Coron, A Diving Paradise

Coron, Palawan is one of the first class municipalities in Palawan. Because of its rich natural haven, beaches and diving sites, it made its way to being listed as one of the top tourist destination in the Philippines. As a matter of fact, it did not just made a name in the domestic tourism industry, but also with the international tourism industry. It is listed in the Forbes Traveler Magazine’s top 10 best scuba diving sites in the world. Well, if it is really a diving paradise let us explore the island to prove what it claims to be.

Image Source: pinoypresyo.com

Flying from manila to Palawan, about an hour of travel (via Busuanga Airport), Coron Town Proper can be reached through a 40 minutes van or shuttle bus ride. Accommodations are also available (like affordable hotels in Palawan) to cater your needs while you are on a trip or vacation there.

There are many tourist attractions and activities in Coron like Hiking at Mount Tapyas, relaxing bath at Maquinit Hot Springs, Island Hoping, tour at the Town Proper, and Souvenir Shopping. But I will focus only on Island Hoping and Scuba Diving.

Scuba Diving at Lake Barracuda

Since this lake is part of the tourism industry of the municipality and one of Coron’s primary attractions, every visitor has to pay PHP 100 for every attraction site before they can explore it. Don’t worry, it is just a small amount of money, your experience for the place is priceless.

Image Source: virtual tourist.com

Diving enthusiasts are really interested in exploring this unique lake because of its layered fresh, salt, and blackish waters. Its temperature is also unique for it randomly shifts and can reach up to 38 degrees Celsius. The lake is accessible by hiking on wooden stairs that were built on limestone path. The lake is walled by large limestone formations. Tourists are required to wear proper snorkeling gears and diving equipment. The middle of the lake is filled with total darkness and it is very deep.

Image Source: www.tripadvisor.com.ph

The unusual characteristic of this lake is that the first four meters near the surface is fresh water and the temperature depends on the season. Going deeper up to 18 meters, the water is salty and warm. The first layer is four meters of fresh water; the second layer is warm salt water.

Image Source: www.tripadvisor.com.ph

There is a cave below the lake when you dive 30 meters below; this part has zero visibility salt water. There is not much marine life that you can see below, but the dive is a must to experience the unique thermo-cline layer of the lake. The separation of the layer can be seen clearly, and you can feel the temperature difference between them, especially when you are in the 15 meter deep.

The term Barracuda is used to name the lake because people in the past believe that a barracuda is residing in the lake. It may have been linked or connected to the sea back then.

      

I hope this simple blog inspired you to try and experience the unique diving spot in Coron, Palawan. Happy diving!