Apo Reef and Coron Wrecks: A Liveaboard Trip Out of the Beaten Path!

Why We Love It

In the heart of the Coral Triangle, with its 7,000 islands, the Philippines is home to diverse ecosystems and an incredible variety of marine life. With this liveaboard diving trip, easily accessible from Manila, you will explore two of the most fascinating dive areas in the Philippines. Apo Reef, declared a natural park in 1980 and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2006, is only accessible by liveaboard, as it is located over three hours by boat from the nearest islands. The wrecks of Coron are among the most stunning dive sites in the world. They date back to World War II when a Japanese fleet was sunk by American aircraft in 1944. From oil tankers to warships and supply vessels, these wrecks are well-preserved and teeming with marine life. Finally, why not extend your trip with a few extra days at an eco-resort in Puerto Galera, where you can discover its breathtaking macro life and enjoy some exhilarating drift dives at Verde Island? – Contact us for more details!

Conservation

The dive operator regularly cleans the sites and frequently hosts research institutes on board, such as the Global Change Institute from the University of Queensland in Australia.

Who Is It For?

Coron and Apo Reef are perfect for enthusiasts of macro life, large pelagics, and wrecks, offering a diverse and unforgettable diving experience. An Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent is required. A visit to Coron’s hot springs is also possible.

Prices and Dates

Dive Briefing!

Marine Life

• Apo Reef is home to reef sharks, manta rays, turtles, and an incredible diversity of tropical fish. Its colorful coral gardens are a sanctuary for schools of jacks, Napoleon wrasse, and occasionally even hammerhead sharks.
• Coron, famous for its World War II wrecks, combines history and biodiversity, with wrecks covered in soft corals and inhabited by lionfish, groupers, and nudibranchs.
• The waters around Coron also welcome dugongs, rare yet majestic creatures.

Dive Conditions

• Season: from October to June
• Currents: medium to strong currents in Apo Reef
• Visibility: 20 to 40 m (66 to 131 ft)
• Water temperature: 26° to 30°C (79° to 86°F)
• Depth: mostly deep dives

Dive Sites

• At Apo Reef:
  • Shark Ridge is an excellent spot to observe white-tipped and black-tipped reef sharks. Manta rays are sometimes seen here, as well as hawksbill turtles and bumphead parrotfish.
  • Binangaan Drop Off is another fantastic site, with massive schools of snappers and tuna. Keep an eye out for spotted eagle rays in the blue, along with other pelagic species.
• At Coron:
  • You will explore the Okikawa Maru, a 160-meter-long ship sunk by a direct hit to the bow.
  • You will also dive on the Olympia Maru, a massive 120-meter vessel, and the East Tangat Gunboat, a 140-meter-long submarine hunter located in shallow waters, perfect for exploration.
  • You will also explore the Akitsushima, one of Coron’s most famous dives, a seaplane tender wreck, as well as the Irako, a refrigerated ship of the Imperial Japanese Navy.

The Team

• Operation created in 1996
• PADI courses available on board: Advanced Open Water, Nitrox, and Specialties - ask us
• Languages spoken on board: English, Tagalog, and Visayas
• 8 people maximum per dive guide

Safety Information

• Equipment Recommended: The usual diving equipment. A 3mm wetsuit is usually enough from April to November. Equipment can be rented if booked in advance - ask us
• Insurance: Both dive insurance and travel insurance are mandatory. We recommend DAN that has plans to cover both - ask us for a quote
• Nearest Hyperbaric Chamber: Nearest chamber is in Manilla

Visas, Flights, and More!

Visa Requirements

• You must have a valid passport to enter the Philippines, and a return ticket
• Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond the period you intend to stay
• Most citizens do not require a visa to stay in the Philippines for up to 30 days
• Please check current visa policies that apply for your country on Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs website

How to Get There

• There are direct flights to Manila (MNL) from major cities around the world, such as Paris, Amsterdam, London, Dubai, Tokyo, Singapore, Bangkok, Sydney, Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, and London.
• If you arrive on the same day as departure, please note that boarding on the boat is at 5:00 PM. It is recommended to arrive the day before. If your flight lands on the same day, you must ensure you land before noon.
• Upon return, disembarkation is at 7:00 AM. If you’re departing on the same day, make sure to book a flight in the early evening.
• We recommend extending the trip for a few more days at an eco-resort in Puerto Galera, where the boat departs and returns. This will allow you to explore a third stunning dive area in the Philippines!
• Important: ALL diving equipment, including your octopus, must be in checked luggage. The Philippine Department of Transportation prohibits carrying ANY diving equipment in the cabin. This applies to all domestic and international flights departing from the Philippines.

More...

• There is a risk of contracting malaria, dengue, and chikungunya in the Philippines, so take the necessary precautions to protect yourself.
• Don’t forget your reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, mosquito repellent, a lycra suit, a sweater, or a light jacket.