Diving Trip to the Philippines • Coron & Sangat Island
Discover Coron’s world-famous wreck dives and the colorful reefs of Apo Reef. You’ll stay at two unique locations in the beautiful Calamian Islands.
Travel period
Features
Starting from
Diving Vacation to Coron & Sangat Island
This trip takes you to two different locations in the Calamian Islands, in northern Palawan. Here, impressive limestone islands, hidden coves, and crystal-clear waters set the stage for a diverse diving vacation. Underwater, you’ll discover colorful coral reefs, thriving coral gardens, and the world-famous Japanese shipwrecks from World War II. From seahorses and nudibranchs to schools of barracuda, sea turtles, and reef sharks, every dive brings new encounters.
During this 16-day trip, you’ll discover two special locations in the region. You’ll start in Busuanga, where you’ll stay at El Rio y Mar, a small-scale resort on a quiet bay. From here, you’ll go diving in the Apo Reef Natural Park, the second-largest contiguous coral reef in the world, among other destinations. You’ll then travel on to Sangat Island, a tropical limestone island in the middle of Coron Bay. Here, the focus is on Coron’s famous wreck dives, interspersed with beautiful reef dives in the protected Sangat Island Marine Park.
With five days of diving at both locations, you’ll make a total of twenty dives and experience the incredible variety that makes this region so special. Between dives, you’ll enjoy the tranquility, the tropical scenery, and the relaxed atmosphere of the Calamian Islands. Those looking for an extra adventure can also join an optional excursion to search for the rare dugong. This trip is an ideal choice for divers who want to combine world-famous wrecks with colorful reefs, a rich underwater world, and a stay on two unique islands.
Best Time to Visit for a Diving Vacation in Coron & Sangat
The best time to visit Coron and Sangat Island is generally from October through March. During this period, the weather is generally warm and dry, with little rainfall and good conditions for diving and boat trips. Temperatures usually range from 25 to 30 °C.
From April through June, the weather is warmer and drier. From February through April, strong southerly winds can cause higher waves. This can sometimes affect boat trips and excursions.
July through September is the monsoon season, when there’s a higher chance of rain and cloudy skies. Tropical storms can also occur in the region, though they usually pass north of Palawan and rarely directly affect Coron and Sangat Island. So you can visit here year-round.
Average temperatures
Wetsuit Recommendations for Coron & Sangat Island
We recommend a 3mm year-round.
What will you experience on this trip?
View itinerary here
Days 1 & 2 | The Trip to Coron
Your trip begins with a flight to the Philippines. Via Manila or Cebu, you’ll fly on to Busuanga Airport, the airport that provides access to the Coron region. Although many travelers refer to Coron, both the airport and Coron Town are actually located on the island of Busuanga, part of the Calamian Islands in the province of Palawan.
Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be picked up for your transfer to El Rio y Mar. First, you’ll drive about 15 to 20 minutes to the harbor, where you’ll board a boat. After a relaxing 15- to 20-minute boat ride, you’ll arrive at the resort.
Are you arriving by ferry in Coron Town? If so, you’ll first be taken to the harbor in about 45 to 60 minutes, followed by the same boat transfer to the resort.
El Rio y Mar is situated in a secluded location on the east coast of Busuanga, right on the tranquil Coron Bay. Surrounded by tropical nature and offering views of the crystal-clear waters, this is a wonderful place to unwind. From the resort, you can also take a short boat ride to the famous shipwrecks and colorful reefs for which Coron is known.
Days 3–7 | Diving at Coron & Apo Reef
The next five days will be all about diving. From the dive center, located on the resort grounds, you’ll go on two dives every day. Thanks to the resort’s convenient location, many dive sites are just a short distance away, allowing you to fully enjoy the underwater world of the Calamian Islands.
The region around Coron is known for its impressive Japanese shipwrecks from World War II, which are now completely overgrown with soft and hard corals. You’ll also find colorful coral gardens, steep walls, and shallow reefs teeming with marine life. During your dives, you’ll have the chance to encounter schools of barracuda, jackfish, batfish, snappers, moray eels, sea turtles, rays, and countless reef fish. Macro enthusiasts will also be in for a treat, with nudibranchs, shrimp, seahorses, and pipefish, among other creatures.
One of the absolute highlights is a day trip to Apo Reef Natural Park, the second-largest contiguous coral reef in the world. This protected nature reserve is known for its exceptionally clear water, vast expanses of hard and soft corals, and enormous biodiversity. Here, you have the chance to encounter reef sharks, eagle rays, manta rays, large schools of tropical fish, and both green and hawksbill sea turtles. Apo Reef is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful diving destinations in the Philippines.
Depending on weather conditions and your experience, you may also visit dive sites such as the impressive Kyokuzan Maru wreck, the colorful house reef at El Rio y Mar, or the Japanese airplane wreck near Dimakya Island. The dive school adjusts the exact schedule daily to ensure you’re always diving at the best locations available at that moment.
