Dive the Philippines: Explore World War II Wrecks & Reefs of the Palawan Provence
Discover the submerged wrecks and vibrant reefs of Coron in the Philippines’ spectacular Palawan Provence on an eight-day, small-group diving adventure (max. 16 travellers). Recognised as one of the best diving locations in the world, uncover the fascinating World War II shipwrecks, stunning coral reefs and the vibrancy of one of the most spectacular underwater ecosystems in the world. Includes seven nights’ accommodation at the oceanfront Busuanga Bay Lodge, a total of 10 dives—including Barracuda Lake, coral reefs and world-famous sunken shipwrecks—in the company of a professional dive master, all-inclusive meals including unique dining experiences like a seafood BBQ, a day trip to the stunning private island of South Cay with unlimited cocktails, return private airport transfers, unique insider experiences and so much more.
DAY 1: ARRIVE BUSUANGA ISLAND
Upon arrival at Francisco B. Reyes Airport in Coron, you will be met and transferred to your beachfront resort located on the island province of Palawan – a world-known, nature sanctuary famed for being Philippine’s last ecological frontier.
The entirety of the Palawan Provence is a combination of pristine white-sand beaches, dramatic rock formations, secret coves, rainforests, outstanding dive sites, majestic mountains and striking caves. It bursts with exotic flora and fauna and is cradled by a coral shelf that is alive and bursting with colourful marine life.
This evening, you will join your fellow divers on a welcome dinner and discuss the dive plan with the resident instructor.
Accommodation: Busuanga Bay Lodge
Meals: Dinner
DAY 2: WRECK DIVE
Following a cooked breakfast, you will head off for your two dives. Today you will be diving the Olympia Maru and the Irako Maru wrecks. These are two of the many Japanese vessels that have sunk in the nearby area and are known to be some of the best preserved in the world. Before you discover the beauty of the shipwrecks, you’ll learn about their history on the way to the dive sites.
Olympia Maru – which fascinatingly sits almost upright – is 112 metres long and was formally a Japanese supply ship from WWII which took on extensive damage by the bombs that sunk it in 1944. Due to the wreck being intact, this is a great diving sight surrounded by rich marine life that have made this wreck their home. The Irako Maru is a massive 200 metre refrigeration vessel that rests upright and starts at 28 metres and ends at a maximum of 40 metres. This sight is also home to giant groupers alongside shoals of yellowfin tuna, lionfish and scorpion fish. For those wishing to penetrate inside the wreck you can visit the machine shop compartment, where metal production machinery can still be seen.
Return from the dives and enjoy a sumptuous lunch. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure.
Accommodation: Busuanga Bay Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 3: WRECK DIVE
After breakfast you will first visit the Ekkai Maru wreck. This Japanese auxiliary supply ship sits between 10-25 metres of water, giving it good access to light producing incredible plate corals offering an incredible array of marine life. There is also a large salvage hole in the middle of the port side giving easy access into some of the large cargo holds.
For your second dive today, we head to the Terukaze Maru – a submarine chaser lying between 5-18 metres deep. Expect to see ancient ceramic, broken sake bottles, shoes and even an underwater periscope on this wreck! There is also a nearby reef brimming with vibrant sea life which you can also explore.
Accommodation: Busuanga Bay Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 4: REEF DIVE
Today comprises of two reef dives—which depending on the weather and currents will be Dynamite Point Reef, Calumbuyan Reef or Lusong Reef—where you can get your fix of the amazing underwater world Coron has to offer. The vivacious underwater ecosystem of Coron overflows with all sorts of marine life – 1,200 species to be exact – which is why it is high on many divers’ buckets lists. Expect to see parrotfish, angelfish, cuttlefish, barracuda and even some green sea turtles.
Accommodation: Busuanga Bay Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 5: WRECK DIVE
After breakfast you will be whisked away to see two of the best wrecks in the area: The Akitsushima and Okikawa Maru Oil Tanker. The Akitsushima holds one of Coron’s biggest mysteries: The ship was known to carry a seaplane but after countless scans and hours of exploration, the plane was never found. You will explore some of the amazing artefacts this wreck holds including a 127MM shell as well a perfectly upright anti-aircraft gun.
The largest-known wreck in Coron, the Okikawa Maru Oil Tanker sits at 170 metres long with a maximum depth of 26 metres. For those who want to penetrate the wreck, you are able to access the engine room via the propeller shaft as well as the oil storage holds and crew cabins. You’ll also be witness to the plethora of small fish and coral growths that live on and around the wreck.
Accommodation: Busuanga Bay Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 6: BARRACUDA LAKE DIVE
Your final day of diving boasts one of the most unique dive sites in the world - Barracuda Lake. It is known world over for its massive thermocline, which is around 14 metres deep and where the temperature of the water changes dramatically from a comfortable 28 degrees celsius freshwater to 38 degrees celsius saltwater.
Barracuda Lake presents the curious with a unique opportunity to dive in a harmonious mix of fresh and salt water set against a backdrop of imposing, yet utterly striking, jagged limestone walls. For advanced divers you may even have a chance to encounter with the one resident barracuda for which the lake was named who hides in the lake’s 30-metre cave.
Accommodation: Busuanga Bay Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 7: SOUTH CAY ISLAND
Enjoy your final day at Busuanga Bay Lodge by exploring South Cay Island - a stunning private island where you can spend the day sipping unlimited cocktails on one of the most incredible beaches in the area. Activities on the island include snorkelling, paddle boarding and kayaking or simply relax and take in the idyllic and tropical surrounds.
Feast on a special BBQ seafood lunch before you head back to the resort in time to freshen up for a farewell dinner alongside stunning views of the flaming sunset from the restaurant.
Accommodation: Busuanga Bay Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 8: DEPART BUSUANGA ISLAND
After breakfast, transfer back to Busuanga Airport for your onward departure.
Depending on your flight time, the day is at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
IMPORTANT NOTE: You must carry a valid open water diving certification to participate on this package. This must be presented to your dive master on arrival. If you do not have a valid certification or are unable to present it to your diver master, you will not be permitted to participate in any dives.
OPTIONAL EXTRAS:
PADI Open Water Course:
Non-divers can opt to do a PADI Open Water Course. This four-day course is a basic diving certification course which includes the equipment rental for the duration of the course, four open water dives and all theory and practice sessions.
Cost: AU$665 per person
PADI Advanced Open Water Course:
Complete your PADI Advanced Open Water Course as part of this package. Continue your diving education while getting certified to go deeper and learn about other diving specialities such as wreck diving. This theory-based course can be completed during 2 afternoons as part of this package. PADI certification, tuition and instruction included.
Cost: AU$525 per person