Dive Site: Sangat Island

About Sangat Island

Sangat Island Dive Resort occupies the southwestern part of Sangat Island, offering a unique and ecologically responsible dive experience. The resort is renowned for its commitment to sustainability, operating entirely off the public electricity grid and powered solely by a 74 KW solar system. This commitment extends to all resort facilities, including dive air compressors and freshwater desalination, setting it apart as the Philippines' only 100% solar-powered resort. The island is fringed by a white sand beachfront and vibrant coral reefs, making it an attractive destination for eco-conscious travelers and divers. Its prime location in Coron Bay provides unparalleled access to 10 historically significant Japanese WWII shipwrecks, with eight of these sites just a 5 to 30-minute boat ride away. These wrecks, sunk during the "Battle of Coron Bay" in 1944, are a major draw for divers seeking historical exploration. The wrecks largely rest at depths between 25 to 40 meters, maintaining good condition and offering penetration opportunities for certified wreck and technical divers. Sangat Island Resort provides comprehensive dive facilities, including a range of rental equipment, air and Nitrox filling stations, and specialized gear for technical diving. With its blend of historical wreck diving, diverse marine life on house reefs, and sustainable practices, Sangat Island offers a truly distinctive diving adventure.

Dive site facts: Sangat Island

Depth

5–40 m

Typical dive

25–40 m, 45–60 min

Current

Mild to moderate, can be strong

Visibility

10–30 m

Water temperature

25–30°C

Entry

Boat

Level

Advanced, Wreck Diver specialty recommended

Dive type

Wreck, reef, macro

Night dive

Possible on house reef

Region / port

Palawan, Coron Bay

Coordinates

11.895, 120.103

Conditions & Currents

Currents around Sangat Island and its surrounding wreck sites generally range from mild to moderate, though specific conditions can vary based on tides and location. Divers should be prepared for potential stronger currents, particularly during full moon periods, which can affect certain dive sites. Entry and exit strategies are typically boat-based, utilizing the resort's fleet of scuba-specific craft. Visibility is generally excellent, often exceeding 10-30 meters, but can be influenced by weather patterns and plankton blooms. Water temperatures remain consistently warm, ranging from 25°C to 30°C, allowing for comfortable diving in thinner wetsuits or rash guards. Divers planning wreck penetrations should have appropriate experience and certifications to manage potential currents and overhead environments.

Marine life & sighting chances

Barracuda

occasional

Snapper

occasional

Lionfish

common

Nudibranch

common

Pygmy Seahorse

occasional

Frogfish

occasional

Cardinalfish

common

Batfish

occasional

Cuttlefish

occasional

Moray Eel

common

Reef Shark

rare

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving at Sangat Island typically involves boat departures to the nearby Japanese WWII wrecks. A common dive profile might begin with a descent directly to the wreck, often starting at around 25 meters, allowing for initial exploration of the exterior. Divers then progress along the wreck, with opportunities for penetration for those with appropriate certification and experience, potentially reaching depths of 40 meters. The dive usually involves navigating through cargo holds, engine rooms, and bridge areas, observing the marine growth and historical artifacts. After spending time exploring the wreck's structure and resident marine life, the ascent begins, often incorporating a slow spiral around the wreck for a wider perspective. Safety stops are conducted at shallower depths, typically around 5 meters, often utilizing the wreck's superstructure or nearby reef sections before surfacing.

Underwater photography

Sangat Island offers exceptional opportunities for underwater photography, particularly for wide-angle shots of the impressive WWII wrecks. A fisheye or wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the grandeur of the shipwrecks and their massive structures, especially when coupled with external strobes to illuminate the vast scenes. For detailed shots of marine life that has colonized the wrecks, a macro lens can be useful, focusing on nudibranchs, gobies, and other small critters. Good buoyancy control is paramount to avoid disturbing sediment inside the wrecks and to navigate tight spaces safely. When exploring penetrations, strong dive lights are essential to reveal details and ensure proper focus. Be mindful of composition, using natural light filtering through openings for dramatic effects, and respect the historical significance of the sites by not touching or removing artifacts.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Coron Bay — Skeleton Wreck

  One of the accessible Japanese WWII wrecks in Coron Bay.

• Irako Wreck

  A large Japanese WWII tanker wreck, excellent for advanced wreck divers.

• Okikawa Maru

  Another significant Japanese WWII oiler wreck in Coron Bay, offering extensive penetration opportunities.

• Barracuda Lake

  A unique freshwater thermocline dive with distinct temperature layers.

• Dimakya Island

  Known for Dugong sightings and pristine reefs, offering a different marine experience.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Sangat Island typically involves flying into Busuanga Airport (USU) in Palawan. From there, transfers are usually arranged by Sangat Island Dive Resort, which includes a land transfer to a boat departure point, followed by a scenic boat ride directly to the island. Most dive trips focus on the numerous Japanese WWII wrecks in Coron Bay, which are conveniently located within a short boat ride from the resort. Itineraries often combine multiple wreck dives daily, interspersed with visits to local reefs or other unique sites like Barracuda Lake. Dive packages usually include accommodation, meals, and multiple dives per day. Permits for certain dive sites are generally managed by the resort, and national park fees may apply, often included in package pricing. Trips can range from a few days to over a week, depending on the diver's interest in exploring the extensive wreck collection.

Safety & environment

Sangat Island operates with a strong emphasis on dive safety, employing experienced PADI instructors and divemasters. While emergency medical services are available on the main island of Busuanga, the nearest recompression chamber is typically located in Puerto Princesa, requiring a significant evacuation time. Therefore, comprehensive dive insurance covering medical emergencies and evacuation is mandatory for all divers. Site-specific hazards include overhead environments within the wrecks, potential currents, and varying visibility. Divers are briefed on safe wreck penetration procedures and should adhere strictly to guide instructions. Maintaining excellent buoyancy control is crucial to prevent stirring up silt and to protect the historical integrity of the wrecks. Always dive within your certified limits and communicate any concerns to your dive guide.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Sangat Island FAQ

Liveaboards diving Sangat Island

These liveaboards may visit Sangat Island 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