Skeleton Ship Wreck in Coron, Palawan: An Underwater Adventure of a Lifetime

Home » Palawan » Boat Stops » Skeleton Ship Wreck in Coron, Palawan: An Underwater Adventure of a Lifetime

Skeleton Ship Wreck in Coron

Amidst a vibrant underwater scene, a person swims gracefully, surrounded by zebra-striped and black fish in the clear turquoise water—an enchanting experience often found during island hopping adventures.

In the realm of scuba diving, few places can match the beguiling allure of Coron, Philippines. Teeming with rich marine biodiversity, it’s an enchanting paradise that invites divers from all walks of life to immerse themselves in its captivating depths. Yet, there’s more to Coron than meets the eye. Among its stunning reefs and abundant marine life lies an enigma—a testament to a bygone era—known as the Skeleton Shipwreck. This article takes you on a journey beneath the waves, revealing the secrets of the Skeleton Wreck and its irresistible pull to adventure seekers worldwide.

Beneath the clear blue waters of Coron, the coral-covered Skeleton Shipwreck teems with vibrant marine life, offering a stunning underwater view that invites adventure seekers during island hopping tours.

Hailed as one of Coron’s gems, the Skeleton Shipwreck offers an unparalleled diving experience. For both diving enthusiasts and marine archaeologists alike, the attraction here isn’t merely the spectacle of the submerged vessel itself—it’s the storied history the wreck carries, an echo of past maritime adventures and calamities that kindles our innate curiosity about the sea and its treasures.

Discovering Skeleton Shipwreck

Immerse yourself in the underwater wonder of the Coron Skeleton Shipwreck, where vibrant coral encrusts the sunken vessel against a backdrop of deep blue waters, perfect for island hopping adventures.

Just beneath the emerald waters of Coron Bay, the Skeleton Wreck sits at a depth that’s comfortable for both novice and experienced divers. Its frame, left bare by time and decay, is where it gets its name. Encrusted with vibrant corals and teeming with sea life, the Skeleton Wreck’s hauntingly beautiful appearance belies a history steeped in the intrigues of World War II.

The History of Skeleton Shipwreck

Beneath the crystal-clear waters of Coron, vibrant fish dart around the Skeleton Shipwreck, creating a mesmerizing underwater scene.

While the precise identity of the Skeleton Wreck remains unknown, it’s widely believed to be a Japanese supply ship from WWII. As history tells us, Coron Bay was a safe harbor for the Japanese fleet during the war. Still, in September 1944, a surprise attack by US aircraft sunk several Japanese vessels in the bay. The Skeleton Wreck is one of the vestiges of this fierce battle—an enduring symbol of conflict lying in the peaceful repose of the ocean floor.

A Dive to Remember

Two clownfish swim among sea anemones and corals in a vibrant underwater scene, reminiscent of the colorful sights you might encounter while island hopping on a boat tour.

Immersing yourself in the Skeleton Wreck dive site is like opening a window into the past. As you descend, the vessel’s skeletal remains become more apparent—its structure adorned with countless corals and sponges, providing a habitat for an array of marine species. Shoals of colorful reef fish dart in and out of the skeleton, while nudibranchs, moray eels, and even sea turtles can often be spotted.

For underwater photographers, the Skeleton Wreck is a dream come true. The combination of the ship’s frame, the vibrant marine life, and the play of light underwater creates a stunning tableau that demands to be captured.

Preserving the Skeleton Shipwreck

Snorkeling near Coron reveals clear blue waters teeming with striped fish, offering a mesmerizing view as you explore the nearby Skeleton Shipwreck. Perfect for those who enjoy island hopping and discovering marine wonders.

Given its historical and ecological value, efforts have been made to preserve the Skeleton Wreck site. The Philippines’ government, in collaboration with local and international preservation societies, ensures that the site is protected and that its integrity is maintained for future generations. Divers are encouraged to respect the ‘no touch’ policy, refraining from touching or removing anything from the site.

