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Dive into History: Coron Bay’s WWII Wrecks
Guest Blog by Phil North
Phil North, from Dive Worldwide takes us on a journey through time to discover the wartime shipwrecks of Coron Bay.
Coron Bay, in the Philippines’ Palawan province, is known for having some of the best wreck diving in the world.
Divers can discover famous Japanese vessels from World War II, along with fascinating historical artefacts, guns and ammunition that have been eerily preserved through time. The sheer number of sunken ships in such a condensed area is a major draw for wreck enthusiasts, but the Philippines islands have also been at the epicentre of major events that have shaped global history.
A Snaphot of the Philippines’ Maritime History
‘The Philippines’ was so named in the 16th century, when Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan claimed the islands for King Phillip II of Spain. Magellan was killed in battle by a local chief, but the eighteen surviving members of his crew became the first people to circumnavigate the globe! For three hundred years, the Philippines remained colonised by the Spanish, until eventually the Americans won the territory in 1898.
The Japanese occupied the islands during World War Two – this fateful strategic move was motivated by disputes between the US and Japan over control of the Pacific and South East Asia. The 1941 Japanese invasion occurred just ten hours before the Pearl Harbour attacks, precipitating one of the most significant turning points in the war.
Shipwrecks! What happened in Coron Bay during WWII?
On 24 September 1944, the third airfleet of the US Navy strike force launched a surprise attack on the Japanese supply fleet, which was hiding in the islands around Coron Bay. Twenty-four Helldiver Bombers and ninety-six Hellcat Fighters destroyed twelve Japanese ships in a devastating attack that lasted less than twenty minutes.
Lost for decades at the bottom of the ocean, this fascinating moment in history is now exclusively experienced by scuba divers.
What’s it like to dive the Japanese wrecks?
Dive Worldwide’s team member and dive expert, Joanna Charter, reflects on personal experiences of diving in Coron Bay. Joanna has dived the Morazan, the Lusong Gunboat, Kogyo and the East Sangat wreck sites, and recommends diving during the half-moon, when the tides are at their weakest:
“Diving the wrecks of Coron was a delight. Most are penetrable. I remember that I was able to explore the engine room of the Morazan Maru and size myself up against the giant boilers, which now play home to many crustaceans.
The cargo holds of the Kogyo Maru are teaming with glassfish and the current that runs over the top has allowed a coral garden to form. The shallower East Sangat wreck is great to explore in the afternoon, after the deeper morning dives, and still gives you that metal fix. Although a lot has been salvaged, the size of the wrecks allows good and interesting access, well worth an adding to any wreck lover’s bucket list!”
Coron wrecks by dive level
Today, Coron Bay is considered one of the most outstanding wreck diving sites in South East Asia, with access to vast oil tankers, gun boats, sub chasers, cargo and supply vessels, and a seaplane carrier.
There are ten key Japanese shipwrecks for divers to discover: Teru Kaze Maru, Olympia Maru, Irako, Kogyo Maru, Morazan Maru, Lusong Gunboat, Akitsushima, Okikawa Maru, Nanshin Maru and Kyokuzan Maru – but we’ll look at a few of the highlights for each dive level.
Advanced divers
Irako is considered the jewel of the Coron wrecks. Here divers can access a well-preserved 125m long supply vessel, but with strong currents, challenging access points and depths of 33-42 metres, this site is not for beginners. Those who are qualified will be rewarded with access to cargo holds, engine rooms and an abundance of marine life inhabitants.
Akitsushima Maru is another site for experienced divers – this impressive 4.5 tonne warship was designed to carry seaplanes, but it was sunk by torpedo fire. AA-machine guns from the vessel can still be seen on the seabed.
Civilian oil tanker, Okikawa Maru, is the largest shipwreck in Coron Bay at 170m. Although the depths are quite shallow (12-25m), strong currents and low visibility may demand some diving skill.
Novice to Intermediate divers
Kogyo Maru is a relatively easy dive, with a maximum depth of 34m. The 135m Japanese freighter is on its side, and divers can easily access the cargo holds and witness anti-aircraft weapons covered in coral. The Kogyo Maru survived the 21 September 1944 attacks, but was sunk a few days later by US dive-bombers.
Olympia Maru, close to Sangat Island, is very accessible for both divers and snorkellers, with depths of just 3-19m. Here you can see an upright submarine-chaser, along with the chance of colourful mandarin fish and plenty of macro critters.
Another easy dive, albeit with some intermediate elements, is the Auxiliary supply ship Morazan Maru. This is one of the most popular wrecks in Coron for divers and underwater photographers alike, thanks to the stunning black coral-covered portholes, the exciting engine room, and the diverse resident marine life, such as barracudas, squid, sweetlips, groupers and scorpion fish. Experienced divers can discover the air pocket room or swim the full length of the ship!
“Morazan is a nice deep wreck with lots of swim-throughs. It was good to go inside at one end, then drift back along the top. The top of the wreck itself is covered in a garden of plate corals.” – Joanna Charter
Diving Trips in Coron Bay
Eager for your own piece of underwater history? Explore ships bejewelled with soft and black corals, and experience the strange incongruence of encountering schools of fish, critters and even turtles while swimming around 1940s wartime relics.
