Barracuda Lake, Coron

Barracuda Lake

Float peacefully in 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.

Barracuda-lake-underwater-thermocline-coron-Palawan-tour-3

Barracuda Lake is renowned for its mesmerizing thermocline phenomenon, a unique occurrence where the water temperature changes dramatically at different depths. As you descend 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.

Crystal clear waters in Barracuda Lake, Coron.

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.

Barracuda-lake-underwater-thermocline-coron-Palawan-tour-5

Starting out on the surface of the lake, divers, swimmers, and scuba enthusiasts can expect temperatures around 82 degrees Fahrenheit. But as you dive into lake deeper, around 45 to 50 feet down, the temperature of Barracuda lake suddenly changes to just over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (so you don’t need to wear a wet suit as most people’s hot tubs are at 104 degrees).

Scuba diving in the deep and mysterious waters of Barracuda Lake, Coron.

Since Barracuda Lake is made 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 also characterized by an impressive display of limestone formations that rise up on all sides and extend beneath the surface.

Impressive limestone formations in Barracuda Lake, Coron.

Divers flock to Barracuda Lake for its unique geological formations, including jagged limestone cliffs and underwater caves. As you dive deeper, you’ll encounter a submerged rock face and swim-through crevices that 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.

Barracuda-lake-underwater-thermocline-coron-Palawan-tour-1

If you get really lucky you may even have a chance to encounter with the only resident barracuda for which the lake was named, who is said to lurk in the shadows of the lake’s thirty-meter cave. 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? You will have a sense of “weightlessness” like you’re floating while exploring the hot or cool depths, a sensational experience (which is largely devoid of flora and fauna).

However, the lake holds yet another shocker: just when the salt watery heat becomes a bit unbearable, the temperature changes back to cool again near the bottom — I know, it might sound and FEEL scary!

Jelly-like sandy bottom of Barracuda Lake, Coron.

Another special feature of the lake is the sand at the very bottom, which has been described as “jelly-like,” “silky,” “airy,” and “silty.” The lake bottom was so light and airy, with one throw you could fill the water with a billowing cloud of its murkiness. It’s apparently good for play, too. And although the barracudas aren’t really around anymore, if you’re lucky, you may still catch a glimpse of one.

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!

A video of some of our guests enjoying the sites:

YouTube video player

Know Before You Go

This lake is best experienced via scuba diving to get the full experience of the thermocline.

Essential Travel Tips When Visiting Barracuda Lake

Barracuda-lake-underwater-thermocline-coron-Palawan-tour

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.

Barracuda-lake-underwater-thermocline-coron-Palawan-tour-2

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

  • Go there early in the morning when the place is not yet crowded. 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 and enjoy this piece of paradise 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.
  • You may even spot other fishes like rabbit fish, cray fish, catfish, and other sea creatures from the ocean that have found their way through the small openings in the limestone cliff walls.
  • If you are into diving, you will have the chance to experience the changes in water temperature (thermocline) as you go deeper.
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.

Palawan boat tours to Barracuda Lake, Coron.

Other common mispellings for Baraccuda lake:

Barakuda, barrakuda and baracuda lake.

Twin Lagoons, Coron

Twin-lagoons-coron-twin lagoons

Twin-lagoons-coron-Twin_Lagoon_Palawan-120

One of the top things to do around Coron according to Tripadvisor. Click here if you are interested in booking some local Coron tours.

Located not far from Kayangan Lake on the same island of Coron (the town of Coron is located on another island), another worthwhile stop along a boat tour. The coastline is splendid and the bay mystifying as you approach the little house wedged into the sharp rocks at the lagoon’s mouth.

Twin-lagoons-coron-twin lagoonsPhoto left: the usual entry is at the boats in the upper right, where the house is. But boats can also get into the second lagoon, shown bottom left.

The house owner will paddle out occasionally, collecting the 200p entrance fee from the various boats, but if you’re hungry, this could be a good stop for lunch because they’ll also grill you up some fresh fish. If you take a peak behind the house you’ll find the usual hung laundry, roaming chickens and dirt floor backyard that you’ll find in any other rural Filipino home, so obviously the attendants are not collecting much of the entrance fee.

