A Fleet Frozen in Time
On September 24, 1944, U.S. Navy aircraft targeted Japanese ships in Coron Bay and Busuanga, resulting in the sinking of several vessels. Today, over 80 years later, these wrecks lie on the seabed, adorned with coral and marine life, creating stunning underwater ecosystems while retaining much of their original structure.
For divers, this presents an extraordinary opportunity to experience world-class diving alongside a fascinating journey through history.
The Wrecks of Coron
Coron boasts wrecks at various depths and characteristics, catering to both recreational and advanced divers. Some wrecks can be appreciated from the outside, while others invite trained divers to explore their intricate interiors.
Among the most notable wrecks are:
- Irako: A large Japanese refrigeration and supply ship, renowned for its impressive structure.
- Okikawa Maru: A massive tanker popular for its scale, rich marine life, and exploration opportunities.
- Akitsushima: A Japanese seaplane tender lying on its side, featuring a prominent crane.
- Kogyo Maru: A cargo vessel where remnants of wartime cargo can still be found.
- Olympia Maru: An accessible wreck with spacious cargo holds, enjoyable for divers of all levels.
- Morazan Maru: A popular wreck with areas suitable for exploration by trained divers.
- East Tangat Wreck: A shallower site ideal for beginners venturing into wreck diving.
Each wreck offers a unique story, depth, and level of difficulty, encouraging divers to return for multiple dives.
New to Wreck Diving?
You don’t need to be an expert to enjoy wreck diving in Coron. However, it’s crucial to understand the difference between diving around a wreck and entering one. Wreck penetration can present challenges such as limited exits and navigation issues, making appropriate certification and experience essential.
If you're a certified diver, Coron is also a fantastic place to enhance your skills and take a wreck-diving course before tackling more complex dives.
Here are some diving shops we have listed for your convenience :
- Corto Divers
- Easy Diving
- Reggae DIve Shop
- French Kiss
- Coron Divers
- Calamian Divers
- Sea Explorers
- Bubbles Dive
- Etc...
Plan Your Coron Wreck Diving
ilovecoron.com collaborates with local dive operators to offer wreck dives, diving courses, and multi-dive packages. Explore our diving partners, compare offerings, and book your dive or course online where available.
Coron’s wrecks are not mere replicas; they are authentic pieces of World War II history, resting exactly where history left them, waiting to be discovered by adventurous divers.
