KAYANGAN LAKE
The Cleanest Lake in the Philippines
Kayangan Lake is one of the most iconic and most photographed destinations in all of Palawan. Often referred to as the cleanest lake in the Philippines, it is located on Coron Island and is managed by the indigenous Tagbanua tribe. The lake is accessible via a short but steep hike up limestone steps, which leads to a famous viewpoint overlooking the stunning emerald waters of Coron Bay a must-see photo opportunity.
Once you reach the lake, you'll be greeted by unbelievably clear freshwater surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and lush greenery. Swimming in its cool, calm waters is an incredibly serene experience, and snorkelers will enjoy the underwater rock formations and occasional sightings of small fish. The peaceful atmosphere, combined with the raw beauty of nature, makes Kayangan Lake a top highlight of any Coron island hopping tour.
Why It's Famous
Kayangan Lake is a must-visit destination on Coron Island, Palawan 🇵🇭—often hailed as one of the cleanest and most picturesque lakes in both the Philippines and Asia .
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Crystal-clear, brackish water: A unique mix of roughly 70% freshwater and 30% saltwater allows for incredible underwater visibility down to 30 m in some spots
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Underwater limestone formations: Ideal for snorkeling and freediving, the lake’s submerged rock structures offer dramatic, sci-fi-like scenery
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Iconic viewpoints: A short climb (~300 steps) leads to lookout decks offering breathtaking views of the turquoise lagoon and karst cliffs
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Cultural significance: The Tagbanwa tribe regards it as sacred. After ancestral rites in 2001, it was opened for tourism with protections and an entrance fee
BARRACUDA LAKE
The lake is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, offering a stunning, secluded location that feels like a hidden world.
Barracuda Lake is one of Coron’s most extraordinary and surreal attractions, tucked between towering limestone cliffs on northern Coron Island. What makes this freshwater lake truly unique is its famous thermocline and halocline—layers of water with different temperatures and salinity that create a dreamlike sensation as you swim or dive deeper. The water near the surface is cool and refreshing, but at around 14 meters deep, it turns surprisingly warm, sometimes reaching up to 38°C, before cooling again at the bottom. These invisible layers can even be seen shimmering underwater. The lake is named after a barracuda skeleton once found in its depths, and while marine life is minimal, divers occasionally spot small fish, shrimp, and sometimes a lone barracuda. With its alien-like underwater rock formations, silky silt floor, and almost otherworldly feel, Barracuda Lake has become a favorite among free divers, scuba divers, and curious adventurers looking for a one-of-a-kind natural experience in Palawan.
Why It's Famous
Thermocline and halocline effect – Layers of warm and cold, fresh and salt water create a unique diving experience
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Visible water layers – Divers can actually see the shimmering separation between water temperatures
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Surreal underwater landscape – Jagged limestone formations and alien-like rock structures beneath the surface
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Silky, soft silt bottom – Feels like "walking on the moon" and adds to the lake’s mystical vibe
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Popular with freedivers & scuba divers – Calm, deep waters (up to ~40 meters) ideal for exploration
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Occasional marine sightings – Includes small fish, shrimp, rabbitfish, and sometimes a lone barracuda
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Surrounded by cliffs – Dramatic limestone scenery makes it visually striking and peaceful
SKELETON WRECK
One of the most stunning and accessible coral reefs in Coron, Palawan.
Skeleton Wreck is famous for being one of the most accessible and beginner-friendly shipwreck dive sites in Coron. Unlike deeper WWII wrecks, this sunken Japanese vessel lies in shallow water making it perfect for both snorkelers and beginner divers to explore without needing advanced training.
The wreck's "skeletal" structure its exposed metal frame has become a living reef, beautifully covered in corals and teeming with tropical marine life. Its combination of historical value, vibrant underwater ecosystem, and easy accessibility makes it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a mix of nature, history, and light adventure during their Coron tour.
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Why It's Famous
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WWII-era Japanese shipwreck – A piece of history resting in Coron’s shallow waters
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Easily accessible – Wreck lies in just 5–22 meters of water; visible even while snorkeling
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Rich marine life – Coral-covered hull with reef fish, sea fans, and occasional turtles
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Great for underwater photos – Clear water, colorful corals, and the ship’s shape make it photogenic
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Beginner-friendly – No need for deep dives; perfect for snorkelers and first-time divers
CORAL GARDEN
The peaceful environment and stunning views—both above and below water—make Reef Garden a must-visit for nature lovers and ocean explorers alike.
