Barracuda Lake, Coron

Coron is one of the top destinations for travelers visiting Palawan, Philippines. Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Coron, Palawan, Barracuda Lake emerges as a captivating wonder for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

This famous destination offers a remarkable blend of stunning natural beauty and a distinctive thermocline phenomenon, making it an ideal spot for divers and snorkelers seeking an extraordinary underwater experience. This famous fresh and salt water lake holds a secret that draws in diving enthusiasts from all over the world.

Due to its surprisingly characteristic of having thermocline phenomena, Barracuda Lake has been famous for tourists visiting Coron, Palawan. The water temperature is different depending on its depths. As you dive into the lake, you’ll feel a distinct transition from warm surface water to cooler depths, but then even warmer again. This phenomenon creates a fascinating diving experience, unlike any other, as you navigate through layers of varying temperatures. With that being said, Barracuda Lake offers one of the most unique diving experiences. Occasionally referred to as Luluyuan Lake by locals, its crystal blue waters are hidden between majestic rocky formations.

Prepare to be enchanted by the crystal-clear waters of Barracuda Lake. Its exceptional visibility offers a window into an underwater world filled with awe-inspiring rock formations, submerged trees, and intriguing marine life. The lake’s remarkable clarity allows divers and snorkelers to explore its depths with unparalleled clarity, providing an immersive experience like no other.

The surface water in Barracuda Lake can be warm, with temperatures reaching around 28-30°C (82-86°F). However, once you cross the thermocline, the temperature can drop abruptly by several degrees Celsius.

The precise cause of the thermocline in Barracuda Lake is still debated among experts, but one theory suggests that a combination of factors contributes to this phenomenon. The lake’s unique geological formation, consisting of limestone cliffs and rocks, may play a role in trapping the cooler water at the lower depths. Additionally, the lake’s location and limited water circulation might contribute to the stratification of water temperatures.

Diving through the thermocline in Barracuda Lake offers a remarkable sensory experience. As you cross this layer, you can physically feel the temperature change, often described as a sudden shift from warm to noticeably colder water. This transition adds an element of intrigue and adventure to the diving experience, making Barracuda Lake stand out from other dive sites.

Since Barracuda Lake is a mixture of both fresh and salt water, the result is this unusual temperature rise. What’s more surprising is that the divers can even distinctly see the thin boundary that separates the two bodies of water.

Barracuda lake is surrounded by towering limestone formations that create a dramatic backdrop for the lake. These cliffs, formed over millions of years through natural processes, showcase intricate patterns and textures, adding a sense of grandeur to the landscape.

Divers flock to Barracuda Lake for its unique geological formations, including jagged limestone cliffs and underwater caves. As you descend into the depths of Barracuda Lake, you’ll come across an intriguing underwater rock face. This submerged rock formation is a popular attraction for divers, featuring irregular surfaces, crevices, and nooks that provide shelter to various marine species and add a touch of mystery to your underwater adventure. Keep an eye out for barracudas, snappers, and other marine creatures that call this pristine environment home.

Let’s just say, scuba diving Barracuda Lake is a sensory experience you are sure to remember for the rest of your life.

Did you know that when you dive into Barracuda Lake it feels like you’re walking on the moon? In Barracuda Lake, divers can experience a unique sensation of weightlessness due to the lake’s high salinity content. The water in the lake has a saltwater layer near the bottom, which gives divers a buoyancy effect similar to what is experienced in the Dead Sea.

When divers descend into the deeper parts of Barracuda Lake, they may notice an increased buoyancy compared to diving in regular freshwater or seawater environments. This buoyancy is a result of the high salt concentration in the lower layers of the lake, which increases the water’s density and makes it easier for divers to float effortlessly.

The feeling of weightlessness in Barracuda Lake can be quite remarkable. Divers often describe the sensation as if they are effortlessly suspended in the water, experiencing minimal resistance and feeling almost weightless. It creates a unique and tranquil diving experience, allowing divers to focus on exploring the underwater scenery and marine life without the usual gravitational pull.

The weightlessness experience in Barracuda Lake adds an extra element of relaxation and serenity to the dive. It offers divers the opportunity to enjoy a sense of freedom and ease while maneuvering through the underwater rock formations, swim-throughs, and observing the fascinating marine ecosystem.

It’s important to note that the level of buoyancy experienced may vary depending on factors such as the diver’s body composition, equipment used, and depth of the dive. Divers should always maintain good buoyancy control and follow proper diving techniques to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Experiencing weightlessness in Barracuda Lake is a special aspect that divers can cherish and appreciate. It contributes to the lake’s unique allure, making it a sought-after destination for those seeking a distinctive and serene diving adventure.

Another remarkable and often-described features of Barracuda Lake in Coron, Palawan is the unique texture and sensation of the sand at its very bottom. Visitors have used terms such as “jelly-like,” “silky,” “airy,” and “silty” to describe the feeling when walking or diving on the lake’s sandy floor.

The sand in Barracuda Lake offers a distinct sensory experience that sets it apart from traditional sandy bottoms found in other bodies of water. As you walk or swim along the lake’s bottom, you may notice that the sand feels different underfoot or when touched. The exact texture and sensation can vary depending on factors such as the depth, location, and individual perception.

