Coron: Dugong Watching with Sea Turtle and Coral Garden tour

Imagine floating in the warm, clear waters of Coron, Palawan, with the chance to see gentle dugongs, vibrant coral reefs, and curious sea turtles all in one day. For $161 per person, this full-day adventure offers a rare glimpse into the underwater world, guided by knowledgeable local guides who are eager to share their marine secrets. The tour starts early, with pickups from several key locations in Coron, and takes you on a scenic boat ride to pristine snorkeling sites.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how focused it is on authentic marine encounters. The chance to swim with dugongs—these elusive, gentle marine mammals—is a highlight, as is the chance to explore lively coral gardens teeming with marine life. Plus, the inclusion of lunch, water, and snorkeling gear makes it a convenient package. That said, the tour’s reliance on weather conditions means there’s always a small chance of delays or cancellations—something to keep in mind if you’re planning around tight schedules.

This tour suits travelers who love nature, want a meaningful eco-friendly experience, and enjoy the chance to see rare marine species. It’s ideal for those comfortable with snorkeling and eager to learn about marine ecosystems from guides who are passionate and well-informed.

Key Points

• Unique opportunity to swim with dugongs in their natural habitat in Coron
• Vibrant coral reefs and sea turtles provide colorful underwater scenery
• Inclusive package covers transfer, gear, lunch, and environmental fees
• Limited daily spots mean you need to book early, especially in peak season
• Weather-dependent; high tide often affects dugong sightings
• Designed for adventurous travelers comfortable with snorkeling and boat rides

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Coron’s Marine Wonders: A Close Look at the Dugong Tour

Coron is famous for its stunning islands, wrecks, and lagoons, but this tour offers something a little more special — the chance to observe dugongs in their natural environment. These gentle creatures, sometimes called “sea cows,” are rare to see in the wild, making this tour a true highlight for animal lovers and eco-conscious travelers.

The Itinerary and Logistics

Your day begins with an early pickup between 5:00 and 5:30 am from several designated locations: Coron Town, Two Seasons Coron Bayside Hotel, Tag Resort Coron, Experience Coron Travel, or Coron Westown Resort. The early start is necessary because the tour involves a roughly two-hour van ride to Busuanga, followed by about 30 minutes on a boat to the snorkeling sites.

The day typically lasts around 7 hours — though during busy times or if weather delays occur, it might extend to around 5 pm. The boat ride itself is scenic, offering views of the surrounding islands and a chance to settle into the tranquil pace of island life. The boat is well-equipped, with licensed guides, snorkeling gear, and seasonal fruits to keep spirits high.

The Main Attraction: Swimming with Dugongs

The core of this experience is the chance to see and swim with dugongs, which often feed in the northern part of Palawan. According to guides, there’s about a 90% chance of spotting them, as they tend to frequent these feeding areas. However, weather conditions can impact sightings, and sometimes the dugongs are not present during your visit. When they are around, you get about 25 minutes to snorkel with them, with the tour limiting groups to four people at a time to protect the environment and respect the animals.

A guide, like Maria, might explain the behavior of dugongs, emphasizing their shy and peaceful nature. One traveler mentioned: “Swimming with these gentle giants felt surreal, and the guide’s info made it even more special.”

Coral Gardens and Marine Life

After the dugong experience, you’ll head to Dimipac Island’s Coral Garden, a vibrant underwater habitat where you’ll encounter colorful fish, sea turtles, and a variety of corals. This part of the tour offers plenty of photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate Coron’s marine biodiversity.

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Lunch and Relaxation

Midday, a buffet lunch is served—an appreciated break after the morning’s activities. The meal is typically simple yet satisfying, including fresh seafood and local dishes. Following lunch, there’s free time for more snorkeling or relaxing ashore before heading back.

Environmental and Practical Tips

The tour emphasizes environmental responsibility—guidelines request that visitors avoid touching corals, disturbing marine animals, or using non-biodegradable sunscreen. Bringing your own snorkeling gear, waterproof camera, and biodegradable sunscreen enhances your experience and helps protect the ecosystem.

The Pros and Cons

What we love:

• The authentic chance to see dugongs in the wild, a rare find for most travelers.
• The vibrant coral reefs and marine biodiversity make the snorkeling particularly lively and rewarding.

Considerations:

• The weather dependency can affect dugong sightings; sometimes they’re absent if conditions aren’t ideal.
• The limited time with dugongs (about 25 minutes) means you need to be ready to make the most of that short window.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for nature lovers, eco-enthusiasts, and snorkeling fans who are comfortable on boats and eager for a meaningful encounter with rare marine animals. It’s also suited for travelers seeking a more sustainable and educational tour, thanks to the guides’ emphasis on marine conservation.

Final Thoughts

The Coron Dugong Watching tour offers a unique blend of marine wildlife viewing and coral reef exploration. While not a typical island-hopping day, it delivers a special chance to witness creatures rarely seen in the wild. The tour’s all-inclusive package simplifies logistics and allows you to focus on the experience, knowing transport, gear, and lunch are taken care of.

This tour’s value lies in its authenticity and rarity—a chance to connect with Coron’s marine environment in a respectful way. It’s best for adventurous travelers who appreciate nature, are comfortable with snorkeling, and want a story to tell about a rare encounter with sea cows.

If you’re looking for a meaningful, eco-conscious day that combines adventure with education, this tour could be the highlight of your trip to Coron.

FAQ

Is snorkeling equipment included in the tour?
Yes, the tour provides snorkeling gear, so you don’t need to bring your own unless you prefer to.

What is the likelihood of seeing a dugong?
Guides estimate about a 90% chance—they live in the area and are often feeding there, but sightings can depend on weather conditions.

How long do I get to swim with the dugongs?
Approximately 25 minutes per session, with groups limited to four people at a time to reduce disturbance.

Are there any age restrictions?
The tour is not suitable for children under 3, 4, or for those with certain health conditions such as back or heart problems. It’s best suited for physically capable travelers comfortable in water.

What should I bring?
Swimwear, change of clothes, towel, camera, snacks, waterproof gear, biodegradable sunscreen, and cash are recommended.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour can be canceled if weather conditions are unfavorable, especially if it affects dugong sightings. It’s best to book with flexible cancellation policies.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, allowing some flexibility in case your plans change.

This tour offers a genuine chance to see Coron’s marine life in a respectful, environmentally conscious way—perfect for those who want more than just the usual island sights.

You can check availability for your dates here: