Coron is famous for its underwater treasures, particularly its World War II shipwrecks
Here’s a list of some notable shipwrecks in Coron that divers can explore, each with its own unique history:
Shipwrecks
- Kyokuzan Maru (East Tangat Gunboat):
- Type: Japanese auxiliary cargo ship
- Depth: Approximately 26 meters
- Highlights: Covered in colorful coral, with artifacts such as sake bottles and ammunition still visible.
- Olympia Maru:
- Type: Japanese seaplane tender
- Depth: Ranges from 8 to 24 meters
- Highlights: Divers can explore the seaplane hanger and discover various artifacts like aircraft parts.
- Irako Maru:
- Type: Japanese refrigeration ship
- Depth: Approximately 42 meters
- Highlights: Features intact engine rooms, walk-in freezers, and schools of fish surrounding the wreck.
- Akitsushima:
- Type: Japanese seaplane tender/aircraft ferry
- Depth: Approximately 38 meters
- Highlights: Divers can explore intact seaplanes on the deck and the massive crane used for launching them.
- Kogyo Maru:
- Type: Japanese freighter
- Depth: Ranges from 15 to 34 meters
- Highlights: The cargo holds contain trucks, bulldozers, and other construction equipment.
- Okikawa Maru (Wreck Point):
- Type: Japanese oil tanker
- Depth: Approximately 26 meters
- Highlights: Known for its stunning coral growth and the visibility of the ship’s structure.
- Lusong Gunboat (Lusong Island Wreck):
- Type: Japanese gunboat
- Depth: Approximately 11 meters
- Highlights: Shallow dive suitable for snorkelers, with cannons and artifacts scattered around the site.
- Morazan Maru:
- Type: Spanish freighter
- Depth: Approximately 27 meters
- Highlights: Divers can explore the engine room and cargo holds with trucks and construction equipment.
- East Tangat Gunboat (Tangat Wreck):
- Type: Japanese auxiliary gunboat
- Depth: Approximately 14 meters
- Highlights: Shallow dive with excellent visibility, featuring gun turrets and marine life.
- Skeleton Wreck:
- Type: Unknown
- Depth: Approximately 5 meters
- Highlights: Shallow dive suitable for beginners, known for its eerie, skeleton-like structure.
Diving in Coron provides a unique opportunity to witness history frozen in time beneath the sea, with these shipwrecks offering a glimpse into the events of World War II and showcasing the beauty of marine life reclaiming these artificial reefs. Always dive with a certified guide and follow proper safety protocols when exploring these underwater sites.
