Quick Answer: The best things to do in Coron are island hopping to Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoon, snorkeling at Coral Garden and Siete Pecados, diving a WWII shipwreck, climbing Mount Tapyas for sunset, and soaking in the Maquinit Hot Springs. Visit between November and May to enjoy calm seas and clear skies.
Coron doesn’t make it easy to get in. You take a boat on the first morning, around the jagged walls of limestone cliffs, and find Kayangan Lake sitting there like something this planet was made to show off. The water is so clear it looks fake.
This corner of Palawan, on Busuanga Island, has become one of the Philippines’ top destinations, thanks to all of its towering karst, hidden lagoons, and sunken shipwrecks just beneath the surface. Here are sixteen things to do, from touring the famous lagoon to quieter corners most day trippers miss.
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Best Hotels in Coron
- Two Seasons Coron Island Resort. A secluded island resort reachable by boat, with its own beach and coral reef.
- Palawan Paradise Club. Private island eco resort on Dimakya Island, perfect for divers and snorkelers.
- Sunshine Eco Tourism Lodging. A comfortable and conveniently located base in the town of Coron, within walking distance to the pier.
- Coron Soleil Garden Resort. Mid-range option with pool, useful for early morning island touring.
- Hop Hostel Coron. A social and budget-friendly option for solo travelers and backpackers.
Best Tours in Coron
- Ultimate Coron Island Tour. The main trip, visiting Lake Kayangan, Twin Lagoon, Lake Barracuda, and a snorkeling stop at the reef.
- Coron Wreck Diving Tour. Explore the famous World War II Japanese shipwreck, a world-class dive site.
- Coron City Land Tour. Mount Tapyas viewpoint, Maquinit Hot Springs and local views in one afternoon.
- Malcapuya and Banana Island Tourism. Softer white sandy beaches and shallow turquoise waters away from town.
- Coral Reef and Shipwreck Snorkeling Tour. Siete Pecados marine park, Coral Garden and the shallow Lusong Gunboat.
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16 Things to Do in Coron, Palawan for Lagoons and Shipwrecks
1. Swim in Kayangan Lake
Telaga Kayangan is the reason you came. Reached by a short climb over a ridge that opens up Palawan’s most photographed views, the water below is among the cleanest in the country.
A mix of fresh and salt water, surrounded by limestone cliffs, and swimming in it feels like another world. Go early before the day tour boats arrive to enjoy the views for yourself for a few minutes.
2. Drift Through Twin Lagoons
The Twin Lagoons are split by a limestone wall where you swim or duck between two waters of different temperatures. When cool fresh water meets warm salt water, the surface glows strangely.
You can also climb a small ladder through a rock crevice at high tide. It’s truly strange and wonderful, and one of the most memorable swims in the Philippines.
3. Snorkeling at Barracuda Lake
Barracuda Lake is a favorite of freedivers and snorkelers because of its terrifying thermocline, where the water temperature suddenly changes and visibility stretches to several meters. Submerged rock formations add an alien feel.
It’s serene, deep and surrounded by towering cliffs, making it a standout stop on the cross-island circuit. The opaque shine where the layers meet is unlike anywhere else.
4. Dive into WWII Shipwrecks
Coron is one of the best wreck diving destinations in the world. A fleet of Japanese ships sank here during World War II, and they now rest in clear, accessible waters teeming with fish.
Certified divers can explore larger shipwrecks that have become artificial reefs, both terrifying and beautiful. Several dive shops in town host trips for all levels, including discovery dives for beginners.
5. Snorkel to a Skeleton Wreck
You don’t need to dive to see the shipwreck here. The Skeleton Wreck sits shallow enough for snorkeling, its hull encased in coral and surrounded by thousands of fish just below the surface.
This is an accessible and astonishing introduction to Coron’s underwater history. Bring your own mask if you can, as the quality of rental equipment varies between operators.
6. Explore Siete Pecados Marine Park
Siete Pecados is a protected marine park of seven small islands, and the snorkeling here is superb, with vibrant coral gardens and clouds of tropical fish in the shallow, clear waters.
Close to town and an easy addition to a half day tour. The healthy coral reefs and density of fish make it one of the best snorkeling stops in the area.
7. Climb Mount Tapas to See the Sunset
When your skin needs a day off from the salt water, Mt. Tapyas provides it. About 700 steps lead to an observation deck above the city, and it’s worth the climb to enjoy the sunset over the bay and surrounding islands.
Go in the afternoon when the heat subsides and the light softens. The giant burning cross at the top is a local landmark and the views are some of the best in Coron town.
