Most people come to Palawan for the scenery above the waterline, but the water itself is the real attraction. The island sits at the edge of the Coral Triangle, the most biodiverse marine region on Earth, and both El Nido and Coron offer ways to get underwater whether you are a confident diver or have never put a mask on your face. This guide explains where to snorkel, where to dive, how the seasons work and how to behave so the reefs stay healthy for the next visitor.
Snorkelling on the island-hopping tours
Every standard El Nido route includes at least two or three snorkel stops, and for many visitors these are the best underwater experience without any extra planning. Tour C and Tour A tend to have the clearest coral and the most fish, while the sheltered bays on other routes offer calmer water for beginners. Snorkel masks are cheap to hire, but a mask that fits your own face makes a big difference, so consider bringing one. Stay horizontal, kick gently and keep your fins away from coral, which can be damaged by a single careless kick.
Coron's wrecks
Coron Bay is famous for the Japanese supply ships sunk during a Second World War air raid, and the wrecks now serve as artificial reefs covered in coral and surrounded by fish. Certified divers can reach the deeper wrecks, but a few lie shallow enough to see from the surface, and the shared shipwreck snorkelling tour is the easy way to experience one. Visibility depends on the weather and the tide, and the best days are calm, bright mornings. Never enter a wreck without proper training, never touch or take anything from it and remember that these are historic sites as well as dive sites.
Learning to dive
If you are curious about scuba, a discover programme in El Nido or Coron is a low-commitment introduction. You complete a short briefing, practise breathing underwater in very shallow water and then make a supervised dive with an instructor beside you. No certification is needed, but you must answer a medical questionnaire honestly. Do not fly for eighteen to twenty-four hours after diving, so plan your dive early in the trip. If you enjoy it, an Open Water course takes a few days and opens up the deeper wrecks and walls that make Coron a world-class destination.
Wildlife
Green sea turtles are regularly seen on the reefs around El Nido and Coron, and the seagrass meadows near Busuanga are one of the few places in the Philippines where dugongs still feed. A dedicated dugong and turtle watching day is slow and quiet, and sightings are never guaranteed, but the setting is lovely and the turtles are a dependable bonus. Keep a respectful distance, never touch or chase animals and choose operators that brief the group before anyone enters the water.
Lakes and lagoons
Not every swim is in the sea. Coron has lakes with unusual conditions, such as freshwater and brackish layers, that attract certain visitors, while El Nido's lagoons offer swimming through limestone gateways. These are best enjoyed with a guide who knows the entry points, the rules and the safest places to swim.
When to go
The dry season from November to May offers the calmest seas and the clearest water. The shoulder months are workable, but boat departures can be cancelled in rough weather, and from June to October the sea can be unsettled for days at a time. Always keep a spare day in your plans, and ask each operator about rescheduling or refunds when you get tickets.
Staying safe
Wear a life jacket if you are unsure in deep water, even if you swim well, because currents between islands can be strong. Do not snorkel alone, tell the guide if you feel unwell and avoid drinking alcohol the night before a dive. Wear a rash vest, which protects against sunburn and minor stings, and carry a small first-aid kit if you plan to be away from town for the day. Jellyfish and sea lice are occasional nuisances, and a thin full-body suit helps.
Responsible habits
Use reef-safe sun cream, because many chemical filters harm corals. Do not stand on coral or sand banks covered in seagrass, do not feed fish and take every piece of rubbish with you. Choose operators that follow local rules on group size and anchoring, and be sceptical of any tour promising guaranteed wildlife encounters. A small amount of care keeps the reefs thriving and the guides in work.
Putting it together
A good underwater week in Palawan might start with an El Nido island-hopping day for easy snorkelling, followed by a discover dive for a deeper look, then a ferry or flight to Coron for the wreck snorkel and a dugong day. Add a rest day in between, and you will have seen most of what the region offers below the surface without rushing.
