Located in the western part of the Philippines, Coron and Apo Reef are two of the country’s most iconic diving destinations, offering a unique combination of historic wrecks, pristine reefs, and exceptional marine biodiversity. These areas lie within the Coral Triangle, one of the most biologically diverse marine regions on the planet, making them a dream destination for underwater explorers.
Coron is world-famous for its World War II shipwrecks, sunk in 1944 and now transformed into thriving artificial reefs. These wrecks range from shallow to deep and are covered in corals, sponges, and schools of tropical fish, making Coron suitable for both intermediate and advanced divers. Visibility is generally good, and the calm conditions allow for relaxed exploration of engine rooms, cargo holds, and massive steel structures now reclaimed by the sea.
Apo Reef Natural Park, located in the Mindoro Strait, is the second-largest contiguous coral reef system in the world. It is characterized by dramatic walls, wide coral gardens, and strong currents that attract large pelagic species. Diving here is more adventurous, with encounters including reef sharks, manta rays, tuna, jacks, and barracuda. The combination of walls and drift dives makes Apo Reef ideal for divers with some experience.
The Philippines has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. Air temperatures typically range between 26–32°C, while water temperatures average 26–29°C (79–84°F). The best diving conditions are usually from November to May, during the dry season, when seas are calm and visibility is at its best. Liveaboard trips are the best way to combine Coron and Apo Reef, allowing access to remote sites and multiple dives per day.
Liveaboard Diving Regions :
Coron Bay Wrecks
Coron Bay is home to one of the best wreck diving collections in the world. The Japanese fleet lies between 12 and 40 meters, offering dives suitable for recreational and technical divers alike. Highlights include large cargo ships, tankers, and gunboats, many of which can be penetrated safely with proper training. Marine life includes groupers, lionfish, nudibranchs, batfish, and schools of snapper. Diving is possible year-round, with best conditions from December to May.
Apo Reef Natural Park
Apo Reef consists of three main reef areas: Apo Island, Apo Menor, and Cayos del Bajo. Divers can expect healthy hard and soft coral gardens, steep drop-offs, and strong currents that bring nutrient-rich waters. Encounters often include white-tip and grey reef sharks, eagle rays, manta rays (seasonal), turtles, and large schools of pelagic fish. This region is best explored by liveaboard and is ideal for drift diving enthusiasts.
Verde Island Passage (Occasional Routes)
Some liveaboard itineraries transit through the Verde Island Passage, often referred to as the “center of the center” of marine biodiversity. These dives offer colorful reefs, macro life, and excellent visibility, serving as a beautiful contrast to the wrecks of Coron and the pelagic action of Apo Reef.