8. Soak in Maquinit Hot Springs
Maquinit is one of the few saltwater hot springs in the world, and soaking there at dusk is the perfect end to a day of climbing and snorkeling. Warm, mineral-rich water is right on the edge of the mangrove forest.
This pairs naturally with climbing Mount Tapyas on a land touring day. The time is after sunset, when the air cools and spring feels at its best.
9. Relax on Malcapuya Island
The main lagoons are busy, so take a day to visit the gentler beaches further afield. Malcapuya Island trades dramatic cliffs for powdery white sand and shallow turquoise waters.
It’s a longer boat trip, which keeps the numbers low, and a classic tropical beach experience that lagoon tours bypass. Bring a book and let the day roll by slowly.
10. Visit Banana Island
Often paired with Malcapuya, Pisang Island is a stretch of white sand and clear shallow waters, with great snorkeling off the coast and a laid-back vibe.
Tours usually combine both with a beach barbecue lunch. This is a day for swimming, snorkeling and doing a little activity under the palm trees.
11. Snorkeling on the Lusong Warship
The shallow Lusong Gunboat is a favorite snorkeling wreck, its hull breaking to the surface at low tide and covered in soft coral and fish. This is one of the most photogenic snorkeling spots in Coron.
This place is often combined with the nearby Coral Garden, where the coral reefs are dense and colorful. Both are easy, shallow stops, perfect for non-divers.
12. Kayak around Coron Island
If you’re fit enough, renting a kayak and paddling yourself around Coron Island is one of the most rewarding things to do here, allowing you to reach the tranquil coves at your own pace.
This is a stark contrast to the busy tourist boats. Just pay attention to the weather and currents, and leave early before the day tour traffic starts to get heavy.
13. Explore Coron Town and Public Market
The town of Coron itself is small and dilapidated but worth visiting in the evening. The waterfront, bustling public markets and cheap seafood restaurants give you a taste of local life between boat days.
Buy freshly caught fish grilled at roadside stalls, and browse the markets for fruit and souvenirs. It’s an authentic counterpoint to polished island tourism.
14. Eat Fresh Seafood by the Water
Coron seafood is amazing and absurdly cheap. Seaside restaurants serve freshly caught fish, prawns and squid, often simply grilled and eaten with rice and garlic.
Dinner as the sun sets over the harbour, with a cool drink and a plate of grilled fish, is one of the simple pleasures of a Coron trip. Some places allow you to pick fish off the ice.
15. Visit the Calauit Safari Day Trip
For something completely different, Calauit Island at the tip of Busuanga is home to a safari park where giraffes and zebras, descendants of animals brought from Africa decades ago, roam free alongside native species.
This is a long but memorable day trip, often combined with nearby mangrove forests and beaches. Seeing giraffes in the Philippine landscape can sound surreal.
16. Watch the Sunset from a Boat
Many operators run special sunset cruises around the karst islands, and ending the day on the water as the cliffs turn gold and pink is the perfect ending to Coron.
Some include snorkeling stops on the way home, others just drink and see the view. After all, the light on the limestone at golden hour is an image you will keep.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Coron, Palawan famous?
Coron is known for its dramatic limestone karst views, crystal clear lakes and lagoons such as Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoon, as well as world-class WWII shipwreck diving. It is located on Busuanga Island in northern Palawan, Philippines.
How many days do you need in Coron?
The ideal time is three to four days: a full day exploring the lagoons on the islands, one day diving or snorkeling the shipwrecks, one day land touring to Mount Tapyas and the hot springs, and one flexible beach day to the quieter islands.
When is the best time to visit Coron?
November to May is the dry season and the best time to visit, while December to March is the peak season for calm seas and clear skies. The rainy season which occurs from June to October can disrupt boat tourism.
Do you need to dive to enjoy Coron?
No. Although World War II shipwrecks are popular dive sites, many of them can be used as snorkelling spots, and the lagoons, lakes and beaches can all be enjoyed without diving. Snorkelers have plenty to explore at Siete Pecados and Lusong Gunboat.
Important Points
- The island hopping tour to Lake Kayangan and Twin Lagoons is a first day not to be missed.
- Coron is a top diving destination, but snorkelers can also enjoy the shallow wrecks and marine park.
- Land tours, Mount Tapyas at sunset and Maquinit Hot Springs, make for a great day out on the water.
- Visit November to May, and take a day to visit the quieter beaches of Malcapuya and Pisang Island.
Final Thoughts
Coron is one of those rare places that lives up to every photo and then some. Between crystal clear lakes, a fleet of sunken wartime ships, and serene white sand islands in the distance, this place offers days that recalibrate your sense of what a trip to the beach is like. Go in the dry season, book a lagoon tour in advance, and leave room to float.
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