Dive Locations : Palawan


Introduction

Palawan is an island located to the East of the Philippine mainland, in the South China Sea. The island is known for its natural beauty and wide variety of animal life, most especially marine creatures. It is sometimes called the Philippines "last frontier" and is known to have some of the best diving in the Philippines, if not in the world.

One of the most popualr diving attractions are the "Coron Wrecks" located in Busuanga, which is the largest island in the Calamian group of islands off Palawan. The island is home to a game reserve and wildlife sanctuary, as well as being a pathway to to some truly outstanding dive sites.

The World War II wrecks around Busunaga Island, particularly in Coron Bay, have been one of the Philippine Diving's best-kept secrets. It can be compared to a condensed version of Truk Lagoon in the Caroline Islands. So far twelve wrecks have been located in the diveable depths.

There are also many isolated beaches and a lot of extraordianry natural sceney in the area. Other attractions include a large fresh water lake, perl farms, and caves.

Diving

The wreck diving is absolutely spectacular and is a once in a life time exprience. However, visibility can be poor, especially at wrecks nearest to the Busunga mainland. Most of the wrecks are long day trips from Coron Town, and some are best treated as an overnight trip, so it is wise to dive onyl in good weather and conditions.

Wreck diving certification is necessary for divers who wish to enter the wrecks but not for those who wish to viem them from outside. There are many fishing nets caught on the deeper wrecks, so caution must be taken. Diving of course is not limited to the wrecks alone, as there are many other "non-wreck" dive sites in the area as well. The diving is best from October to May.

Available Packages:

1. Palawan Dive
2. Palawan - Club Paradise
3. Palawan - Sangat Island Reserve
4. Palawan - Maricaban

Dive Sites:

1. Black Island Wreck
2. Taiei Maru
3. Akitsushima
4. Gunboat at Lusong Island
5. Olympia Maru
6. Kogyo Maru
7. Irako
8. Mamya Maru
9. Tangat Wreck
10. East Tangat Wreck
11. Coron Island - Fishing Boat
12. Cayangan Lake
13. Coral Garden
14. Gunter's Cathedral
15. Delian Island
16. Framjee Bank
17. Brown Rocks
18. Tara Island
19. Kyokuzan Maru
20. Dumunpalit Island



Images and Diving Information, Copyright Jack Jackson.
Taken with permission from his book "The Dive Sites of The Philippines".