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Boat Stops

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


Skeleton Ship Wreck in Coron

skeleton-ship-wreck-coron-palawan1-1 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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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.

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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.

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Experience the thrill of island hopping in the Philippines


Lou PrataliLou Pratali
11:04 25 Jul 23
This is a must to do!!Super ultimate tour is the best with Kayangan and barracuda lake, twin lagoons (my favorite), coral garden (blue fabulous coral) were the best. It’s really worth it to pay for private tour (3500 to 4000 PHP). You will also have to pay for entrance fees (150 to 200PHP by location) and eventually shopping at the market - must do (count 300 for 2 for fish, pork, fruits and vegetables, water).
Gérard BENOITGérard BENOIT
16:11 07 Feb 23
I was looking for a personalized excursion to the beautiful Gulf of Bacuit.Seeing the comments, I contacted Mel.Very responsive, very efficient and perfect organization.The flight attendants were very friendly and very helpful.And I'm not even talking about the meal on board...a marvel.In all fairness, this excursion will remain an excellent memory and I cannot recommend Mel and his team highly enough.A big thank-you.
Alyse TarbottonAlyse Tarbotton
23:48 30 Aug 22
This tour went well above all our expectations! I couldn't recommend this enough! The boat crew, captain and tour guide were nothing but amazing, everyone was so kind, helpful and friendly. The crew knew the best spots to visit that weren't overcrowded with tourists, 3 times we were lucky enough to have whole islands to ourselves! It was my partner's birthday while away and everything went above and beyond, bonfire, cake, birthday card, singing and celebrating with us.If you love camping this is definitely a tout you should do, it has been the highlight of our trip!!
Danish KayaniDanish Kayani
10:24 31 Oct 19
Coron is the best place i have ever seen.. picturesque. Beautiful. Peaceful
We booked a 4 days/3 nights private boat trip from Coron to Sibaltan. The organization went very well from the beginning, the owner answered to all my questions, and we were able to choose which islands to visit and where to sleep. The first night we slept in a bungalow in Banana Island, the second we camped in Araw beach and the last we slept in a seafront bungalow builded on a tree in Pical on Iloc Island.The islands in that area are the most beautiful islands I have ever seen, with clear water, lots of coral reef and fishes to see, white sand and almost deserted. The crew was very friendly and polite and they organize every single meal and for camping they give you a tent which was just perfect! This was our highlight in our 2 weeks in the Philippines and I wish I had booked a longer trip. A private trip gives you the freedom to decide where and when to go.
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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.

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Skeleton Ship Wreck
Average rating:  
 1 reviews
Karel
Jul 5, 2023
 by Karel
nice

Good for free diving and scuba diving.

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