Sunken Secrets: Coron’s Wrecks and Reefs Adventure

About this tour

Introduction

Dive into history and marine wonder on the Sunken Secrets: Coron’s Wrecks and Reefs Adventure, a full-day exploration of World War II shipwrecks and one extraordinary reef. This tour takes you to the Akitsushima Maru, a seaplane tender with an iconic crane; the Irako Maru, a refrigeration ship renowned for its well-preserved structure; and the Olympia Maru, a cargo vessel teeming with marine life. The day concludes with a dive at Siete Pecados, Coron’s hidden gem known for its vibrant coral gardens and diverse marine life. Each dive offers a blend of adventure, history, and breathtaking underwater scenery. This tour is tailored for advanced divers seeking a perfect mix of exploration and marine biodiversity.

Itinerary

8:00 AM – Departure from Coron Town Proper

• Board a traditional dive boat and enjoy a scenic ride through Coron Bay.
• Your dive guide provides a detailed briefing, outlining the historical significance of each site and safety protocols.

8:30 AM – Dive 1: Akitsushima Maru

• Why It’s Special: A Japanese seaplane tender sunk in 1944, it’s an iconic wreck for its colossal crane and intricate structure.
• Key Features:
  • Explore the massive crane used for hoisting seaplanes, now encrusted with soft corals and sponges.
  • Swim through the cavernous engine room, marveling at the machinery and remnants of wartime operations.
  • Encounter batfish, lionfish, and schools of barracuda that circle the wreck.
• Marine Life: The wreck attracts reef sharks, large groupers, and vibrant macro life, including nudibranchs and anemones.
• Depth: 22-38 meters.
• Activity Time: 1-hour dive, followed by a surface interval.

10:30 AM – Dive 2: Irako Maru

• Why It’s Special: This WWII refrigeration ship is one of the most intact and well-preserved wrecks in Coron Bay.
• Key Features:
  • Navigate spacious corridors and cargo holds filled with historical remnants.
  • Observe intact propellers and large boiler rooms, showcasing the ship’s original purpose.
  • Exceptional visibility allows divers to appreciate the intricate details of the wreck.
• Marine Life: Schools of trevally, groupers, and even turtles make this wreck their home. Macro enthusiasts can spot pygmy seahorses, scorpionfish, and colorful nudibranchs.
• Depth: 28-43 meters.
• Activity Time: 1-hour dive, followed by a surface interval.

12:30 PM – Lunch on Board

• Enjoy a hearty Filipino lunch of grilled fish, chicken adobo, rice, and tropical fruits.
• Relax on deck, taking in views of limestone cliffs and turquoise waters.

1:30 PM – Dive 3: Olympia Maru

• Why It’s Special: A Japanese cargo ship sunk during WWII, Olympia Maru is one of the most accessible wrecks in Coron.
• Key Features:
  • Explore spacious cargo holds and remnants of supplies.
  • Swim through a thriving coral-encrusted structure surrounded by a kaleidoscope of reef fish.
  • Easy penetration points make it an excellent site for intermediate wreck divers.
• Marine Life: Expect sightings of large snappers, barracuda, clownfish, and pipefish amidst colorful coral gardens.
• Depth: 18-30 meters.
• Activity Time: 1-hour dive, followed by a surface interval.

3:00 PM – Dive 4: Siete Pecados (Seven Sins Reef)

• Why It’s Special: A pristine marine sanctuary with vibrant coral gardens and abundant marine life, Siete Pecados is a diver’s paradise.
• Key Features:
  • Drift along coral-covered pinnacles teeming with life.
  • Marvel at soft corals, sponges, and gorgonian sea fans in vibrant hues.
  • Excellent visibility and mild currents make it a favorite for divers and snorkelers alike.
• Marine Life: Schools of colorful reef fish, turtles, parrotfish, and occasional sightings of manta rays or eagle rays. Macro enthusiasts can spot frogfish, nudibranchs, and shrimp hiding in the coral.
• Depth: 5-20 meters.
• Activity Time: 1-hour dive.

4:00 PM – Return to Coron Town Proper

• Enjoy a relaxing boat ride back, reflecting on the day’s incredible dives and the vibrant underwater world of Coron.