Best Time to Visit Skeleton Shipwreck

An underwater scene reveals vibrant fish gliding through clear blue waters, with blurred coral and rock formations in the background, inviting explorers to imagine island hopping in Coron or diving into the depths near the legendary Skeleton Shipwreck.

Visiting the Skeleton Ship Wreck is a year-round opportunity, thanks to Coron’s tropical climate. However, for the best visibility, consider scheduling your dive between December and May. Numerous dive shops in Coron offer guided tours to the Skeleton Wreck, complete with equipment rental, making it accessible to divers of all experience levels.

How to Get to Skeleton Shipwreck

The bright yellow-green coral, adorned with small polyps, thrives underwater among rocks and vibrant marine life. Nearby, a boat tour uncovers hidden treasures like the renowned Skeleton Shipwreck amidst enchanting coral ecosystems.

Arriving at the Skeleton Wreck in Coron, Palawan, involves several steps, as detailed below:

  1. Flight to Manila: Your journey starts with a flight to Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. This bustling metropolis serves as the main hub for international flights into the country.
  2. Manila to Busuanga Island: From Manila, book a domestic flight to Busuanga Island. Multiple airlines operate daily flights to Francisco B. Reyes Airport (formerly known as Busuanga Airport), which takes around an hour.
  3. Busuanga to Coron Town Proper: Upon landing at Francisco B. Reyes Airport, you’ll take a shuttle van or a tricycle to Coron Town Proper. This is a scenic 40-minute ride that will take you through lush landscapes and local settlements.
  4. Boat to the Skeleton Wreck: The best way to explore the Skeleton Shipwreck in Coron is to book a private boat tour with us. In this way, you get to manage your time and avoid the crowds. Private tours include lunch, snorkeling gear, entrance fees, private boat and a licensed tour guide.
  5. Dive into the adventure: Lastly, equipped with your diving gear and accompanied by a certified guide, you’ll dive into the clear waters to explore the mesmerizing Skeleton Wreck. Whether you are an experienced diver or a novice, this underwater adventure will surely be a memorable experience.
  6. Make sure to check the local weather forecast before scheduling your dive. The best visibility for diving in Coron is usually between December and May. Enjoy your trip and respect the ‘no touch’ policy to help preserve this historical underwater wonder.

Remember, as much as possible, adhere to the principle of “Leave No Trace” during your island hopping. Dispose of your trash responsibly, do not touch or step on corals, and avoid feeding or disturbing marine wildlife. Happy Island Hopping!

Looking for a more secluded and off the beaten islands? Our Private Multi-day boat expedition is perfect for you. We also offer El Nido Private tours.

As the sun sets, a couple enjoys the tranquil beauty of Coron, sitting on the beach surrounded by a heart-shaped arrangement of candles. They clink their glasses of wine, reflecting on their day filled with island hopping and dreams of tomorrow's boat tour adventure.

Looking for a hassle-free Surprise Sunset Wedding Proposal? We got you! We have available Surprise Wedding Proposal packages available in Coron and in El Nido.

Book your romantic off the beaten dream holiday vacation with us! Click the photo below for more information.

Aerial view of a boat moored on a sandy beach surrounded by blue-green water; text reads "Palawan island hopping tours.

Experience the thrill of island hopping in the Philippines

cartoon hand gesture pointing right fingerBack to tours around Coron

Important links and related tours

Private and group multiday expedition tours between El Nido and Coron
Private boat tours around El Nido
Combination El Nido and/or Coron boat tours with multiday expedition in between
Marriage proposal tours
Best diving sites in the Philippines

Google reviews
Facebook reviews
Home » Palawan » Boat Stops » Skeleton Ship Wreck in Coron, Palawan: An Underwater Adventure of a Lifetime

A wife and a mother of one with a small family business operation. We love to travel so we know what you need. In our family, I’m the one who loves organizing romantic wedding proposals and El Nido and Coron private day tours.

Submit your review
1
2
3
4
5
Submit
     
Cancel

Create your own review
Skeleton Ship Wreck
Average rating:  
 1 reviews
 by Karel
nice

Good for free diving and scuba diving.

Leave a Comment