Reef Garden is a vibrant and colorful snorkeling site located in the calm, shallow waters near Coron Island, Palawan. True to its name, this underwater spot resembles a blooming garden—only instead of flowers, you’ll find a rich variety of coral species, including brain corals, soft corals, and sea fans, all teeming with marine life. Snorkelers and divers are often treated to sights of clownfish, parrotfish, butterflyfish, and other tropical species swimming among the corals.
The clear visibility and gentle currents make it ideal for both beginners and experienced snorkelers. Unlike some deeper dive sites, Reef Garden is very accessible and family-friendly, offering a peaceful and visually stunning marine experience. Its beauty and biodiversity make it a favorite stop on many island-hopping tours, perfect for nature lovers, underwater photographers, and anyone seeking a serene escape into Coron’s vibrant marine ecosystem.
Why It's Famous
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Colorful coral landscape – Resembles an underwater garden with soft and hard corals in full bloom
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Rich marine life – Home to clownfish, parrotfish, butterflyfish, and more tropical species
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Clear, shallow waters – Excellent visibility and easy depth, perfect for snorkeling
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Beginner-friendly – Calm currents make it ideal for first-time snorkelers and kids
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Great for underwater photos – Vivid colors and marine biodiversity offer stunning visuals
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Popular island-hopping stop – Included in many Coron tour packages due to its beauty and accessibility
ATWAYAN BEACH
Tucked beneath towering limestone cliffs and lined with powdery white sand
Atwayan Beach is a peaceful and scenic cove tucked along the coast of Coron Island, Palawan. Known for its powdery white sand, calm turquoise waters, and lush limestone cliffs, this small beach offers a perfect escape for travelers looking to relax and enjoy nature. It’s a popular lunch stop on many island-hopping tours, featuring shaded picnic huts and cozy tables right by the shore where guests can enjoy freshly cooked meals and refreshing drinks like coconut juice or locally brewed coffee.
The shallow waters make it ideal for swimming and snorkeling, with vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish just a few steps from the beach. Despite being included in many tours, Atwayan remains relatively uncrowded, especially in the early morning or late afternoon, giving visitors a serene and laid-back atmosphere. Its natural beauty, friendly locals, and quiet charm make Atwayan Beach a hidden gem and a favorite stop for those exploring the islands of Coron.
Why It's Famous
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Scenic setting – A small cove (~220 m) surrounded by limestone cliffs and lush foliage, with pristine white sand
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Chill lunch destination – Equipped with shaded huts and picnic tables, making it a favorite stop for island‑hopping tours
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Accessible snorkeling – Shallow, calm, crystal‐clear waters hide vibrant corals, tropical fish, clams, and even turtles
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Local hospitality – Known for friendly locals (like Capt. Aguilar), serving homemade coffee and fresh coconuts
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Peaceful ambiance – Less crowded than other stops; best visited early or late for maximum tranquility
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Ideal for relaxing & photo‑ready – Perfect for leisurely beach walks, paddling, or capturing postcard-worthy moments .
CYC BEACH
Enjoy soft sand and shallow, turquoise waters ideal for swimming and wading.
CYC Beach, short for Coron Youth Club Beach, is one of the most popular yet budget-friendly destinations in Coron, Palawan. It’s the only beach in the area that doesn’t charge an entrance fee, making it especially appealing to families, backpackers, and travelers on a budget. Despite its accessibility, CYC Beach remains a stunning natural spot, boasting powdery white sand, clear turquoise waters, and a backdrop of mangroves and limestone rock formations. It’s ideal for swimming and snorkeling, with shallow and calm waters that make it safe even for children. Often included in island-hopping tours, CYC Beach is a favorite rest stop thanks to its relaxed, undeveloped vibe. There are no shops or cottages here, preserving its raw charm and peaceful atmosphere. Whether you're sunbathing, snorkeling over coral gardens, or simply enjoying the tranquil scenery, CYC Beach offers an unspoiled escape that captures the laid-back beauty of Coron.
Why It's Famous
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Natural beauty – With white sand, crystal-clear waters, mangroves, and scenic rock formations, it offers postcard-perfect views.
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Family-friendly – The shallow, calm waters make it safe for children and enjoyable for all ages.
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Perfect for swimming and snorkeling – You can explore vibrant marine life and corals just a few meters from shore.
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Unspoiled and peaceful – With no commercial development, it retains a raw, natural charm that's hard to find elsewhere.
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Convenient stop – It’s commonly included in island-hopping tours, making it easy to visit without extra planning.
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Relaxed vibe – Great for lounging, picnics, or simply unwinding in a quiet tropical setting.
