Table of Contents
Introduction
You’re an adventurous diver, always on the lookout for the next epic underwater experience. You’ve explored vibrant coral reefs, swum alongside majestic marine creatures, and dived through haunting shipwrecks. But now, you crave something more exotic, more untouched, and more magical. That’s when you stumble upon the Calamian Group of Islands, an archipelago in northern Palawan known for its stunning dive sites, crystal-clear waters, and rich marine biodiversity.
The Calamian Group of Islands is a paradise for divers and nature lovers alike. Comprising Busuanga, Coron, Culion, and over 70 smaller islands, this archipelago is a gateway to the best diving Philippines has to offer. From World War II shipwrecks to vibrant coral gardens, hidden lagoons, and dramatic limestone cliffs, the Calamian Islands promise an adventure like no other.
Your diving journey begins on the legendary Coron to El Nido route, a scenic expedition that takes you through the heart of the Calamian Group of Islands. It’s not just about diving; it’s about experiencing a tropical paradise, connecting with nature, and discovering a world where history, adventure, and marine beauty collide. Ready to embark on this unforgettable diving adventure? Let’s dive in!
Discovering the Calamian Group of Islands
1. Where Are the Calamian Islands?
The Calamian Group of Islands is located in the northern part of Palawan, nestled between the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea. This archipelago is known for its pristine beaches, turquoise lagoons, towering limestone cliffs, and vibrant coral reefs.
✔ Main Islands: Busuanga, Coron, Culion, and over 70 smaller islands.
✔ Accessibility: Easily accessible from Coron Town and a popular stop on the Coron to El Nido island-hopping route.
✔ Geography: The islands are characterized by dramatic karst limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and white sandy beaches.
📍 Fun Fact: The Calamian Islands are part of the Coron Natural Biotic Area, a protected region known for its rich marine biodiversity and endemic wildlife.
2. A Diver’s Paradise
The Calamian Group of Islands is famous for its world-class dive sites, offering a variety of underwater experiences, from WWII shipwrecks and coral gardens to caves and underwater cliffs.
✔ WWII Shipwrecks: The islands are home to 12 Japanese shipwrecks, sunk by Allied air raids during World War II, making it one of the best wreck-diving destinations in the world.
✔ Vibrant Coral Gardens: The coral reefs are teeming with tropical fish, sea turtles, manta rays, and macro life.
✔ Caves and Underwater Cliffs: Dramatic underwater landscapes provide exciting challenges for adventurous divers.
📍 Why It’s Special: The Calamian Islands offer a diverse range of dive sites, suitable for all levels, from beginner snorkelers to advanced technical divers.
Top Dive Sites in the Calamian Group of Islands
The Calamian Group of Islands is a diver’s dream come true, boasting some of the most breathtaking underwater landscapes in the world. Here are the must-visit dive sites:
1. World War II Shipwrecks
The waters around Coron and Busuanga are famous for their WWII shipwrecks, considered among the best diving Philippines experiences.
✔ Irako Maru: A former Japanese provision ship, sitting upright at depths of 30 to 43 meters, perfect for experienced wreck divers.
✔ Akitsushima: A seaplane tender with its crane still intact, lying on its side at 22 to 35 meters.
✔ Okikawa Maru: An oil tanker covered in vibrant corals, accessible at depths of 10 to 26 meters, suitable for intermediate divers.
📍 Unforgettable Experience: Diving these historical shipwrecks isn’t just about exploring underwater relics; it’s about diving into history, connecting with a moment frozen in time.
2. Coral Gardens and Marine Sanctuaries
The Calamian Islands are home to some of the most vibrant coral gardens in the Philippines, teeming with colorful fish and marine life.
✔ Siete Pecados: A marine sanctuary near Coron with stunning coral formations and abundant marine life, perfect for snorkeling and diving.
✔ Twin Lagoon: Known for its unique thermocline, where warm saltwater meets cool freshwater, creating surreal underwater visuals.
✔ Banana Island and Malcapuya Island: Famous for their crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and beautiful coral gardens.
📍 Why It’s Special: These coral gardens are protected marine sanctuaries, ensuring a thriving underwater ecosystem and unforgettable snorkeling and diving experiences.
3. Barracuda Lake and Kayangan Lake
The Calamian Islands are known for their unique brackish lakes, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and filled with crystal-clear waters.
✔ Barracuda Lake: Famous for its thermocline and halocline layers, creating a mysterious underwater landscape. Divers experience drastic temperature changes as they descend.
✔ Kayangan Lake: Often called the cleanest lake in Asia, perfect for snorkeling with stunning visibility and surreal rock formations.
📍 Fun Fact: Barracuda Lake is known as the “craziest dive site” due to its unique temperature layers and surreal underwater rock formations.
Island-Hopping from Coron to El Nido
The Coron to El Nido route is legendary for its hidden lagoons, white sandy beaches, and breathtaking seascapes, making it one of the best diving Philippines experiences.
1. A Scenic Expedition
✔ Day 1: Depart from Coron and explore nearby dive sites, including WWII shipwrecks and vibrant coral gardens.
✔ Day 2: Sail through the Linapacan Strait, known for its crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life.
✔ Day 3: Arrive in El Nido, famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and epic sunsets.
📍 Unforgettable Moment: As you sail through the Calamian Islands, you’re surrounded by breathtaking seascapes and a sense of adventure, discovering a paradise untouched by time.
2. Snorkeling and Beach Escapes
✔ Snorkel in crystal-clear waters surrounded by vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish.
✔ Relax on secluded white sandy beaches, enjoying the tranquility of hidden coves and lagoons.
✔ Capture stunning photographs of dramatic limestone cliffs and turquoise waters.
📍 Why It’s Special: The Coron to El Nido tour isn’t just about diving; it’s a tropical escape, a journey into paradise.
Conclusion
The Calamian Group of Islands is more than just a dive destination; it’s a paradise of natural beauty, historical intrigue, and unforgettable adventures. Whether you’re exploring WWII shipwrecks, swimming through vibrant coral gardens, or relaxing on hidden beaches, the Calamian Islands offer an unparalleled experience.
🌴 Ready for an unforgettable adventure? Book your Coron to El Nido tour today and discover the magic of the Calamian Group of Islands! 🏝️🌊