Dive Coron Bay
Experience up to 12 guided boat dives, exploring the most fascinating wrecks in Coron Bay. You stay at the eco-friendly Sangat Island Dive Resort, which is one of the area’s best kept secrets and has an on-site dive centre. You also have the opportunity to visit the popular dive sites of Cathedral Cove and Barracuda Lake, as well as the topside delights of the Calamian islands. Find out more…
Get Wrecked – Truk & Sangat
Combine two world-leading WWII Japanese shipwreck sites – Coron Bay in the Philippines (includes six dives) and Truk Lagoon in Micronesia (includes 12 dives). Resort and liveaboard accommodation options are available. Find out more…
Get in touch with the friendly Dive Worldwide team for first-hand advice on your next diving holiday to the Philippines. They offer a superb range of resort and liveaboard options. Visit the website, send an enquiry, or call the expert team on 01962 302087.
Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
Blogs
Dive into Adventure at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa: The Ultimate Diving Destination in the Maldives
Tucked away in the remote northern Haa Alifu Atoll, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is a premier destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable underwater experience. With over 30 dive sites to explore, divers of all levels can witness the unique and mesmerising beauty of the underwater world. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or new to the sport, Hideaway offers an exceptional diving adventure that is not to be missed.
Explore the Beauty Beneath the Surface
Hideaway is perfectly situated near some of the most spectacular dive sites in the Maldives. The dive school and team at Hideaway offer a very personalised experience to ensure each diver gets an interactive, immersive experience.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Unique dive spots such as Theefaridhoo Thila (Heaven and Hell) as one of the 50 best dive sites in the whole of the Maldives, known for its beautiful soft coral gardens.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
As the resort is located next to a channel which gives guests surprise visits from eagle rays, manta rays, guitar sharks and more.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
One of the standout features of diving in the Haa Alifu Atoll is the abundance of rare and exotic marine species. The area is known for sightings of whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, and a variety of colorful reef fish. Diving at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa offers a rare opportunity to encounter these creatures in their natural habitat, creating lifelong memories for guests.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Whether you’re exploring deep coral gardens, dramatic overhangs, or vibrant reef walls, each dive offers something new and exciting. The visibility in the Maldives is exceptional, often exceeding 30 meters, making it ideal for both underwater photography and general exploration.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Diving for All Levels
At Hideaway, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the thrill of diving. That’s why we cater to divers of all levels, from beginners to experienced professionals. Our professional dive center, led by expert instructors, offers a range of courses and guided dives. If you’re new to diving, you can start with an introductory course that will teach you the basics of scuba diving in a safe and controlled environment.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
For more experienced divers, we offer advanced dive courses and guided excursions to some of the more challenging dive sites. Our instructors are knowledgeable and passionate about the local marine life, ensuring that every dive is not only safe but also informative and enjoyable.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Exclusive Diving Offer
To make your stay even more unforgettable, Hideaway is offering an exclusive diving package designed to enhance your experience both above and below the water. When you book a minimum 7-night stay, you’ll receive:
- 35% discount on room rates.
- Complimentary diving: 3 dives per person for 2 guests, allowing you to experience the beauty of the Maldives underwater world.
- Free meal plan upgrade: enjoy a complimentary upgrade from Bed & Breakfast to Half Board, or from Half Board to Full Board. Guests who prefer the White Platinum Plan (WPP) can avail it at a discounted rate.
This incredible offer provides the perfect opportunity to experience world-class diving while enjoying all the luxury and comfort that Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is known for.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Combinable Offers for Even More Value
This diving offer can also be combined with our Anniversary and Honeymoon offers, allowing you to create the perfect celebration package. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply seeking a romantic getaway, this offer ensures that you can enjoy the best of both worlds – luxurious accommodations and unforgettable diving adventures.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Terms & Conditions
- This offer is available exclusively for bookings made through the official Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa website using a specific booking code.
- The offer cannot be combined with other promotions available on the website or through other channels, nor can it be redeemed for cash.
- All dives are subject to weather conditions, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all guests.
- Black-out dates: This offer is not available from 24th December 2024 to 9th January 2025.
To book this exquisite offer, use the Promo Code: SCUBA24FD
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Hideaway is not just a resort; it’s a sanctuary for those seeking peace, adventure, and luxury. With spacious villas, private pools, and world-class dining options, the resort offers everything you need for a perfect holiday. From tennis, golf, gym, cycling to the exquisite underwater activities, unique dining options, Hideaway has something for everyone. And for diving enthusiasts, it provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful dive sites in the world.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Our dive center is fully equipped with state-of-the-art gear, ensuring that every dive is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. Our instructors are passionate about the underwater world and are eager to share their knowledge with you, whether it’s your first dive or your 100th.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
The Ultimate Dive Adventure Awaits
If you’re looking for an unforgettable diving holiday in the Maldives, look no further than Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa. With over 30 dive sites, unique marine life, and exclusive offers, we provide the ultimate underwater experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking adventure, our diving package offers exceptional value and incredible memories.
Book now through our official website to take advantage of this exclusive offer and prepare for the dive adventure of a lifetime.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Call: +960 650-1515
Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
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