Coron - Sangat Island Dive Center

Located on the southwestern cusp of Sangat Island in Palawan, this resort has been a dedicated diving destination since 1994. The centre is uniquely positioned within the Sangat Island Marine Park and Sanctuary, providing immediate access to some of the most historically significant dive sites in the Philippines.

The area is defined by its proximity to the wrecks of the Battle of Coron Bay. You can find ten historically significant Japanese warships and supply ships scattered throughout the region, with many of the most iconic vessels situated just a short boat trip from the shore.

The dive centre operates as a PADI affiliated facility, providing a full curriculum of training under the supervision of licensed PADI instructors. The teaching programme is designed to take you from your first breaths underwater through to advanced certifications.

Sustainability is a core part of the centre's identity. The entire resort operates independently of the public electricity grid, powered by a 74 KW solar energy system, catering to eco-conscious divers looking for a low-impact stay in a tropical setting.

The centre offers a complete PADI curriculum, beginning with the Open Water Diver course for those new to the sport. For those looking to progress, the centre provides various other certifications to build your skills and experience.

Training is conducted by licensed instructors who manage the curriculum to ensure all safety and educational standards are met, whether you are completing your initial qualification or working towards more advanced diver levels.

The reef gardens are home to a diverse array of marine life, including various species of hard coral (Scleractinia) and soft coral (Alcyonacea). You will find a constant presence of reef fish, such as parrotfish (Calotomus), angelfish (Pomacanthidae), and butterflyfish (Chaetodon), alongside damselfish (Pomacentridae) and wrasse (Labridae).

Larger residents of the reef include groupers (Epinephelus), snappers (Lutjanus), and various species of tuna (Thunnus). It is not uncommon to see predators like the grey reef shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos), whitetip reef shark (Triaenodon obesus), and blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) patrolling the area, as well as stingrays and trevallies.

For those interested in macro life, the reefs host a variety of smaller creatures. Look closely for nudibranchs (Chromodoris willani), harlequin shrimps, ghost pipefish (Solenostomidae), and pygmy seahorse (Hippocampus bargibanti). You may also encounter octopus (Octopus vulgaris), cuttlefish (Sepiidae), and various species of moray eel (Muraenidae) tucked into the reef structure.

The best time to visit the area is from October through March, which corresponds to the warm and generally dry autumn season. During this period, the conditions are typically most favourable for diving.

Conversely, the period from July through September marks the cool and wet tropical monsoon season, which should be considered when planning your trip.