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Coron Bay in Palawan holds some of the world's best-preserved WWII Japanese wrecks, sunk on September 24, 1944, by US air raids. Twelve sites, mostly 12-30m deep, lie upright or sideways in shallow, accessible waters teeming with coral and fish. Their intact state, from tankers to gunboats, creates unparalleled penetration opportunities unmatched in Southeast Asia.[1][2][4]
Top dives span Okikawa Maru for expansive decks, Akitsushima Maru for warship guns, and Skeleton Wreck for beginners. Combine with reefs, Cathedral Cave tunnels, or shallow fishing boats for varied days. Boat trips from Coron town or Sangat Island reach sites in 15-90 minutes, suiting all levels from Open Water to technical.[1][3][4]
Dive December-March for calm seas, 12-25m visibility, and minimal rain; shoulder months like November offer fewer crowds. Expect warm 27-30°C water, possible currents, and silt risks in wrecks—hover carefully. Pack certifications, logbook, and meds; centers provide boats and gear rentals.[1][2]
Local dive communities in Coron town blend Filipino hospitality with wreck expertise passed through family operators. Divers respect no-touch rules around munitions, preserving sites for future generations. Stay on Sangat Island for insider access and evenings sharing stories with expat dive pros.[2]
Book dives through PADI/SSI centers in Coron town 1-2 days ahead, especially in peak season, as boats fill fast for multi-wreck itineraries. Aim for 3-4 day packages covering 10 accessible sites, requiring Advanced Open Water for deeper penetrations. Nitrox certification boosts bottom time on longer dives like Okikawa Maru.[4]
Prepare for silt-prone interiors by practicing buoyancy control; avoid touching munitions or artifacts. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, motion sickness meds for 15-90min boat rides, and logbook for site tracking. Rent gear locally from reputable shops, but pack personal mask, booties, and dive computer for comfort.[3]