Would you like to experience something extra during your stay? If so, you can choose to join an optional dugong excursion. Together with the dive school, you’ll set out to find these rare and friendly dugongs along the coast of Busuanga. When a dugong is spotted, you’ll first observe the animal from the boat. If conditions allow and the animal remains calm, you can then view it from the water while snorkeling or diving. This excursion is not included as standard in the program, so you can decide for yourself whether you’d like to participate.
Day 8 | To Sangat Island
After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to El Rio y Mar and continue on to the second part of your vacation: Sangat Island Dive Resort. You’ll take a boat back to the pier on Busuanga, where a transfer will be waiting for you. From there, it’s about an hour’s drive to the harbor on the island’s northwest coast. Here, you’ll board another boat for a 20- to 30-minute ride to Sangat Island.
Sangat Island is one of the more than ninety islands that make up the Calamian Islands and is one of the few limestone islands in the archipelago. The island is characterized by steep limestone cliffs, white-sand beaches, dense tropical jungle, and vast mangrove forests. With a 455-meter-high peak and protected natural areas, it is an impressive destination not only above water but also underwater.
Upon arrival, you’ll check in at Sangat Island Dive Resort, a small-scale eco-resort located directly on a 300-meter-long white-sand beach, surrounded by coconut palms and limestone cliffs. Off the coast lie a colorful house reef and the Sangat Coral Gardens, while Coron’s famous Japanese shipwrecks are just a few minutes’ boat ride away. The resort is also fully committed to sustainability and runs largely on solar power, allowing you to stay in one of the most unique and nature-rich spots in the Calamian Islands.
Days 9–13 | Wreck and reef diving around Sangat Island
Over the next five days, you’ll once again make two dives per day. Every morning, you’ll set out from the Sangat Island Dive Resort’s dive center to explore the most beautiful dive sites in Coron Bay. Thanks to the resort’s central location, many dive sites are just a few minutes’ boat ride away.
Sangat Island is known worldwide for its impressive Japanese shipwrecks from World War II. During the Battle of Coron Bay in 1944, several supply ships, patrol boats, and auxiliary vessels were sunk. These wrecks have since become artificial reefs, completely overgrown with soft and hard corals. The combination of history and rich marine life makes these dives among the absolute highlights of the region.
In addition to the shipwrecks, Sangat also offers beautiful reef dives. The protected waters surrounding the island make up the Sangat Island Marine Park, where healthy coral reefs, steep walls, and colorful coral gardens are home to an enormous diversity of marine life. Here, you have the chance to see schools of barracuda, tuna, Spanish mackerel, batfish, sea turtles, rays, moray eels, and countless tropical reef fish. Macro photography enthusiasts can also look forward to spotting seahorses, nudibranchs, shrimp, and other small reef dwellers.
One of the most popular reef dives is the colorful Sangat House Reef, located directly in front of the resort. The Sangat Coral Gardens are also among the most beautiful dive sites in Coron Bay, with vast coral fields teeming with reef fish and invertebrates. The exact dive schedule is adjusted daily based on weather conditions and the group’s experience, ensuring you always dive at the best locations available at that moment.
During your stay, you’ll also be indirectly contributing to the conservation of this extraordinary nature reserve. Sangat Island Dive Resort has played an active role in the management of the protected marine park for many years, through initiatives such as coral restoration projects, reef monitoring, and the protection of the island’s vulnerable ecosystems. This way, you’ll not only enjoy spectacular dives, but you’ll also help preserve this unique underwater world for the future.
Day 14 | Exploring Sangat Island
Today is a no-diving day. This gives your body enough time to eliminate nitrogen before you begin your return trip the next day. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy Sangat Island and its beautiful surroundings at your leisure.
No activities are scheduled for today, but Sangat Island Dive Resort offers plenty of options for you to spend the day as you wish. Go out in a kayak or on a SUP, go snorkeling on the house reef, take a walk around the island, or relax on the beach overlooking Coron Bay.
There’s plenty to do outside the resort, too. You can join an island-hopping tour of the limestone islands and hidden beaches of the Calamian Islands, visit the hot springs at Maquinit Hot Springs, go birdwatching in the mangrove forests, or choose from a variety of other excursions and water sports activities organized by the resort.
Day 15 & 16 | Return home
After breakfast, you’ll say goodbye to Sangat Island. The boat ride back to Busuanga takes about 20 to 30 minutes, after which you’ll be taken by transfer to Busuanga Airport. This is where your return trip to the Netherlands begins. You’ll first take a domestic flight to Manila or Cebu, where you’ll transfer to an international flight to Amsterdam.
