Best Beaches in Coron | Philippines Beach Guide

Coron: Philippines' Extraordinary Island of Lakes, Reefs, and Wrecks

Coron is an island municipality in northern Palawan, Philippines, considered one of the world's top diving destinations for its extraordinary combination of Japanese WWII shipwrecks, freshwater lakes hidden within limestone cliffs, turquoise lagoons, and pristine coral reefs. The town of Coron on Busuanga Island is the gateway to dozens of smaller uninhabited islands and cays in the Calamian archipelago. Unlike El Nido to the south (which is known for dramatic limestone karsts), Coron is characterised by its more diverse underwater topography — including the wreck of the Japanese fleet sunk in September 1944, now covered in coral and home to thousands of fish species. Above the waterline, the islands offer some of the most secluded beach-hopping in Asia.

Top Beaches and Sites Near Coron

Kayangan Lake

Widely cited as Asia's cleanest lake, Kayangan is a brackish lake hidden behind the limestone cliffs of Coron Island, accessible via a short steep hike and then a descent to a pontoon on the water. The visibility here exceeds 30 metres and the rock formations below the surface are extraordinary. This is not technically a beach but the most photographed site in the Calamian archipelago — visiting it is obligatory for all Coron tours.

Malcapuya Island

The most beautiful beach near Coron — a 200-metre arc of powdery white sand with brilliant turquoise water and excellent snorkelling on the fringing coral reef. Malcapuya is 2.5 hours by banca boat from Coron town and is often combined with Banana Island (which has a long white sand bar) in a full-day island-hopping tour. There are no permanent residents on Malcapuya — just a day-trip beach facility and the reef.

Skeleton Wreck (Okikawa Maru)

The most accessible of Coron's WWII Japanese wrecks, the Okikawa Maru lies in relatively shallow water (8–28 metres) and is diveable and snorkellable from the surface. The wreck is now a thriving artificial reef covered in soft corals, nudibranches, and schooling fish. Wreck diving in Coron is world-class — with 10+ identified wrecks ranging from 15 to 40 metres depth, the area attracts experienced divers from around the world.

Best Time to Visit Coron

November to May is the dry season and the best time to visit — calm seas, clear skies, and excellent diving visibility (20–30 metres). December to February is peak season. June to October is the southwest monsoon (habagat) season when seas can be rough and some boat tours are cancelled. November is a transitional month that can offer good conditions with fewer crowds. Water temperature is 27–29°C year-round.

Getting There and Where to Stay

Fly from Manila to Francisco B. Reyes Airport in Busuanga (1 hr), then take a van transfer (45 min) to Coron town. Direct flights also operate from Cebu and El Nido. Browse hotels in Coron and discover more beaches in the Philippines for your Palawan island adventure.