The comprehensive guide to the stunning reef dive sites in Coron and Busuanga
Welcome to the comprehensive guide to the stunning reef dive sites in Coron and Busuanga, curated by Pirates Diving Center Coron. Explore the vibrant underwater world, where each dive promises unique marine encounters. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, there’s a dive site waiting for you. Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each reef dive site, along with the required certification level and dive site depths.
Twin Peaks
Description: Twin Peaks is a popular dive site known for its colorful coral gardens and diverse marine life. The site features two coral-covered pinnacles, creating a vibrant underwater landscape. Divers can encounter a variety of fish species, including butterflyfish, angelfish, and the occasional turtle.
Certification Level: Open Water Diver
Depth: 5-25 meters
Caps Point
Description: Caps Point offers an exciting dive with stunning coral formations and an abundance of marine life. The site features a sloping reef that descends into deeper waters, making it perfect for exploring the diverse coral species and schools of fish that inhabit the area
.
Certification Level: Open Water Diver
Depth: 5-30 meters
CYC Island – Pirates Reef
Description: CYC Island is ideal for beginner divers and snorkelers. The shallow waters and pristine coral reefs make it a fantastic spot to observe vibrant marine life up close. Expect to see clownfish, parrotfish, and a variety of other reef dwellers.
Certification Level: Open Water Diver
Depth: 2-15 meters
Barracuda Lake
Description: Barracuda Lake is famous for its unique thermocline and halocline layers. The lake offers a surreal diving experience with its warm and cold water layers, and the dramatic limestone formations. Despite its name, barracudas are rarely seen here.
Certification Level: Advanced Open Water Diver
Depth: 5-35 meters
Siete Picados
Description: Siete Picados, meaning “Seven Peaks,” is a marine sanctuary known for its vibrant coral formations and abundant marine life. Divers can explore the seven coral-covered pinnacles that attract schools of fish, nudibranchs, and other small marine creatures
Certification Level: Open Water Diver
Depth: 5-25 meters
Malpadon Reef
Description: Malpadon Reef is a beautiful dive site featuring extensive coral gardens and diverse marine life. The reef slopes gently, making it an excellent spot for observing the rich biodiversity, including reef fish, crustaceans, and occasional pelagic visitors.
.
Certification Level: Open Water Diver
Depth: 5-30 meters
Demangelet Reef
Description: Demangelet Reef is known for its stunning coral formations and clear waters. This dive site offers a variety of coral species and a chance to see larger marine life such as groupers, snappers, and sometimes even eagle rays.
Certification Level: Open Water Diver
Depth: 5-25 meters
Cathedral Cave
Description: Cathedral Cave is a unique dive site featuring an underwater cave system. The entrance is located in shallow waters, leading to a large cavern with stunning light effects. This dive is for experienced divers due to the cave environment.
Certification Level: Advanced Open Water Diver
Depth: 5-30 meters
Coron Drop Off
Description: Coron Drop Off is a dramatic dive site with a steep wall that drops into the deep blue. The wall is covered in colorful corals and sponges, providing a habitat for a wide variety of marine life, including reef sharks, turtles, and large schools of fish.
Certification Level: Advanced Open Water Diver
Depth: 5-40 meters
Manta Point
Description: Manta Point is a must-visit for those hoping to encounter manta rays. The site features a sloping reef with cleaning stations where mantas are often seen. In addition to mantas, divers can observe a variety of other marine species.
Certification Level: Advanced Open Water Diver
Depth: 5-30 meters
Calumbayan Reef
Description: Calumbayan Reef is a vibrant dive site with an array of hard and soft corals. The shallow reef is perfect for beginners and offers sightings of colorful reef fish, sea anemones, and the occasional turtle. 
Certification Level: Open Water Diver
Depth: 5-34 meters
East Tangat Reef
Description: East Tangat Reef is known for its healthy coral gardens and diverse marine life. The site offers a gentle slope, making it accessible for divers of all levels. Expect to see various fish species, sea cucumbers, and beautiful coral formations.
Certification Level: Open Water Diver
Depth: 5-25 meters
Coral Garden
Description: Coral Garden is aptly named for its beautiful and extensive coral formations. The site is a favorite among photographers due to the vibrant coral colors and clear waters. Marine life includes a variety of fish, nudibranchs, and occasionally larger pelagic species .
Certification Level: Open Water Diver
Depth: 5-20 meters
Cathedral Cave Reef
Description: Adjacent to Cathedral Cave, Cathedral Cave Reef offers a mix of coral gardens and dramatic underwater topography. The site is home to a variety of marine life, including reef fish, crustaceans, and sometimes pelagic species. The cave’s proximity adds an element of adventure.
Certification Level: Advanced Open Water Diver
Depth: 5-30 meters
Barracuda Reef
Description: Located near Barracuda Lake, Barracuda Reef features an impressive array of hard and soft corals. The reef is teeming with marine life, including barracudas, and a variety of colorful fish species. This dive site offers a unique mix of shallow and deep coral gardens, making it suitable for divers of all levels. Divers can explore the vibrant coral structures and encounter a diverse range of marine species, including parrotfish, angelfish, and sometimes even the elusive barracuda.
Certification Level: Open Water Diver
Depth: 5-25 meter
Alcatraz Reef
Description: Alcatraz Reef is a hidden gem in the waters of Coron, offering an exhilarating dive experience. This site features a stunning array of hard and soft corals that create a vibrant underwater landscape. Divers can explore the expansive coral gardens teeming with marine life, including schools of colorful reef fish, nudibranchs, and occasional sightings of larger pelagic species such as barracudas and trevallies. The reef’s topography includes interesting overhangs and small caves, providing a dynamic environment for exploration. With its rich biodiversity and captivating underwater scenery, Alcatraz Reef is a must-visit for any diving enthusiast in Coron.
Certification Level: Open Water Diver
Depth: 5-30 meters
Each of these dive sites offers a unique underwater adventure, showcasing the incredible biodiversity and natural beauty of Coron and Busuanga. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned diver, Pirates Diving Center Coron is here to help you explore these amazing reefs safely and enjoyably.