Sharks & Wrecks of the Philippines

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Sharks & Wrecks of the Philippines

Diving Itinerary

Heading first to Coron Bay in the Phillippines, where an entire Japanese supply fleet was sunk on WWII, this varied itinerary continues to the island of Malapascua, home of the thresher shark.

Designed primarily for those who are interested in both wrecks and sharks, this itinerary actually has a little bit of everything, with diverse coral reefs, varied dive sites and marine life both large and small.

Coron Bay

Situated in the southeastern corner of Busuanga Island, Coron forms part of the remote and visually striking Palawan province—often referred to as the Philippines’ “last frontier.” This region boasts a dramatic natural landscape of limestone karsts, crystal-clear lakes, hot springs, and submerged caverns. Legendary explorer Jacques Cousteau famously called it “the most beautiful place I have ever explored.”

Coron Bay itself has earned global recognition as the wreck diving capital of the Philippines. The area is home to a fleet of Japanese World War II shipwrecks offering over a dozen diveable sites, including the Akitsushima, Olympia Maru, and Taiei Maru. These historic wrecks lie at accessible depths and are interspersed with vibrant coral gardens teeming with life.

Malapascua

Nestled just off the northern coast of Cebu, Malapascua is a small yet stunning island that offers a relaxing escape and world-class diving. Encircled by powdery white sand beaches like the popular Bounty Beach, the island can be explored on foot in under an hour. Its main draw for scuba divers is the chance to encounter thresher sharks - one of the only places in the world where these rare, deep-water sharks are regularly seen. Manta rays, tiger sharks and hammerhead sharks are also seen her occasionally. Night dives reveal a kaleidoscope of marine life, including the mesmerising mandarin fish, while macro enthusiasts can enjoy photographing pygmy seahorses and other critters at nearby Gato Island.

17 days from £3,445

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Holiday type Trip Idea
Recommended Dive Experience Advanced Open Water with 30+ dives
When to Go Jan-Dec

Itinerary Highlights

Combine two of the Philippines’ iconic dive spots
Explore WWII shipwrecks in Coron Bay
Dawn dive with thresher sharks in Malapascua
Dive colourful coral gardens
Search for smaller marine life

What’s included?

Flights from the UK
Domestic flights
14 nights accommodation
Daily breakfast
Transfers
22 dives
Tanks & weights

Day-to-day itinerary

Day 1

Depart UK
Day 2

Arrive and overnight

Arrive to Manila, the Philippines capital today and enjoy comfortable accommodation at a hotel close to the airport to recover from your journey.
Day 3

Travel to Coron

A short onward flight today brings you to Basuanga, on the edge of Coron Bay, your base for the next 7 nights. You’ll be met and transferred to the comfortable Westown Lagoon Resort, where your stay is on a bed and breakfast basis.
Days 4-9

Dive Coron Bay

Your diving begins this morning with our partner dive centre, Easy Divers, who will collect you from your hotel and bring you to the dive centre for your first morning.

Over the course of the next 5 days, you’ll enjoy ten dives in Coron Bay, with the primary focus the area’s impressive wrecks. Highlights include the vast, 146m long Irako Maru, the equally impressive Olympia Maru and, for adventurous divers, the other worldly Barracuda Lake.

Coron Bay’s wrecks are best dives when currents are not strong. The ideal time is close to half-moon. Additional diving can be organised on request.
Day 10

Make your way to Malapascua

Take a short domestic flight this morning to Cebu, where you will be met and transferred to your second Philippines diving location; Malapascua. From Cebu, it is a transfer by road and a short boat crossing to reach the island of Malapascua.

Check-in to the friendly Evolution Dive Resort for a seven night stay. A small, owner operated dive resort, this is an ideal base for those looking to dive Malapascua. Other resort options are also available on request, such as the Ocean Vida Resort.

Your stay is on a bed and breakfast basis.
Days 11-15

Dive with thresher sharks and more in Malapascua

Enjoy a total of 12 dives over the next five days. Malapascua is blessed with a range of highly enjoyable local dive sites, however it is the promise of thresher sharks that are the main draw. Early each morning, the thresher sharks rise from the depths at certain known spots, giving divers a rare chance for interactions with these elusive and beautiful animals.

Other possible big marine life encounters include manta rays, hammerhead sharks and tiger sharks, while the area boasts varied dive sites and abundant marine life.
Day 16

Depart the Philippines

Transfer south once again to Cebu this morning in time for your flight back to the UK, or wherever you call home.
Day 17

Arrive home