Coron Shipwrecks and Lusong Coral Garden tour (Private / Shared)

Coron Shipwrecks and Lusong Coral Garden Tour (Private / Shared)

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 (based on 3 reviews)
Price: $55.00 per person
Location: Coron, Philippines
Duration: Approximately 9.5 hours
Booking: Usually booked 7 days in advance
Features: Pickup service, group discounts, mobile ticket

A quick look at what’s on offer

This tour takes you to some of Coron’s most famous underwater sites, including WWII wrecks and a lush coral garden. Starting bright and early at 8:00 am, you’ll spend around nine and a half hours exploring shipwrecks, coral reefs, and a beautiful island, with plenty of time for snorkeling, relaxing, and soaking in the scenery.

What we love about this tour is how it balances history and vibrant marine life in one day. You get to see a historic WWII gunboat and an anti-submarine wreck, both sitting shallow enough for snorkelers to appreciate easily. Plus, the Lusong Coral Garden offers a spectacle of colorful corals and lively fish, and Pass Island provides a peaceful break with white sands and swaying coconut trees.

A couple of potential considerations include the limited flexibility—it’s a non-refundable tour, so if the weather turns sour, your options are limited to rescheduling or refunds. Also, snorkeling equipment isn’t included, so you’ll need to bring your own or rent locally.

This tour is best suited for marine life lovers, history enthusiasts, and those wanting a well-rounded day of island hopping. If you enjoy marine scenery up close but aren’t keen on long boat rides or complicated logistics, this could be a good fit.

Key Points

• Historic wrecks and colorful coral gardens are the main attractions.
• The route includes four stops covering wrecks, reefs, and an island paradise.
• The tour includes hotel pickup, a picnic lunch, and basic safety gear like life jackets.
• Snorkeling equipment is not provided, so bring your own or plan to rent.
• The small group/private options allow a more personalized experience.
• Weather cancellations are possible but will be refunded or rescheduled.

Exploring the Coron Shipwrecks and Lusong Coral Garden Tour in Detail

When choosing a tour in Coron, one of the main draws is the chance to see world war II wrecks that have become part of the underwater landscape. This tour offers a balanced mix of history, marine life, and beach relaxation that appeals to a broad range of travelers.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The day begins early, with hotel pickup around 8:00 am. The first stop is the Lusong Gunboat Wreck, a fascinating site where you can snorkel over a WWII vessel now encrusted with corals. The gunboat, approximately 25 meters long, offers a great opportunity to observe hard corals and a variety of fish in a relatively shallow environment. According to one review, this site is “a perfect freediving location and nicely covered with hard corals,” making it ideal for both snorkelers and those interested in a closer look at history.

Next, you’ll visit the East Tangat wreck, which sank in September 1944. This wreck is believed to be either a tugboat or an anti-submarine craft. Its very shallow depth of only 3 meters allows snorkelers to see the wreck’s shape and explore the bow comfortably. One traveler noted, “the engine room offers a small swim-through full of colorful fish,” highlighting its appeal for those eager to see more than just the surface.

The third stop is the Lusong Coral Garden, a large underwater reef system. You’re likely to enjoy crystal-clear water and excellent visibility, with a chance to see a variety of corals and fish. One reviewer mentioned, “The coral garden is so large that divers and snorkelers can spread out to different areas,” emphasizing the diversity and expansiveness of this site.

Finally, the tour concludes with a visit to Pass Island. This tranquil spot with white sand beaches and coconut trees is perfect for relaxing, swimming, or just soaking up the scenery. The white sandbar lined with palms offers a picture-perfect backdrop for a break from the water.

What We Like

One of our favorite aspects of this tour is how accessible and varied it is. The wreck sites are shallow enough for snorkelers, meaning even less experienced swimmers can enjoy exploring the ship remains. We also love the vibrant coral garden, which is a feast for the eyes, making it ideal for photographers and marine enthusiasts alike.

Another highlight is the comprehensive nature of the stops. You’re not just seeing one wreck or reef—you get a full day’s worth of marine adventure with different environments and experiences. Plus, the inclusion of a picnic lunch and hotel pickup adds convenience, especially if you’re staying on Coron.

Things to Consider

The main drawback, as some reviews suggest, is that the tour is non-refundable. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, you’re either rescheduling or missing out entirely—so it’s wise to keep an eye on the forecast. Plus, snorkeling equipment isn’t included, which could add to your costs if you don’t have your own gear ready.

While the tour is well-suited for most travelers, it might not appeal to those looking for a more adventurous or deep-diving experience. It’s designed for snorkelers and island-hoppers who want to see as much marine scenery as possible in one day.

The Cost-Value Balance

At $55 per person, this tour offers a lot of value—you’re getting several stops with different environments, all with a guide and some included amenities. The early start and full day mean you’re investing a good amount of time for a reasonable price, especially considering the transportation, guide service, and lunch are included.

Who Should Book This Tour?

If you’re interested in Coron’s underwater history and love seeing vivid coral reefs, this tour fits the bill. It’s ideal for families, first-time visitors, or anyone wanting a relaxed but immersive day exploring WWII wrecks and marine biodiversity. The spots visited are suitable for snorkelers of various skill levels, making it accessible for most.

Conversely, if you prefer serious diving, flexible schedules, or private custom tours, you might want to look elsewhere. This experience is best appreciated by those who enjoy organized day trips with set itineraries and don’t mind the fixed schedule.

Final Thoughts

This tour in Coron offers a fascinating blend of history and natural beauty at a reasonable price. The shallow wreck sites are perfect for snorkelers eager to get up close without deep-diving gear, and the coral gardens serve up a visual feast of marine life. The inclusion of Pass Island provides a peaceful break to relax and reflect on the day.

The experience is well-suited for marine life fans, history lovers, and casual island explorers. Its organized nature and inclusive amenities make it a hassle-free way to see some of Coron’s best underwater and island sights. Just keep an eye on the weather forecast, plan to bring your own snorkeling gear, and enjoy a day filled with color, history, and stunning views.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup, boat transfer, the service of an experienced crew, a picnic lunch, life jackets, and drinking water. Snorkeling equipment is not provided, so you need to bring your own or rent locally.

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 9 hours and 30 minutes, starting at 8:00 am and covering four main stops.

Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers?
Yes, since the wreck sites are shallow, even snorkelers with basic skills can enjoy exploring these sites comfortably.

Can I get a private tour?
Yes, the tour is available as a private experience, allowing your group to enjoy the sites without sharing with others.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.

How much does snorkeling equipment cost?
It’s not included in the tour price, so you’ll need to bring your own or rent locally.

What kind of marine life can I expect to see?
You can expect to see a variety of colorful fish, corals, and sometimes sea turtles at Lusong Coral Garden.

Are there any additional costs?
No, the main costs are included, but remember to bring your own snorkeling gear or plan to rent.

Who is this tour best suited for?
It’s perfect for travelers interested in history and vibrant marine environments who prefer a guided, organized day out without deep-diving demands.

To sum it up, the Coron Shipwrecks and Lusong Coral Garden tour offers a well-rounded, enjoyable day of exploring underwater wrecks and coral reefs that are easy to access for snorkelers. It delivers good value, memorable sights, and a straightforward experience that will appeal most to those seeking a relaxed yet adventurous exploration of Coron’s marine treasures.