the rock pools as the sun sets — perfect after a day of diving or island hopping. Entry ₱200. Located 30 minutes from town by tricycle (₱150).

Barracuda Lake

A thermocline lake popular with divers for its dramatic temperature shifts — warm freshwater on the surface, hot layers below, then cool saltwater. Even non-divers can snorkel in the clear upper layer. Named for a large barracuda skeleton found on the bottom. Accessible by kayak or as part of island hopping tours.

Getting There

Route	Method	Time	Cost
Manila to Coron	Cebu Pacific / PAL to Busuanga (USU)	1 hour	₱2,000-5,000
El Nido to Coron	Montenegro/Buhay fast ferry	3.5 hours	₱1,800-2,500
El Nido to Coron	AirSWIFT flight	30 min	₱4,000-6,000

From Busuanga Airport, van to Coron town takes 30-40 minutes (₱150-200). Tricycles in town cost ₱10-50 per ride.

Budget

Category	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
Accommodation/night	₱500-1,200	₱3,000-6,000	₱8,000-25,000
Island hopping tour	₱1,500-2,000	₱2,500-4,000	₱8,000+ (private)
2-dive trip	₱3,500-5,000	₱5,000-7,000	₱10,000+ (private)
Food/day	₱300-600	₱800-1,500	₱2,000+
Daily Total	$30-55	$80-150	$200+

FAQ

Not at all. Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, island hopping, hot springs and snorkelling are all spectacular without diving. Diving is a wonderful bonus but Coron is excellent for non-divers.

3-4 days: Day 1 island hopping (Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon). Day 2 diving or second island hop. Day 3 remote islands + Maquinit Hot Springs. Add days for more diving or relaxation.

El Nido for lagoons, beaches and above-water scenery. Coron for diving, lakes and a more local feel. Both are spectacular. If you have a week in Palawan, do both via the fast ferry (3.5 hours).

Coron Snapshot

Province: Palawan
Airport: Busuanga (USU)
Best months: Nov-May
Budget from: $30/day
Famous for: Shipwreck diving