Twin-lagoons-coron-20170209_112905

Grilled fish diner and entrance fee collection.

Because the lagoons are so popular, you can expect a lot of tourists bobbing in the water, but still much less than the lagoons around El Nido.

Twin-lagoons-coron-20170209_113544

To get to the other lagoon, if tide is low enough you can swim your way under a tight impasse, otherwise you can crawl over on a funky ladder system.

Twin-lagoons-coron-DSCN5442

Twin-lagoons-coron-6129734225_ce698d8099_b

If it is low tide, the ladder is a worthwhile climb if you want to take some good pictures.

Twin-lagoons-coron-20170209_114552

View from the top of the ladder to the second lagoon.

Alternating cold fresh water with warm ocean water can give a slightly eerie feeling, which is why the locals call the lagoons “strange waters”.

Here is a short video:

Click here if you are interested in booking some local Coron tours. Or you can join or book one of our private custom Palawan boat tours between El Nido and Coron, which would include this site and Kayangan Lake. Tons of paradise beach islands to see along the way, excellent snorkeling in crystal clear waters, caves to explore, Spanish fortress and much more. Completely off the beaten path!

Palawan-boat-tours

Kayangan Lake, Coron

Kayangan-lake-13876486_947971712024751_3683218233946924218_n

Kayangan Lake

Kayangan-lake-20170209_123804Click on pic to zoom in.

No. 3 of things to do around Coron according to Tripadvisor.

But it requires a steep 75m climb (about 300 steps total), both up and down into it, about 15 minutes if you are in reasonably good shape. That includes the waiting time, as the path is too narrow to accommodate traffic in both directions, and because it is a popular destination, be prepared to slide to the side and wait occasionally.

It is a hall of fame awardee for the cleanest and greenest inland body of water in the Philippines and dubbed as the cleanest lake in Asia. However, when I was there it didn’t seem so clear but somewhat murky, and hardly as clear as the waters around Linapacan.

Kayangan-lake-13876486_947971712024751_3683218233946924218_n

Kayangan-lake-coron

Kayangan-lake-Cc_bl4AW4AACqF1

If the climb is too much for you, another alternative is the nearby Barracuda Lake, one of two out of eight lakes in the area open to the public. It has only 30-40 steps.

Kayangan-lake-map

The lake is surrounded by a karst scenery of limestone cliffs and guarded and maintained by Tagbanua tribesmen, who consider the lake a sacred cultural site. It is believed that spirits used to dwell in the sacred lakes and that a ritual was performed to transfer the spirits from Kayangan and Barracuda to Cabugao, the largest of all the lakes. Kayangan Lake is 70% fresh water and 30% salt water. According to Coron Tourism it is the most photographed spot in Coron.

Kayangan-Lagoon-Lake-Coron-Palawan-090

Typical shot of Kayangan Lagoon from the top of the climb.

Kayangan-lake-20170209_122619

The busy docking area in the lagoon.

Kayangan-lake-20170209_122722

It has astonishing underwater rock formations (which have jagged edges and can be fun to grab onto to keep underwater and pull yourself along), and you can discover the enchanting Awuyuk Kayangan Cave, where you’d have to swim to go through its narrow entrance.

Awuyuk-Kayangan-Cave
Awuyuk Kayangan Cave

Kayangan-Lagoon-Lake-Coron-Palawan-141

Kayangan-Lagoon-Lake-Coron-Palawan-163

Kayangan-lake-12424346_476361112552348_1918218053_n

Kayangan-lake-maxresdefault

There is a cave you can check out at the top of the climb. At the top there is also an area where you can take a beautiful shot of the Kayangan Lagoon, where the boats dock.

Kayangan-Lagoon-Lake-Coron-Palawan-054

The trip from Coron there is itself breathtaking, the shoreline adorned with beautiful limestone cliffs and hidden little beaches.

Kayangan-lake-20170209_121309

There is an entrance fee of 200p to enter the area.

To get here you can join or book one of our private custom Palawan boat tours between El Nido and Coron, or a local Coron tour. Tons of paradise beach islands to see along the way, excellent snorkeling in crystal clear waters, caves to explore, Spanish fortress and much more. Completely off the beaten path!

Palawan-boat-tours

Exit mobile version