Due to the time difference and travel time, you’ll arrive back in the Netherlands on Day 16. You’ll look back on a varied diving trip to two unique destinations, featuring impressive wreck dives, colorful reefs, and the relaxed atmosphere of the Calamian Islands.
Highlights of this trip
What can you expect from the underwater world in Coron & Sangat?
Diving in Apo Reef National Park
Apo Reef Natural Park is the second-largest contiguous coral reef in the world and ranks among the most beautiful diving destinations in the Philippines. This protected nature reserve is known for its crystal-clear waters, healthy hard and soft corals, and impressive biodiversity. During a dive, you may encounter schools of reef fish, sea turtles, eagle rays, reef sharks, and, with a little luck, even manta rays. The vast reefs and the sense of unspoiled nature make every dive here special.
Wreck Diving in Coron
Beneath the surface of Coron Bay lies one of the most impressive wreck diving destinations in the world. Japanese cargo ships from World War II have transformed over the years into colorful artificial reefs. The combination of history, massive ship structures, and rich marine life creates a unique diving experience. Corals have completely taken over the wrecks, while schools of barracuda, batfish, moray eels, and sea turtles have made them their home.
The Calamian Islands
The Calamian Islands are a beautiful and diverse archipelago. Here, steep limestone cliffs, hidden coves, mangrove forests, and white-sand beaches alternate. Above water, you’ll discover a peaceful and unspoiled archipelago, while underwater, colorful coral reefs and historic shipwrecks await you. Since you’ll be staying on both Busuanga and Sangat Island, you’ll experience different sides of this unique archipelago.
The accommodations
The stay and surroundings
El Rio Y Mar Resort
El Rio y Mar Resort is a small-scale resort located on a quiet bay on the east coast of Busuanga, surrounded by tropical vegetation, mangroves, and crystal-clear water. The resort features its own sandy beach, two swimming pools, and a dive center, putting everything you need for a relaxing diving vacation right at your fingertips.
The restaurant serves both Filipino and international dishes, with a wide selection of fresh fish and seafood. For a drink or a light lunch, head to the bar with its ocean view. Every morning, a hearty breakfast is served to help you start your day off right.
In addition to diving, you can take advantage of a variety of facilities. Take a refreshing dip in the pool, book a relaxing massage at the spa, or work on your fitness in the gym. Snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding are also available.
El Rio y Mar offers a variety of room types, all of which are spacious and blend harmoniously into the tropical surroundings. The rooms are built with natural materials and provide a comfortable place to stay after a day of diving or an excursion.
You can choose from a Superior Casa, Deluxe Casa, Premier Cedar Cabana, or one of the more spacious suites. All rooms feature air conditioning, comfortable beds, a private bathroom, a balcony or terrace, and views of the tropical garden or the ocean. In addition, the rooms are equipped with amenities such as a safe, a hair dryer, a minibar, coffee and tea-making facilities, and free Wi-Fi.
The Deluxe Casas and Premier Cedar Cabanas are situated in a beautiful location close to the water and offer extra space and privacy. If you’re looking for even more comfort, choose one of the spacious suites. No matter which room you choose, you’ll enjoy the same peaceful atmosphere and hospitality that El Rio y Mar is known for.
Sangat Island Dive Resort
Sangat Island Dive Resort is located on a private island and is surrounded by white-sand beaches, steep limestone cliffs, and tropical jungle. This small-scale eco-resort is situated right on the water, and thanks to its peaceful location and unspoiled natural surroundings, you’ll feel like you’ve truly escaped the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The resort has its own dive center. In addition, various activities are organized, such as snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and island hopping. After an active day, you can relax with a massage or enjoy the view from the charming Rock Bar, which is built on the rocks above the water.
The open-air bar and restaurant are located right on the beach and serve a varied buffet featuring Filipino and international dishes, fresh fish, tropical fruit, and vegetarian options. The resort runs on solar power as much as possible and is actively committed to the conservation of the protected Sangat Island Marine Park.
Sangat Island Dive Resort has a limited number of rooms, which helps the resort maintain its peaceful and intimate atmosphere. You can choose from charming Beachfront Chalets, Hillside Chalets, Hilltop Chalets, or the spacious Lambingan Villa. All accommodations are built in traditional Filipino style using natural materials such as bamboo, wood, and nipa, allowing them to blend seamlessly into the tropical surroundings.
Most chalets rely on natural ventilation with large windows, ceiling fans, and standing fans. Only a few rooms have air conditioning. All accommodations feature comfortable beds, a private bathroom, a safe, and a veranda or balcony overlooking the tropical garden, the hills, or the sea. Wi-Fi is available in the common areas, so you can truly enjoy the island’s tranquility during your stay.
For those looking for extra space and privacy, the Lambingan Villa is an excellent choice. This detached villa is located on its own private beach and offers plenty of comfort for families or small groups.
