Coron is one of those destinations that seems almost designed to make you extend your trip by a few days. You arrive thinking three nights is plenty. By day two, you’re already checking flight prices for a return visit. It happens constantly.
The combination of world-class wreck diving, impossibly clear lakes, remote beaches, and genuinely good local food makes Coron one of the most well-rounded destinations in the Philippines. And yet it still feels far less crowded than it should be, especially compared to El Nido.
Here’s a proper rundown of the best things to do in Coron Palawan, with realistic costs and actual tips that help you make the most of your time.
1. Island Hop to Kayangan Lake
No visit to Coron is complete without seeing Kayangan Lake. It’s the most photographed spot in the Philippines for a reason. The hike up from the shoreline takes about 10 minutes, and the viewpoint at the top gives you that wide-angle shot of teal water surrounded by jagged limestone walls that you’ve probably already seen on Instagram.
But the viewpoint is just the appetizer. The lake itself is where things get surreal. The water is so clear and so still that it feels like swimming inside a giant aquarium. Freshwater mixes with saltwater here in a way that creates unusual visual layers beneath the surface.
Entrance fee: ₱200 per person. Get there before 9:00 AM if you want the viewpoint without 50 other tourists in frame. This is part of our Coron island hopping Tour A, which also includes Twin Lagoon and Barracuda Lake.
2. Swim Through Twin Lagoon
Twin Lagoon is exactly what it sounds like: two separate lagoons connected by a low limestone passage that you either swim or (at low tide) duck through. One side is notably warmer than the other due to geothermal activity below. The temperature shift as you cross through is genuinely strange and delightful.
The color of the water here is a saturated blue-green that photo editors always end up accused of over-saturating. They’re not. It just looks like that. Entrance fee: ₱200 per person. Tidal timing matters here: at high tide the passage is deeper and easier to swim through; at low tide you can wade through a narrow gap.
3. Snorkel the WWII Shipwrecks
Coron Bay holds one of the world’s best wreck diving and snorkeling sites. In September 1944, American forces sank a fleet of Japanese supply ships in these waters. Today, those wrecks sit at depths of 10 to 40 meters and have become some of the most spectacular artificial reefs in Asia.
For non-divers, the Skeleton Wreck (also called Okikawa Maru) and Coral Garden are shallow enough to snorkel directly over. You can see the superstructure, intact deck fittings, and massive schools of fish just a few meters below the surface. It’s eerie, beautiful, and genuinely moving.
If you are a certified diver, you’re in for something else entirely. The Coron wreck diving experience is considered some of the best in Southeast Asia. Dive shops in town offer guided wreck dives from around ₱2,500 to ₱3,500 per dive including equipment rental.
4. Dive or Float in Barracuda Lake
Barracuda Lake is famous among divers for its thermoclines: distinct layers of water at dramatically different temperatures stacked on top of each other. Swimming through them creates a disorienting, almost dreamlike sensation. At the surface the water is warm. Drop a few meters and it turns cold. Then warm again. Then hot near the volcanic vents at depth.
For non-divers, the lake surface swimming is still worth doing, even if you won’t experience the full thermocline effect. The lake sits inside a crater-like limestone formation with walls on all sides. Very different atmosphere from Kayangan Lake. Entrance fee: ₱200 per person.
5. Visit Siete Pecados Marine Sanctuary
Siete Pecados is a cluster of seven small limestone outcrops surrounded by incredibly healthy reef. The fish density here is absurd: parrotfish, clownfish, Napoleon wrasse, and huge schools of jacks move through in predictable waves. You don’t need to dive. Snorkeling from the surface gives you a full view of the reef because the water is so clear.
6. Explore Coron Town Proper
Most travelers treat Coron town as purely a logistical base, but it’s worth spending at least a half-day exploring on foot. The main street along the waterfront has a genuinely good mix of local restaurants, dive shops, souvenir stalls, and budget guesthouses with decent views of the bay.
7. Climb Mount Tapyas for the View
At the north end of town, a concrete staircase of 700+ steps leads up Mount Tapyas. At the top: a giant lighted cross and a panoramic view of Coron Bay, the surrounding islands, and the town below. Go up at sunset if you can. No entrance fee, open to the public.
8. Rent a Scooter and Explore Busuanga
The island of Busuanga, where Coron town sits, has decent roads once you get out of the town center. Renting a scooter (₱400 to ₱600 per day) opens up parts of the island that tour groups never reach. Maquinit Hot Springs is about 7 kilometers from town. Soaking in 39°C natural saltwater while surrounded by trees is an oddly perfect way to end an island hopping day.
9. Watch the Sunset at the Pier
Coron’s waterfront pier at golden hour is genuinely beautiful. No entrance fee. Just show up around 5:30 PM with a cold drink.
10. Eat Fresh Seafood at the Paluto Restaurants
“Paluto” means bring-your-own-catch and have it cooked. Typical meal costs: ₱300 to ₱600 per person for a proper spread of fish, rice, and vegetables. The strip of paluto restaurants along the main road near the port is where to go.
11-15. More Activities
Pass Island is a short boat ride away and has a long white sandbar perfect for wading. The Coron Public Market sells dried fish, local cashews, and handwoven baskets. Mangrove kayaking tours run around ₱800 to ₱1,200 per person. CYC Beach sandbar is a beautiful photo stop on Tour B. And if you haven’t been to El Nido yet, combining both is absolutely the move. Our 5-day Palawan itinerary walks through exactly how to structure this, and our Coron and El Nido combo packages have everything covered.
FAQ: Things to Do in Coron Palawan
What is Coron Palawan famous for? Coron is famous for Kayangan Lake, WWII Japanese shipwreck diving, Twin Lagoon, and its rich marine biodiversity. It’s considered one of the top dive destinations in Southeast Asia.
How many days do you need in Coron Palawan? Three to four days is ideal. Day 1 for Tour A (lakes), Day 2 for snorkeling or diving, Day 3 for exploring town.
Is Coron or El Nido better? They’re different experiences. El Nido has more dramatic limestone scenery. Coron wins on wreck diving, lake clarity, and an authentic local town feel. Better yet, do both.
How much does a day trip in Coron cost? Budget around ₱1,500 to ₱2,500 per person for a full island hopping day including tours, entrance fees, and lunch.
When is the best time to visit Coron? November through May is the dry season with calm seas and excellent visibility.
Start Planning Your Coron Trip
Our Coron tour packages are designed for travelers who want a smooth experience. See Coron packages and book here – small groups, fixed pricing in PHP, no surprise charges.