Dive Site: Irako Wreck

About Irako Wreck

The Irako Wreck, a Japanese refrigeration ship sunk during World War II, lies within Coron's renowned wreck graveyard, making it one of the Philippines' premier wreck diving destinations. This impressive vessel, measuring 147 meters long, rests upright on the seabed between 28 and 43 meters, largely intact since its sinking in 1944. Its historical significance and well-preserved state attract divers eager to explore a piece of wartime history. Divers typically descend into clear waters that reveal the ship's superstructure encrusted with a vibrant array of hard and soft corals. The main deck is situated at approximately 30 to 34 meters, providing access points to explore various sections. For certified wreck divers, penetration opportunities include the wheelhouse, cargo holds, and engine room, where elements like a massive steering wheel and kitchen accessories remain. Exploring the exterior alone is a rewarding experience given its vast size and the surrounding marine life. Marine life flourishes around the Irako, with common sightings of hunting tunas, groupers, barracudas, and trevallies circling the wreck. Green sea turtles are often spotted, along with lionfish and scorpionfish tucked into crevices. The excellent visibility, typically ranging from 10 to 20 meters, enhances encounters with these species and allows divers to appreciate the sheer scale of the shipwreck. This is an advanced dive due to its depth and the potential for strong currents, demanding solid navigation and air management skills. While exploring the exterior is feasible, interior penetration requires specific wreck diving certification and appropriate equipment. Diving with Nitrox is highly recommended to extend bottom time. The site is conveniently located just a 10-minute speedboat ride from Coron dive resorts.

Dive site facts: Irako Wreck

Depth

25–43 m

Typical dive

30–40 m, 40–50 min

Current

Light to sometimes strong

Visibility

20–30 m

Water temperature

27–30°C

Entry

Boat

Level

Advanced Divers, wreck experience beneficial

Dive type

Wreck, deep, reef

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Coron, Palawan

Coordinates

11.972, 120.255

Conditions & Currents

The Irako Wreck can experience strong currents, which necessitate good dive planning and awareness. Divers should respect the conditions and be prepared for potential drift, particularly when planning deep penetration dives. Always check current conditions with local dive operators before entry.

Marine life & sighting chances

Barracuda

common

Batfish

occasional

Blue Spotted Ray

occasional

Grouper

common

Green Sea Turtle

occasional

Lionfish

common

Nudibranch

occasional

Scorpionfish

occasional

Snapper

occasional

Trevally

common

Triggerfish

occasional

Tuna

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive at Irako Wreck typically begins with a boat entry, directly above the wreck. As you descend, the massive hull of the refrigeration ship comes into view, resting upright on the seabed at 43 meters. The main deck starts around 30 meters, where you can commence your exterior exploration. Circumnavigate the wreck, observing the coral growth and marine life that now calls it home, including various fish schools and turtles. For those certified and equipped for wreck penetration, opportunities exist to enter the wheelhouse, cargo holds, and even the engine room. Maintain excellent buoyancy throughout the dive, especially during penetrations, to avoid disturbing sediment. The large size of the wreck allows for extensive exploration, so manage your bottom time and air consumption carefully. Your ascent will typically follow the wreck's structure, culminating in a safety stop at 5 meters, often conducted near the mooring line or a shallower part of the wreck, before surfacing back to the dive boat.

Underwater photography

The Irako Wreck offers fantastic opportunities for wide-angle photography, capturing the imposing scale of the vessel and its vibrant coral growth. A wide-angle lens is ideal for showcasing the entire ship or its significant sections like the superstructure, bow, and stern. For macro subjects such as nudibranchs, lionfish, or scorpionfish hiding in crevices, a macro lens or diopters will be beneficial. Strobes are essential at these depths to restore natural colors and illuminate the darker areas of the wreck, especially within penetration points. When shooting inside, be mindful of backscatter from any disturbed silt and always prioritize careful buoyancy to maintain clear visibility for yourself and others. Ethical shooting includes avoiding touching or disturbing the wreck and marine life.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• 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…

• Okikawa Maru

  The Okikawa Maru, a former Japanese tanker, stands as the largest shipwreck in Coron Bay, Philippines, offering an exceptional dive…

• Lusong Gunboat

  The Lusong Gunboat, located just off Coron in Palawan, Philippines, is a fascinating and easily accessible World War II shipwreck.

• Barracuda Lake

  Barracuda Lake presents a truly unique freshwater diving experience in Coron, Palawan, drawing divers with its extraordinary geological…

Getting there & logistics

Access to Irako Wreck is primarily through Coron, Palawan. You typically fly into Francisco B. Reyes Airport (USU) in Busuanga, then take a transfer to Coron town. Dive operators in Coron arrange daily trips to the wreck, usually a short 10-minute speedboat ride away. Most dive packages for Coron include multiple wreck dives, often combining the Irako with other historical sites like the Okikawa Maru or Lusong Gunboat. Liveaboards operating in the Palawan region may also include Coron wrecks in their itineraries. Ensure your dive operator provides necessary permits and is familiar with deep wreck diving protocols. Consider an itinerary of 3-5 days to properly explore the Coron wrecks, including Irako.

Safety & environment

Diving the Irako Wreck requires adherence to advanced diving protocols due to its depth and potential for currents. An Advanced Open Water certification is a minimum, and specialized wreck diving training is highly recommended for any penetration. Always dive with a reliable guide who is experienced with the site. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, which is a significant distance away, emphasizing the importance of safe diving practices and proper decompression. Evacuation in a remote area like Coron can be complex and time-consuming, highlighting the critical need for comprehensive dive insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation. Always carry a surface marker buoy (SMB) and know how to deploy it, and never exceed your training or experience limits, especially when considering penetrations into the wreck's interior.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Irako Wreck FAQ

Liveaboards diving Irako Wreck

These liveaboards may visit Irako 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