Coron

When to visit Coron

Coron's dry season runs November to May. The absolute best months are March to May — warmest water (28-30°C), best underwater visibility for wreck diving, and the lakes look at their most surreal turquoise. December and January can be windy with choppy seas that occasionally limit which dive sites and lagoons are reachable.

The wet season (June-October) brings daily rain showers, choppier seas, and occasional typhoons. Tours still run on calmer days but the famous "all-island-hopping-tours-include-lunch-on-a-secluded-beach" experience is less reliable. Hotel prices drop significantly during this time.

How to get to Coron

Two airports serve Coron: Francisco B. Reyes Airport (USU) in Busuanga is the main one, with daily flights from Manila and Cebu via Cebu Pacific, PAL, and AirSWIFT. From Busuanga Airport, you'll take a 30-45 minute van ride to Coron Town (PHP 150-300). The ferry route from Manila to Coron (15 hours overnight) is for budget travelers only.

If you're combining with El Nido, the ferry route between them takes 3-4 hours and runs daily during dry season (PHP 1,800-2,800). It's a beautiful trip past dozens of small islands.

Where to stay in Coron

Coron Town on Busuanga Island is the main base — where boats depart for the lakes, lagoons, and dive sites. The town itself isn't particularly beautiful (no beachfront), but it's convenient. Budget hostels through mid-range hotels are concentrated here. Coron Westown Resort and Two Seasons Coron are popular mid-range options just outside town with their own piers.

For luxury, Two Seasons Coron Island Resort (on a private island, 45 minutes by boat) and Club Paradise (on Dimakya Island) are the two iconic options — both all-inclusive with their own beaches and snorkeling.

The Coron tour system

Coron's day tours follow set itineraries: Tour A (Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, CYC Beach, Siete Pecados snorkeling) is the most popular for first-timers. Tour B (Malcapuya Island, Banana Island, Bulog Dos sandbar) is the white-sand beach tour. Tour C visits the WWII wrecks and Coral Garden. Each tour is PHP 1,500-2,500 per person including lunch on a beach.

For divers, the WWII Japanese shipwrecks are Coron's bucket-list attraction — six major wrecks at recreational diving depths (12-40m). Three-dive day trips cost PHP 4,500-6,500. Even certified open-water divers can access most wrecks.

Getting around Coron Town

Coron Town is small and walkable. Tricycles (PHP 15-30 within town, PHP 50-150 to outskirts) handle everything else. The Mt. Tapyas viewpoint with its iconic "CORON" Hollywood-style sign is a 700-step climb from town — best done at sunset.

What to eat in Coron

Seafood, seafood, and more seafood — Coron has the freshest grilled fish, prawns, and crab in Palawan. Lobster Hot Pot is the famous splurge experience. Altrove Pizzeria is a surprise hit for Italian. Bistro Coron does excellent Filipino with a modern twist. Street food and budget eateries cluster around the public market.

Practical tips

• Environmental fee: PHP 200-300 per person paid at the boat tour office, covers a year's worth of tours.
• Kayangan Lake entrance fee: Additional PHP 300 charged separately on tour day.
• WiFi is unreliable: Coron's internet has improved but expect slow speeds. Buy a Globe or Smart SIM card on arrival for data.
• Pack a dry bag: You'll get wet on every tour, even on calm days.
• Banca boats are uncovered: Bring serious sun protection. Hats, long-sleeve UV shirts, and reef-safe sunscreen are non-negotiable.