Dive Site: Tangat Wreck

About Tangat Wreck

Tangat Wreck, also known as Kogyo Maru, is a prominent Japanese shipwreck nestled in Coron Bay, Palawan, Philippines. This region is internationally recognized for its exceptional wreck diving, stemming from a 1944 American air raid that sank a fleet of Japanese warships. The wreck lies on its side in relatively shallow waters, making it accessible for a broader range of divers. The Kogyu Maru measures around 140 meters in length and offers a fascinating journey into wartime history. Its cargo holds are easily penetrable, making it an excellent site for those new to wreck diving or looking to hone their skills in a secure environment. The wreck's exterior is extensively covered in vibrant corals and sponges, hosting diverse marine life. Beneath the surface, the Tangat Wreck teems with a variety of marine species. Healthy schools of fish animate the wreck, while crocodile fish, scorpionfish, and nudibranchs can be found nestled within its structures. Groupers, barracudas, and fusiliers often patrol its perimeter. The interior penetration routes reveal remnants of the ship's cargo, including construction materials. Visibility at the site typically ranges from 12 to 25 meters, providing clear views for photographers and explorers alike. While generally a more straightforward wreck dive, local conditions, including currents and tides, should always be factored into dive planning. The dive experience at Tangat Wreck is generally considered suitable for intermediate divers. Its shallower depth compared to other Coron wrecks makes it a great introduction to wreck penetration, though more advanced divers will still find plenty to explore. Entrance into the cargo holds is relatively easy, offering a safe environment to experience internal wreck exploration. The relatively calm conditions and good visibility contribute to a rewarding dive, allowing ample time to appreciate both the historical significance of the wreck and the thriving ecosystem it supports.

Dive site facts: Tangat Wreck

Depth

7–30 m

Typical dive

10–22 m, 45–60 min

Current

Light to moderate

Visibility

6–15 m

Water temperature

25–30 °C

Entry

Boat / negative entry possible

Level

Open Water Diver, AOWD for penetration

Dive type

Wreck, reef, history

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Coron, Palawan

Coordinates

11.964, 120.215

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Tangat Wreck are generally light, though they can occasionally be moderate and dictate the dive profile. Divers should anticipate a current-led profile, which may influence entry and exit strategies, often involving a boat pick-up downcurrent. While surge is typically flat calm, conditions can vary, particularly during the wet season. Visibility can range from 6 meters on average to better during peak dry season months, requiring careful navigation and buddy team awareness, especially within the wreck. Conservative gas planning is advisable given the overhead environment and potential for variable visibility.

Marine life & sighting chances

Scorpionfish

common

Barracuda

common

Lionfish

common

Frogfish

occasional

Octopus

occasional

Crab

common

Moray Eel

common

Green Turtle

occasional

Eagle Ray

occasional

Batfish

common

Fusilier

common

Trevally

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Tangat Wreck typically begin with a boat descent to the wreck's main deck, which starts at around 7 meters. Divers can then explore the superstructure and upper hull, observing the encrusting corals and abundant reef fish. A common route involves heading towards the bow or stern, following the length of the vessel while progressively descending deeper along the hull to its maximum depth of 30 meters. For appropriately trained and experienced divers, careful penetration into the larger cargo holds is possible, offering glimpses into the ship's interior. The dive usually culminates with a slow ascent, completing the safety stop over the shallower parts of the wreck or an adjacent reef area, before surfacing for a boat pick-up.

Underwater photography

Tangat Wreck presents fantastic opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography. Wide-angle lenses are ideal for capturing the grandeur of the entire wreck, especially when positioned to show the ship's full length or large sections of its coral-covered structure. For internal shots within the cargo holds, a wide-angle lens with strong artificial lighting, such as strobes or video lights, is essential to combat low visibility and highlight details. Macro photographers will find plenty of subjects on the coral growths and within the wreck's crevices, including nudibranchs, crabs, and frogfish; a focus light will be helpful for these smaller creatures. Maintain excellent buoyancy control to avoid disturbing fragile corals or stirring up silt, which can quickly reduce visibility, particularly inside the wreck.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Irako Wreck

  A deep Japanese refrigeration ship, excellent for advanced wreck divers.

• Okikawa Maru

  The largest of Coron's wrecks, a civilian tanker offering varied depths.

• Coron Bay — Skeleton Wreck

  A smaller, shallow wreck suitable for all levels, including snorkelers.

• Barracuda Lake

  Known for its unique thermoclines and surreal underwater rock formations.

• Cathedral Rock

  A reef dive with interesting rock formations and diverse marine life.

• Dimakya Island

  Offers vibrant reefs and the chance to spot dugongs.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Tangat Wreck is primarily by boat from Coron Town, Busuanga. Divers typically fly into Busuanga Airport (USU) from Manila (MNL) or Cebu (CEB), then take a short van transfer to Coron Town. Most dive operators in Coron offer daily trips to the wrecks, often combining Tangat Wreck with other nearby sites like East Tangat Wreck or Olympia Maru as part of a multi-dive itinerary. Liveaboard options are also available for more extensive wreck exploration across Coron Bay. Trip lengths can vary from single-day excursions to multi-day packages. There are generally no specific dive site fees beyond standard dive package costs; however, marine park fees may apply to some areas within Coron Bay.

Safety & environment

Safety at Tangat Wreck, like all wreck dives, necessitates adherence to strict protocols. Divers must maintain excellent buoyancy to avoid collision with the wreck or stirring up silt. Given the overhead environment in some sections, proper wreck diving training and conservative gas planning are essential for penetrations. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, which is a significant distance away, making evacuation potentially complex and time-consuming. Therefore, comprehensive dive insurance that covers emergency medical treatment and evacuation is highly recommended. Always dive with a reputable operator and an experienced local guide who is familiar with the wreck and local conditions.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Tangat Wreck FAQ

Liveaboards diving Tangat Wreck

These liveaboards may visit Tangat 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