Coron Bay — Skeleton Wreck – Wreck

Name: Coron Bay — Skeleton Wreck
Address: Philippines

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.

Highlights

WWII Japanese supply shipArtificial reef ecosystemShallow wreck sectionsAbundant schooling fishCoral growth on structureAccessible for various skill levels

Season calendar

Best months to dive here

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Excellent

Good

Off-Season

Dec – Apr (Dec–Apr)

Best diving conditions across most regions. Calm seas, excellent visibility. Tubbataha Reef accessible Mar–Jun only. Thresher sharks year-round at Malapascua.

May & Nov (May, Nov)

Weather shifts between seasons. Still excellent diving in many areas. Fewer crowds and lower prices. Some regions still offer perfect conditions.

Jun – Oct (Jun–Oct)

Typhoon season — mainly affects northern regions. Southern Visayas and Mindanao still offer good diving. Reduced visibility. Best prices and fewest crowds.

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

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

Suited for

Open Water certified divers
Divers interested in historical sites
Underwater photographers (wide-angle and macro)
Divers seeking easy wreck exploration
Those wanting a shallower alternative to deeper Coron wrecks

Less suited for

Absolute beginner divers (untrained)
Divers looking for deep technical wreck penetration
Those uninterested in artificial reef ecosystems
Divers expecting pristine, intact wreck structures

FAQ

Coron Bay — Skeleton Wreck FAQ

What kind of wreck is the Skeleton Wreck?

The Skeleton Wreck is believed to be a Japanese supply ship from World War II. It was sunk during a U.S. air raid in 1944 and now rests on a sandy slope in Coron Bay, serving as a vibrant artificial reef. Its broken and skeletal appearance gives it its distinctive name.

What is the depth of the Skeleton Wreck?

The Skeleton Wreck is relatively shallow, with its bow starting at approximately 5 meters and its stern descending to about 25 meters. This makes it accessible to a wide range of certified divers, including those with Open Water certification, and allows for extended bottom times.

What marine life can be seen at the Skeleton Wreck?

The wreck is encrusted with corals and sponges, attracting a variety of marine life. Divers frequently encounter large schools of fusiliers, batfish, and snappers around the structure. Macro enthusiasts can spot nudibranchs, crabs, and shrimp, while occasional sightings of moray eels, groupers, and sea turtles also occur.

Is the Skeleton Wreck suitable for beginner divers?

Yes, the Skeleton Wreck is considered suitable for Open Water certified divers. Its shallower depth and generally mild currents make it an excellent site for those new to wreck diving or looking for a more relaxed dive. Penetration is limited due to the broken nature of the wreck, but exterior exploration is very rewarding.

How do you get to the Skeleton Wreck?

The Skeleton Wreck is accessed via a short boat ride from Coron Town Proper on Busuanga Island. Dive operators in Coron offer daily boat trips that typically include the Skeleton Wreck as part of a multi-dive itinerary, often combined with other wrecks or nearby reef sites.

Why dive Coron Bay — Skeleton Wreck from a liveaboard?

Coron Bay — Skeleton Wreck is one of Philippines's signature dive sites. A liveaboard sleeps you on the water and puts you in the water for three to four guided dives per day, including dawn and night dives that day-boat operators rarely offer. You skip the daily commute back to port and reach quieter, less-crowded sites in the same region on a single trip.

Below are the liveaboards that include Coron Bay — Skeleton Wreck on their Philippines itineraries.

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

Seadoors

Philippines

16 guests25 m

Resolute

Philippines

16 guests35 m

Dolphin

Philippines

18 guests31 m

Navis 1

Philippines

22 guests23 m

Philippine Siren

Philippines

16 guests

Palau Sport

Philippines

24 guests38 m

Philippines Aggressor

Philippines

26 guests43 m

Stella Maris Explorer

Philippines

20 guests33 m

Solitude One

Philippines

24 guests52 m

Atlantis Adventurer

Philippines

16 guests33 m

Philippines Aggressor II

Philippines

26 guests43 m

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About Coron Bay — Skeleton Wreck

Highlights

Season calendar

Dec – Apr (Dec–Apr)

May & Nov (May, Nov)

Jun – Oct (Jun–Oct)

Dive site facts: Coron Bay — Skeleton Wreck

Conditions & Currents

Marine life & sighting chances

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Underwater photography

Combine with nearby dive sites

Getting there & logistics

Safety & environment

Who it suits, and who it doesn't

Suited for

Less suited for

Coron Bay — Skeleton Wreck FAQ

Why dive Coron Bay — Skeleton Wreck from a liveaboard?

Liveaboards diving Coron Bay — Skeleton Wreck

Dive sites similar to Coron Bay — Skeleton Wreck

12 liveaboards run the Coron Bay — Skeleton Wreck route.