Travel costs
What is included
This dive vacation to the Philippines is available from US$ 3.585 per person based on two people in one room. The diving trip can be expanded as desired. A number of things are included by default in this travel package.
Prices are subject to price changes, increases or changing exchange rates. Flights are always based on the cheapest possible booking class.
Want to know more about the possibilities? Get in touch with us!
Included in this trip, starting at €3,199 per person
- El Rio Y Mar Resort
- 7 nights in a Deluxe Cabana or Deluxe Casa
- Stay on a bed & breakfast basis
- Welcome drink
- Dive package with 10 dives
- Use of kayaks and SUP boards
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- Government Taxes and Service Fees
- Sangat Island Dive Resort
- 7 nights in a Hillside Chalet
- Accommodation on full board basis
- Diving Package with 10 Dives*
- * 8 "short distance" & 2 "Apo Reef"
- General
- Return transfers
- VZR & Administration fee
Excluding
- Return flight to Cebu from US$ 1.009 p.p.
- Domestic flight to Cebu from US$ 56 p.p.
- Fee Sangat Marine Park, approximatelyUS$ 1 per dive
- Apo Island Marine Park Fee, ±US$ 56
✈︎ The quoted (international) flight prices are indicative prices and based on departures from Europe. However, we can arrange flights from any location worldwide. Booking your own flights is of course also possible.
Optional
- Rental diving equipment
- Night dive
- Nitrox
Prices for these items vary by resort; you can find the current prices in the FAQ at the bottom of the page.
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Frequently asked questions about this diving vacation
Diving general
You’ll go on boat dives at both locations. The dives will alternate between reef dives and wreck dives, depending on your preferences and experience.
That depends on the dive site you choose, but most dive sites are nearby.
At both locations, you can go on two dives per day. If you’d like, you can add a night dive to that.
Coron: Yes , night dives are organized fairly regularly. A night dive on the house reef costs 2,000 PHP, which is about US$ 31
Sangat: Yes , you can go on a night dive. It costs 2,550 PHP, including a torch; that’s about US$ 40
Coron: Yes , the El Rio Y Mar Resort has a house reef. After a short walk along the pier, you’ll be in the water and surrounded by a wide variety of marine life. Among other things, you’ll see schools of jacks, chevron barracudas, pipefish, seahorses, mandarin dragonets, crocodile fish, snappers, nudibranchs, and shrimp. Hawksbill turtles and manta rays are sometimes spotted here, though this isn’t a daily occurrence. There’s also a small shipwreck on the house reef.
Sangat: There’s a house reef, but you have to take a boat to get there. So you don’t do shore dives.
Coron: Yes , definitely—you can take various courses here. Dugong Divecenter is affiliated with SDI.
Sangat: Yes , you can take various PADI courses here.
At both locations, the diving school is located on the resort grounds.
You can dive comfortably around Sangat Island all year round. The water temperature stays between 28 and 30°C for most of the year, so a 3- to 5-mm wetsuit is usually sufficient.
Underwater visibility varies depending on the tides and weather conditions, but is generally between 7 and 30 meters. On average, you can expect visibility of about 15 to 20 meters. At dive sites closer to the open sea, such as the Nanshin Maru wreck near Black Island and Cathedral Cave near Coron Island, visibility is often 20 meters or more. Barracuda Lake is also known for its clear water and excellent visibility.
The current varies by dive site, but the dive school selects the most suitable locations each day based on weather conditions and the divers’ experience. As a result, the dives are suitable for both less experienced and advanced divers.
Diving equipment
Both tanks are present.
Sangat: The standard tanks used for diving are 80 cu ft (11 L). If you want a larger tank, you’ll get a 100 cu ft (13 L) tank. This costs an additional fee of about US$ 3 per dive.
Coron: Yes , you can dive with nitrox here; it costs 500 PHP per tank, which is about US$ 8).
Sangat: Yes , you can dive with nitrox here. For a 12L tank, nitrox costs 430 PHP (about US$ 7) per tank. For a 15L tank, it costs 560 PHP (about US$ 9).
It is possible to rent diving equipment at both places. We list here the price of a full set, but it is also possible to rent individual items.
Coron: Renting a full set costs 1,500 PHP per day (approximately US$ 24). A computer costs 400 PHP per day (approximately US$ 6).
Sangat: Renting a full set costs 300 PHP per dive (about US$ 4). A dive computer costs 390 PHP per day (about US$ 6).
Accommodations | El Rio Y Mar
Yes, there is free Wi-Fi at the hotel.
Yes, the hotel has its own restaurant. There are no other restaurants in the immediate vicinity of the hotel.
Yes, both accommodations have swimming pools.
No, the hotel is located north of Coron Town. It’s about a 45- to 60-minute drive or a 15- to 20-minute boat ride. The hotel offers a shuttle service to Coron Town, which you can use for a fee.
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