Coron Bay holds one of the best-known wreck collections in Asia. In late September 1944, American carrier aircraft attacked a Japanese supply fleet anchored in the sheltered waters off Busuanga, and a number of ships went down in a single raid. Most now rest on the seabed at depths that only certified divers can reach, but a few lie shallow enough that snorkellers can see them from the surface, with the hulls draped in coral and surrounded by reef fish. This shared reef and wreck tour is built around those shallow sites. The boat leaves from Coron town, calls at a wreck or two, then moves on to a coral garden and usually a beach stop for lunch. It is a very different day from the limestone scenery of the island tours, and it appeals to anyone who likes history as much as swimming. Visibility, current and sea conditions change from day to day, so the exact stops depend on what the crew judges safe.
The sight itself is simple to describe and surprisingly moving in person. You slip off the side of an outrigger boat into calm, green water, put your face down and the outline of a ship appears below you: a bow, a mast, a row of ribs covered in sponges and soft coral. Because the water in the bay is sheltered, snorkelling over the shallowest wrecks is gentle, though a life jacket is worth wearing if you are not a strong swimmer.
Fish gather densely around the structures, and the nearby reefs and coral gardens add colour and variety. Expect a mix of snorkelling stops of around thirty to forty-five minutes each, with time on the boat between them and a simple lunch on a beach or on board.
The shared format keeps the cost sensible, and a group size of ten to fifteen is typical. If you want to linger or choose your own stops, a private boat is the alternative, but the shared tour covers the core of what most visitors come for. Get tickets for the shared departure and ask what the fee covers, because entrance and environmental fees, snorkel gear and life jackets are handled differently between operators.
Bring a rash vest, reef-safe sun cream, a waterproof phone pouch, water shoes for rocky landings and a little cash for the small fees collected on the day.
Certified divers can reach the deeper wrecks through a dive operator in town, and the snorkel tour is a good way to decide whether you want to go deeper on another day. Pair it with the Kayangan Lake island tour, because the two days together cover Coron's best-known water scenery above and below the surface.
Boats in Coron can be cancelled when the sea is rough, particularly in the wetter months, so keep a spare day. Avoid touching coral or standing on it, and do not take anything from the wrecks, which are protected and also fragile.
A few practical habits improve the day. Apply sun cream well before you board so it has time to soak in, drink water between stops and keep a dry layer for the boat ride back, since the late afternoon breeze can feel cool when you are wet. If you carry a camera, a simple waterproof case or a floating strap is far better than relying on a pouch, and the wrecks photograph best when the sun is high and the water is calm.
What to expect
The experience
A shared boat trip from Coron town with snorkelling stops at one or more shallow wrecks, a coral garden and a beach lunch.
Best time
Go in the dry season from November to May, when seas are calmer and visibility over the wrecks is best.
How long
About six hours including boat transfers between stops.
Tips
Wear a life jacket if you are unsure in deep water, use reef-safe sun cream and avoid touching coral or the wreck structure.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Snorkellers and history lovers who want to see a Second World War wreck without learning to dive.
- Families
- Fine for confident swimmers with life jackets, but the wreck stops involve deep water below the surface, so young children need close supervision.
- Couples
- A memorable shared experience, especially when paired with a quiet beach stop for lunch.
- Pair with
- Pair it with the Coron Island tour to Kayangan Lake on a different day.
- Time needed
- One day, ideally with a spare day in reserve for weather.
Good questions
Can I see the wrecks without scuba gear?+
Yes, at least some of them. A few wrecks lie shallow enough to see from the surface with a mask and snorkel, which is what this tour is designed around. The deepest wrecks are for certified divers only.
Are the wrecks safe to swim around?+
Snorkelling over them is generally calm in the sheltered bay, but you should never swim inside a wreck or touch the structure. Sharp edges and fragile coral make it unsafe and damaging.
What else does the tour include?+
Typically a coral garden stop and a beach lunch, though the exact route depends on the operator and the conditions on the day. Ask what fees and gear are included.
Is the sea always calm enough to go?+
No. Boats can be cancelled in rough weather, and the wetter months bring more disruption. Ask about rescheduling or refunds when you get tickets.
Is this better than the Coron Island tour?+
They are different. The wreck tour is about underwater sights and history, while the island tour is about Kayangan Lake, lagoons and scenery. Most visitors with two days do both.
