Top 7 Things to Do in Coron, Palawan

Coron is an adventurer’s paradise – full of places to to be explored above and under water. From diving Japanese shipwrecks from the 1940s to guided mangrove tours, there is a whole lot to do in Coron. Check out the top 7 – in no particular order!

1. Dive sunken Japanese shipwrecks

Coron is well-known as an awesome wreck-diving destination. In fact, it’s been named as one of the top 10 Best Scuba Diving Sites in the world by Forbes Traveler. Sure, you could see a whole lot of wildlife snorkeling around the beautiful coral reefs of Coron, but in all honesty – those are incomparable to what you’ll experience on the wreck dives.

Here’s a snippet:

There’s just something ethereal and magical about exploring a ship wreck underwater. The wreck dive sites around Coron can be as shallow as 10- 30 feet or as deep as 120-140 feet. There are many to choose from, but be sure to check out Irako Maru for great visibility and the opportunity for deep penetration wreck diving!

2. Trek 700+ steps to the top of Mt. Tapyas

Mt. Tapyas is the second tallest peak in Coron and only a thirty minute walk from the town proper. It towers over the town, offering a breathtaking view of Coron Island. A beautiful place to take in a sunset. Or two.

things to see in coron, palawan

Don’t let the 700+ steps put you off – it’s an easy climb with plenty of rest stops along the way!

3. Four words: Siete Picados Marine Park

Siete Picados Marine Park is a must-visit for anyone in or near Coron. It’s comprised of a cluster of seven islets that are home to an incredibly rich variety of marine life. The massive corals alone are worth the visit and the abundant marine life is the cherry on top.

things to do in coron, palawan

Siete Picados Marine Park also happens to be the closest snorkeling site to Coron – at only a 15 minute boat ride away, there’s just no excuse not to check it out!

4. Check out wildlife at the Calauit Island Wildlife Sanctuary

What better place to check out African wildlife than in…the Philippines?

Calauit Island is about a 2 hour drive away from Coron town so it’s going to be a full-day trip – but it’s worth the visit. At the wildlife sanctuary, you’ll find a collection of giraffes, zebras, bear cats, Calamian deer, peacocks, as well as various species of birds.

It’s a huge – 3,700 hectares – sanctuary built by the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos to preverse African and Palawan wildlife threatened with extinction. Whether you’re an animal lover or not – this trip is totally worth it.

5.  Explore Busuanga Island on a mountain bike

The best way to explore the entirety of this beautiful island – at your own pace – is to rent a motorbike. You can stop by beaches for a quick, refreshing dip or explore the numerous trails that lead to mangrove forests and rivers. A stopover at a waterfall is always nice, too!

6. Go horseback riding

Another pitstop you can make on your motorbike is at “Horse Valley” – just a 10-minute ride from Coron. Spend the day riding through the bushes and forests around the foot of Mt. Tundalara – the second highest mountain in all of Palawan.

Or, if you’re an experienced rider, you can even horse ride your way up the 700+ steps of Mt. Tapyas and take in the beautiful views – without much effort on your part.

7. Idle away the day hopping from one beautiful island to the next

No “things to do in coron” list is complete with…island hopping. Coron is home to some of the most beautiful beaches and spectacular underwater wildlife and an island hopping tour is the best way to check out all the sights!