Dive Site: Coron Bay — Skeleton Wreck

About Coron Bay — Skeleton Wreck

The Skeleton Wreck in Coron Bay, Philippines, offers a unique blend of history and marine biology, lying submerged since its sinking during World War II. This site, believed to be a Japanese supply ship, is not only a historical relic but also a thriving artificial reef, providing a fascinating dive experience. The wreck rests on a sandy slope, with its bow at a shallow 5 meters and its stern descending to about 25 meters, making it accessible to a range of divers. Its broken structure allows light to penetrate, illuminating the interior and attracting a diverse array of schooling fish and macro creatures that have made the wreck their home. Throughout the year, divers can encounter various reef fish, nudibranchs, and occasional turtles around the wreck. The dry season, from December to May, typically offers the best visibility and calmest conditions, enhancing the exploration of this underwater world. The site's topography, combined with its resident marine life, creates a visually dynamic environment. Diving the Skeleton Wreck is generally straightforward, suitable for divers of varying experience levels. Its relatively shallow depth and often mild currents allow for extended bottom times, perfect for detailed exploration or underwater photography. It serves as an excellent introduction to wreck diving within the rich historical context of Coron Bay's WWII fleet.

Dive site facts: Coron Bay — Skeleton Wreck

Depth

5–25 m

Typical dive

10–20 m, 45–60 min

Current

Mild to moderate

Visibility

10–20 m

Water temperature

26–30°C

Entry

Boat / controlled descent

Level

Open Water Diver

Dive type

Wreck, reef

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Coron, Palawan

Coordinates

11.985, 120.245

Conditions & Currents

Currents at the Skeleton Wreck are typically mild to moderate, generally posing no significant challenge to divers. However, conditions can fluctuate with tidal movements, occasionally becoming stronger, particularly around the deeper sections of the wreck. Entry is usually a controlled descent from a day boat, with the wreck's structure providing some shelter from any slight surface chop. Visibility often ranges from 10 to 20 meters, but can be influenced by recent rainfall or strong currents stirring up sediment. There are no notable thermoclines at this site, maintaining a consistent water temperature. Divers should be mindful of other dive boats, especially during peak season, but overall, the site remains manageable for most certified divers.

Marine life & sighting chances

Schooling fusiliers

Year-round · common

Batfish

Year-round · common

Sweetlips

Year-round · common

Yellow-tailed snapper

Year-round · common

Angelfish

Year-round · common

Nudibranchs

Year-round · common

Crabs

Year-round · common

Shrimp

Year-round · common

Moray eels

Year-round · occasional

Groupers

Year-round · occasional

Sea turtles

Year-round · occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive at Skeleton Wreck typically begins with a descent along the mooring line or directly onto the bow of the wreck, which starts in just 5 meters of water. From here, you follow the wreck structure as it gradually slopes down, revealing its full length. The route generally involves exploring the exterior, observing the coral growth and schooling fish that congregate around the broken hull. Divers can navigate towards the stern, reaching a maximum depth of approximately 25 meters, where larger sections of the ship lie. Exploration often includes peering into accessible openings and observing macro life among the debris. The turnaround point is usually dictated by air consumption or bottom time, at which point you ascend slowly, perhaps doing a final pass over the shallower portions of the wreck before completing your safety stop. The safety stop is typically conducted either along the mooring line or by drifting gently over the adjacent reef, which is rich with small marine life.

Underwater photography

The Skeleton Wreck offers fantastic opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography due to its diverse subjects. For wide-angle shots, a fisheye or rectilinear wide-angle lens is ideal to capture the entire wreck structure, especially the shallower bow section and the abundant schooling fish around it. Ensure you use strobes to bring out the vibrant colors of corals and marine life, as natural light diminishes quickly at deeper sections. For macro subjects like nudibranchs, crabs, and shrimp that hide within the wreck and surrounding reef, a dedicated macro lens will yield excellent detail. Patience and good buoyancy control are crucial, especially around the delicate coral growth and to avoid stirring up sand. When photographing inside any accessible sections, a focus light is indispensable. Be respectful of the wreck and its inhabitants, maintaining a safe distance and avoiding contact.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Irako Wreck

  A deeper, intact refrigeration ship for advanced wreck divers.

• Okikawa Maru

  Coron's largest wreck, accessible to many diver levels with vast encrusted decks.

• Akitsushima

  A challenging warship wreck known for its crane and barracuda schools.

• Barracuda Lake

  A unique dive in a collapsed sinkhole with distinct thermoclines.

• Sangat Island

  Offers other wreck diving opportunities and resort-based experiences.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Coron Bay, including the Skeleton Wreck, is primarily through Busuanga Island, which is served by Francisco B. Reyes Airport (USU) with daily flights from Manila. From the airport, Coron Town Proper is a 40-50 minute taxi ride, serving as the main hub for dive operators and accommodation. Dive trips to the Skeleton Wreck are typically day trips on local bangka boats, often combined with two other wreck dives or a visit to Barracuda Lake. Liveaboards exploring Palawan may also include Coron wrecks in their itineraries. While specific permits for Skeleton Wreck are usually covered in dive package fees, general marine park fees for the Coron region may apply. Plan for at least 2-3 days of diving to explore multiple wrecks and other local dive sites.

Safety & environment

Diving the Skeleton Wreck is generally considered safe for certified divers due to its manageable depth and mild currents. However, divers should always carry appropriate dive insurance that covers emergency medical treatment and evacuation. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, or potentially Manila, requiring significant travel time in the event of a serious dive emergency. Therefore, adherence to dive tables or computer limits, conservative diving practices, and proper hydration are critical. Be mindful of the wreck's integrity, avoid penetrating unstable areas, and practice excellent buoyancy control to prevent stirring up sediment or damaging delicate coral growth. Always dive with a reputable operator and follow your dive guide's instructions.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Coron Bay — Skeleton Wreck FAQ

Liveaboards diving Coron Bay — Skeleton Wreck

These liveaboards may visit Coron Bay — Skeleton Wreck on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Infiniti

Philippines

25 guests39 m

$280/day

Seadoors

Philippines

16 guests25 m

$335/day

Resolute

Philippines

16 guests34.6 m

$314/day

Dolphin

Philippines

18 guests31 m

$326/day

Navis 1

Philippines

22 guests23 m

$250/day

Philippine Siren

Philippines

16 guests

$309/day

Palau Sport

Philippines

24 guests38.35 m

$215/day

Philippines Aggressor

Philippines

26 guests42.7 m

$381/day

Stella Maris Explorer

Philippines

20 guests33 m

$398/day

Solitude One

Philippines

24 guests52 m

$460/day

Atlantis Adventurer

Philippines

16 guests32.5 m

$421/day

Philippines Aggressor II

Philippines

26 guests42.7 m

$247/day