Some divers have described the sand as “jelly-like” due to its soft, cushiony feel. Others have likened it to silk, emphasizing its smoothness and fine texture. The sensation of walking or diving on this sand has been compared to stepping on air or gliding through a silky substance, which enhances the overall experience of exploring Barracuda Lake.

The unique characteristics of the sand in Barracuda Lake can be attributed to various factors, including the composition of sediment and minerals present in the lake. The specific combination of particles and their arrangement create the distinctive texture and feel that divers and visitors encounter.

A set of ugly dwarf catfish and large brine shrimp nervously navigated their way. They were truly some of the ugliest critters under the sea. Barracuda Lake was a most unusual dive indeed!

The “silky” and “airy” nature of the sand adds to the sense of tranquility and otherworldliness when exploring the lake’s depths. It provides a gentle and comfortable surface for divers and snorkelers to move across, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the underwater experience.

It’s important to note that the sensation and texture of the sand may vary depending on factors such as water depth, diver movements, and individual perceptions. Exploring and experiencing the unique sandy bottom of Barracuda Lake firsthand is the best way to fully appreciate its distinct qualities.

The combination of the thermocline phenomenon, underwater rock formations, marine life, and the special sandy bottom creates a multi-dimensional and captivating environment in Barracuda Lake. It’s a destination that offers not only stunning visuals but also a unique sensory encounter that adds to the allure of this natural wonder in Coron, Palawan.

A video of some of our guests enjoying the sites:

Know Before You Go

This lake is best experienced via scuba diving or free diving to get the full experience of the thermocline. You may also be interested in knowing the best diving sites in the Philippines, Tubbataha Reef, or the diving sites around Coron.

Essential Travel Tips When Visiting Barracuda Lake

Dive Certification

Ensure you have the necessary diving certification and experience to explore the depths of Barracuda Lake. Ensure you have the necessary diving qualifications, such as an Open Water Diver certification or higher, to safely navigate the depths of the lake. Safety should always be a priority.

Rent or bring gear

If you plan to dive, consider renting or bringing your diving equipment, including wetsuits, masks, and regulators. Having properly fitted and comfortable equipment enhances your diving experience and allows you to fully appreciate the underwater wonders of Barracuda Lake.

Water Temperature and Dive Duration

Prepare for the thermocline phenomenon by being aware of the changing water temperatures at different depths. The surface water may be warm, while the deeper parts of the lake can be significantly cooler. Consider wearing appropriate exposure protection, such as a wetsuit, to stay comfortable during your dive. Also, be mindful of your dive duration and plan accordingly to avoid prolonged exposure to colder temperatures.

Local Guides

Hiring a local guide is highly recommended. These experts possess extensive knowledge of the lake’s unique characteristics, safety protocols, and can provide valuable insights into the underwater landscape. They can also ensure you have a safe and memorable diving experience.

Environmental Preservation

Respect the delicate ecosystem of Barracuda Lake by refraining from touching or removing any underwater formations and avoiding the use of sunscreen that may harm the environment. Contribute to the preservation efforts by not littering and taking any trash back with you.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Barracuda Lake is during the dry season, which typically runs from October to May. This period offers more favorable weather conditions, including calm seas and less rainfall, providing optimal visibility and enjoyable diving experiences. Detailed weather forecasts for the Philippines.

Don’t Miss

Start your island hopping boat tour early in the morning before 9AM the tourists from joiner or group tours arrive. The entrance to the lake is small, so it can get crowded during peak hours. Best to avoid the crowds is by booking a Coron private boat tour.
Chill by the lake while having a cold beer or snacks and enjoy this stunning lake surrounded by limestone cliffs.
Visitors may snorkel or swim in the lake. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the barracudas residing in its waters. The name may sound scary but no need to worry because the barracudas won’t eat you.
If you are into diving, you will have the chance to experience the changes in water temperature (thermocline) as you go deeper.
Don’t forget to take lots of underwater photos.

Barracuda-fish — What a Barracuda fish looks like. Don’t worry, they are not abundant here and will certainly not eat you.

Don’t Forget

It is advised to wear a life vest when you swim or snorkel.
Follow the rules at all times. Practice caution, especially when swimming without your life vest. The lake is very deep, if you can, do not go on your own or out of sight of your companions or the local guides.
If you are planning to swim, just bring what you need. There’s a resting area but it is advised to not leave your things unattended.
Bring enough money to pay for other incidentals such as food and drinks and entrance fee, especially if your group didn’t join a group tour.
Charge your gadgets and/or bring battery packs.
Keep the place clean. Practice proper garbage disposal. Leave nothing but footprints. Take nothing but picture and VIDEOS!

If You Have More Time and Budget

Other places to explore in on a boat tour around Coron Island are Banul Beach, Twin Lagoon, Kayangan Lake, and Siete Pecados.
If you want to explore beautiful beaches with sand bar and powdery white sand, checkout Malcapuya island, Banana Island, Ditaytayan and Bulog dos in our Coron Escapade tour.
Take other tours like Coron Town Tour (which includes Mt Tapyas and Maquinit Hotsprings), Calauit Safari Park Tour, and Culion Historical Tour.
Still craving for the “natural high” after Mt. Tapyas? Go try Mt. Dalara.
You might also be interested in Fireflies and Plankton Night Tour.