Diving For Wrecks In Coron: History Meets Sea Life

By Author: Rich Quiambao
Total Articles: 15
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Wreck diving is essentially two feats in one: the skill of diving underwater and the accomplishment of discovering history. In the Philippine islands, Coron offers one of the most unique and surreal experience of seeing a lush water life with well, naval afterlife. Forbes Magazine has even termed the island- a world-class diving spot. Only a unique blend of history and sea can create such a wonderful diving experience.

The municipality of Coron lies in the Busuanga islands in the province of Palawan, one of the prized nature destinations of the country- the last edge of forest and sea virginity. Sangat beach is a quiet little place of powdery beach that serves as the base for wreck dives. Coron bay will yield a lot of finds, as the wrecks are beautifully covered and preserved by the quiet sea.

Diver guides know where to find the rare animals and would eagerly point them to you. Wrecks are marked with buoys and dives must be planned accordingly. A controlled dive is essential, as well as an experienced guide. Wreck diving in Coron is a full day trip, even more if you plan to see more than one wreck.

In 1944, ...
... about 24 Japanese supply ships had tried to take refuge and cover in the islands to escape attacking US fighter planes. These ships, meant to reinforce the Japanese grip in the country then, were unfortunately detected by US recons or intelligence. The planes of Task Force 38 have managed to sink most of these giant ships. Now they can be admired under water, where they have lied for sixty years. Fourteen wrecks are known spots, and they are all in reachable depths. Most of these are between 100 - 200 meters. The only handicap can be the visibility at many of the wrecks but these can be predicted by the guides by looking at the moon. It is definitely a travel story of travel stories.

Today these ships have become coral reefs, maintaining a structure for a sea ecosystem that is both impressive and wonderful. Life is abundant, with anemones, small fishes, rays, starfish and seahorses. So even if you are diving the wreck externally, it is an immeasurable delight to see the impressive life that these old giants have attracted.

These wreck dives of Coron are perfect spots for experienced and sport divers alike. At least a dozen of guides and teachers are within the area, all of whom loves the activity and the place very dearly. They offer such an experienced and traveled knowledge that you can't helped but feel watched over and safe. Diving enthusiasts call this place a hidden gem.

Diving is excellent in Coron about every day of the year, except of course during the rare tropical storm. Conditions are usually best from October to April. All the accommodation in Coron is diver dedicated but the nearest resort in Sangat could provide you with what you need.

These dedicated dive resorts in Coron and Sangat will even fetch you from the quaint airport in Busuanga. Flights from Manila to Busuanga is common, especially during the peak times of the diving season. Coron is just a small town blessed with huge views, both above water and under it. It is definitely a must for experienced divers.

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