Best Dive Sites in Palawan, Coron & Tubbataha Reef

Explore wrecks, reefs, and remote wonders in the heart of the Philippines’ dive capital

Palawan is often called the Philippines’ last frontier — and for divers, it’s paradise. This long, slender island is home to towering limestone cliffs, secret lagoons, and vibrant coral reefs. From the calm bays of El Nido to the reef walls near Puerto Princesa, scuba diving in Palawan offers a diverse range of underwater experiences, all set against some of the most breathtaking scenery in Southeast Asia.

To the north lies Coron — a diver’s dream where history and marine life collide. Beneath its turquoise waters rests a fleet of sunken Japanese WWII ships, now transformed into living reefs teeming with tropical fish, soft corals, and intrigue. Coron is world-renowned for wreck diving, but also offers reef dives and unique sites like Barracuda Lake, with its surreal thermoclines and otherworldly formations.

Far offshore in the Sulu Sea lies Tubbataha Reef — one of the world’s most pristine and protected marine sanctuaries. Accessible only by liveaboard diving from March to June, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers dramatic walls, schooling sharks, manta rays, and untouched coral ecosystems. It’s remote, wild, and widely considered the crown jewel of Philippine diving.

Together, Palawan, Coron, and Tubbataha form a legendary dive triangle — a perfect blend of underwater history, biodiversity, and natural beauty. Whether you're gliding over coral gardens, exploring ghostly wrecks, or drifting along deep ocean walls, this region delivers unforgettable scuba diving adventures in the Philippines. It’s more than a destination — it’s a journey into the heart of the sea.

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Dive Map #6 - Palawan, Coron & Tubbataha

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DIVE MAP #6 - Best Diving Palawan, Coron & Tubbataha Reef

Index - Dive Sites Palawan, Coron & Tubbataha Reef

Category	Details
Travel	Palawan: Direct flights to Puerto Princesa from Manila and Cebu. For El Nido, there are direct flights from Manila, or you can take a van or bus from Puerto Princesa (5-6 hours). Coron: Fly directly from Manila to Busuanga Airport. From there, it's a 30-40 minute drive to the town of Coron. Tubbataha Reef: Access is via liveaboard dive boats, which depart from Puerto Princesa (Puerto Princesa to Tubbataha takes 10-12 hours by boat).
Recommendations	Palawan: Explore the underwater ecosystems and vibrant coral walls in El Nido, particularly at Small Lagoon, Big Lagoon, and Cathedral Cave. Ticao Island and the reefs surrounding Honda Bay offer great dive opportunities. Coron: Explore the famous WWII shipwrecks in the area like the Akitsushima, Olympia Maru, and the Irako Maru. Barracuda Lake is a must-see for its surreal thermoclines and unique underwater formations. Malcapuya Island and Siete Pecados are also great for snorkeling. Tubbataha Reef: Book a liveaboard trip between March and June to experience the incredible biodiversity, including hammerhead sharks, manta rays, and large schools of tuna. Tubbataha Reef is remote, so it’s a true dive adventure for seasoned divers.

Category

Details

Travel

Palawan: Direct flights to Puerto Princesa from Manila and Cebu. For El Nido, there are direct flights from Manila, or you can take a van or bus from Puerto Princesa (5-6 hours).
Coron: Fly directly from Manila to Busuanga Airport. From there, it's a 30-40 minute drive to the town of Coron.
Tubbataha Reef: Access is via liveaboard dive boats, which depart from Puerto Princesa (Puerto Princesa to Tubbataha takes 10-12 hours by boat).

Recommendations

Palawan: Explore the underwater ecosystems and vibrant coral walls in El Nido, particularly at Small Lagoon, Big Lagoon, and Cathedral Cave. Ticao Island and the reefs surrounding Honda Bay offer great dive opportunities.
Coron: Explore the famous WWII shipwrecks in the area like the Akitsushima, Olympia Maru, and the Irako Maru. Barracuda Lake is a must-see for its surreal thermoclines and unique underwater formations. Malcapuya Island and Siete Pecados are also great for snorkeling.
Tubbataha Reef: Book a liveaboard trip between March and June to experience the incredible biodiversity, including hammerhead sharks, manta rays, and large schools of tuna. Tubbataha Reef is remote, so it’s a true dive adventure for seasoned divers.

Dive Index

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