Northern Palawan Snorkeling Expedition: Busuanga, Coron and the Calamian Islands

The Calamian archipelago or Calamianes lies in the Sulu Sea, midway between mainland Palawan and Mindoro. In World War II, the US Navy sank 24 Japanese ships that were anchored in the calm waters of the islands. The popular story is that the ships were hiding in the Calamianes, disguised with foliage to make them look like islands to surveillance planes that saw them from above. When pilots noticed over time that some islands changed position, the ruse was up and the ships were sitting ducks for the US Navy's dive bombers. Whether this story is accurate or not, one thing is certain: the Japanese chose a magnificent area to anchor their fleet. The group of over thirty islands has white sandy beaches, vibrant coral reefs, dramatic rock formations and picturesque lagoons and lakes. The islands are also rich in culture, being home to fishing villages and the Tagbanuas, an indigenous people that lives off the sea.

This private expedition gives you the most in-depth and intimate experience of the Calamian archipelago. You will visit remote and uninhabited islands, explore them at your own pace and take in nature's beauty with only your own small group to share the adventure.

Highlights and activities

• Take a private expedition boat to explore the Calamian islands.
• Spend nights in beach huts.
• Visit spectacular island features such as lakes, coral reefs, shipwrecks, caves and lagoons.

• caving / spelunking
• hiking / trekking
• kayaking / rafting
• snorkeling

1. 

   Day 1: Mount Tapyas and Maquinit hot springs

   We meet at the Busuanga airport and drive to Coron town. In the afternoon we take a short hike up a nearby hill to get a great view of Coron Island and Busuanga. We then visit a saltwater hot spring for a relaxing evening dip.

2. 

   Day 2: Coral reefs, shipwrecks and the Black Island

   Our boat expedition begins early in the morning and our agenda for the day is to snorkel to our heart's content. We visit three spectacular snorkeling sites: the Lusong Gunboat wreck, the East Tangat wreck and Coral Gardens. We also visit Black Island which is easily recognized from afar because of its black rock. We go onshore to explore its caves that are home to bats. We spend the night in a beach cottage on the beautiful Pass Island.

3. 

   Day 3: Powder Day: Sand Bars and Stellar Beaches

   Skiers think of snow when they hear "powder", but in the Calamian Islands it's what beaches are made of. Today we visit Ditaytayan Island and Bulog Dos, two islands made almost entirely of fine white sand. These islands are actually sand bars. We also visit Malcapuya Island which has a long beach lined with coconut trees and is surrounded by shallow crystalline water. We end our POW day at the richly forested Banana Island and spend the night in one of its beach cottages, admiring a stunning starry sky that is only visible in remote places.  

4. 

   Day 4: Mythical Barracudas and Thermocline

   Today we visit Barracuda Lake. The lake is said to be home to a pair of barracudas that somehow wandered in from the sea. That seems unlikely, and no one has any evidence of the fish being there, but barracuda or not, Barracuda Lake is undeniably amazing. The top 45 feet of the lake's water is freshwater and is crystal. Below the freshwater is much heavier, warmer and hazier saltwater. There is a visible line separating the fresh and salt water called a thermocline and if you can freedive that deep you can see it. Even if you can't dive that deep, Barracuda Lake's landscapes above and below water make it a highlight of the Calamianes. 

   We also kayak into Diwata Lagoon and snorkel its vibrant coral reefs. The beautiful Banol Beach and Skeleton Wreck, the frame of a small ship that sank very near shore --- are other highlights of the day.

   We spend the night at Balinsasayaw Resort on Uson Island.  

5. 

   Day 5: Coron Island’s lagoons and lakes

   Coron Island has the most famous sites of our expedition. Then we visit Twin Lagoons, two large pools enclosed by sheer rock walls and whose waters are connected to each other and the sea. We take a short hike to access Kayangan Lake, one of the cleanest and most picturesque lakes in the country. We snorkel at Smith Point Coral Garden, one of the most vibrant reefs in the Calamianes. Finally we visit Siete Pecados Marine Park and get our final fix of snorkeling before heading back to Coron Town where we celebrate the last night of our adventure with a delicious dinner.

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   Day 6: Leave with nothing but memories...and souvenirs

   Those who are interested can spend the morning shopping at the various cottage industries of Coron Town before we bring you back to the Busuanga airport.

This adventure is offered throughout the year. Contact us to schedule your Private Tour.

Includes

• All land and sea transportation for the duration of the trip.
• All meals from dinner of Day 1 to dinner of Day 5 (13 meals) plus afternoon snacks from Days 2 to 5.
• 5 nights accommodations (2 nights in hotel, 3 nights in beach cottage).
• All entrance fees to specified destinations.
• Guiding service.
• One double kayak on board expedition boat.

Excludes

• Airfare.
• Snorkeling gear.
• Travel insurance.
• Tips.

• This adventure involves a lot of time in the water. You don't have to be in great physical shape but you should be comfortable in the water for you to enjoy this trip fully.
• Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry to the Philippines if you are coming from a yellow-fever infected country; if you are not, this vaccination is unnecessary. The following vaccinations are recommended:
  • Hepatitis A and B
  • Typhoid
  • Japanese encephalitis
  • Measles, mumps and rubella