Corto Divers

Located in the heart of Coron Town Proper, Palawan, Corto Divers serves as a gateway to one of the most significant wreck diving destinations in the world. The area is defined by its history, with numerous Japanese Imperial Navy vessels resting on the seabed, offering a unique combination of maritime archaeology and vibrant reef ecosystems.

Beyond the wrecks, the geography of Coron provides diverse environments, from the limestone cliffs surrounding Barracuda Lake to the healthy coral reefs that surround the sunken vessels. Whether you are looking to complete your first certification or are an experienced diver seeking deep wreck penetrations, the centre is positioned to access the best of the archipelago.

The centre is affiliated with PADI and is run by a team of experienced, certified instructors. They manage a range of training programmes, ensuring that both novice divers and those looking to specialise in wreck or deep diving receive professional guidance.

There is a clear focus on responsible diving and marine preservation, with the centre adhering to strict environmental guidelines to protect the local coral ecosystems. The shop itself is built using high-quality local materials like Romblon sandstone and Rizal adobe stone, creating a functional and welcoming space for briefings and socialising.

Corto Divers offers a comprehensive range of PADI training programmes. Beginners can start with Discover Scuba Diving or work through the Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver courses.

For those looking to refine their skills for the local environment, several specialty courses are available, including the PADI Wreck Specialty, Nitrox Specialty, and Deep Specialty. These are designed to build the specific buoyancy and gas management skills required for the Coron wrecks.

The centre operates two local bangka boats, providing a traditional Philippine diving experience. These vessels are sized to ensure there is enough space and comfort for divers to relax between dives.

On full-day trips, lunch and drinks are provided on board. For those looking to capture their dives, GoPro and DJI camera rentals are available to take on the boats.

The centre offers full equipment hire, meaning you can arrive with just your mask and computer if you prefer. The kit is well-maintained and includes all the essentials for wreck and reef diving.

A Nitrox station is available on-site, with Nitrox fills available per cylinder for those looking to extend their bottom time on the deeper wrecks. For divers who may need one, dive computer rentals are also provided.

The wrecks and surrounding reefs are home to a variety of reef fish and colourful tropical fish. You will often see Butterflyfish (Chaetodon) and various Angelfish (Pomacanthidae) patrolling the hard corals and reef structures.

The marine life includes larger pelagics such as Great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) and turtles that frequent the area. You may also encounter rabbitfish and other reef fish amongst the corals.

Macro life and smaller inhabitants include various species of Shrimp (Caridea) and other small crustaceans. The reef environments provide plenty of cover for these smaller creatures to inhabit.

The diving in Coron is heavily influenced by the wreck sites, which range from very shallow reef wrecks to deep, vertical vessels. Divers should be aware of their depth ratings, as several of the more significant ships require Advanced or Deep Diver certifications.

Access to sites like Barracuda Lake involves navigating limestone steps, which is a consideration for those with limited mobility.